Today, cabins can have all the amenities and conveniences of modern homes. You can create a home as unique as you. Whether it's a retirement home nestled in the mountains, a fun-filled vacation home, for storage, a guesthouse, or a summer camp, you can find a log cabin kit right for you.
Log cabin kits are as small as one 8x10 room for an attractive storage shed or bunk room, or as large as a 2,000+ square foot dream home. If you can't find a kit plan that suits you, some manufacturers offer custom plans.
For smaller structures, basic carpentry knowledge is sufficient for the do-it-yourself types. But for the larger buildings, you may want to hire a builder to ensure your dream of owning a log cabin doesn't become a nightmare.
Because kits are so easily customizable, you'll have plenty of design freedom to choose windows, doors, cabinetry, and interior features that meet your budget and your needs. You can choose the color of stain and the roofing to match your surroundings and your style.
Log cabin kits start in the lower range of $20,000 and increase up to more than $70,000. Of course, the price will depend on the size of the cabin and the features. Most kits are very basic and do not include many interior features.
When considering a log cabin kit, understand that log homes aren't necessarily less expensive than traditionally built homes. You'll need to buy your land, building permits, and build the foundation. Usually, you'll also pay for interior features, flooring, insulation, plumbing and electrical contracting not included with the kit.
Kits are usually available in three versions. Standard kits are a complete do-it-yourself basic package. If you're not so great with construction tools, choose a package with pre-built exterior and interior walls. There is also a median package with some pre-fabricated parts to make the construction easier and quicker.
Before you purchase your log cabin kit, understand what is provided and what you'll need to do on your own. Obtain a complete itemized packing list, as well as a list of additional materials you'll have to buy locally. Keep in mind resources you'll need, such as power tools and manpower.
Obtain a shipping rate quote because your kit may not include the freight and delivery cost. While most cabins will cater to your foundation, certain types of foundations may raise the cost of the kit due to building methods. Most log cabin kits recommend a concrete slab foundation.
Most kits include all the lumber, windows, doors, roofing, plywood, beams, and some siding and trim, and of course, the plans and the assembly manual. Remember, your log cabin home will bring happiness for years. It's an investment and a symbol of self-determination. Kits should come with the customer service and sales team to help you achieve your dream of building and owning an authentic log cabin.
Copyright (c) 2006
Log cabins make beautiful home extensions. These are constructed for purposes of becoming vacation or permanent houses. Although they may look pricey, they are actually cost effective and very functional. As a matter of fact, they are one of the fastest growing home types in the real state construction business.
Log cabins come in different shapes and sizes depending on the needs and desires of the owner and the space available. They are easily constructed because they come in uniformed panels, thus eliminating high labor cost. Different cabins have different features. Owners have the liberty to design and install amenities in their cabins as they their want. Some put insulators if log cabins are built in warm areas. Cabins also have built-in electrical and water systems.
Due to the wood material, log cabins need to be maintained in order to keep the wood from decaying prematurely and to maximize their service. Here are some tips on how to care for your log cabins and keep their beauty for a long time.
First thing that must be dealt are mold and mildew that settle on the wood panels of the cabin. This will keep them from spreading and wrecking havoc on the rest of the structure.
In case of homes with two storeys, the collar tiles, roof structures and the upper potions of cabins should be inspected. Log cabins built during the 1900's were susceptible to structural weaknesses since collar ties during that time were cut short. The constant pressure of the roof on these collar tiles often resulted to three or four logs pushed out. The roof should also be checked for swags and other damaging manifestations like influx of termites or other harmful insects. Older cabins often display this problem and in severe cases, the whole roof should be replaced.
Doors and windows are other parts of the cabins that need to be checked closely for improper settling. When doors and windows do not close properly, they may have to be reworked or replaced including the jambs. It is possible that that the cabin has settled on doors and windows.
Inside the cabin, special attention should be given to stains and water infiltrations. The most likely places that will be affected by water infiltrations are support beams that run through the wall. Water can seep into walls if these support beams are not tightly sealed. This can easily lead to rot and insect infestation.
The ice pick is the handiest tool for determining the extent of damage. Mantels and fireplaces should be checked. There is always the chance for leaks to occur especially since it is natural for logs to move due to pressure. Inside corners should be checked for drafts where cool and heat can escape. There are hardly any perfect corners especially when no appropriate tools are available. Thus, old cabins are often affected by corner leaks problems.
People always have the urge to start in the interior first which is natural since they spend more time inside. However, one must bear in mind that the weather has a lot to do with what job should be given priority. While the weather is fine, the exterior must be prioritized. The interior can wait. After all, it is a place where one can work under any kind of weather condition.
The kind of cleaning to be done will naturally depend on the condition of the cabin. The best place to start is the exterior portion. Pressure cleaner utilizing water mixed with oxalic acid can do a credible job, but before blasting away it is recommended that all molds and mildew should be removed first. There might be rotten logs and woods that might give way, drenching the inside of the cabin. A pressure cleaner with 1500 psi will be just right particularly if the house is quite old
Both Jessica Deets & David H. Urmann are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Jessica Deets has sinced written about articles on various topics from Interest, Acid Reflux and Heart Conditions. Jessica Deets researches the internet and writes about information to help people. You can find out more news and information about log cabins at this link