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Log Homes - Features and Benefits
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Although log homes have been around for several centuries, today they are becoming more and more popular, and for good reason. Log cabins and structures have been used around the world dating back thousands of years and they have a long history across the world and in the United States as well. While the log homes of today are a far cry from the early log structures, they still have that same rustic look and appeal, not to mention the durability and sturdiness that has made these structures stay around for so long. Let's take a look at a bit of history, modern day log homes, the cost of these homes, and some of the benefits and features of log houses.
History of Log Homes
You may think that log cabins only date back a few generations to the early Americans, but you'll actually find that during the Bronze Age they were first build in the north Europe area. Later on when people from Europe would begin to come to the Americas to settle, they would bring with them the concept of the log cabin. Traditional log cabins were originally build in early North America with logs that were laid down horizontally and then made with simple notches that interlocked to keep the cabin sound structurally. Early log homes were build on large rocks to keep them off the ground. Over time these log cabins would emerge into the log homes that we are so familiar with today.
Understanding the Modern Day Log Home
Today the modern day log homes are a far cry from the primitive log cabins of years gone by. They come in a variety of different designs, they are built on regular foundations, and have many amenities as well. While at one time the log homes were homes for the lower class, today the log homes have a certain distinction and are not as easily affordable as they used to be. Usually today's modern versions of log homes are build from logs that have been milled. In many rural areas you'll find that these log homes are very popular and various resort communities have these homes, many of which measure more than 3,000 square feet.
The Cost of a Log Home
Of course you may be wondering what the cost of a log home is today. Well, that definitely will depend on the size of the home that you end up buying and whether you have it built or purchase it already built. Usually if you are having the log home built, a log home that is about 2,000 square feet will cost between $250,000 and $350,000 to build, although some may cost more. If you purchase log homes that have already been built, then you can expect to pay even more for them, since you'll have to take into account the land price and the markup on the home as well. So, it's easy to see that these log homes are definitely not the cheapest home to build or buy today.
Benefits and Features of Log Homes
Although you won't find that log houses are a cheaper method of housing, you will definitely find that log cabins homes do come with a variety of great benefits and features that make them well worth the prices that they command. Here are a few of those great benefits.
- Built to High Standards - First of all, when you are looking at the benefits of a log home, you'll find that they are built to higher standards than many other hands. They have great craftsmanship and come with many great touches as well. Usually they end up being worth more than conventional homes of the same size, which gives them a better resale value later one.
- Sturdy and Long Lasting - You'll also find that log houses are very sturdy and long lasting. They are built to last a long time, even in the elements and are very sturdy. Log homes are so long lasting that there are actually log homes around the world that are more than 800 years old.
- Energy Efficient - As long as a log house is sealed and built as it should be, you'll find that these homes are very energy efficient as well. When you purchase one of these homes, you'll get a warm and dry home that will save you money on cooling and heating.
- Quiet - These homes also have the benefits of being very quiet. Logs are very solid and dense and it helps to deaden the noise from the outside, making it a very quiet place to be, which is wonderful if you enjoy peace and tranquility.
- Easy to Maintain - Although there are various maintenance options that come with a log home, you will find that they are fairly easy to maintain. It's fairly easy to keep an eye on your home and you can usually find possible problems early before they become an expensive problem.
- Great for the Environment - Log houses are also great for the environment. They are made from renewable resources, so they are eco-friendly as well, which is important to many people.
As you can see, there are a variety of great benefits and features that log cabins have today. Although there are a few cons to owning your own log home, you'll find that there are more pros than cons and purchasing a log home is an excellent idea.
Custom Designed Log Home Kits
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Today you'll find that log home kits are quite popular and many people are choosing to purchase these kits so they can have the log home of their dreams. Although you can find some great log home kits that can be built on site, there are also manufactured log homes and prefab log homes that are available as well. When you go with these kits, you'll have a choice of construction on site or having it built off site and then put together on the site. Both options are great ideas and can work well, but you'll have to decide on the best option for your needs.
Prefab Log Homes Built Off Site
One of the options that you have when going with a log home is to go with a prefab log homes that are built off site. These are built a lot like modular homes and then later on after construction is complete, they are taken and put together on the site that you have chosen. These manufactured log homes are a great option and you can come up with your own log home floor plans and have it built just the way you want it in the factor. However, there are many people are not a big fan of this method of log home construction.
Log Home Kits Built on Site
Another option that you have is to go with log home kits that can be built on site. If you choose this option you can choose to have contractors from the company to build the kit on the site or you can even choose to do it on your own. These kits make sure that you get everything needed so that the log cabin can be constructed.
Choosing the Right Floor Plan
Of course whether you choose to go with a prefab log home or you want to have a log home kit that is built on site, you'll want to look through log home plans to make sure that you choose the right floor plan for your needs and wants. Here are a few things to consider when you are trying to choose the right floor plan.
- Consider the Land You Have - First of all, make sure that you consider the land that you have available. You'll want to make sure that the plans you choose won't be too big for your land and you'll want to make sure that the style you go with goes along with the property you have as well.
- Go with Plans that are Large Enough for Your Family - Of course it's also important that you make sure you go with log home floor plans that are going to be enough for your family. You'll need enough bedrooms for everyone and make sure you get a couple bathrooms in the log home as well so everyone won't have to share just one.
- Have a Wish List - Having a wish list of things you want is a great idea as well. Decide on all the things that you'd really like to have and then see how many of them can realistically be incorporated into your log home.
- Keep Track of Ideas You Like - If you see ideas that you like, then keep track of them. They may end up being your inspiration. If you see a picture, then cut it out and keep it so you can keep track o your favorite ideas to incorporate into your log home.
Building the Kit Yourself - Is it the Right Choice?
When it comes to log home kits, you'll have the option to build the kit yourself, but you may be wondering if this is the right choice for you. Well, there are many things to take into consideration before making this decision. First of all you need to think about your health. Are you really up for this kind of a job? If so, they you may want to try to build it. However, if you have no construction experience, you may want to leave it to the professionals. Sometimes you'll find that log cabins are difficult to build and they may require someone that has a real interest in the option. Also, it's important to remember that if you do the work yourself, the work won't be insured like it would if a contractor did the work.
Choosing the Best Log Home Kit
Today you'll find that there are a variety of different custom log home kits out there today and no doubt you want to make sure that you purchase the right kit, whether you are building it yourself or having someone else do it for you. When you are choosing a kit, make sure that you know the building codes in your area. Also, you'll need to have a survey of the land to make sure that your land is going to hold the cabin. Taking a look at the company you are considering is very important as well. You want to go with a quality company that has many satisfied companies. There are many different styles, options, and designs to choose from, so make sure that you go with the one that bests suits you. Checking out the price of the log home kit is important and make sure that the delivery of the kit is going to be included in the price that you are planning on.
Log Home Living - Problems and Benefits
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Today you'll find that log homes are just as huge and beautiful as some of the traditional homes that are out there today. Many people dream of being able to have that big log home of their dreams. However, many people are really not aware of all that comes with a log home. Although there are undoubtedly a variety of great benefits to log home living, you'll find that there are some problems that log home owners often encounter along the way as well. Whether you go with a large log home or a smaller log cabin, you'll find that there are both pros and cons to having your own log home.
Problems with Log Homes
While you probably just think about all the beauty of a log home and all the great benefits, before you decide that log home living is for you, it's important that you realize that there are some problems with log homes as well. Here are just a few of the problems that can occur when you are purchasing or building your own log home.
- Building is Dangerous - First of all, you'll find that actually building a log home is quite dangerous. Logs are extremely heavy and an accident with a log can take a limb or a life. So, this is a dangerous type of home construction and you need to realize this before you decide to build a log home.
- Require Non-Cosmetic Upkeep - You'll also find that most log homes require quite a bit of non-cosmetic upkeep that most other homes do not. While you may hear a lot about these homes being low maintenance, this is not always the case. Wood preservation solutions must be applied to the logs in many cases, which can take time and money.
- It Can Be Difficult to Get a Home Loan - It's quite a bit more difficult to get a home loan on a log home as well, which is something that you probably haven't thought about. These are not traditional homes and finding the right home loan can be a real pain. So, before you decide that this is the right choice for you, make sure you understand that this difficulty is a reality when it comes to financing your log home.
- Possible Bug Problems - Because the entire home is made of wood, there is the possibility of bug problems in the future. A log home would be a termite delight if you don't keep up on your wood preservation and bug treatment.
Benefits of Log Homes
Of course while there are quite a few problems that can come along with log home living, you'll also find that there are many great benefits to owning a log home as well. Here are just a few of the great benefits that you can enjoy when you decide to go with a log home of your own.
- Great Look - First and foremost is the great look of these log homes. Many people actually choose log homes solely for the beautiful look that they have. There is something rustic yet stately about these large log homes and many people love the way they look. However, looks is not the only great benefit of having a log home.
- Excellent for the Environment - You'll also find that log homes are great for the environment and if you are worried about conservation, this is definitely a great way to go. Trees are a renewable resource and this is what is used to build your log home. So, it's a great choice for those who want to make sure that they protect the environment.
- Sturdy and Durable - Log home living also provides you with a home that is sturdy and durable as well. You'll have a home that is very sturdy that will hold up, even in bad weather. Also, you can be sure that a log home is going to last for a long time as well, which is another great benefit.
- Warm and Cozy - If you're longing for a home that is going to be warm and cozy, then log home living may be for you. Because the log homes are built so tightly, they are very energy efficient and they'll keep you warm all winter long and cool during the summers as well. You'll also save on the heating and cooling bills.
- High Building Standards are Used - The building standards that are used for log cabins are very high today. This means you get a quality home and it also means that you have great value in your home as well. Usually log homes appraise out much higher than traditional homes that are about the same exact size. So, you'll end up with more equity in your home and if you have to sell, you'll be able to make a nice profit too.
Log Home Mortgage - Difficulties You'll Need to Overcome
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So, you've finally found the log home of your dreams. Now you have to figure out a way to finance it and finding log home lenders is not necessarily such a simple task. When you are looking for a log home mortgage, you'll find that there are many lenders that are just not interested in providing you with the money to build or purchase a log home. There are quite a few difficulties that you are going to have to overcome if you are going to get the log home you've been dreaming of. Although there are many lenders who won't want to give you the mortgage that you need, there are a few great mortgage brokers who are willing to lend you the money that you'll need with competitive interest rates as well. Let's take a look at some of the problems you may encounter when trying to finance your log home and the steps to getting a log home mortgage.
Problems with Financing a Log Home
First of all, you'll find that there are many problems with trying to finance a log home and a variety of reasons that lenders just don't want to lend money on a log home mortgage. Here are just a few of the problems that you are going to encounter if you are trying to find a mortgage for your own log home today.
- Today's Mortgage Crisis - First of all, you'll find that today's mortgage crisis definitely has an impact on trying to get a log home mortgage. Many lenders are already hurting or going under financially, making it difficult for anyone to get a home loan, much less a loan on a "non-standard" structure like a log home. It's a difficult time to find financing and this gets even harder when you are trying to finance a home that already has difficulties when trying to find a good mortgage option.
- Difficult to Find Comparable Sales - Another problem you may have when trying to find log home lenders is that it is difficult to find comparable sales for a log home. Many times it's hard to find log homes in a specific area to compare your home to, which means that lenders are not really sure how much your home would be worth, so they decide not to lend to you. It's a bit easier to get a loan in areas where comparable sales can be found, so keep this in mind when you are deciding where to purchase a log cabin today.
- It's Considered a Non-Standard Structure - A log cabin is considered to be a "non-standard" structure, which makes it even more difficult to be able to get the mortgage that you need to purchase or build your log home. Most lenders don't want to step out on a limb to finance this type of a structure.
- High Down Payments - Even if you can find the mortgage that you are looking for, many times you'll end up with high payments, which makes it difficult to afford the log home that you really want. Often you'll need to come up with 10% to 25% of the cost of the home and land, and in some cases, you may be asked to come up with 30% of the purchase price.
Steps to Financing Your Log Home
If you are trying to finance a log home, there are a variety of steps you'll have to go through in order to get the mortgage that you need for the log home. Here are the steps you'll need to keep in mind.
- Pre Qualification - First of all, you'll need to go through pre qualification. Getting a mortgage pre qualification is going to allow you to figure out how much money you'll be able to get so you can get an idea of how much you'll be able to have to purchase the log home that you want.
- Mortgage Application - After you find the log home that you really want, then you'll want to go through the mortgage application process. You'll need to show your income amount, financial documents, pay stubs, and more. You'll also have to pay for the appraisal and an application fee.
- Approval and Settlement - Next you'll end up getting the approval for your loan. After you are approved for your log home mortgage, you'll need to give the lender a copy of the deed, the plans if you're building a home, and a construction contract.
Finding a log home mortgage can definitely be a bit difficult since the homes are large and there are few comparable sales. However, if you really need to get a mortgage, one of the best ways to get the mortgage that you need is to go with a good mortgage broker. If you're buying a log home in Minnesota, try going with a Minnesota mortgage broker to get the mortgage that you need. More than likely they'll be able to help you to find the log home lenders that you've been looking for.
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