Overcoming 5 So-Called Objections to Log Home Living

Choosing the type of home you want to live in is a personal choice and should not be influenced by the uninformed about log siding. There are always critics when it comes to any style of home, its layout, and living style. Too many people have become accustomed to the ‘concrete jungle’ of the city and don’t appreciate the beauty and advantages of living in log homes.

Today, we want to dispel 5 objections to log homes and log home living that includes:

• Log Homes Are Too Expensive
• Log Homes Take Too Long to Build
• Wiring, Plumbing, and HVAC Systems Are Problems
• Insurance is Too Expensive
• Too much maintenance over time

Anything is easy when you know how to do it, and overcoming these five objections is not rocket science. They are not real objections when you know how to overcome them and turn them to advantage.

Objection #1: Log Homes Are Too Expensive – No

The truth is, full-log homes can be quite expensive, and the solution is to use pine log siding inside and out. Each full log has much mass and requires special notches and precisely cut joints that drive up the price The average carpenter lacks the skills and equipment to install and insulate full log homes and cabins.

Pine log siding that is tongue and groove with the end-matching design along with conventional wall framing is much less expensive than full logs. The labor and tool/equipment costs to put logs into place and secure them are also less. Insulation is put between 2×4 or 2×6 walls and the siding is affordable and keeps log homes comfortable.

Objection #2: Log Homes Take Too Long to Build – No

This objection is another common mistake people make when they do not understand log home construction. It is true that using full logs, especially extra thick logs, can slow the build and winter can creep up before the construction is finished. Here’s why using pine log siding overcomes this conception:

• Pine log siding is typically in stock at the mills that speeds up ordering and delivery
• It is not necessary to wait on scheduling a crane and crane operator
• Working with heavy logs is labor intensive, slow, and can be dangerous
• There may be a backlog of orders for logs the same size
• There may be a shortage of skilled workers in your area

Again, the solution is to use pine log siding, trim, and corner systems. Contractors that build conventional homes can also build yours to perfection with log siding.

“Choosing the type of home you want to live in is a personal choice and should not be influenced by the uninformed.”

Objection #3: Wiring, Plumbing, and HVAC Systems Are Hard to Install in Log Homes – No

Installing wiring, plumbing, and HVAC systems can be a headache when using full logs. This objection is not present when using pine log siding and knotty pine paneling. These benefits come with using log siding on the exterior and interior walls:

• No need to drill long holes through large logs
• Much easier to run wiring in walls before installing siding
• Plumbing is not as difficult because it is installed the same as in conventional walls
• First and second-floor bathrooms do not need to be stacked on top of each other
• Hiding HVAC system ductwork is not limited compared to using full logs

Make it easy on yourself and your contractor by using pine log siding.

Objection #4: Insurance for Log Homes is too Expensive – No 

The cost of log home insurance depends on several factors that vary with homeowners and even conventional homes. Here’s how to save money on this type of insurance.

• Shop around with companies and talk to other log homeowners
• Build your home in a less-secluded area
• Use roofing material that is more fire resistant
• Use wood-burning stoves that meet strict insurance codes
• Do not stack firewood against the house
• Bundle with auto and other insurances

Other ways to reduce costs include installing high-impact roofing to reduce hail damage and building away from natural disaster-prone areas. Be sure to take advantage of all homeowner insurance discounts, and put all these ideas together for a winning combination. This informative article helps explain log home insurance. Keep in mind that log siding home insurance is less expensive and easier to obtain than a full log home policy.

Objection #5: Log Homes Require Too Much Maintenance – No

The fact is, all homes need maintenance over time – you can’t escape it. The key to minimal log home maintenance is staining and sealing the log siding, trim, and corner system the right way from the beginning. To make things short, carefully follow the guidelines from the stain and sealer manufacturers to keep the wood beautiful and durable.

Maintain a home yourself if you have the skills, or hire a professional to do the work on a routine schedule. Set some money aside for maintenance, and your log siding home will be great-looking for decades to come.

References and Resources:

• Log Siding Benefits
• Understanding Insurance