Anyone live in a log house?

I'm thinking of buying one.

 

A real-estate agent friend of mine, lived in a log home for 6 years. It cost her a fortune to heat and it turns out that her respiratory problems were the result of the out-gassing of solvents used in the wood sealer/stain. However, if it's a new log home or you live in a mild climate, then go for it. They are among the most beautiful natural living experiences around. I used to love staying there on the weekends.

 

Mr P.
Please ensure you get some one else to build it for you.

I`ve seen RE constructions!!!

Harry.

 

My sister-in-law has one, though she recently moved to CA and now rents it to family friends. I know she lives it and that is why she chose to rent it and not sell it.

Any specific questions MrP?

 

Whatever happened to nice brick houses

 

The poorly built ones fall down because of crappy morder.

 

HEY! None of the ones I was on...

 

No, it's just the first time I've considered one. I can google and find stuff, but I was just wondering if there were any personal experiences I would be interested in. If the price is right, I(we) might go for it. If we do, I'll post a pic or two.

 

I know that a real log home settles like mad. Walls moving inches to half a foot is not unheard of. I helped build a house that was a normal framed house with log siding, and that was really sharp looking. Looked like a real log home from the outside but without the settling problems.

 

I would think the risk of termites is elevated as compared to brick and mortar, but I'm no contractor.

Actually Mr. p00ty, a good friend of mine is close to buying one in the mountains of Georgia (U.S., not Soviet), and next time I see him I'll ask him what he found so convincing about it. I don't believe he's going to use it as a full-time residence, but that's as close as I can come to something meaningful in a response for you.

 

It's too damn cold for termites where I'm buying this one.

I don't suppose penguins are a problem...?

(I know, wrong pole. Polar bears wouldn't have cut it though)

 

Bought one and lived in it for 4 years before selling. If you are building new, check into insurability in the region you are considering. I looked at adding an addition in log vs stick-built and the log addition was quite a bit higher - so make sure its big enough to start (or be prepared to build a" compound")
Also make sure you really look at number of windows & door and placement as its hard to make precise cuts with a Stihl when you go to cut a hole to add a window.

Finally, treating the outside walls with a GOOD preservative (and I don't mean Thompson's Waterseal) is important - as is keeping it sealed on the weather and sunward sides. The previous owners of mine did not keep up with the sealer and by the time I bought it (12 years after construction), the logs on the sunward side were checked and had begun to come apart. So consider carefully the species of wood used as well.

 

Thanks for the input. The offer is in, and I'm waiting for a response.

 

I have two good friends that have log homes (Scandinavian style) the builder Legendary Homes Collingwood Ontario have put up log homes all over the world. I think they did a wonderful job on both building ,and my friends are very happy with them. The issues mentioned above are a little over exaggerated as the technologies have change to fix problems with stains and shrinkage. Find a good builder and you won't have problems.

 

Thanks for the comments. It's built already, by a reputable builder. The only issue now is an exchange of offers and counter offers. If we can get the price we want, I think we'll take it.