Jack 1.4 on December 15, 2003

Emailed to interested readers about once a month.

Ask Log Man . . . Holy Knot Holes Log Man, we have been thinking about buying a log home but have a few questions that we thought you might be able to answer.

What is the insulation value of log homes compared to brick and stick homes?

Log Man sez: Homes made of logs provide very good insulation. As a rule, brick and stick homes need to have 2' x 6' framed walls to equal the R Value of homes made of 6' x 8' logs. What you may not know is that logs are a passive energy system. Logs actually store heat as well as cool air conditioned air. In the winter, warm air in the logs is pushed back into the home when the outside temperatures is colder than the inside air. This unique feature of logs can amount to as much as a 30% annual savings in energy when compared to brick and stick homes.

What is the resale value of log homes?

Log Man sez: Log homes tend to move rapidly when put on the market. Unfortunately, people who have log homes tend to keep them so few are on the market.

I have heard that log homes do not hold their value?

Log Man sez: I do not have hard evidence about this but that is not what I have heard. The word on the street is that log homes tend to increase in value at a faster rate than brick and stick homes.

What type of maintenance will we need to do on the inside and outside of log homes?

Log Man sez: As with any wood, log homes need to be treated periodically to prevent water and sun damage. If this is not done, the outside will begin to look like those old barns and fences we see along the country road. During construction, the inside of log homes is finished with a sand and sealer type product. That is all that needs to be done to the inside. The outside should be treated [sealed and stained] every two to seven years, depending on the product. It can be sprayed on or applied with a bucket and brush.

We would like a customized log home. Is that a reasonable expectation on our part?

Log Man sez: Some companies do not allow any modifications to their floor plans. I believe this is a cost cutting approach to doing business. Other companies offer to customize their floor plans or build the floor plan you design from scratch as a normal part of doing business.

Does it take longer to build a log home than a brick or stick home?

Log Man sez: The short answer is yes. You can count on three to six months to complete a log home once the foundation is ready. This happens in part because raising [straight] log walls takes time when done correctly. There is also more customizing work undertaken in log homes compared to the cookie cutter approach used in many brick and stick homes. Remember also, a customized brick and stick home will take a fair amount of time to build just like a log home.

Does it cost more to build a log home than a brick or stick home?

Log Man sez: In 2003, the cost to build a log homes can range from $100 per square foot and up. In some geographic areas like the mountains for instance, the cost can go up to $175 and as much as $250 per square foot. Add the following items to this budget estimate: site preparation, septic system, well, finished basements, fire places, large decks, driveway, swimming pools and boat docks. Brick, stick and modular homes can start as low as $60 per square foot. The latter, however, tend not to hold their value like log homes.

Next OPEN HOUSE - April 2004
In cooperation with Smith Mountain Lake Properties,
will hold an Open House to see our
Isle of Pines project in April 2004

New & Used Boats
Contact Gordon Wilson at
Magnum Boating Center Sales & Service
540.576.7192

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