Choosing a Log Home

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Bigger Isn’t Always Better

The size of the average log home in the United States has increased substantially in the past few decades. Fifteen to 20 years ago, the average was about 1,100 square feet. Today, the average is more than 2,000 square feet. “We definitely have seen an increase in the size of log homes that most people are purchasing today,” Horn says.

But this trend is not necessarily mirrored on the handcrafted side of the industry, according to Savignac. “Although there are exceptions, in general I’m finding that people are building smaller and smarter,” he says. “They’re taking more time to design a house that is more functional, but not necessarily bigger.”

So, if your budget is limited or if you simply want to minimize your impact on the planet, join this growing countertrend. Take a little extra time with the design, and you may end up with a better, smaller log home that truly meets your needs — whether it’s handcrafted or milled.

But what is it really like to live in a log home? Tom and Denise Pavao have lived in their 1,800-square-foot handcrafted log home in Ashfield, Mass., since 1997. They spent several years carefully researching log homes before selecting a New York-based handcrafter. The home faces south to take advantage of passive solar gain in the winter. In addition, the Pavaos use a masonry heater as their primary heat source and generally burn between 2 and 3 cords of wood per season.

“The house has a wonderful warmth and solidity about it,” Denise says. “When people come to visit us, they walk through the doors and immediately comment about how cozy it feels. We just love it.”

Horn offers some final advice for prospective log home buyers. “The key to an enjoyable log home-building experience is to do your homework carefully,” he says. “Then, work with a reputable log home manufacturer and be sure you understand the entire process and total costs. And don’t be shy about asking questions.”

Greener Options

Beyond using locally harvested trees for logs and insuring airtight sealings, there are numerous choices you can make to help create a more sustainable home:

• Energy Star double- or triple-pane windows with high-performance glass and insulated frames are environmentally responsible and will save you money in the long run on heating and cooling costs.
• Cellulose insulation is generally considered “greener” than fiberglass and is usually less expensive to install in attics. Regardless of the insulation type you use in your attic, the higher the R-value (resistance to heat flow), the more energy efficient your home will be. Also consider wool insulation — a superb natural insulator that can be used between logs. Good Shepherd Wool ((403) 845-6705) in Alberta is one of the few commercial sources.
• High-tech synthetic roofing shingles made from recycled materials are available that perform as well or better than the actual slate or cedar shakes they mimic.
• Use low- or no-VOC (volatile organic compound) paints and finishes.
• Heating your log home with a renewable energy heating system — geothermal, solar, wood or biodiesel — will make it greener and save you money over the long term.

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