Living in a log home is an exhilarating experience and log home growth is at a new all-time high. You can maintain the enjoyment and market value of your home in many ways. Unfortunately, some homeowners become somewhat complacent and don’t take good care of their houses.

There are five habits that we can slip into that lower the value of our log homes. Some are obvious while others are more subtle. Let’s explore what things we do or do not do that lower a log home’s value.

A Log Home’s Physical Condition

The physical condition of a log home’s original construction is perhaps the thing that stands out the most whether good or bad. You should watch for these issues that can occur over the years:

  • Deferred maintenance is just plain neglect or laziness
  • Damaged logs and log siding must be repaired or replaced
  • Discolored logs and log siding result from inadequate cleaning and staining
  • Problems with roofing and gutters are not corrected
  • Mold and mildew can appear if logs are too close to the ground
  • Crumbling foundation may occur if the cement mix was bad

These issues may be amplified if you live in a very hot, cold, humid, or dry area. A good plan is to make a semiannual inspection of the exterior of your log home. Create a checklist to note things that are in good shape and things that need correcting.

Log Home Value: Home Improvements Gone Wrong

Mistakes made during the original construction of your home are not the only workmanship issues. Home improvements and remodeling gone wrong that are not corrected are also problems. You as the owner think you can live with these little issues, but they stick out during an appraisal if you want to sell.

Many of these mistakes occur when a handyman, contractor, or DIY homeowner takes some shortcuts to save time or money. Poor workmanship compromises quality and can reduce the value of your home in both the short and long runs. When it’s time to sell, someone must repair or replace issues such as:

  • Warped flooring or crooked bathroom or backsplash tiles
  • Gaps in woodworking joints such as flooring, walls, or trim
  • Uneven decking or railings or poorly designed decking
  • Kitchen or bath cabinet doors that don’t close properly
  • Removing a wall that was a mistake
  • Inadequate HVAC system was installed

Unfortunately, some homeowners become somewhat complacent and don’t take good care of their houses.

Log Home Value: Outdated Kitchens And Bathrooms

You may be happy with your kitchen’s and bathrooms’ appearance and functioning but they may be out of style in other people’s eyes. If this is the case, they can lower your home’s value. Not all of these rooms may be a problem; just one of them can turn people off with:

  • Outdated or damaged appliances
  • Out-of-fashion appliance and wall colors
  • Unusual kitchen layouts
  • Inadequate cabinets or shelving
  • Unacceptable faucets or cabinet hardware
  • Inadequate lighting in rooms
  • Old tile with grout
  • Floors are worn or dirty

Potential home buyers will think about how much it will cost to remodel the kitchen and/or bathrooms, and this further brings down its value. If you are thinking about selling your log home in a year or two, consider upgrading these two rooms soon.

Log Home Value: Poor Landscaping

Next to the physical condition of your log home, poor landscaping stands out as a visual eyesore. It can take the form of poor, ugly, or neglected landscaping. If your property looks bad from the curb, most people don’t want to see the inside of the home. Here are some issues:

  • Home is overtaken by weeds, bushes, vines, or trees
  • Overgrowth can create hazards such as fires, insects, or critters
  • Trees with dead or damaged limbs
  • Bald spots or discolored grass
  • Water drainage issues
  • Improper use of mulching
  • Outdated water features

Many of these issues occurred because well-meaning homeowners, family, or friends did the work. Consider using professionals to correct these problems to improve your property’s value.

Damaged Driveways, Sidewalks, And Pathways

Damage to driveways, sidewalks, and paved pathways can occur over time. However, if the damage is severe, you have a problem. Cracks, raised or lowered sections, holes, chips, or discolored cement or asphalt can present sizeable issues.

Any or all of these issues may occur if the original work was done incorrectly. Climate and harsh chemicals put on the cement or asphalt can also cause damage. Some people think if the yard is neglected, inside of your log home will also be neglected.

All the things we have discussed lower the value of your log home. The best solution is to maintain your home as issues occur or take care of them now to keep your curb appeal and market value up.

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