Log home article. It
goes without saying that the appeal of log homes is the wood. Logs are
beautiful, strong and durable. They’re also renewable. For these reasons alone,
many people regard logs as the quintessential building material.
There’s more to log homes than the logs, however. What makes
log homes truly special is the way the logs are shaped, fitted and assembled.
Traditional log-building skills and contemporary engineering combine to make
log homes the delight that they have become. Now wonder they are in such
demand.
As you travel the path toward owning your own log home, you
will encounter many new terms and concepts. That’s because log homes are
different from conventional homes. Take advantage of these differences to find
a log home that works for you.
Start by choosing a look. Of all the choices that you will
make, this is the one that should concern you the most. Once your home is
bought and built, and you’re living it in, the look will be the only thing that
matters. So think long term and concentrate on what kind of log home will
satisfy you the most for the next five, 10, possibly 30 or more years.
Although few log homes look alike, there are some general
characteristics that appeal to their owners. Try to identify what these
features are when you look at log homes, and save pictures of homes that have
them.
Finding Ideas
Log-home magazines abound with pictures showing the many
different styles of log homes, as well as how to decorate them. Clip ideas that
appeal to you, even if they belong to a log home that doesn’t — even if it
isn’t a log home at all. When you’re designing your kitchen, for example, a
variety of kitchen design and decor books on the market will expose you to many
ingenious space solutions.
You’ll benefit from being able to spot features that will
work best for you, even if they are minute details with a broader setting. Pick
and choose ideas. Don’t be distracted by the size of pictured homes. Magazines
usually show large ones because they’re easier to get a camera inside and more
interesting to photograph. If you’re planning a smaller place, look for cozy
groupings within larger settings. Notice colors and furnishings that work well
with wood. Almost any feature you like on a bigger home can be scaled down.
Looking through log-home magazines, you’ll notice lots of
advertisements for companies that sell log homes. Most of these ads offer
brochures, catalogs, plans books or videos, priced anywhere from $5 to $25.
This sales literature can help you build your arsenal of ideas by showing a
variety of home styles and sizes. Before you find yourself drowning in mail and
spending all the money you were saving for your stacked-stone fireplace on
planning guides, however, narrow your choices to a few companies whose homes
you like the look of.
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