7 Considerations for building your timber frame home

Congratulations, you’ve decided to build the timber frame home of your dreams! Now, what can you do to make sure it gets built just right? Here are seven considerations that you can use to ensure your new home is built to match your style, budget, and design needs.

#1 Has your timber frame home been designed properly?

Like every project, building a timber frame home starts on a piece of paper. Make sure your designer/engineer/architect/builder has specific experience building timber frame homes. Their expertise will ensure that your home is properly designed so that it will be strong, beautiful, and will cost less and last longer.

#2 Do you want a full timber frame home or just timber accents?

In a fully timber framed home, the entire structure of the house is built with timbers. This is the strongest way to build your home.  It can cost more than a conventional home since there will be more timbers used. If you’d like to see a breakdown of costs for a Timber Frame visit our “How Much Does a Log Home Cost” page.

If you don’t want a full timber structure, you could also choose to build a conventionally framed house that has some parts built with timbers, either for structural or for aesthetic purposes. For example: You could use conventional framing for all of the bedrooms and use timbers to give living rooms, entrance ways, and trusses the support and beauty of wood accents.

#3 Do you want a timber frame or post and beam frame?

Sometimes the terms timber frame and post and beam are interchanged, so it’s important to be clear on what you’re actually looking for. The most obvious difference between a timber frame and a post and beam home is the type of timbers used. Timber frames cut all the timbers into square posts where as post and beam posts are typically round.

When building a timber frame, parts of the frame are assembled on the ground and then lifted as whole sections (called bents) to be put into place. After the entire timber frame is completed, the walls and roof are built over top of it.

Post and beam homes use timber posts that are set into place first and additional timbers are added one by one due to their weight and size.

Today, home designs are beginning to combine timber frame and post and beam timbers to create a hybrid look.

#4 Which wood will you use to build your timber frame home?

We’ve previously written a detailed article on how to select the best wood for your timber frame home, click here to read it. You’ll want to work with your designer and engineer to ensure you select the best wood species and processing for your home’s style and structure.

In general, you’ll be able to choose:

Your timber species. Oak, pine, spruce, or cedar? There are a number of wood species to choose from depending on the design you want. Their availability and cost will depend on your location. For instance, on the west coast of Canada, Douglas Fir and Red Cedar are the most popular options due to their strength and availability.

Your wood processing method. How timbers are processed impact their strength, look, and longevity. Kiln dried, fully planed, free-of-heart centered timbers are the premium option for building a timber frame home. Rough sawn, green wood, boxed heart timbers are the most economic option available.

As a word of caution, we don’t recommend using “green” wood. This wood is fresh from the forest and has not been dried. Green timbers have a high moisture content that can lead to movement, shifting, and cracking as the home ages.

#5 What joinery will best support your timber frame home?

There’s more than one way to join two timbers. Strength is always priority number one and then your choice comes down to a matter of looks.

Steel joinery and fasteners are always preferred by engineers because they’re stronger and easier to do calculations for. However, wood to wood joinery has proven its strength over hundreds of years of building. Wood to wood joinery means more cost in labour during the timber cutting process but less cost in materials since there are fewer fasteners required.

When it comes to style: Do you prefer the traditional, natural look of wood to wood joinery? Do you like to see a little bit of  the steel connections showing? Or, do you like contrasting the natural wood with steel connectors? You can mix and match your timber frame home joinery depending on your home’s design and budget.

#6 What’s the best framing method for building your home?

There are two different ways that builders can incorporate timbers into a structure.

One is an enclosed timber frame, meaning that the walls are built on the outside surface of the timbers. This way of building highlights the timbers inside the house, keeps them protected from weather exposure, and is easier to insulate and make airtight.

However, it takes away from the outside look of the frame because it’s partially covered. This can be good if you’re building in an area where you have to follow strict regulations to what your home can look like outside, or if you want the look of a traditional home on the outside and a timber frame inside.

The other way is to build walls in between the timbers, which makes them visible from the outside of the home as well. This is perfect if you do want the look and feel of a timber frame inside and out. This style may require larger timbers for framing and insulating.

#7 How can you choose a good builder for your timber frame home?

Make sure the builder who will bring your timber frame home to life meets your budget, needs and requirements. Keep in mind that a very low price could mean that something has been compromised, and that the most expensive option may not necessarily be the best. Check out our full article “6 Key Questions to Ask before Hiring a Home Builder”.

Most importantly, make sure the builder treats your timber frame home as it should be treated, as your dream home coming true.

If you are considering building a timber frame home check out our plans and galleries section to get some ideas and inspiration. As always if you have any questions or want to look at building please feel free to contact us at info@artisanlog.com.

Related Articles

How much does a log home cost?
6 Key Questions to Ask before Hiring a Home Builder
Difference between full scribe, post and beam and timber frame log homes

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How to select the best wood to build your Timber Frame Home

What wood will create the look I want for my timber frame home? Which tree species is most durable to build with? How much will it cost? These are the most common questions we get asked by clients as they decide on the right timber for their home.

We previously wrote an article on the best type of wood to build a log home, you can read the article here. Timber frame and log homes are different, so wood selection may vary for each.  

When it comes to building a timber frame home, you’ll want to consider three things: the type of wood, how the timber is processed, and what finished look you desire.

Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Most common wood species used for building a timber frame home

It all starts with the species of wood you decide to use. Timber frame homes can been made from a variety of wood species. Choosing the right type of wood comes down to personal preference, climate, structure, and price point.

Below is a rundown of the most common wood species used for building timber frames.

Oak:
This is the strongest and hardest species of wood available. It’s commonly used in Europe and eastern Canada for building timber frames as it’s readily available. Oak timbers are becoming used less frequently due to increased difficulty in finding high quality pieces in suitable sizes

Douglas Fir:
This is the most popular species of wood used in timber frame homes due to its strength and beauty. Most timber frames built in western Canada and in B.C. are made with Douglas Fir. This wood gets a high grade for its structural strength, which makes it an engineer’s favourite to build with.

Western Red Cedar: 
This is the premium choice for exposed timber homes since it can handle weather conditions better than any other species. One design consideration: Cedar is a softer and lighter wood, so beam sizes have to be larger compared to other species.

Pine and Spruce:
These are strong softwoods that are mostly used in eastern Canada. The name “softwood” does not mean that the wood is weak. In fact, softwood species (including Douglas Fir) are known for their structural strength and flexibility for design. Pine and spruce are some of the most economical varieties of timber available.

Deciding how the timbers are processed

How wood is processed isn’t actually related to which part of the tree that it comes from. Below are some options that you can mix and match to choose the best timber processing methods for your home’s needs.

Free of heart centers (FOH): 
These timbers come without the center (or heart) of the tree trunk. This makes the timber more stable, straight, and more resilient to cracks, checking and twisting.

Boxed heart:
Boxed heart timbers are sawn or milled so that the center of a tree remains intact. These beams have more movement and are therefore more prone to cracking.

Green timbers: 
When a tree is first cut it’s considered green. The wood has not been dried and its moisture content is high. This means the timbers will shrink over time, causing movement along the way. To ensure your home doesn’t shift or twist in the years to come, we don’t recommend that you use green timbers.

Kiln dried timbers: 
Kiln drying is a process that carefully dries the wood at a very slow rate so that it doesn’t cause damage to the beams. Timbers that undergo kiln drying will typically have a consistent moisture content of 12-16%. The kiln drying process helps make the timber more stable, less likely to crack, and keeps shrinkage to a minimum.

Choosing the right finished look for your timber framed home

There are two main options for the finished look of your home: smooth and rustic. This breakdown will help you decide which finish matches your style.

Smooth finish:
If you want a modern and sleek look for your timber frame, you’ll want a smooth finish. All four sides of each beam will be planed, which results in a consistent size and shape. This is the ideal look that many timber frame home owners want.

A rustic look:
If you are looking for a more natural feel, you might want to consider a rustic look. These timbers are not planed, so they have more character and a more unprocessed appearance. This is also the more economical finishing option.

So, which wood is best for your timber frame home?

At the end of the day, selecting the right wood species, processing, and finishing comes down to your own personal style and budget. We encourage you to discuss these options with your designer or log home company. They may have valuable suggestions based on your location, climate, and the species of wood that they have readily available.  

If you are considering building a timber frame home and are wondering which species of wood are available, please feel free to contact us at info@artisanlog.com

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Best Timber Frame Builders in BC

Looking at building a log and timber home and want to know who the best timber frame builders in B.C. are?

Timber Frame builders in BC are some of the best builders in the world. If you are in the market for building a custom timber frame home chances are you will be looking for a timer frame builder in BC.

It’s important that you do you research and find a company that can provide you the customer service and expertise that you need to build your home. While we build beautiful custom timber frame homes we understand that you may want to explore other options, styles and price points before you make your final decision.

Many people that we talk to ask us to refer some other companies that we might recommend so they can do a bit of research themselves. So here is our list of the best timber frame builders in BC.

British Columbia Timber Frame Co:
Focused on energy efficient homes, British Columbia Timber Frame Co. provides custom timber frame home packages, wall and roof enclosed systems. They also provide specialized timber work if your looking for a custom timber mantel, deck or truss.

Canadian Timber Fames Limited:
Since 1999 Canadian Timber Frames Limited has been services Canada with timber frame products from frames to walls and roof systems; ceilings and wall finishes, trim and exterior siding.

Tamlin Timber Frame Homes:
Located in Langley British Columbia, Tamlin Homes has been around since 1977. They specialize in custom timber frame homes with a west coast feel, providing as much timber feature as you would like.

Purcell Timber Frame Homes:
Situated in the beautiful Kootenay mountains of Nelson B.C., Purcell Timber Frame Homes specializes in luxury timber frame homes. They focus on building natural, healthy and sustainable homes.

Okanagan Log & Timber Frame:
OK Timber Frame is a full service timber frame company located in Salmon Arm B.C. In addition to building traditional timber frame homes they also build hybrid homes, mixing other design elements from other timber home styles.

Whiskey Creek Timber Framing:
Specializing in timber frame homes, cottages and cabins, Whiskey Creek Timber Framing and been building since 1980. Located on Vancouver Island makes them a bit more difficult to get to as you have the ferry or an added plane ticket to incorporate.

Zirnhelt Timber Frames:
Using traditional Swiss and German styles for their Timber Frame designs Zirnhelt Timber Frames not only builds the timber frame shell but offer complete construction services.

In addition to the 7 timber frame builders in BC we listed above there are many other companies. Some specializing in Timber frames and others incorporating other log and timber work into their homes as well.

If you found this article helpful you might want to check these ones out as well:

• Best log home builders in British Columbia
• Best Logs to Build a Custom Log Home
• The Difference Between Full Scribe vs Post and Beam vs Timber Frame
• How Much do Log Homes Cost
• Log Homes 101

As always, if you have any questions regarding timber frame or log homes, feel free to email us at info@artisanlog.com and we would be happy to help.

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Building a Luxury Log Home vs a Custom Log Home

When you start planning and designing your custom log home you are likely to turn to some luxury log home designs and plans for inspiration, but what is the difference between a luxury log home compared to a custom-built log home?

Luxury Log Home

A luxury custom log home is a one of a kind home. A luxury log home tends to not only be a custom design, but every element from the flooring, bathroom faucets and showers to the bedroom closet and kitchen sink are built specifically for this one and only home.
When building a luxury log home you can expect to have a very large budget due to the quality and customization required for each detail in the home. The cost per square foot is significantly higher due to the fact that you are ordering premium products and are unable to order items in bulk. The time frame to complete the project can also be much longer as you have to wait for each item to be built specifically for the project.

If you plan to build a luxury log home you will want to ensure you have the financing to do so. Some financial institutions can make lending a bit difficult because in some cases the value of a luxury log home can depreciate faster then custom built or standard homes.

Custom Log Home

If you don’t have the pocket book to ensure every element of your log home is luxury designed just for you, then a custom log home may be better suited for your needs. A custom log home can give you the benefit of both worlds, designing a home that is custom to you and your family’s needs, while saving some money in the process.

At Artisan, all of our log homes are custom designed to meet your needs. You can look at current designs and plans to get ideas and inspiration but we will always customize the final plans with the details needed to make your home your own. Even if you find a design that is exactly what you want there are always little customizations due to climate, location or species of wood. No two custom log homes are identical. When it comes to materials and amenities feel free to go for the cheapest, middle or top of the line on the things that matter to you.

We all dream of having a luxury log home but for most of us having a custom built log home that we can call our own is really all that we are looking for.

If you would like to explore some of our custom log home plans and log home galleries you can check them out here.

If you would like to know more or have any questions about custom log homes. Please feel free to visit our Log Home 101 section or contact us at info@artisanlog.com.

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Building a Log Home: Contract Types

Advantages and disadvantages of the two most common types of log home builder contracts.

Financing the cost of your log home can be a stressful process for some, but it doesn’t have to be. When entering into a contract with your log home builder there are typically two types of contracts they offer: Cost Plus Contracts and Fixed Rate Contracts.

Cost Plus (Cost+) Contracts

Also known as build plus contracts, cost plus contracts are a great option if you aren’t building on a tight budget and deadline but want to have some flexibility as you build. These contracts start off with a basic design and log shell price. As you start to build and construct your log home, materials and other add-ons are chosen and added to the budget. Your builder can likely provide you with a very rough estimated cost for the overall project but without identifying the exact materials it’s likely that you will exceed your original budget.

Advantages

If you don’t know exactly what type of flooring, cabinets or amenities you want to have in the home and you’re not ready to make those decisions at the design phase, a cost plus contract is a good fit for you. You can confirm material and amenities as the project moves along, giving more flexibility to the entire project. We also find that clients who prefer higher end finishing’s prefer cost plus contracts so they can budget accordingly and ensure the custom work aligns perfectly.

Disadvantage

A proposed budget is often in place but majority of the time you will see project overruns because clients tend to upgrade more often and make last minute changes that can cause revisions to already completed work. Secondly, because materials can’t be purchased at the beginning of the project you may run the risk of having items being slightly more expensive at the time you need to purchase them. Just like any project, when changes occur, timelines need to be adjusted and can extend the project completion dates.

Fixed Rate Contracts

If you are one of those types of people that like to know all of the details, costs and timelines of a project before you start then you will want to have a fixed rate contract. Before the building of your log home starts you will have a detailed budget and timeline for the overall project. It is extremely important that you know what is included in your budget and what isn’t and we also recommend reviewing all of the subcontractor quotes so that you don’t have any surprises.

Advantages

If you have a set budget or timeline for your log home to be completed, fixed rate contracts are more likely to stay on time and on budget. If you have a simple design or know exactly what you are looking for you may even notice some cost savings since your log home builders will already know all of the details for the project before they start so materials can be purchased in bulk or they can identify the best time of year to buy specific materials.

Disadvantages

All of your building and finishing material have to be chosen before the projects start to allow for the project to stay on time and budget. Making all of these decisions at the start of the project can be overwhelming so make sure you talk to your designer, log home builder and other trades to have them answer any questions or concerns you have. If you realize after the fact that you do need to make a change you likely can still do it but it may affect the overall project cost and deadline.

To sum it up, if you have a tight budget, timeframe and know what you’re looking for, a flat rate contract may be best for you. If you aren’t exactly sure what you want all of your finishing’s to look like and are still considering additional add-ons but don’t have a tight budget or deadline ,cost plus may be the best option for you. Regardless of the type of contract you enter into with your log home builder make sure you ask a ton of questions, review all of the quotes, budgets and arrange to have weekly or monthly budget update meetings with your general contractor to ensure there are no last minute surprises.

Have a question or want to learn more? Contact Artisan Log Homes at info@artisanlog.com and we’d be happy to help you out

Related Articles 

• How much does a log home cost?
• Log Homes 101: Everything you need to know about building a custom log home
• What are the best logs for building your log home?

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Top 7 Log Home Floor Plan Mistakes and How to Avoid them

We’ve all done it at one time or another. Picked something, a car, a piece of clothing or a meal, that we think we are going to love and find that we don’t. We don’t want you to make the same mistake with your log home floor plan. Here are the top 10 most common floor plan mistakes people make and how to avoid them.

Thinking every floor plan is right for you

If you take a few moments to scan Houzz, Pinterest or the latest Log Home Magazine you will find dream homes by the hundreds. Even though we would love to live in many of the homes we see it’s important to pick the floor plan that works for you and your family. Picture your family living in the home on a day-to-day basis. Is going up three sets of stairs to get to your master bedroom going to be exhausting or will the view be worth it? Or, would you prefer everything is on one level in a rancher style home? Think about how you plan to use the space in your home after you have lived in it for three or six months. This will help you see that a particular floor plan may sound like a great idea now but may only cause you frustrations in the future.

Not having the room sized to fit your furniture

Sometimes space can be limited. If you are building any smaller sized rooms or designing a tight staircase it’s important to take in account the type of furniture you have. Sometimes part of the joy of building a new home is all the new furniture you can buy to go along with it and other times you want to keep using what you currently have. For example, if you have a large custom bed, moving it up two flights of stairs may be a bit of a challenge or require some creative thinking. Taking into account any signature or key furniture pieces can help ensure you’re not left figuring out how to get something into a room after the fact.

Not having the right floor plan for your new lifestyle

For many homeowners building their dream log home may cause a shift in their lifestyle. They may start to cook outdoors more or want to entertain more. Consider what changes you might need to make to allow yourself to cook more outside or how your home might feel when it’s fully occupied with company over. Where would the guest room and bathroom be situated? Is it easy for you to transition between the kitchen and the barbeque area?

Building for now instead of the for future

Have you ever purchased a sports car because you either don’t have kids yet or because they just moved out of the house only to realize that a couple years later you’re expecting or have grandkids on the way? The same thing happens with a home. It’s great to think that right now there might only be two of you living in your home but what about five years from now? Will kids or grandkids be on the way? Having that extra guest room may come in handy and save you from having to give up the man cave or office space instead.

Focusing on the décor instead of the floor plan

Sometimes when you’re building your dream home it’s nice to tour show homes to get inspiration for new layouts, features and other ideas. It’s one of the best ways to help you determine if you really like it or just liked the concept in the magazine. One key mistake many people make is that they don’t actually look at the floor plan but instead get caught up in the décor and staging of the home. Don’t get caught up in the décor as your furniture will look much different in the space. Instead, focus on the flow of the rooms, how you transition around the home and how much space there is in each room.

Not asking questions about your floor plan

After you have started to get some clear ideas of what you want your log home floor plan to look like, your design team will start drafting up plans. For many people these plans look like they are written in a completely different language. Don’t be intimidated by this and feel free to ask what certain things mean. Understanding how doors open, what the clearance is and the room sizes will be important for you to have a house that feels like home.

Not aligning your floor plan to your property

We all like to mix things up in our homes. You may have intended for your office to be in one space and your main living room to be in another only to mix it up in a few years. It’s easy for you to mix and match rooms around but you can’t change the location. Selecting a floor plan that complements your property will help you ensure that no matter what you change in the future you will always be happy with the view. A couple of things to consider are road and streets that might not be busy now but in 5 or 10 years will development in the area increase the traffic? If you have wide open spaces around you will they potentially turn into subdivisions and change your view? Or does the sun shine right into your home year round, if so this could warm up certain areas of your house making them harder to keep cool. If your bedroom is sun facing and you have hot summers with no air conditioning you will want to find ways to cool the space.

To help you avoid any potential mistakes with your floor plan it’s important to ask your designers as many questions as you have, look at tons of ideas and to be open to new layouts and designs. Check out our log home floor plans and log home galleries for some inspiration as well.

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Green Building: Understanding the Carbon Footprint of a Log Home

As we learn more and more about sustainability and our impact on the environment, there is an increased focus on building homes that are the less harmful to our planet. In the building industry they determine how “green” a building is by measuring its carbon footprint. It’s important when measuring carbon footprint to take into consideration the entire lifecycle of a home not just how it operates after it’s built. This article will help explain why building log and timber homes are greener, more sustainable and have a smaller carbon footprint compared to steel .

Forests and wood products are powerful tools to help mitigate the impacts of climate change. Source USDA Blog

What is a carbon footprint?

A carbon footprint, the total amount of carbon dioxide and other carbon compounds emitted directly or indirectly. For example, when you drive a car the engine burns fuel and creates a certain amount of CO2. Each vehicle can give off a different amount of CO2 depending on the fuel consumption of the vehicle. To understand the vehicle’s total carbon footprint you need to look at how it was made, what materials it’s made of, how it was transported, the CO2 it emits while you drive it, how long it will last and what will happen after it’s operational. 

Trees Absorb Carbon

As trees grow they clean the air we breathe by absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere and releasing oxygen. One tree can absorb up to 48 pounds of CO2 per year for a total of 1 ton by the time it reaches 40 years old. When a tree is cut down the carbon will remain stored in the tree. Only when the tree is burnt or  when it starts to  decay does that stored carbon start to be released back into our atmosphere. By dry weight, wood contains approximately 50% carbon, so wood used in a building provides physical storage of carbon that would otherwise go back into the atmosphere during the decaying process, thus reducing its carbon footprint.

The Carbon Footprint of a log home

Unfortunately, of the many environmental impact studies out there, only a few of them look at the entire lifecycle of a timber or log home and the way in which it results in a much smaller carbon footprint than steel and cement homes. Steel production alone accounts for around 25% of the world’s CO2 emissions.

“In a wood building, the carbon is kept out of the atmosphere for the lifetime of the structure—or longer if the wood is reclaimed and reused or manufactured into other products. Wood stores more carbon than is emitted during its harvest, production, transport, and installation—even when transported over great distances.”

Utilization of Harvested Wood by the North American Forest Products Industry, Dovetail Partners Inc., 2012

Wood is the only major building material that is renewable and sustainable over the long term, while also being superior to steel and cement in nearly every environmental impact category. As such, log and timber homes are one of the most sustainable forms of construction, lasting substantially longer than conventional homes, and using almost 4 times less fossil fuels in manufacturing than a conventionally framed home. They are among the most energy efficient homes built today.

In addition to the wood itself, there are number of other ways that building a log or timber home reduces its carbon footprint:

1. Smaller Footings

Because wood is a naturally lighter building material, log and timber frame homes don’t require as deep and extensive concrete footings as conventional brick homes, which can save up to 11.5 tonnes in CO2 emissions.

2. Less Reinforcing Steel

Smaller footings also mean less concrete, and therefore a lower use of reinforcing steel. This reduces both the foundation costs and the carbon footprint.

3. Low Thermal Conductivity

 

Timber has a much lower thermal conductivity than brick, which means that there is much less transfer of outside temperatures into your home, providing more efficient temperature regulation.

4. Energy Efficient Insulation

 

Log and timber frame walls can be easily insulated with energy efficient materials, reducing heating and cooling costs throughout the year.

5. Reduced Embodied Energy

 

The overall production and transportation of timber to your home’s location takes much less energy than producing and transporting brick and other conventional construction materials.
If minimizing your carbon footprint is a priority for you when building your home, a timber or log home may be a great option for you. Check out our Log Home Galleries and Log Home Plans to give you some different ideas and concepts, and feel free to contact us if you have any further questions.

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Timber Frame Log Homes: Advantages and Disadvantages

Once you’ve decided to build a custom home, there are a number of choices that you need to make. While finding the best custom home builder should be a priority, it’s just as important to know what type of home you would like to build. These days, timber frame log homes are one of the most popular styles being built.  

A timber frame log home is very similar to a post and beam home in that you can have the beauty of wood and timber features without building the entire home out of logs, and instead have them being used as just the main structural supports for your home. The big difference between post and beam and timber frame is that post and beam logs are round with a more natural and rustic feel, while timber frame logs are square.

3 Benefits of Timber Frame Log Homes:

#1 Open Concept and Strength

Over the last ten years, the open concept home has been growing in popularity, with expansive kitchens that overlook common living areas throughout the home. The strength of the timbers in a timber frame home allows for less load bearing walls, naturally creating an open floor plan free of obstructions. This type of framing has been used for centuries, especially in older churches, because of its strength and durability as well as its beauty.

#2 Waste and Sustainability

There is generally less waste in using the entire log in a timber frame home than using dimensional lumber for framing a traditional home. With conventional homes, the lumber is cut in the forest, hauled to a mill, cut to size, shipped to a distributor then to a local building supply store, and, once on the job site, will be cut again. Wood used for timber frame homes goes through much less handling, which means lower costs. Once at the site, the logs are fit to size, then some adjustments are made with minimal waste.

#3 Aesthetics

With a custom built log home you have the option of having your framing logs visible on the outer or the inner walls of your home. The sheer beauty and strength in being surrounded by perfectly placed timbers gives a sense of safety and comfort, while adding character and a design that is unique to every custom timber frame home. Additionally, there is more choice in where to place windows and doors with less load bearing walls and an open concept.

Some other benefits of timber frame log homes

• Research has shown that living in houses consisting largely of wood offers physical and psychological health benefits.
• Speed! An “average”-sized timber-frame home can be reassembled onsite within 3 – 5 days. 
• Timber frames built with structural insulated panels (SIP) as insulation, are more efficient and stronger than fiberglass, costing less than half as much to heat and cool.
• The limited number of load bearing walls in timber frame structures allows for more flexibility and changes with the floor plan.
• A tendency to use less wood and sustainable materials when constructing timber frame log homes allow for a lower carbon footprint and lower cost to the environment. Recycled and/or local wood can be used, while what little timber waste there is can be further recycled.

Timber Frame Log Home Disadvantages

As with any type of construction, there are of course going to be disadvantages to building a timber frame home:

#1 Vulnerability to Pests

Just like any home timber frames are susceptible to attacks from termites, woodworms and carpenter ants. Properly cleaning and caring for your home will help you avoid any longterm damage and repairs.

#2 Vulnerability to Forces of Nature

Timber frame log homes can become damaged from to the elements, such as the sun, fire and/or water, making it vulnerable to decay or fire damage. To avoid this you want to ensure that any timber on the exterior of your house has proper overhangs to help protect the wood. It’s also important to ensure any snow, water drainage, shrubs and trees are not close to your home. By doing a quick walk around your log home every spring and fall to inspect and look for any potential problem areas you can find them in time, repair them and avoid any longterm damage.

#3 Shrinking or Swelling of the Wood

As wood can naturally absorb water, if your timber frame log home is not sealed or finished properly, it can swell, shrink or shift with the changes in water absorption throughout your home. Working with a professional log and timber builder will help you ensure that the builders are taking into consideration that the logs may shrink, twist or shift and can ensure proper precautions are in place to ensure it does not effective the structure of your home.

If you are considering building a custom log home but want to get away from the traditional full scribe log home, a timber frame may be a great option. Check out our Timber Frame Designs and Plans to give you some different ideas and concepts. Don’t be afraid to mix, match and integrate your own personal tastes as well, and if you have any additional questions feel free to contact us.

 

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Log Home Inspection: What to look for when buying a log and timber home

“Don’t judge a book by it’s cover,” my dad use to say. The same goes when buying a custom Log or Timber Frame Home. It’s important to do a full log home inspection, inside and out so you can assess and address any potential problem areas. The exterior logs may not look perfect but that doesn’t mean you should turn your back on a once beautiful home. Some log homes just need a little tender love and care to bring them back to their original beauty. Log homes have some characteristics that are very different from conventional homes, so here are a few things to look for when shopping for a log house.

Log Home Settling and Shrinking

First off, full scribe log homes are the most prone to settling but all log homes have a bit of settling and shrinking. Settling typically occurs over the first few years as the logs dry, lose their moisture and shrink. A properly built log home will take this shrinkage into consideration when building to ensure you don’t have major cracks or structural damage. Here are some signs to look for that may indicate the home didn’t settle properly.

• Logs inside and outside the home: Logs shrink in diameter due to loss of their natural bound water over time. As they dry out, they may naturally crack. Some cracks are not a concern but larger cracks more that ¼” in width should be repaired or have some caulking applied.

• Windows and doors: Log homes should be built with settling space above the doors and windows in order to prevent the weight of the walls from bearing down on them. If you notice bowing or the doors sticking when opening this may be the result of not enough space left for settling.

• Staircases: If walls lose height, anything connected to them does as well, and this includes the stairs. Inspect stairs to ensure they are level and still properly connected to the home.

• Electrical and pipes: Vertically installed plumbing pipes and rigid conduit may accumulate stress in two or more storied homes if not properly installed for shrinkage. It’s important to work with an electrician and plumber that has expertise with log homes as the procedures are slightly different compared to traditional log homes.

Log Home Exterior

It’s not uncommon for log homes to look a bit dirty and have some flaking on their finish, but if you notice black spots on the exterior surface, this could be a sign of mold or mildew. If possible, use a hammer to tap the logs. If you hear a hollow sound, this could be a good indication of rotting within the logs.

Log Finish Stains and Coatings

Logs can easily become deteriorated by weather. Different stains and coatings are designed to protect log surfaces from UV damage, while some also prevent destruction from wood-loving insects and pests. To test the effectiveness of your log home’s finish, spray the logs with water – if the water beads on the surface, all is well, but if it is absorbed by the wood, then the finish is no longer functioning properly.

Insect Infestation

Fortunately, most wood-destroying insects tend to leave behind little clues of infestation. The entry and exit holes can tell you what species of insects you are dealing with, while sometimes you may actually see the insects themselves. Both termites and carpenter ants shed their wings and burrow into the wood when they reach a new location, leaving behind tell-tale piles of wings and small bits of sawdust-like particles around holes. Be sure to research what damage-causing insect is in your area, as well as any tips on how to prevent infestations.

Proper Drainage

We talk often of the perimeter of your home having proper drainage, and it is crucial that no logs are touching soil or grass. As beautiful as your landscaping can be, it can cause serious moisture issues and bug infestations, when it resides too close to the exterior logs of your home.  

Deck Flashing

When installed correctly, decks look amazing, so make sure the proper flashing has been installed and that there are no huge gaps between the exterior wall and the deck. When water drips off the roof and onto the deck it tends to splash back onto the house, so keep an eye out for water damage.

Gutters

Though not all that aesthetically-pleasing, gutters prevent water from running down the exterior walls and causing water damage to your log home. The downspouts also direct water away from the foundation, preventing water from going directly into the basement.

Overhangs and Exposed Logs

Overhangs keep snow and rain from saturating the foundation and off the exterior walls. They should be no less than 24 inches and at least 36 inches on a two story home. Logs that have been exposed to natural elements can turn grey and begin to rot over time creating huge structural damage to the home.

Missing or Messy Chinking or Caulking

Look for any spots where the chinking or caulk is missing or appears messy and unappealing. This could be an indication that other areas of the home may not be up to par care. The repairs should not be done with a “good enough” attitude and shouldn’t stand out like a sore thumb.

If you do notice there are some areas of the home that need some attention and repair, you can hire an experienced log home builder or trades person to help you in most cases. This article will provide you with a good overview of what you should be looking for and we recommended having someone who is familiar with log homes to accompany you, even a log home trained inspector, as log homes have different behaviours compared to traditional homes.

If you have purchased a log home and are looking to have some repairs or renovations done feel free to contact us info@artisanlog.com.

Related Articles

• Protecting your log home from dry rot
• Log structures and cracked logs
• 5 DIY builder mistakes and how to avoid them
• Log Homes 101: Everything you need to know about log homes

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96-Hour Clearance at Moosejaw

Moosejaw, our favorite (and by far most entertaining) online outdoor retailer, is launching a whirlwind 96-hour sale starting today … and they’ve been kind enough to offer an extra discount to Modern Hiker readers. As part of their enormous Spring and Summer Clearance, you can snag some killer deals on brands from Adidas to Yaktrax…

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Hiking Valley of Fire

Arriving at the Valley of Fire at sunset leaves no question as to how the valley got its name. Spectacular red sandstone formations, glowing at golden hour, rise in sculpted shapes from the desert floor. The features are solidified shifting sand dunes from the age of dinosaurs. Of course, they’re also impressive in the morning…

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Best Log Home Builders in British Columbia (Reviews/Ratings)

If you are considering building a log home, chances are you are doing a fair bit of research. In doing so, you’re going to research different styles and builders to find the builder that best fits what you are looking for. While we can help to build beautiful custom log, timber frame and post and beam homes and walk you through every step of the building process, we understand that you still may want to explore other options before making your final decision.

It’s common for us to hear, “What other custom log builders do you recommend?”. So that is why we have put together a list of some of the top 8 log home builders in British Columbia, Canada.

We want to provide an honest and transparent review of each of these companies as we have become friends and worked alongside many of them on projects in the past. We want to help you make the best decision possible, so let’s dive in!

Pioneer Log Homes: Located in Williams Lake, B.C., Pioneer Log Homes has been building homes for over 40 years. Best known for their hit HGTV TV series, Timber Kings, Pioneer has helped to put log home building back on the map. They specialize in luxury log homes and ship all around the world.

Norse Log Homes Ltd: Established in 1975, Norse Log Homes has been around for a number of years, currently located in Lantzville, B.C. on Vancouver Island. Norse specializes in full scribe log homes and cabins.

Brian Moore Log Homes: Over the last 30 years, Brian Moore has built over 400 homes including timber frame and post and beam. Located in Abbotsford, B.C. they specialize in log and timber frame homes.

Log Homes Canada: In Chilliwack B.C., you’ll find Log Homes Canada. They’ve been building for over 30 years and focus on building with Western Red Cedar. They offer a list of services including log home kits.

Cascade Handcrafted Log Homes: Another staple in B.C. log home building is Cascade Handcrafted Log Homes.They have been around for many years and focus on both residential and commercial designs.

Lake Country Log Homes: Specializing in log cabins, Lake Country Log Homes has been in business for many years as well and is located in Salmon Arm, B.C.

West Coast Log Homes: Similar to most of the previous builders we have discussed, West Coast Homes builds a variety of styles. Their speciality is pressure washing the logs rather than peeling them.

Sitka Log Homes: One of the first log home builders to build a home on site, then put it into containers and ship it to it’s final location. Sitka has been in business for many years and specializes in high-end custom log homes.

There are our 8 suggested log home builder in B.C. to consider. We also thought that you might want to look at some of these helpful resources:

• Best Logs to Build a Custom Log Home
• The Difference Between Full Scribe vs Post and Beam vs Timber Frame
• How Much do Log Homes Cost
• Log Homes 101

Also, here are a few associations that provide additional resources and tools about log home builders, designers and other trades:

B.C. Wood: A non-profit organization that represents builders and manufactures of wood-products in B.C. They help ensure a sustainable wood industry in B.C. and Canada offering education, training and promotion of numerous trades.

International Log Builders Association: A non-profit society, the ILBA writes and distributes educational materials on log construction to individuals, institutions, and industry. In addition, the association provides educational services related to the craft of log building, develop and disseminate educational material and programs related to the craft, and establish operating trust funds for scholarships and educational purposes.

B.C. Log and Timber Builders Association: B.C. Log and Timber Builders Association is dedicated to improving business opportunity, craftsmanship, and profitability for British Columbia’s log home and timber frame building industry.

As always, if you have any questions feel free to drop us an email info@artisanlog.com and we would be happy to help you out!

 

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Jim Morrison Cave Closed Indefinitely Due to Vandals

File under: Why we can’t have nice things. Just one day after we had to inform a group of Stanford Alumni that taking spray paint and sharpies into the Santa Monica Mountains to “leave their mark” was probably not the best of ideas, we have just received word from California State Parks’ Angeles District Superintendent…

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Gear Review: Hilleberg Kaitum 2 GT 4 Season Tent

Intended Use: All-Season/4-Season Mountaineering Weight: 8lbs 3oz (packed weight) Pros: Easy pitch, super high-quality materials, giant vestibule Cons: A little heavy, difficult to hang dry due to design Best for: Extreme weather camping Retail Price: $1020   “There’s no such thing has bad weather when you have the right gear” is an axiom common among hikers for whom a storm,…

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Which is better: Western Red Cedar or Yellow Cedar

If you are considering a custom home there are numerous decisions you have to make including what type of logs and timbers to build with? When building a custom home, it’s very important to select the best wood species for your project in order to maximize overall durability, while minimizing cost. Today we are going to look at two of the most popular types of cedar, Western Red Cedar and Alaskan Yellow Cedar. Known for their rich aromatic and being highly decay resistant We will look at the advantages and disadvantages of building with each and the costs associated.

Western Red Cedar

A premium slow growth timber and the most abundant cedar tree available in Western Canada, Western Red Cedar primarily grows in British Columbia and is our preferred choice for many of the custom log home and timber frame structures. Although it is one of the lightest in weight of all commercially important softwood species, Western Red Cedar is very decay resistant and it can yield a larger variety of dimensional lumber. Its abundance and favorable properties make it the dominant choice for building and exports, especially in Europe since it does not have to be heat treated before exporting; and being twice as stable as other softwood species, Western Red Cedar is highly durable and weather resistant. Its natural oils are insect and decay resistant, and left in its natural state it remains beautiful and aesthetically pleasing. Western Red Cedar dries readily with very little shrinkage and has excellent working qualities, machining to a smooth, satiny finish.

Rich in texture, with a unique tactile grain, Western Red Cedar combines visual harmony with stability and durability, making it the common choice for a number of projects such as: siding, decks, fences, planters, screens, and garden furniture. Given its ability to withstand the elements, if you are looking to build your log or timber frame home in an area where extreme weather dominates we would be most inclined to recommend Western Red Cedar.  

Western Red Cedar is also known for their flared butt ends that offers a unique character to many log homes both inside and outside. If you like this type of look and feel for your home western red cedar may be the best type of timber for your home. If you don’t particularly like this look you can still use red cedar without flared ends.

Alaskan Yellow Cedar (also known as Cypress)

The slow growing Alaskan Yellow Cedar is a tough, solid tree and the hardest known cedar in the world, while also boasting exceptional longevity. Due to its straight grain and yellow colour, Yellow Cedar wood is very valuable commercially. It is used extensively for paddles,  boat building, as well as other exterior projects such as bridges, decking, stairs and landscaping. Similar to the Red Cedar, it is highly decay resistant and strongly aromatic when freshly cut, due to its natural oils. However, it’s interesting to note that the Alaskan Yellow Cedar is not in fact a cedar tree, but a cypress tree.

Considerably harder when dry than most commercial softwoods, and therefore much stronger, AYC has excellent strength and wear properties as well as great impact resistance. It is suitable for all types of joinery and carpentry due to its appearance, durability and easy working characteristics. This wood is so easy to work that it has become prized for applications such as joinery and carpentry, decorative panelling, furniture, mouldings and cabinetwork. It also withstands constant wear and load impacts without forming ridges or splitting, and does not splinter.

One of the disadvantages of Alaskan Yellow Cedar is the ability to sourcing large diameter high quality wood. For this reason many builders choose red cedar over yellow cedar.

Cost Comparison: Western Red Cedar vs Alaskan Yellow Cedar 

This chart compares the average cost of Western Red Cedar vs. Alaskan Yellow Cedar depending on the style of timber home you choose:

	Western Red Cedar	Western Red Cedar w/Flared Ends	Alaskan Yellow Cedar
Full Scribe	$55-$75	$65-85	$50-$60
Post & Beam	$40-$65	$45-$70	$35-$55
Timber Frame	$55-$65	N/A	$40-$55

We hope this has given you a better understanding of the differences between the two cedar options available, and why we choose Western Red Cedar. If you have any specific questions we would be happy to discuss them. Please feel free to email us: info@artisanlog.com.

If you would like to know more about the cost associated with building your custom log home you may want to read these articles as well:

• What are the best logs for building my log home?
• How Much Do Log Homes Cost
• How Much Does It Cost To Transport and Export a Log Home
• The Difference Between Timber Frame, Post and Beam and Full Scribe Log Homes

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Stanford Alumni Group Reverses Planned Graffiti Outing

If you’ve been a longtime reader of Modern Hiker, you know that outdoor graffiti and vandalism is an issue that is near and dear to our hearts. We’ve written extensively on the topic and although the high-profile National Park cases tend to get the most attention, graffiti can also have a hugely negative impact on state…

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Product Review: Peak Design CapturePro Clip and Camera Cover

If you’re reading this article right now, chances are you are an adventurer like me. Whether it’s wilderness that calls to you, or travel and culture that inspires you, adventure is most often at the forefront of your mind. Perhaps you are a creator, or someone who is always looking for new ways to bring your…

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Visiting Monument Valley

Perhaps no other single location in the world is more uniquely identified with the American West than Monument Valley. These epic mesas and buttes have been etched into our collective memory over decades of films, television shows, and cartoons and in many ways now act as a visual shorthand for The West, but for many,…

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Hike Mauna Kea

The island of Hawai’i, colloquially known as the “Big Island,” features a number of remarkable extremes that set it apart not just from the other Hawaiian Islands, but from most other places throughout the world. Here is a place with barren volcanic deserts and lush rain forests receiving 240″ of rainfall a year separated by…

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Ahnu Ridgecrest: Gear Review

The perfect hiking shoe has been a long sought-after item for me.  As someone who spends over half of the year hiking, backpacking, and climbing, my shoes get a lot of use and abuse very quickly. Part of why I’ve yet to find the perfect hiking shoe is because I demand a challenging blend of…

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Best Outdoor Jackets for Off-Trail Days

If you’re like me, you probably spend a significantly larger amount of time researching your next piece of outdoor clothing than you do your next pair of jeans or whatever you end up wearing to the office. Maybe you just start wearing your outdoor clothes to work anyway … which is how you end up like me…

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Log Home Lingo: A quick guide to log home definitions

If you are online searching and looking for information on custom log homes, you have probably noticed that many of the websites you come across have lots of industry terms and jargon. It can be a bit confusing reading these terms when you aren’t exactly sure what they mean so we have put together a list of some of the common types of words and phrases in the log home building industry to help you:

Check: This isn’t referring to a form of payment, it is the term used when a crack opening appears in a log as it dries. It does not lessen the strength of the log, it is strictly cosmetic.

Buck: To allow for movement of logs, this framing system is used around windows and doors. It is a slip joint cut in the sides of the logs.

Half Log: An entire log sawed in half lengthwise. This is often used on the exterior of the home.

Hip Roof: This is not a roof that is popular but is a type of roof where all sides slope downwards to the walls, usually with a fairly gentle slope, almost like a pyramid.

Butt Joint: The point where two pieces of wood or mounding join together.

Joint: The point where two or more timbers meet.

Joinery: Connecting timbers by means of woodworking joints.

Knee Brace: Typically positioned at a 45-degree angle, a knee brace creates added strength to support the load overhead between a post and a supported truss.

Chinking: Chinking is used when a stacked log home is not built using the full scribe joinery method and a gap between the logs occurs which can make the log susceptible to rain, wind and snow. Filling the these gaps with chinking can prevent the outside elements from coming in, similar to an insulation. This method is not commonly used any more, but some builders still use this method.

R Value: Is the rating used to measure how much resistance a material has to heat flow. The higher the R Value is, the greater the insulating properties are.

Full Scribe Log Home: A full scribe log home is a traditional log style home where the logs are stacked together horizontally to form the walls.

Timber Frame Home: Timber frame homes are very similar to post and beam where the main horizontal structure is held up by many timber posts. The main difference is that post and beam logs are round and timber frame logs are square.

Post and Beam Home: Post and beam log homes and cabins use full logs as a structural support providing a natural log surface inside and outside the home.

Ridge Pole:  A ridgepole is the horizontal log beam located at the highest peak of a log or timber home. This is the main beam that holds up the roof of the house and is typically the heaviest, the largest and the longest log. The rafters attach to this pole which crowns the home.

Overhang: That part of the roof that extends beyond the outside wall.

Scribe: The process of cutting one log to match the contours of another for a tight log-to-log fit.

Screw Jack: A device that may be adjusted to allow for the settlement in log walls.

Settling: Loss of wall height by shrinkage and compression, commonly found in full scribe log homes over the first few years.

There you have it, a few terms to familiarize yourself with as you plan your new home. For more information on terms and lingo, check out our log home 101 section where we answer the most common questions asked by our clients.

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Best National Park Trails

2016 is the celebration of the National Park Service’s Centennial … and from April 16th through the 24th, the Park Service is also celebrating National Park Week. During this time, visitor entrance fees are waived in every National Park unit across the country. So we thought now would be a good time to highlight some…

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Hike the Wahkeena / Multnomah Falls Loop

This is it folks, THE trail to do in the Columbia River Gorge (okay, well, I think so anyways). Have a day in Portland? Or, do you live in Portland and have somehow missed this one? Do this hike. I will admit: I have now lived in Portland for five months, and have consciously avoided this trail.…

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Winter Gear Roundup

Winter is a bit of an ephemeral season here in Southern California, so I’m always on the lookout for gear that can pull double duty across multiple seasons and for various activities – from hiking to backpacking to climbing. In that spirit, here are my favorite pieces from this winter that will carry me through…

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Hike Big Morongo Canyon Preserve

When most people envision the desert, the first word that springs to mind is probably “dry.” Not so at Big Morongo Canyon Preserve, a lush pocket of the brand new Sand To Snow National Monument tucked between the western edge of Joshua Tree National Park and the towns of Yucca Valley, Morongo Valley, and Desert…

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How Gorilla Glass 4 Can Save You Some Pack Weight

For day hikers and beginner hikers, it can be difficult to understand why backpackers and the ultralight crowd are so obsessed with weight. We’ve all read stories about people cutting the plastic bits off the end of their shoelaces or removing everything but the brush from their toothbrushes to save a few grams here and…

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Living in the US? Building With Canadian Custom Log Home Builder Offers Huge Savings

Over the years we have designed, built and exported a number of custom log and timber homes to the United States and abroad. If you live in the US and have always wanted to build a custom log and timber home right now is the perfect time to build.

Working with a number of US clients we have dedicated ourselves to not only building but also helping them understands the benefits of log and timber homes and helping them through the process.

The number one question that we get is “How much do log homes cost and how much can I save with the exchange rate?” so here is our detailed answer to help you figure that out:

When it comes to building a custom log home honestly, the sky is the limit. Depending on the style of home you are building (full scribe log home, Timber Frame, Post and Beam or Hybrid), the prices will vary. Other factors that can adjust the price include: specific features, square footage, transportation and additional add on’s.

To help give you a baseline, here is a quick breakdown of cost per square footage in Canadian Dollars:

• Timber Frame Log Home: $45 – $65 Canadian per square foot
• Post and Beam Log Home: $35 – $70 Canadian per square foot
• Full Scribe Log Home Shell: $50 – $90 Canadian per square foot

To view the entire cost article and compare log home styles click here.

Another huge savings when purchasing a Canadian log package and importing it into the USA is that there is no 5% Canadian sales tax.  So your log home package is tax free.  *Please check with individual state laws to understand if there are any import taxes involved.

To calculate these estimated costs into US funds and see the potential savings you can use an currency exchange tool.

Visit the Bank of Canada Currency Converter for the latest posted exchange rates.

For many of our clients cost becomes a big factor in deciding what to build and who will help you build it. If you would like to discuss your plans and ideas further feel free to contact us.

If you are still wanting to research and understand a bit more about what is involved when working with a Canadian custom log home builder check out these popular articles:

• The Advantages of Choosing a BC Custom Log Home Builder: This article shares some of the key benefits of choosing a custom builder in British Columbia.
• 6 Key Questions to Ask before Hiring a Home Builder: When it comes to hiring a builder for your custom home you want to make sure you ask these questions.
• Building Your Log Home 101: This sections discusses the most common questions asked by clients when it comes to building a custom log home.

The post Living in the US? Building With Canadian Custom Log Home Builder Offers Huge Savings appeared first on Artisan Custom Log Homes.

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Congressman Schiff Plans to Introduce Rim of the Valley Legislation Soon

At an auditorium inside the Los Angeles Zoo, Congressman Adam Schiff joined the National Park Service’s Project Manager Anne Dove and Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area Superintendent David Szymanski spoke to a gathered crowd about the recently completed Rim of the Valley Corridor Study. The Rim of the Valley Corridor Study is just one step in…

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Product Review: Gobi Gear HOBOROLL 20L

    Have you ever discovered a new piece of gear that simply knocked your socks off? This would describe my experience with the Gobi Gear stuff and compression sacks. Unlike the traditional compression sack, the Gobi Gear line is designed to keep your stuff sack organized through its segmented compartments. It’s a simple solution with a…

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5 Eco-Friendly Benefits of Log Home Living

If you’re considering building a home and want it to be beneficial to your health as well as the environment, a log or timber home may be the right option for you. There are many factors that go into building and designing a home sustainable and healthy, but on average, log and timber homes tend to have more benefits compared to the traditional stick and brick.

Here are 5 eco-friendly benefits of log and timber homes:

Wood is Renewable and Sustainable

Because of its inherent sustainability, wood makes for a fantastic ‘green’ home for those who enjoy living in nature. Wood products require less energy to manufacture, and have the lowest impacts on water and air quality.

The result? Log homes are renewable and sustainable alternatives to homes built with less-friendly materials. Which brings us to:

Green Building Materials

Wood aside, most of the other building materials used when constructing a log home are also eco-friendly. The manufacturing of these materials is far less harmful to the environment than the processes other conventional building materials are subjected to.

Approximately 16% of all the fossil fuel consumed each year is used to turn steel, aluminum, concrete, and brick into materials for construction products. Alternatively, using wood ultimately reduces fossil fuel consumption.

You can feel good knowing that your home reduces global carbon dioxide emissions!

Naturally Energy Efficient

Have you ever noticed that older homes have rock walls to help heat and cool the home? During the day, the sun heats the rocks on the outside yet the coolness of the stones keep the inside of the house cool. During the evening, the reverse happens: the stones cool from the evening air the heat from the day heats the inside of the home.

Wood has the same natural heat and insulating qualities. Not only can this help you to save on your heating bills, you help the environment because ideally, your home won’t use nearly as much energy as stick and brick homes can.

Better Air Quality

Because the wooden structure of your log home stores carbons and regulates humidity, it naturally allows for better air flow. The result is that wooden structures like log homes are healthier to live in.

It also means that there’s typically a reduced need for you to purchase air purifiers, hepa filters, humidifiers and dehumidifiers—all small machines that require less eco-friendly materials to manufacture, and more energy to run.

Controlled Harvesting and Replanting  

Wood is sustainable and uses less energy to manufacture than other types of building materials. In British Columbia, trees are mindfully selected with controlled harvesting to help avoid destroying local habitats. In many areas forests that have been logged are replanted the following years to help maintain a healthy forest.

Overall, if you’re considering building a home that has less environmental impacts, is more sustainable, and can be a healthy home to live in, a log home may be right for you!

Interested in building a log or timber home? Feel free to contact us regarding any questions you have or for a quote.

Related Articles

• Log Homes 101 Section 
• The Advantages of BC Log Home Builders
• How to Choose a Log Home Design 

 

 

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What to Ask Yourself before You Start Building

With the start of a new year we often think about what we want to achieve in the coming months. If building a custom home is one of your 2016 goals, this article will help you think about some of the questions you’ll want to answer before committing to the project.

What are you looking for?

This may sound pretty simple but it’s a very important question. Many of the clients that we meet and work with have dreamed about building a timber home for years. They know which specific attributes they want the home to have and they already have everything mapped out from the square footage to the color of the curtains. Other clients have a brief concept but have so many ideas they don’t really know what will look best or work with the land that they have. You want to have a clear plan before you start building your home so that you can avoid any future changes to the project once production starts.

If you want to know how to choose the right log home design, check out one of our recent articles that walks you through some of the key things to consider.

What are your expectations with the builder?

Not all builders are the same so it is important to understand what type of relationship you want to have with your builders and contractors to ensure you have a great experience. If you are the type of person that wants to be involved in every aspect of the build, you will want to find a company that will keep you in the loop, invite you down to their log yard and share all the latest progress. Or you might want to have a hands-off approach so find a company that you fully trust and just get updates now and then. A good builder and design can make or break a project, so make sure you spend some time having those detailed conversations. Price isn’t always the most important factor if you can’t communicate or trust the team you have working with you.

To help you with selecting the right builder check out our article “6 Key Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Home Builder”.

How do you handle stressful situations?

This question relates to the above questions in that building a custom home of any size will always have some stress associated with it. You need to discuss this with your family and be prepared for some ups and downs along the way. By being as clear as you can with the expectations you have for your home and the expectations you have for your builders, a lot of this stress can be avoided. It’s important to hope for the best but plan for the worst; even if you prepare as much as possible there will likely be a few things along the way that require a little extra attention.

If you are considering building a custom home this year or the next, we encourage you to learn and understand as much as you can to prepare you for the process. Check out our Log Home 101 section, visit our plans and galleries section and look through our blog. We want to help you understand what to expect when it comes to building a home, so if you don’t see the answer to your question feel free to contact us and we can answer it for you.

The post What to Ask Yourself before You Start Building appeared first on Artisan Custom Log Homes.

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Cairn Subscription Box Review

I have fond childhood memories of rolling up to an accessories store at the mall, handing over a hard-won dollar bill, and receiving a small paper bag in return – the infamous “grab bag,” filled with who-knows-what, the most clearancy of clearance items, anyone’s guess. It barely mattered what plastic tchotchkes lay inside – I loved the element of…

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Designing Your Perfect Custom Home

One of the most exciting parts about building a custom home is the design process. It’s the part where you get to dream and be creative about what you would like to see in your home. Designing your home is one of the first steps in the process. If you already have a design, perfect! If you don’t, our award-winning designers will walk you through some of the steps.

Discovery and Inspiration Phase

The first step is to have our designer sit down with you and learn a bit more about your lifestyle, tastes, likes, dislikes and any special features that you may want to have in your home. You are a critical part of this stage as this is where we begin to map out what you have been envisioning. For this meeting feel free to bring other designs, layouts ideas or sketches that you have and would like to incorporate. It’s also a good time to help identify the elements that you don’t want in the home so we can truly design the perfect custom home.

Creative and Development Phase

Next, after we have a sense of what you would like, and consider your budget and any land constraints, we can start to bring the ideas into reality. A complete floor plan will be designed along with a 3D rendering to help you visualize the space. For us this is an exciting time as clients can finally see what they have been thinking and planning for years.

Refining Phase

After the initial creative and 3D renderings are presented, we encourage you to spend some time looking it over and thinking about each of the rooms and their elements and how everything will flow. Together we will revise and adjust the layout and design to make the space exactly what you want. This phase can consist of numerous emails, calls and meetings to help ensure everything is perfectly designed.

Budget Verification Phase

Next, once we have the final design approved by you, the designer will contact the builder and confirm all the specs and details for a final budget. This is where we can also talk about what additional support you might need with your package including general contractors, other trades, transportation and shipping.

Construction Begins

Once everything has been signed off we can begin to select the timber and begin construction. Sometimes during this phase there are some last minute changes. If you realize that you need some extra space, a wall moved, or you want some additional feature timber, we will work closely with you and the designers to adjust and adapt the design as we build.

Once we have the design completed in the log yard we will disassemble your home, ship it to your location, and build it on site.

The overall timeframe for this process can take as little as 6 months and up to a year or two depending on a number of factors. No matter the project and how long it takes, know that we are here to help you every step of the way and answer any questions that you have.

If you would like to learn more about how to get started building your log home, visit our Log Homes 101 section or check out our plans and galleries pages for some additional inspiration.

As always, feel free to contact us with any questions you have or for a quote. We would be happy to help!

 

 

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