| If extra space is needed for the home, a log cabin is | | | | want to use, e.g. pine or cedar, what insulation you |
| an attractive and practical way to answer the | | | | need and your utility requirements. |
| problem. Log cabins are ideal as a home office, a | | | | The typical contents of a log cabin kit contain cut |
| gym, for housing Jacuzzi's and saunas or as a | | | | logs for a specific log cabin plan. Each log has a |
| playhouse for the children. | | | | predetermined location in the wall of the cabin, with |
| The size and style of your log cabin can be | | | | door and window openings already cut into the |
| dependent on your budget. One way to make your | | | | appropriate logs. Most log cabin kit companies offer a |
| budget go further is to use a log cabin kit and | | | | number of log cabin kit options that contain additional |
| assemble the log cabin yourself. Most log cabin kits | | | | components: cladding, insulation, screws, corner |
| come with comprehensive assembly instructions, and | | | | panels, window frames and windows, doors frames |
| with assistance from friends and family armed with | | | | and doors, steel brackets, anchor bolts, nuts and |
| tools, such as: a hammer, drill, spirit level, and a | | | | washes, studding, roofing and flooring. What isn't |
| screwdriver, it can be a challenging and rewarding | | | | included is: foundations, wiring, plumbing, heating, roof |
| experience for everyone involved. | | | | tiles, and guttering. Because each log cabin kit |
| However, for some people, just the thought of | | | | company structure their kit differently, it makes it |
| assembling a log cabin kit is enough to give them a | | | | difficult to compare costs between the companies, |
| headache: so the next best option is to hire help | | | | unless you can do an item-by-item comparison of the |
| though your log cabin kit company or from local | | | | contents of the different log cabin kits. |
| trades' people. | | | | Before log cabin kits can be assembled, a |
| Once you know your budget, the next step will be | | | | well-prepared level base that is the same size as the |
| deciding what type of log cabin kit to purchase. Log | | | | log cabin floor will be required to ensure a long lasting |
| cabin kits come in different packages: some are, | | | | installation. A variety of materials can create a solid |
| handcrafted, and made from whole logs, whereas | | | | base, such as: concrete or paving slabs positioned on |
| other log cabin kits are made from kiln-dried logs that | | | | hardcore, and it should be 20-50mm above the |
| are factory milled. Consider the quality and quantity | | | | ground level. Building regulations will need to be |
| of the wood in the log cabin kit: if your log cabin is to | | | | considered, for example, if your log cabin is to be |
| be used for twelve months of the year, you will | | | | located next to a boundary line. Some log cabins |
| need thicker logs than if your log cabin was for | | | | require planning permission and your log cabin kit |
| summertime usage. There are different shapes of | | | | company maybe able to provide advice on this |
| logs to choose from, and a common choice is the 'D' | | | | matter. However if there are doubts, it is best to |
| log, which is round on the outside and flat on the | | | | contact your local planning authority before work is |
| inside and gives a horizontal wood-panelling look | | | | commenced. |
| within. If you are concerned about the environment, | | | | Log cabin kits do take time to assemble, but the |
| check the logs are from substantially managed | | | | finished product will be something you and your |
| forests. Deliberate over the floor plans to determine | | | | family can enjoy and appreciate for many years to |
| what will work for you, what type of timber you | | | | come. |