buying a log house - what to look out for? (refinish, building)

[anna_mom]

Someone suggested me to post on this forum...
I have looked into some old posts,
Our log home is drafty--how to remedy?
Log cabin energy efficiency
Do all log homes need chinking? I'm freezing!

now I am aware that the log house may need chinking...
and I may need to ask about the type of wood...

However, what other things we have to look out for? How do I find out whether the house need chinking, in particular, it is now summer, it is not like I can tell there are cold wind coming in.

BTW, we didn't plan on buying a log house, but the waterfront property that we like has a log house, the previous owner bought the house in 2007, he is not living there now, but claimed that the logs had been refinished.

[Barking Spider]

Look at the ends of the logs for rot or soft spots.
Look for gaps between the logs.
From the inside, see if you can see daylight thru the walls.
Look for insect damage to the logs.
There are a bunch of other things to look at, but unless you had experience looking at log homes, they may not be obvious.
You might want to get a home inspector that has log home experience.

[fleck]

You might want to get a home inspector that has log home experience

Definitely. But I would also track down the builder if possible and get further specifics, and a record of maintenance efforts by the owner, including materials used, if you are serious...

[piyf]

Termites

[StephanieChr]

I would have to add that looking on the ends of the logs for rough or soft spots can be a great way to ensure you're building your log cabin out of the highest quality wood. I would recommend Southland for log homes kits, they are a great way to go because they not only ensure the best quality products, but they make is easy and basically do everything! I was very satisfied with my experience with them and would recommend them to anyone.

[Driller1]

If there is a water well, have a driller check it out.