Today's
log homes can be just as big and luxurious as
traditional stick-built homes, and they've got
something your neighbor's home doesn't: logs. What
kid didn't dream of having a lot home (or maybe a
log tree fort) out in the woods somewhere? Well,
some adults share that dream.
Whether you like the rustic look or just want to
live in a house built from natural materials, a log
home may be appealing to you. But are they a good
investment? Are they a smart choice?
The short answer is yes. In fact, log homes have
some benefits stick-built homes lack. Let's take a
look.
1. They generally are made to a higher standard with
superior craftsmanship and custom touches. Because
of this, log homes regularly appraise higher than
comparably sized conventional homes. Basically this
means that, square foot for square foot, they have a
higher resale value.
2. Log homes are sturdy, stand up well to the
elements, and generally speaking last a long time.
There are many stories of these houses surviving the
worst Mother Nature has thrown at them, including
the big 2005 hurricanes, Katrina and Rita. This
shouldn't be surprising. Unlike walls in traditional
homes, which are just frames covered with insulation
and drywall, log homes are solid wood. There are
still-standing, still-occupied log homes in Europe
dating back more than 800 years.
3. The notion that log homes are warm and cozy isn't
just fanciful thinking. Compared to a cold piece of
drywall, wood is warm to the touch. Logs also have
something called thermal mass going for them; all
that dense, solid wood is energy efficient, keeping
temperatures inside the home comfortable year
around.
4. If your log home is built and sealed properly, it
will be very energy efficient. This means you spend
less money on heating and cooling throughout the
year. Many log home manufacturers create kits
designed to be 15-20% more efficient than a
conventional home.
5. Log homes are usually more quiet than stick-built
homes. Remember that thermal mass we talked about?
Well, aside from being energy efficient, it's sound
efficient. Those dense logs have sound-deadening
effects. That means you can block out everything
from outside noises to your kid's basement drum
solos. No need for ear plugs, thank you.
6. One last benefit, is that it's easy to maintain
log homes and keep them free of mold, mildew, and
insect infestations. In traditional homes, there are
sealed wall cavities where everything from mold,
termites, and rats can get in and thrive. Log homes
don't have those dank hollows. To inspect for
problems, all you have to do is take a walk around
your home and check out the condition of the logs.
This makes it easy to catch problems earlier and get
them taken care of before they become costly
situations.
Generally speaking, the pros far outweigh the cons
when it comes to choosing a log home. Whether it's
for your primary residence, a vacation rental, or a
place to retire down the road, a log home can keep
you and your family warm and comfortable for years
to come.
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