[momark]

I plan to build a weekender type building on my country property. What is your opinions on log kit homes vs traditional const. I know that's a pretty broad question but would like to know, in general, how kit homes stack up quality-wise vs traditional construction? Any major drawbacks, etc.?

 

[Bud9051]

I love log homes but they have unique considerations due to expansion and contraction. My camp plans are on hold, but if and when they move forward it will be traditional framing, something I have done for years so every step is easy. Plus, being in cold country, insulation and air sealing are important if we decide to use it in the winter and logs again have special considerations and limitations.

If no one will be looking at your cabin to appreciate it from the outside, put the beautiful wood look on the inside.

Bud

 

[Mingledtrash]

Its been a while but i believe plumbing and electrical can cost a little more because its harder to run wires and pips through logs. i think over all you are looking at spending more money but when they are built right they will last forever.

 

[lenaitch]

I've not heard of "log kit" homes (as opposed to custom built) but I suppose they exist. I would want to consider what species of wood these kits offer - hopefully cedar. If they are similar to custom builds, the cost/sq.ft. of log will be higher. If the plan is to build it yourself from a supplied kit, you have to consider hiring a crane and operator, getting the crane to the site, having extra help to manoeuvre logs, etc. plus some kind of knowledge or experience how to square it up, proper joints and seating, etc. As mentioned, utilities can be trickier unless you're willing to simply attaching them to the inside of the walls.
At least with stick-built construction, each element is more manageable.

 

[momark]

I believe the wood used in these kits is Northern spruce and I believe they are milled in Estonia(Europe) and sent here. I don't know if it is acceptable practice to use the actual company name on this forum, but if it is I can post it on here so you can see exactly what I'm talking about.

Thanks, Mark

 

[Oso954]

Log homes can be more work than a traditional stick built home, especially if you are trying to keep it pretty. Fancy log home vs log cabin ?

If you have round logs exposed inside, every one of them can become a dust collector.

So, it can come down to how much to you want to enjoy the weekend, vs how much time do you want to do chores.

If you have a spouse, both of you need to be on the same page about how much maintenance you want to do

 

[lenaitch]

I couldn't find a listing for Northern Spruce but there is a Norway Spruce which is pretty common in Europe and introduced in North America. Spruce have very poor incest and rot resistance.

 

[momark]

I couldn't find a listing for Northern Spruce but there is a Norway Spruce which is pretty common in Europe and introduced in North America. Spruce have very poor incest and rot resistance.

Thanks for the headsup on that.

 

[TheEplumber]

I plan to build a weekender type building on my country property. What is your opinions on log kit homes vs traditional const. I know that's a pretty broad question but would like to know, in general, how kit homes stack up quality-wise vs traditional construction? Any major drawbacks, etc.?

In the last 12 mths, I have been inside of several log homes of various sizes and shapes- from skeletons to completed "mansions".
Some things that I noticed is you can get the logs in any shape, diameter and length you want. They can be hand peeled or machined, green or seasoned.

A good portion of them were kit homes from an Amish company in Montana. I have been to their plant- they have an annual auction for their community were I purchased some outdoor furniture they made.
They do top quality work and offer several kits. Small cabins to large homes. You buy the pre-assembled kit, pick it up at their plant and erect it yourself.

Plumbing is pretty conventional with a few minor adjustments such as expansion couplings for vertical vent pipes and wall furring is needed at exterior kitchen walls.

Log home owners have told me that once the log mass is heated, they are warm and cozy- and it does get pretty cold up here....Most of them seem to use infloor heat and/or wood stoves