A log cabin is essentially a simple, small-scale, pre-planned home, particularly an architecturally or more naturally modernized structure. Log cabins are often identified with early American home building and in fact are associated with early settlers who built their first homes on the banks of the mighty Mississippi River.
Today’s log cabins are often built as small residences, but a few are used for small businesses, such as ranches or cabins for hunters. Many log cabins are self contained and are not connected to other cabins. Others are attached to another structure, such as a cabin house.
When purchasing your own log cabins, the best place to start is online. You can go straight to some of the top log home makers. Here you can see what each company can offer and get a good idea of how much your cabins will cost you.
The advantage of visiting your local lumber yards and sawmills before you decide to buy your log cabin, is that you can get an idea of the quality of the lumber you will need to build your cabin. There are also some excellent plans available to help you build your cabin in the style you want.
One way to build a log home is to do it all yourself. It takes a little more work, but you have the satisfaction of building something that is beautiful and custom tailored to your specific needs. In most cases this is not possible because you would not be able to afford to hire a log builder, unless you are a very large-scale, home builder.
Many of the log home builders can offer free estimates. If you need an instant quote, they will normally have one that includes all the components necessary for your log cabin building.
If you find you cannot work with a log cabin builder, there are many do-it-yourself guides available for sale today that explain everything you need to know about building a log home. These books and guides are very helpful because they give you a step by step instruction guide to building your log cabin. They also include diagrams and detailed lists of materials and tools that you will need.
Log cabins come in all shapes, sizes and styles. Make sure you choose a style that best fits you and your budget.
Your log cabin builder will let you know if you qualify for any tax breaks that you can receive. If you need to build an addition to your cabin, be sure you ask them about any incentives they may have.
Before you choose your builder, it is a good idea to consider the type of material you will need for your cabin. This can determine the price you pay for your cabin. Most woods such as pine, oak and cedar will be less expensive than some hardwoods like maple or ash.
It is a good idea to have a list of questions ready when you make your choice of the log cabin builder. This list will be useful when the builder asks you questions during the construction process. You should be able to ask a lot of questions and not feel rushed to make a decision.
Once you have chosen your log cabin builder, you will need to decide whether you are going to purchase your cabin pre-built. You can either build it yourself or have the log cabin builder build it for you. Either way, the cost of constructing your log cabin will depend on the amount of labor, time and cost of materials.
It is important to look at the reviews of the log cabin builder before making your decision. A good builder will have many satisfied customers who were happy with their cabin, but you may be happier if you purchase your log cabin pre-built.