For home builders who crave a comfortable and cozy home that evokes the spirit of nature, nothing says rustic quite like the icon of early American housing. The log house floor plan fits the bill both in structure and aesthetic appeal. The appealing feeling of warmth most people marvel at is quite unlike any other type of home.

A log house is quite literally a nest type home whose peculiar beauty is a byproduct of its woodland charm. In spite of the durability of log homes that derive their character and strength from tightly woven trees, the appeal of a log house floor plan is limited to less than one percent of all new homes built every year.

A log house is quite literally a nest type home whose unusual beauty is a byproduct of its woodland charm. In spite of the durability of log homes that derive their character and strength from tightly woven trees, the appeal of a log house floor plan is limited to less than one percent of all new homes built every year. Of those log houses built on a yearly basis, approximately 90 percent are kit houses

For those home builders determined to have a log house of their very own, they should be aware of the fact that they face certain challenges unique to the log house.

1. Because most log homes are built from a kit, finding a lender can be difficult.

2. Most lenders want to be assured that the home is appraised appropriately. Home appraisal of log houses isn't easy because of the lack of comparable log homes and this can lead to difficulties in obtaining a construction loan.

3. Underwriting of mortgages is based on approximately 3 comparable sales and one must be a log house. Underwriting criteria for do-it-yourself kit houses such as the log house tends to be much more strict than for a traditionally constructed home.

Beyond the financial challenges of owning a log house, there are further considerations.

1. Dust collection: Dust collects on the rough interior planed surfaces of a log house over time and is difficult to remove. This can be a problem for those with house dust allergies.

2. Chemical Sensitivities: Allergic individuals should double check that logs haven't been treated with chemicals, stains, sealers, or solvents. Most chemicals are added to prevent rot or deter pests. This can also pose a long term problem.

3. Finally, it's hard to the decor if you grow weary of it - you can change the floor covering, the window dressings and wall art, but the basic flavor of the home will always stay the same.

How much does a home built from a log house floor plan cost?

The cost of a log house is comparable to other home types but is dependent on several factors:

1. The average cost for a kit log house runs between $85 to $125 per square foot. this is for the kit house only. The costs of land, septic, and water well are not included in the price per square foot.

2. A hand built log house can cost considerably more. The average price begins at about $100 per square foot and can rise up to $350 per square foot or more depending on the size and complexity of the log house floor plan being built.

The do-it-yourself home builder can save big money on construction. If you want to construct your own log house, but haven't the necessary skills there are several schools across the country that will teach you how to build your own log house from the ground up. Tuition averages approximately $900 and does not include tools.

Although nothing says rustic American design quite like the log house floor plan, without careful planning the cost could be quite painful. For those who love the rough pioneer spirit, the log house floor plan is the perfect place to live out those American Western dreams.