As you take that leisurely drive through the countryside, sights, sounds and fragrances permeate your senses. You pass by pastures, streams, barns, log homes, and inviting roadside cafes. Did I say log homes? Yes, it wasn't a historical landmark commemorating Abe Lincoln; it was, indeed, a real log home!

Now a multi-billion dollar industry, log homes are no longer the dark, leaky, supposedly high-maintenance form of home building that comes to mind from our knowledge of the rustic past. The technological advances making log homes the dwelling of choice has revolutionized the industry, bringing back a piece of Americana once faded in new home construction. Now recognized as a viable long-term alternative to the stick-built house, financial institutions having been lending increasing support to the effort as well.

A sea of questions arise by would-be buyers when considering building a log home. We will cover a few of them here, with the aid of Steve Hancock of TheLogConnection.com.

How do I find a log home builder?

Of course, the Internet is a great way to start, using the various search engines available within its vast array of sites. Checking with your local Building Industry Association might also be a good way to get a list of log homebuilders. If you happen upon a log home being built, however, why not walk up and grill them for information? See if you can talk to their office staff, study their sales materials, visit and tour their homebuilding sites and get lots of quotes. "Comparing companies is a must," says Hancock. "See if the company can provide sketches, plans, and drawings of finished product." Custom design services are offered through most log home companies either in-house or contracted out to firms specializing in log home design.

Although oftentimes the design work is paid through the initial fees and is included the cost of the log "shell", you may also take your design and shop for the best quotes elsewhere. "Make certain you understand the terms and conditions of the warranty, specifically what the manufacturer will do if an issue arises, and get copies of warranties for all building products installed in the log home," says Hancock.

How energy efficient are log homes?

In most cases, the log wall will out-perform a conventional wall frame for R-value, used in calculating energy efficiency. Each wall contains millions of tiny air pockets that store heat in the winter time and cool air in the summer, each radiating back into the room, resulting in greater energy efficiency for the same square footage as a conventionally-built home.

Aren't there "gaps" between the logs? How can I ensure a tight seal for the log home?

The type of notching and quality of the log shell are two of the most important considerations to be dealt with during construction of the log home. The installation of expandable foam or pink insulation in the V-grooves should be discussed with the shell manufacturer. The proper use of caulking around door and window openings and "chinking" on the exterior length (lateral) areas between logs should also be addressed.

How do I keep a log home looking new and protect it from inclement weather?

This begins at the design stage, where an experienced log home designer will eliminate problems before they can occur. The home's foundation, walls, and roof system should be designed to keep rain, melting snow, and ground water from intruding over time, which can blemish wood and promote decay in the logs. Make sure your builder provides for inevitable settling, so that the integrity of the home is not compromised.

Most importantly, plan your site. Log homes in clearings are less susceptible to insect infiltration than homes built deep in the woods. If a woodsy area is your choice, however, have the surrounding trees cut back for both fire protection and to allow the home to dry after a rainfall. Site grading should avoid contact with the foundation to prevent water seepage and ground settling, just to be safe. If your plan is for a two story, Hancock recommends having the second floor stick-framed, with log siding applied for a log wall look, to help in creating a water-tight log home.

What foundation should I use?

The least expensive and easiest foundation to maintain is a concrete one, when comparing repair costs to wood sub-floor. A typical footing of 8" X 18" is a minimum for a log home, however 10" X 20" is recommended. Local codes, and soils conditions may also dictate the type of foundation you use. A log home can be built on a full basement, crawl space or slab.

Where do plumbing and wiring go in a log home?

Because log homes "shrink", it is recommended that plumbing go into the interior wall frame. Buckling and clogs are almost impossible to fix without cutting logs otherwise. Wiring is not a major problem, and any extra expense can be eliminated with a good design, using careful placement of switches and plugs.

How difficult is it to estimate the cost of a log home?

Log home buyers generally choose a package of services from the log home builder, whether it be the shell alone, containing all log walls, roof ridges, purlins and trusses, along with required log posts and stairs. Another package may include all of the above components, plus a complete roof system, exterior doors and windows, and all elements necessary to create a water-tight shell.

The complete package is just that; with floor systems and interior partition walls included. Not all log homebuilders offer these packages, so clarify in writing what your package should contain. And, of course, compare prices for an equal amount of work to be done so that you are satisfied with both the builder and the quote.

Although log homes are most commonly thought of as the "cabin in the woods" type scenario as a second home, it is exciting to see their evolvement into full-scale residences when properly designed, and their resurgence into the residential landscape. Next time you think of log homes and old Abe reading that book by the fire (after walking for miles to get the book!) think about yourself, cozily gazing out at nature in a dwelling built using the very materials that surround you in all their glory.

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