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