Will my logs shrink and crack?
Yes. And if someone tells you otherwise, back away from them slowly. Let’s explain:
Minor Log Checking
Normal Checking
The important part is to get as much of the shrinking and checking (cracking) completed before milling the logs. This is commonly accomplished by either dry stacking or kiln drying the logs. We use kiln dried cants, and kiln dry our logs as well. This way you have a much better chance of seeing any movement and/or checking before the logs are cut. That said, some checking and shrinking will occur after construction. We do allow for log shrinkage in our point load systems and screw adjusters, but we have rarely had to adjust any of them in the past.
Abnormal Checking
Look out for major checking in logs. These have a tendency to create a problem over time, especially if the check is facing up to collect water.
Bad Log Split in Wall
Bad Split in Log Wall (Competitor Log)
If the water collects, then freezes, you have a problem that will get much worse over time.
Can I (the homeowner) be involved in finishing the home?
Helping On The Job
Absolutely!
If you have the proper knowledge about installing individual components or systems and are licensed for the task (if required), you can do anything you feel comfortable doing. Installing flooring, sanding, staining, and installing decks have been popular tasks for homeowners to complete in the past, and we will do our best to help where possible. The important thing is, only do what you know, and feel comfortable doing.
This is the term used when the entire build is supervised by the general contractor. All the customer has to do is “turn the key” in the door after the home is completed. ( This obviously does not include moving in your furniture, but sweet talk us, and we might be able to find you some help. )
Do you guarantee your products?
We offer one of the best guarantees in the business. We will not allow for an unhappy customer. Our warranty is called “Log Home for Life” It is just that, we honor your home, and the warranty with it, for life. We believe it is the best program available on the market.
We feel time should not have a factor in how long your home is covered from defect and problems with materials or workmanship. Also, our warranty isn’t something we are using to cover us in case of a lawsuit. This warranty was written for our customers to have peace of mind, and know they are taken care of if something does fail or go wrong.
For as long as you own your home, it is covered. If you sell your home, we will also transfer the warranty to a third party pending an inspection of the home before the time of the sale. We feel this is the best way to show we are serious about our quality and craftsmanship, and we stand behind what we do. We want you to have the satisfaction of knowing we have your back, and will for many, many years to come.
Call us today to find out more, or to get started building your dream home today!
Is there a size limit to how big or small a log home can be?
Small Log Homes
We have designed and completed homes as large as 12,000 sq.ft., and as small as a 200 sq.ft. hunting cabin. In other words, there are no limits at all to the size of your home. If it will fit on your lot, we can design, supply, and in some cases, even build it.
Not-So-Small Log Homes
Hey, it’s YOUR dream, not ours. If your dream is a little escape, or an expansive 20k square foot log cabin home, we can design and supply them to anywhere in the US and Canada.
Are log homes more difficult to build than conventionally framed homes?
Simply put, no. Log homes are no harder to build than conventionally framed homes. While this is in large part only based on opinion, and builders do need a different skill set and knowledge of log homes, they are no more difficult to construct. After a short training period on our homes, it is just as easy as it is to build conventional homes.
With the proper training, almost all of the builders we have brought into our facilities have quickly picked up the necessary information to allow for proper construction techniques needed to build our log homes.
Easy or Hard? It Depends on You.
Is metal roofing more expensive than traditional 30 year architectural shingles?
Does CTLH have construction assistance?
Yes, we do. While we can’t build them all, we may have an opportunity to help you with your project. If we can’t build it, we can offer a technical assist through one of our dealer builder programs, help find a local contractor, or build (opportunity allowing) even build your home with our own team. Please contact us for more information.
How is the building process begun with Custom Timber Log Homes?
By being here, you have already started!
You can take a look through our models, at resources like log home magazines and log home shows, as well as sketching out your own ideas.
Schedule a meeting with one of our designers, and we can begin putting your thoughts on paper. Every CTLH homeowner has a home custom-designed for them. Even our stock models will need to be matched to each customer to provide a fit that is truly unique and exactly what you want. We wouldn’t have it any other way.
What is the average timeline for building a log home from start to finish?
This will depend on many factors, including your contractor, the weather, and material supplies. Most homes take between 6 and 12 months to construct.
While the most unknown areas, like the foundation, can depend greatly on weather, once the basement, crawl space, or slab is in place, the job can usually progress throughout any season. Once out of the foundation area of the build, the homes usually take 4-5 months to complete.
Obviously things like landscaping and log home stain have to be completed when the weather is cooperative, but most of the other areas aren’t weather dependent.
