Choosing a Log Home

(Page 7 of 7)

February/March 2005
By Greg Pahl 
Article Tools
Print
Comments
RSS
Bookmark and Share

Before you Build

RELATED CONTENT

• Buy the land where your house is going to be located before making a commitment to a manufacturer for a specific style, since the site may influence the ultimate design.
• Have a realistic idea of the total cost of the project before making any firm commitments on a log home package.
• Find out how long the log home manufacturer has been in business and check the company’s references. Are structural, certified engineering or energy calculation services provided? Talk with previous customers to see if they are satisfied with their houses and with the company.
• Be sure that your contractor has experience with log construction. Many log home manufacturers can provide the names of good contractors in your area.
• Significant differences exist between various log home packages and warranties; be sure to carefully read the specifications and the contract so you know exactly what you are getting.
• Be sure your financing is in place for the entire project before you begin construction.

For More Information

For additional information on the many different types of log homes and manufacturers that are available, these resources can be helpful:

Log Homes Council
(800) 368-5242, Ext. 8576

International Log Builders’ Association
(800) 532-2900

Log Homes on the Internet

Covers a wide range of log home topics, including a list of manufacturers and links to other resources.

Greg Pahl is the author of Natural Home Heating: The Complete Guide to Renewable Energy Options (Chelsea Green Publishing, 2003) and Biodiesel: Growing a New Energy Economy (Chelsea Green Publishing, 2005).
Page: << Previous 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
Bookmark and Share
RSS | Comments | E-mail | Print

Comments

  • mike 6/27/2007 12:32:39 PM

    What is the design flaw your talking about? Mike

  • Blayne 6/25/2007 11:46:12 AM

    I read your interesting article on log homes. It's amazing to me
    that log home builders are still building log homes with a basic
    design flaw and that is with the settling issue. There is a method
    of building with a 30+ year track record that overcomes this issue
    completely. Yet log home builders in general and especially kit
    builders have not embraced this method even partially. Also I
    cringe at Mother Earth recommending kit log homes in light of the
    many horror stories of people’s experiences. There are some good
    builders out there but there seems to be a lot more sub par ones
    and kit homes are often the worst of the lot I suggest you check
    out the North American Log Home Builders Association at
    www.loghomebuilders.org they would be more in line with what Mother
    earth news seems to stand for in my opinion. And I would love to
    see you do an article on them

Add Your Comment

Please note that there is currently a problem with the comments function and your comment may or may not post successfully. We are working to correct the problem and thank you for your patience. 

You can use this comment form to enter your personal experiences or additional information and resources that you'd like to share with Mother Earth News readers. Your helpful advice will be posted on this page.  E-mail addresses are never displayed on comments, but they are required to confirm your comments.

Line breaks and paragraphs are automatically converted — no need to use <p> or <br> tags.

New to Mother Earth News?
Sign up to share comments.
Asterisks(*) indicate required fields.
Name*
Your name appears next to your comment.

E-mail Address*
This will be your login ID.

City State Zip Code

Password*


Confirm Password*

Comments
1500 character limit (Offensive materials and/or spam will be removed, no HTML allowed)
Please Note: Your sign-up must be verified via e-mail before your comment is published.
FEATURED ARTICLES
MOST POPULAR


Subscribe Today - Pay Now & Save 66% Off the Cover Price

First Name: *
 Last Name: *
Address: *
 City: *
State/Province: *
 Zip/Postal Code:*
Country:
 Email:*
(* indicates a required item)
Canadian subs: 1 year, (includes postage & GST). Foreign subs: 1 year, . U.S. funds.
Canadian Subscribers - Click Here
Non US and Canadian Subscribers - Click Here

Lighten the Strain on the Earth and Your Budget

Mother Earth News is the guide to living — as one reader stated — “with little money and abundant happiness.” Every issue is an invaluable guide to leading a more sustainable life, covering ideas from fighting rising energy costs and protecting the environment to avoiding unnecessary spending on processed food. You’ll find tips for slashing heating bills; growing fresh, natural produce at home; and more. Mother Earth News helps you cut costs without sacrificing modern luxuries.

At Mother Earth News, we are dedicated to conserving our planet’s natural resources while helping you conserve your financial resources. That’s why we want you to save money and trees by subscribing through our Earth-Friendly automatic renewal savings plan. By paying with a credit card, you save an additional $4.95 and get 6 issues of Mother Earth News for only $10.00 (USA only).

You may also use the Bill Me option and pay $14.95 for 6 issues.