Purchasing a turnkey log home can be an exciting project. There are many things to consider, including cost, the style of the house, and how you can make the house your own. It can be hard to know where to begin, so we’ve put together a list of the top 10 factors you should keep in mind when considering a log home.
Cost of materials
If you’re planning on building a log home, you’re likely wondering about the cost. While the materials themselves are not expensive, there are other costs that can be figured into the equation.
The initial cost of building a log home is comparable to the price of a stick built home. But you’ll need to factor in some extra expenses such as a full-service septic system, well drilling, and a water supply meter. This is where hiring a professional home builder can pay off in the long run.
However, the real money is in the yearly maintenance that a log home will require. A full year’s worth of staining, cleaning, and sealing can add up to about $1,000 per year.
In addition, a full masonry fireplace can cost around $30000. That’s more than double the cost of a wood burning stove, and a stone fireplace will cost at least $15 to $25 more.
Having a solid foundation is key to a safe build. You can’t expect a log home to withstand any damage without one. Having a basement is another cost. It can cost between $25 and $50 per square foot.
Building a log home can be a rewarding experience, but it can also be risky. There are many risks to consider, and it is best to have a seasoned pro on your side.
Although you can save a lot of money by logging your own wood, it’s still best to hire a professional. Not only can a good contractor do the work correctly the first time, they can help you avoid costly mistakes.
One of the biggest costs is in the labor. Contractors vary widely in the amount they charge.
Cost of construction
Building a log home can be expensive. It is a big investment, and there are many risks involved. A good rule of thumb is that a log home will cost 20 to 30% more than a conventional home.
Costs will depend on the size of your building site. A larger lot will give you more room for development, but may also mean more work. The cost of land will vary from state to state.
Materials will also vary. Depending on your location, a quality kitchen appliance can cost between $2,500 and $5,000. Roofing materials and filtration devices will vary in price.
Other finishing items include plumbing, heating and cooling, electrical, lighting, and landscaping. These are often the most costly components of a log home. Often, a professional craftsperson will provide the best ROI.
Finishing costs are typically comparable for both post and beam and timber frame log homes. Prices range from $1 to $25 per square foot for the exterior, and $1 to $11 per square foot for the interior.
Labor is another factor in the cost of a log home. Finishing items such as flooring and painting are often not included in the cost. Purchasing the most important items piecemeal can save money.
Turnkey costs can vary depending on the design and construction techniques used. Typically, log home packages will come with a roof framing, exterior doors, windows, soffits and fascia.
As a general rule, the cost of a log home will vary depending on the size of the building site, the complexity of the design, the type of foundation and the amount of excavation and construction. However, the average price for a 500-square-foot log cabin is approximately $75,000.
Land is also a factor. In the United States, the national average for land is $3,160 per acre.
Cost of finishing
The cost of finishing a log home can vary greatly depending on the location and construction style you choose. You’ll also want to consider how much maintenance your home needs over the years. Choosing a quality finish will help you avoid costly maintenance.
Finishing costs can be higher for some log home styles, including the post and beam and timber frame varieties. Depending on the size of your home, you may also have to pay for additional materials.
For a standard home, the cost can range from $90-$150 per square foot. Those with a basement or garage can expect to pay more. It’s not unusual for a building to take more than six months to complete.
If you plan to build your own log cabin, it can take up to nine months. This is because the process includes clearing the land, installing the foundation, and building the walls. Building a single-floor cabin takes less time. But there are a few risks involved.
Exterior work can include staining, installing windows, and finishing the roof. These activities will cost around $60000 to $100000.
Interior finishes can include paint, carpet, and appliances. Appliances can be expensive, with a high-quality kitchen appliance ranging from $2500 to $5,000.
If you decide to hire a contractor to finish your log home, the cost will be higher. Usually, you’ll pay for labor to install the roof, exterior, and interior finishes.
You’ll also pay for materials, including the wood, plywood, shingles, and siding. The amount you’ll spend on these materials will depend on the size of your cabin.
When it comes to finishing, your log home will need more care than many other types of homes. Having a high-quality finish will help you preserve the beauty of your new home, and keep it free of stains and holes. Over time, a low-quality finish will wear down, create gaps, and cause UV degradation. A high-quality finish will be made with advanced technology and top-notch ingredients.
Design flexibility
When it comes to design flexibility, log homes have an advantage over traditional construction. They are easy to build and offer a wide variety of options for the exterior appearance.
However, they can also be expensive. To illustrate, let’s look at a typical cost per square foot for a solid-log home, which is only one of the many types of homes available.
The shell package (also called the log wall system) is the most affordable option. It includes a floor, roof, logs and beams. This may sound like a good deal, but be warned. If the construction is not done correctly, you could end up paying a lot more for the resulting home.
With custom homes, you’ll need to pay more for the raw materials, but you’ll have the opportunity to create a completely custom design. As a rule, it’s more time consuming for a builder and design team to put together a home.
There are also hybrid homes. This type of home allows you to strategically position your logs to create the look you want. In addition, it may give you some modern amenities.
Some builders offer a sleek wooden prefab home. These types of houses can be made from Arctic pine. Their interior partition walls can be finished in drywall. Stone siding can add texture to the outside walls.
Depending on your location, construction costs can vary. You’ll need to account for site prep, such as leveling the ground and pouring a concrete foundation. Also, consider the time it will take to plan and build your log home. Typically, it takes about six months to a year to complete a full log home.
Off-grid power options
If you are planning on building a log home, you should consider off-grid power options. These options will not only give you greater independence, but they also reduce your carbon footprint.
Off-grid homes are a growing trend, as many people want more independence from the electric grid. However, there are a few things to keep in mind.
First, you must decide on what kind of energy you will be using in your home. The type of energy you use will determine the size of your solar system. This will also impact the price of your project.
A battery storage system is an excellent option for your off-grid home. It will store power that you can use during the day. Batteries can be expensive to install, but new lithium batteries offer advanced functionality.
You may also consider a backup diesel generator. These are very costly, and you will have to have the fuel to run them. Having a backup gas or diesel generator will also require regular maintenance.
You will also need a water supply. Natural water sources may not be available all year round. Using municipal water can be an expense. Water pumping will also consume power.
Lastly, you will need an inverter. An inverter is a device that converts the electricity produced by your solar array into a usable form. Electricity is then passed into your charge controller.
When evaluating an off-grid system, you will need to figure out how much power you need to run all of your appliances. By listing the appliances that you use in your home, you can calculate the amount of power you will need.
Solar panels and batteries are the two most common off-grid power sources. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages.
