People buy log homes for many different reasons. Some use them as their primary homes, raising their children in the beautiful settings where such structures are so often located.  Others build them as vacation retreats, where friends and families can get a respite from the stresses of everyday life, and kick back in a more natural, rustic environment. Still others build with the intention of someday retiring to their log homes and spending their golden years enjoying everything that these wonderfu…

Set in a clearing in a forest in Washington, a traditionally built timber frame home combines classic elements such as a metal roof, wood siding, and stonework and gives them a more contemporary twist. What’s Your Log Style? This California gem is constructed of full, round logs. people who love the look of round logs on the exterior may choose a d-log instead to give them flat walls inside while preserving the rou…

Possibly the most basic element of a log or timber frame home project, as fundamental as the wood itself, is finding that perfect location. Whether on a mountainside, in the deep woods, or beside a tranquil lake, the land is its own design element in the overall appeal and presentation of a wood home. Finding the right lot or acreage presents an opportunity to define the log home project in its entirety. In the right circumstances, the land and structure complement …

A log home is not an impulse buy. For some the decision to build a log home was made years before they actually began the process of transforming a long-held dream in​to a lifetime reality. “One of the first things is to establish how much you want to spend,” says Dave Fullerton, sales manager at Rocky Mountain Log Homes. “Is this a primary residence or vacation home? What genre of log home? Do you want the home to ‘feel’ a certain way? We try to establish t…

For just about anyone who considers building a log home, setting a budget is a necessity. Matching the home to the budget requires preparation, understanding, and, often enough, a reality check. When the time comes at long last to build the log home of your dreams, every aspect of construction, financing if needed, and ancillary expenses such as furnishings, homeowner’s insurance, and property taxes should be considered. It pays to think comprehensively on the front end, determining just how much initia…

Proper estate planning can go a long way in ensuring a smooth transition of finances and property to the next generation. Without this advance planning, the situation can become muddled, frustrating, and downright expensive for your heirs. Luckily, there are a few steps you can take now to ensure the most successful passing on of your legacy log home. Marilyn McWilliams, partner with Denver law firm Moye White, says she’s helped a large number of clients prepare for the future through estate planning. M…