Log cabins are becoming more and more popular among people looking to simplify their lifestyles, and these tips will help you construct one to suit both you and your family’s needs.
Locating your log cabin properly is of utmost importance, as you should select an area with easy access to nearby towns or cities in case of emergency situations.
1. Choose a Good Location
If you have made the leap into building your own log cabin in an isolated setting, choosing an ideal site is paramount to its quality and cost effectiveness. Furthermore, taking into account any practical or legal implications may require significant research prior to beginning construction on specific parcel of land.
Consult local real estate agents and municipal offices regarding regulations concerning land purchases and construction. Many areas have setback requirements that must be observed; in addition, certain locations may also be subject to additional governing laws like covenants, conditions and restrictions (CC&Rs) or protected wildlife reserves that must also be observed.
Consideration must also be given to the type of soil present. Be certain that it can support a foundation and pass a percolation test; moisture can be detrimental to log home construction so it is vitally important that an area with adequate drainage be selected.
Visit your property at different times of day to observe how sunlight impacts your cabin, this will enable you to determine whether the site is suitable for its design and layout.
Consider how your cabin will meet the changing needs of you as you age – for instance, if a single-story floorplan would better meet this goal if a stair lift will become necessary in future.
2. Have a Plan in Place
Careful preparation is key when building your log cabin. A good plan can save both money and time while simultaneously meeting all of your needs for years to come.
No matter if you plan to build a log cabin as either your permanent home or vacation getaway, it is essential that you consider its intended use before designing it. Will it serve as an entertainment spot or retreat away from everyday stressors? Taking these elements into account when designing your cabin will help determine its size and layout.
Consideration should also be given to the availability and procurement of logging resources when selecting your location for construction projects, including logs suitable for your cabin project. You must locate a supplier willing to supply you with what you require for your cabin construction, while having an organized plan in place to transport these logs from their field to your construction site.
Once you have your plan in place, you can begin considering other details for your log cabin design. This includes choosing how many rooms will make sense depending on how often it will be used; if hosting guests often is part of your plans then consider including extra bedrooms into your log home design plan.
3. Be Prepared for Weather
Log cabins are exposed to extreme environmental conditions and require extra preparation in order to withstand them. A weatherproofing product such as Holzol Weather Oil or Fiddes Hard Wax Oil should be applied regularly in order to ward off water and dust penetration through water proofing agents such as these products, creating an impenetrable protective seal between wood fibers that provides both interior and exterior use of the cabin.
Building a log cabin requires starting with its foundation in spring. This allows builders to complete their work during an ideal time of year for building, as well as avoid issues caused by sudden weather changes. When prepping for foundation preparation, ensure the ground is free of moisture or other substances as otherwise this may compromise its final quality and quality of the structure.
Log cabins must be constructed using wood of appropriate type and quality for durability and aesthetic reasons, and its proper use as foundation material; additionally, its logs should be cut precisely to length.
Proper ventilation in log cabins is of utmost importance and this can be accomplished by installing natural air vents throughout the home. Leave open these air vents when the cabin is unoccupied, which will help prevent moisture accumulation and mold growth from taking root in its midst. Double paned windows can further improve air circulation within your cabin.
4. Have a Backup Plan
Building a log cabin requires having a comprehensive backup plan in case something goes wrong during construction, since these homes can be costly and are usually located in remote areas where emergency services cannot easily reach. Furthermore, most insurance providers don’t cover log homes because of the potential fire risk they pose; thus it is imperative to make an investment protected through an effective backup strategy should something go wrong during building.
If you’re in search of an unforgettable getaway, log cabins offer a peaceful and tranquil environment where you can escape your busy life and recharge. Plus, they’re more cost-effective than you might imagine – just do some research into what options there are before making the commitment!
Pine logs are often the material of choice when building log cabins. Pine is resilient, rot-resistant and won’t shrink or warp as quickly, staining well too! There are various varieties of pine that each have their own set of advantages and disadvantages; Cypress may be ideal as a resilient rot-resistant choice – however it must be milled properly otherwise its resilience could go unrealized.