Frequently Asked Questions about Log Homes

Q:  What is the "R" value of a the log wall?

A:    The actual "R" value of a 7" log is about an R-13. This is a bit deceiving because of the "thermal" value of the log wall is about 20-25% better than a 2x6 stud partition with R-19 fiberglass insulation. When "R" value is determined no consideration of absorption of heat into the material is taken. Because of the compression of the wood fibers, a log will absorb heat or cold for the first 1" or so and will not allow it to transfer through the wall.

A thermal test was done in the mid-west where identical homes were built, one out of stud construction, one out of logs. These two homes were heated and cooled for a two year period with exactly the same units, the results were as previously mentioned. This study was done to prove the thermal value of the log construction for approval by FHA and VA for their financing programs.

Q:  Do we provide doors and windows?

A:    No. The reason we don't include windows and doors in our material package quotes is because of the wide selection and price variance as well as individual customer preference. Window and door quotes are available from Contemporary Log Homes if you know the type of doors and windows you'd prefer to use in your construction. In some cases, doors and windows can be purchased from a local glazier at a price equal to or less expensive than we could provide them due to our shipping costs.

Q:  Can you provide other materials we may need?

A:    We'll be happy to provide any of the materials you require. The materials you want can be added to your log delivery or shipped separately depending on the situation. For instance, the floor system may be shipped before your logs are due, to allow you to finish the floor system before the logs arrive.

Q:   Is delivery included in the material package quote?

A:    Freight is Included to the construction site if materials are paid for prior to shipping in the AZ, CO, and UT areas. Additional freight costs will apply for all other areas.

Q:  Is unloading of materials at the site included?

A:    No. If the materials are shipped directly to the job site, the customer is responsible to coordinate a fork lift to unload the materials.

Q:  What if we have bad materials?

A:    All materials are guaranteed to be of industry standards. If for any reason the materials sub-standard, a Contemporary Log Home representative will be sent to the job site to inspect. If the material if found to be defective, new material will be shipped at no additional cost, as soon as possible. Inspection of the materials is suggested at the time of delivery to help prevent any time delay in your construction.

Q:  What happens if I run out of logs?

A:    We intentionally ship 5% overage to assure you won't run out of logs. If the shipment is short or we've calculated the quantity required incorrectly, we'll provide any shorted material at no additional cost to you.  Conversely, any overage is the property of Contemporary Log Homes and we may choose to pick up the extra material.

Q:  What is the moisture content of the logs?

A:    The moisture content of our logs is between 8% and 16%.  Kiln dried lumber is graded to 19% maximum moisture content.

Q:  Will the logs shrink?

A:    Yes, logs are lumber and all lumber moves. Lumber will expand when it is wet and shrink when it dries. If someone tells you their logs don't shrink...they're lying.  The shrinkage of the log will be minimal if you get dry logs to begin with, and, keep them from getting wet before and during construction.

Q:  Where do the logs come from?

A:    Our Swedish Cope logs come from Northern Utah.  We mill our own materials in Phoenix for our D-Shaped logs, and the other logs we handle may come from various locations throughout the west.

Q:  What kind of wood are the logs?

A:    Our standard log is lodge pole pine, and is cut from dead standing timber. This timber is normally killed by fire or beetles. Pine beetles burrow just under the bark and eat the sap wood, killing the tree. Once the tree has died the beetle either dies or leaves the tree for new food. The tree then loses it's bark which allows it to dry without roughing.

Q:  Will the checking (cracking) get bigger?

A:    No. The checking is all done by the time we mill the logs. The checking comes from drying and shrinking, the checks are a good indication the log is fairly dry.

Q:  What style of logs do you supply?

A:    We can supply just about any style, shape, smoothness, size and material you prefer. The Swedish Cope is our standard and other logs may be ordered with the cost being quoted on individual request. The delivery time may be longer than normal on special requests.

Q:  What is the delivery time?

A:    Normally four to six weeks. Many times we may be able to make delivery sooner. Special order logs may take longer.

Q:  What if I want a modification to a standard plan or want a custom home plan?

A:    The owner of the company is a registered architect and has staff available to modify or re-design any of the standard models to the configuration you desire. Custom designs make up about 85% of our total home sales. The cost of these services will vary depending on the amount of time required in the modification, or the design. Minor modifications (not structural or extremely involved) are normally provided at no charge. Custom designs will generally cost between $1,000.00 and $3,000.00 for the standard architectural plans. We customarily refund a portion of your architectural fees from Design Professionals toward the purchase of the log material package.

Q:  Do you provide any supervision during construction?

A:    Once your floor system is completed, we will, at your request and provided you've given us advance notice, send our construction coordinator to your job site to help you get the log walls started in the right manner. We will be available for any further assistance you may require during the course of construction. 

Q:  Will you provide us with logs only?

A:    Yes. We prefer to provide a complete material package as this permits us to ensure you're getting the right materials required for the job.

Q:  Do you sell your standard plans?

A:    Not normally, however, under certain circumstances plans may be sold through our home office with a minimum charge of $1,000.00 per set of plans.

Q:  Do logs have a problem with termites?

A:    No. Log homes do not differ from frame homes in this concern. The termites have no additional desire for a log home over what they would for a frame home. The primary way to deter termite infestation is to treat the ground, and the foundation system, prior to the construction of the home. Pre-treating is normally done on frame houses as well as log homes.

Q:  How does the cost of log home compare to the cost of a frame home?

A:    The cost of a log home and frame home will be very close to the same if they are constructed in a similar manner.

Q:  What are the advantages of a log home?

A:    One of the major advantages of a log home is the energy efficiency. The biggest reason people buy log homes is because they're unique and they like the appearance of a log home.

Q:  How do you seal between each course of logs?

A:    We use a construction adhesive between each course of logs. After the home is constructed we suggest you caulk using a polyurethane caulk at all of the log joins at the exterior of the house. The inside of the home may also be caulked. Caulking material is available through Contemporary Log Homes.

Q:  How do you seal the outside and inside of the logs?

A:    We are distributors for Sashco finish products and can supply them upon request. A variety of products can be used on interior log walls. We often use 2 coats of a high grade lacquer.

Q:  Do we have financing available?

A:    Yes. Financing through local banks and mortgage companies is available the same as what a conventional house would be. This is basically for a turn-key construction, as the lending institutions require a finished product as well as a general contractor being involved. We have a list of a few mortgage companies that people buying log homes have had good luck with.

Q:  How are the logs secured to each other?

A:    We use a double rim joist at the floor system. The first course of logs are spiked to the the double rim joist using 3/8" dia. x 12" long spike. A system using a 3' anchor bold, 3' all thread, and rod couplings is used to fasten the log wall together giving you the same type of structure as a continuous glu-lam beam.

Q:  Is it possible for us to construct our own log home?

A:    Yes. If you have basic construction experience you should be able to put up the log walls. You may however want to hire some help to do your rood framing if the roof system is complex or other than a simple truss system.

Q:  How is the electrical and plumbing done in a log home?

A:    The electrical outlets are done by drilling holes vertically through the first three courses of logs, the location of these outlets are then marked on the floor for future reference by the electrician. The electrician will cut in electrical boxes at these locations and pull the electrical wiring through the interior walls. If this is not possible, wires are run up the backside of the door jams to accommodate the electrical wiring. The plumbing is all run in the interior partition walls.

Q:  What type of materials are used to finish the interior of a log home?

A:    Drywall, or 1x6 t&g pine, or a combination of both, at interior stud partitions and ceilings are our most popular finishes.

Q:  What type of roofing materials are available?

A:    Our standard roofing material is asphalt shingles. Popular alternatives have been cedar shakes and pre-formed metal roofing.

Q:  Are your logs pre-cut to length?

A:    No. Logs are supplied in lineal footage, Swedish Cope logs are pre-notched for the corners.

Q:  Do you have a construction manual?

A:    Yes. A construction manual will be provided with the purchase of a material package. This construction manual is well detailed and has proven to be a great help to owner/builders an contractors as well.

Q:  Do you have any models available to look at?

A:    Yes.  Our model homes in Prescott, AZ , Pinetop, AZ  and Edinboro, PA are shown by appointment.  Other structures may be available for viewing.

Q:  What if my question wasn't answered here?

A:    Click here to link to our "Contact Us" page, email us with your questions and we'll happy to respond.