LOG HOME and LOG CABIN EDUCATION INFORMATION
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LOG HOME and LOG CABIN EDUCATION INFORMATION
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Cost Estimation One of the toughest questions that consumers ask is “how much”? Well it would be like asking how long is a piece of string. Unless you give some kind or parameters to work from every thing would be only a guess. There are so many variables that go into the equation and no one can tell you exactly until you the consumer fill in the blanks. A fair question to ask any manufacturer is “how much is your log package”. Depending on what they offer you need to get an apple-to-apple comparison. **note (see section on log packages) You must ask the same questions to each log home manufacturer and remember to ask “What is not included in my log package”. Some manufacturers, to make their log packages look very affordable will only give you a cost of the logs, then after you sign a contract obligating the consumer, you find out too many hidden costs escalating your costs some time to be more than the other manufacturer considered. This is just one cat and mouse game they play and you become the victim. So be ware and do your home work. The log homes that use screws and spikes as fastening systems will be more labot intense due to having to set a spike or screw every 18-24 inches in every log on every wall. Companies using a “Thru-Bolt” ™ might seem to be a little more expensive on the front end of your project, but they do not have the excessive amount of labor involved. Manufacturers using the “Thru-bolt”™ technology pre-drill all the holes for the rods that go through the walls saving you lots of labor hours and costs. All any builder has to do is pick up a pre numbered log and set it over the “Thru-bolt”™ and keep stacking. Your labor costs are reduced by at least 1/3 for stacking the logs. There is a log home dealer/builder in Alaska using the “Thru-bolt”™ fastening system where his 4 man crew stacked the main level log walls on a 1,900 square feet foot print to 8 feet in height in 8 hours. This is very remarkable! The “Thru-bolt”™ fastening system has been proven to save you time and money. Now there are several manufacturers using the “Thru-bolt”™ fastening system today, but one manufacturer stands alone when it comes to the “Thru-bolt”™ fastening system because they fasten the rods to the foundation, kiln dry to-the-core and innovated this Engineered fastening system back in 1975. Their system has been proven in Earthquakes and hurricanes with out failure. F.E.M.A. now requires a “thru-bolt”™ fastening system connected to the foundation on any new home constructed on a costal region here in the United States. This can be found on F.E.M.A.’s web site under costal region building requirements. Screwing a coupler to your sub-floor or applying 2 steel washers to the top of your walls will not give your home the structural stability like the systems connected directly to the foundation. (* note see section on fastening systems)
Consulting firms that help you through the building process are well worth your time and money. Not knowing the in and out's of building a log home or timber frame home can become very frustrating. Custom Woodcraft Builders out of Indianapolis, Indiana serve the Mid-Western States. If anyone has seen it all...it is Custom Woodcraft Builders. For log and timber trusses and entryways - please visit timbertrusses.net and timbertruss.net. To learn about building options with authentic reclaimed lumber, beams, logs & timbers for true historical 'green' building, please visit reclaimedwood.biz and reclaimedtimber.org. If you are interested in more information about timbers, timber framing and log and timber frame construction in general, please visit the following sites: Be sure not to miss a wide array of log home and log cabin suppliers, builders and accessories at the Outdoor Sport Lake & Cabin Show in Fort Wayne Indiana March 12-14, 2010. This event is produced by Coliseum Productions Inc.
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