Log Home Step by Step: A Checklist - Log Home Builders & Log Cabin Kits

Log Home Step by Step:

When building a home, people often ask, “What happens next?” While there is no exact, step-by-step plan for building a log home, there is a usual method to our madness. Below, you will find a checklist that will give you a good idea of how your home will be built, from clearing the site, through the dry-in phase, all the way to the final product. While this is not meant to be a do-it-yourself guide, it will give you an idea of what will happen next in your project.

Site Cleaning and Excavation (by-excavation contractor)

Have your property reviewed by a surveyor and by the builder. If your area offers consultations from the building department, this is a great time to take them up on that. Don’t dig until given approval to do so by the “powers that be,” as this could really hold up the process later
Corner stakes for foundation often installed by the surveyor while making plot plan
Remove trees and clear building site as needed (after approvals, can’t be stressed enough here)
Remove topsoil and store for reuse
Dig basement excavation and haul or store dirt
Dig and install septic tank and drain field (by contractor)
Install any culverts or other items necessary for proper access to the site by large delivery trucks

Termite Protection by Pest Extermination Company

Treat ground around foundation with termite treatment[/fusion_toggle]

Install Footing System and Foundation Layouts

Layout for footings by concrete contractor
Corner pins for foundation best if installed by the surveyor on his second trip to the site.
Install batter boards and layout lines
Locate, stake, and dig footings and piers pads
Arrange for footing inspection
Pour concrete for footings

Installation of Foundation by Concrete/Carpenter Contractor

Layout foundation
Install form for poured concrete foundation or block wall system
Install waterproofing, foam, or hot tar material
Install drain tile and french drain system around footings

Backfill and Rough Grade by Excavation Contractor

Backfill around foundation
Rough grade slope for lawn
Trench for garage foundation, porch, and deck piers

Installation of Subfloor by Carpentry Contractor

Install termite shield
Install caulking
Layout and install sill plate
Install center post, girder, rim, and floor joists
Install headers, trimmers, and bridging
Install subfloor framing material and sheathing

Prepare for Delivery of Log Package

Confirm exact delivery time with plant
Confirm payment due on delivery for materials
Confirm payment amount due for shipping
Arrange to have certified checks available
Prepare materials storage area, per instructions
Prepare access road, per instructions
Assemble equipment/manpower needed to unload logs
Unloading and storage of logs and other materials on job site
Unload materials, stack, and store, per instructions
Check materials against shipping manifest
Record damage and shortages as instructed

Use All Technical Assistance Provided by Log Home Producer

The construction manual
On-site technical assistance
Telephone technical assistance
Other forms of assistance

The Dry-In Phase

The following sequence of events is generally referred to as the “dry-in” phase of construction. It is the basic installation of the complete turn-key package and is usually handled by one contractor and crew. This phase of construction is thoroughly illustrated and discussed in the Custom Timber Log Homes Construction Guide.

Installation of Porch and Deck Floor Systems by Carpentry Contractor

Installation of doubled perimeter band
Installation of floor support posts (Note: If these are over the provided 16′ length, they will need to be provided by homeowner)
Installation of joists
Installation of 5/4 decking

The First Course of Logs by Carpentry Contractor

Layout house by following floor plan dimensions on log cut sheet
Layout electrical outlets and fixtures on subfloor
Install starter strip, caulking, etc., per plan
Install first course of logs, per instructions
Make provision for electrical outlets in log walls

Erecting Log Walls by Carpentry Contractor

Installation of insulation, caulking, foam gasket
Use of spline materials to prevent air infiltration
Installation of fastening devices (Bolts: lag screws, through bolts, rods)
Apply adhesives
Installation of in-line splices in log walls
Installing logs between window and door openings while keeping window and door bucks square and plumb, while keeping corners plumb and true
Installation of headers, maintaining level window line
Level top course, preparing for second floor system

Installation of Second Floor Framing Systems – by Carpentry Contractor

Notching of wall logs to accommodate floor joists (if necessary)
Installation of center girders and support posts (also notched, if necessary)
Installation of floor joists
Installation of wiring for overhead lighting
Installation of 2×6 tongue-and-groove decking
Methods of accommodating settling with provided screw jacks

Installation of Stairs to Second Floor – by Carpentry Contractor

Cut stringer material per plan
Use scrap framing for treads if conventionally framed, or cover finished material in exposed system with protection
Install finished treads near end of entire project on conventionally framed stairs

Installation of Gable Ends and Shed Dormer Walls – by Carpentry Contractor

Install solid log gable end and dormer walls, pre-cut and uncut (if applicable)
Install framed and sheathed gable end and/or dormer walls
Frame for windows in exterior walls (maintain plumb walls at dormer and gable ends)
Special bracing requirements
Instal OSB sheathing
Install house wrap
Install exterior siding

Installation of Premier iOS Roof Systems – by Carpentry Contractor

Install rafters, ridges, and support posts
Install of continuous vent strip
Install 2×6 tongue-and-groove decking
Install wiring for overhead lighting
Install vapor barrier
Install perimeter solid blocking for insulation layer
Install insulation layer
Install 1x ventillation system
Install roof sheathing layer
Install felt
Install shingles
Conventional roof systems, if premier roofing is not used
Roof truss system
Flat truss
Scissor truss
Attic truss
Stick-built system
Optional exposed collar ties into conventional systems

Note: Insulation and interior ceiling liner (used with conventional roof systems) are not included in standard pricing.

Installation of Premier Porch iOS Roof Systems – By Carpentry Contractor

Install porch roof support posts and plates
Install porch rafters
Install wiring for overhead lighting (prior to decking)
Install 2×6 tongue-and-groove decking
Install felt paper
Install shingles

Note: Conventional porch roof systems are generally stick-built framing with ceiling joists for a flat ceiling. Soffit material for overhang areas (1×6 T&G) is included, but the ceiling material is not included in standard pricing.

Heavy Timber Porch System Option

Installation of porch knee wall
Install framing
Install continuous vent strip
Install siding
Installation of roof fascia, trim, and soffit material – by carpentry contractor
Install 1×6 T&G soffit material on conventional roofs
Install Sub fascia boards around entire perimeter of house and porch roof systems, if conventionally framed

Installation of Windows and Exterior Doors – by Carpentry Contractor

Install window bucks
Attach bucks to log walls to accomodate settling
Allow settelment space for windows and doors
Create weather-tight seal between buck and jamb
Caulk, install insulation and flash per requirements
Install exterior trim
Installation of subfloor band siding also by carpentry contractor

Install Interior Partitions – by Carpentry Contractor

Connect partition walls to exterior log walls
First floor studwalls should be “floating” and include settlement space
Install plumbing walls (2×6 in most cases)
Frame walls for interior doors
Interior wall coverings not included in standard package

This marks the completion of the Dry-in phase of construction.

Installation of Fireplaces and Chimneys – by Masonry Contractor

Erection of brick and block work for fireplace
Install masonry or metal firebox
Install chimney cap, mantel, and hearth

Install Roofing – by Roofing Contractor

Install flashing
Install finish roofing materials

Installation of Electrical Service – by Electrical Contractor

Installation of electrical service in a log home differs very little from conventional construction.
Where special installation is required, this is generally explained in the construction manual and/or on the supplied blueprints.
Install electrical wiring, outlet boxes, fixture boxes, switches, connectors, entrance panel, security systems, any speaker wire, and circuit breakers
Install light fixtures
Install hook-up appliances
Install heating and air conditioning equipment
Install wiring for any special electrical equipment

Installation of Plumbing System by Plumbing Contractor

Install main water supply line
Install main sewer line
Install water/drain pipes, vents, drains
Install fixtures and faucets
Install special equipment such as water softeners, sump pumps, pressure relief valves, etc.

The installation of the plumbing system in a log home differs very little from conventional construction. Where special installation is required, this is generally explained in the construction manual and/or on the provided blueprints.

Installation of Heating and Air Conditioning Equipment by HVAC Contractor

Installation of HVAC equipment in a log home differs very little from conventional construction. Where special installation is required, this is generally explained in the construction manual and/or the provided blueprints.
Install trunk lines and duct work
Install heating system
Install air conditioning equipment

Installation of Interior Walls and Ceilings – by Drywall Contractor

Install gypsum wallboards
Install metal cornerbeads
Install joint compound and tape
Finish sheetrock material for application of paint

Installation of Exterior Finish and Trim – by Carpentry Contractor

Install garage doors
Install shutters (if applicable)
Install any additional flashing

Installation of Gutter, Downspouts, Splash Blocks – by Sheet Metal Contractor

Install gutters and downspouts
Install splash blocks

Installation of Concrete Floors, Walks, Drives – by Concrete Contractor

Install vapor/vegetation barrier
Install crushed stone base
Install radon vent pipe
Install reinforcing wire or rods
Install forms and screens
Install expansion joints
Install condensate drains and plumbing lines/drains

Installation of Interior Finish and Trim – by Carpentry Contractor

Install underlayment and flooring
Install interior doors and hardware
Install interior window/door trim
Install baseboard, base molding
Install wall molding and/or chair rail (if applicable)
Install cabinets, counter tops
Install vanities, bars, and other miscellaneous equipment
Install closet shelves/poles
Install stair treads, railings, balusters
Install tub and shower doors

Installation of Painting, Wall Covering – by Painting Contractor

Apply interior paint and wood finish
Apply exterior wood finish, preservative
Install wallpaper (if applicable)

Installation of Floor Covering – by Flooring Contractor

Install hardwood flooring
Install tile
Install carpeting and pad

The Final Product: A “Modern” Log Home

Remember, this is a sample construction project shown in order of installation. Time lines will vary depending on the build location, weather, the size of the home, the complexity of the home design, availability of subcontractors, and many other issues.