| Newcomers to the world of log homes will notice | | | | require a preservative stain combined with a |
| that log homes look different than conventional | | | | treatment to prevent insect damage. As with any |
| "stick-built" homes. But are log homes really different, | | | | home, log walls must be protected from excessive |
| other than in appearance? If so, how?Let's take a | | | | moisture.Utilities - Since many log homes are built in |
| look at some of the ways in which log homes differ | | | | rural or mountain locations, some standard utility |
| from conventional homes. | | | | services may not available. Often, log homes use |
| Log Walls - This is the main difference. Instead of | | | | propane gas, water wells/pumps, and septic waste |
| walls constructed of 2x4 or 2x6 framing lumber, | | | | systems.Cost - Log homes typically cost 10%-30% |
| packed with insulation, covered on the outside with | | | | more than a similar conventionally-built "spec" home |
| with sheathing, moisture barrier, and siding, and on | | | | primarily because most log homes are custom-built |
| the inside with sheetrock and paint, log homes simply | | | | with unique features. However, there are many ways |
| have solid log walls. The logs act as their own thermal | | | | in which costs can be eliminated or reduced.Financing |
| and weather barrier, as well as being the primary | | | | - Construction loans for log homes are usually |
| load-bearing structure in the house.Style - Although | | | | different that those for conventional homes, primarily |
| log homes can be built in practically any style, most | | | | because log home "kit" providers want to be paid up |
| log home owners prefer the traditional "cabin" or | | | | front, and getting comparable appraisals can be |
| "lodge" style. This style is often distinguished by such | | | | somewhat difficult. Therefore, some banks and |
| features as wood flooring, wood interior, stone | | | | mortgage companies don't like to finance log homes. |
| fireplace and chimney, porch, loft, rustic staircase, | | | | This may mean a little more legwork to find a |
| open floorplan, raised-seam metal roof, cathedral | | | | cooperative bank or a mortgage company that |
| ceilings, and exposed interior beams.Maintenance - | | | | specializes in log home loans. |
| Conventional home exteriors typically need to be | | | | Al Hearn is owner and operator of a web site for |
| washed, repaired, and painted every few years. Log | | | | log home enthusiasts that provides information and |
| homes are similar except that, instead of paint, they | | | | advice about planning and building log homes. |