[Logs and Dogs]

Originally Posted by arctichomesteader

Have a nice long overhang on the roof to protect the round logs.

I agree 100% with Artic's entire post, but on this point, think about wrap around farmers porch.

[vermonter16]

Yes, decent overhangs definitely! Wraparound farmers porch sounds great to me! Like I said - our log guy - Brant, is the one that recommended we go smaller, spend more on quality and on outside amenities, like the porch, etc.

Any recommendations on what we can do ourselves (the average Joe) is very much appreciated. As soon as we have a floorplan which should be within 6 months (not that it will be that much of a floorplan) we'll be able to start making some preliminary purchases for the inside.

[Logs and Dogs]

I'm not sure what skill level toa ssume for the average Joe's....but going in we were above average from a homeowner's standpoint and can hang with most professionals as far as carpentry etc. goes......that being said on a log home, sanding and sealing the interior is long, boreing and frankly, pretty damn easy but can be physically demanding for some folks. That being said, we did all the sanding and 3 coats of poly in the interior as well as all the exterior, I would get a quote from your builder for him to do it and then think about at least sealing it yourself.........it's just painting......if you can keep it from dripping and looking like hell, you should save some coin there.

Also, decking.......it's easy........get a book and with a couple drills and a circular saw you can save some $ there as well.

Depending on the style of trim you are thinking of using, you can probably get adventurous and do that as well.........but that is one rung up the ladder from basic stuff....but if you can tile etc. I would do that and think about your hearth.

Heck I almost flipped when my wife ordered slabs of soapstone for our counters and we ended up cutting them ourselves and installing undermount sinks (in the bath) etc.

Pick something and bang it out.......it's rewarding.

[vermonter16]

Well....maybe we are a little above the average joe now that I'm listening to you. I mean, we've put in our own hardwood flooring, did a flagstone patio ourselves, ceramic tile I think I mentioned, so I think the deck we can probably do ourselves. We have some great drills already and a circular saw. We are still two years out from this but we are in the final stages and really need to prepare and cost wise - we really need to do some of the stuff ourselves. Yes, in the end - I think we could afford to pay someone....but....I'd rather not pay for what I don't need to. I'm going to write everything down you all are saying!

[Logs and Dogs]

Here’s another tip from one log home owner to another…….if you are planning on using pine for the interior framed walls (ie. not drywall) consider insulating any adjoining walls between bedrooms. While it isn’t for energy purposes it is for sound deadening purposes. I have a couple hunting buddies that can wake the dead and I have not enjoyed their snoring…….I ripped down part of a wall and added insulation……life is good now, it’s friggin’ cheap, might as well do it.

Obviously planning your electrical outlet location and switch location is very important with logs………you can easily change them or add them…..

[vermonter16]

Good idea with the insulation. Yes, I have thought a lot about outlets and switch locations - I'd like many thank you

[quickdraw]

Originally Posted by Logs and Dogs

Learn to love some maintenance.......we love it as it is ours and we built it so it is our baby so I don't see it as a chore, kinda like someone taking great care of a classic car. That being said, do not skimp on the staining products or the caulking and for you with round logs, the chinking and chinking inspection a couple times per year.

Think about water and air infiltration and think about your site orientation for more than just passive solar etc. (which is a great consideration as well). You should give thought to the prevailing winds when storms come through, you don't want the natural pattern of rain and snow to blow up against say, your sliders to your deck etc. water will find it's way into your logs and home. Trust me. I missed a small spot with the caulking and had to redo a section.

I've lived in a log cabin since 2004 and admittedly I haven't taken the best care of it. This spring, I have a lot of plans. We have a lot of caulking to do. Have to get the mildew off.

[joe moving]

pretty in both seasons

[vermonter16]

I can't view photos from work but I did see the photos at home - BEAUTIFUL! You should take pics of the inside too!

[Logs and Dogs]

Quickdraw - looks great. It looks like you have chinking between the courses or logs, is that correct? How that holding up?

I highly recommend the products from permachink for the sealing etc. as well as any log stain/sealer you need. They are great products.

This is the one my wife and I built last year during our first completed Christmas season and an interior shot of the work we did. We've done some more to it and there is a heck of a lot more firewood now