Log House Builder: FAQ's About Log Homes and Timber Frame Homes

Frequently Asked Questions

We have included a list of our most commonly asked questions regarding our log homes and timber frame homes. If your questions have not been addressed here please feel free to give us a call or email your questions to us.

Q?
What is included in your log home package?
A.
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Q?
What other services do you offer?

A.
We have designers and architects to help you with your log home design ideas and create your final blueprints if that is something you need.
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Q?
What wood type's do you offer, what sizes and where do your logs come from?

A.
We offer a choice of Engleman Spruce, Lodgepole Pine, Douglas Fir and Western Red Cedar. Our personal foresters, who choose only the highest quality from our northern forests here in British Columbia, Canada, harvest the timber. Log sizes are on average 12 to 14 inches in diameter. The smallest we would build with is 10 inches in diameter, and we can build with much larger. We inventory a year's volume of logs.
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Q?
Do you ever build using dead standing?

A.
We offer dead-standing timber as a choice for our customers. Timber that has died by natural causes and remains standing begins to dry even before it has been harvested which does offer a head start to the drying process and reduces the shrinkage problems encountered if you were to build with green logs. Most boreholes are removed when the log is hand-peeled. The subtle blue staining commonly seen with some of these logs only adds to the character. This timber is also very often harvested by heli-logging, which is easier on our environment. More and more people concerned with a healthy environment are requesting dead-standing timber and are proud to have built a home without harvesting any living green trees. The choice is yours.
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Q?
Are your logs graded?

A.
All of our timber is graded and stamped exceeding the Timber Products Inspection Agency requirements.
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Q?
What is the moisture content of the logs you use?

A.
Our logs are air dried in our construction yard to average moisture content of between 15% and 20% before we begin building.
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Q?
Explain the difference between a handcrafted log home and a milled log home.

A.
There are many log homeowners but only a few can claim to live in a real handcrafted work of art. One of our experienced log smiths using the highest quality full log uniquely creates each of our homes. Unlike machined log homes, you would never find a butt joint in our log walls. Each log is allowed to retain its character. Only 5% to 9% of the handcrafted log is wasted during construction, compared to up to 50% in some milling operations. That is a lot of wasted R-value. Many manufactured log homes are built using timbers only 6 inches thick or less. Our homes are built using timber an average of 12 to 14 inches thick with 10 inches being the smallest we would go down to. (The International Log Building Standards - a handcrafter's standard allows a minimum of 8 inches) The obvious advantage here being the greater insulation value. Most manufactured log home companies send their kits without any pre-fitting; that is left to the builders you hire on your site. This may take from many days to a few weeks. The pieces may have to be cut and hundreds of spikes must be pounded in the walls to hold them together. A skilled crew at the construction yard on the other hand, builds a handcrafted home to exacting tolerances while your foundation is being prepared. Every notch is scribed by a qualified artisan and fits perfectly. The roof structure is fitted and ready to accept roof framing; all the openings are cut out and sanded. The walls and notches are insulated as the home is re-erected and all the through-bolt holes are pre-drilled. The re-erection is done on your home site under the supervision and help of a qualified employee from Sitka Log Homes, approx. 4 strong men and a crane truck. The whole process usually takes 2 to 3 days to complete. (You can estimate about 1,000 square feet a day)
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Q?
How much per square foot?

A.
This is by far the most asked question and the most difficult to answer. There are just too many variables. A simple rectangular home without many interior log walls would be considerably less per square foot for a similar size home with interior log walls, additional corners, stairs and handrails, etc.
1. 2.
This 4000 sq. ft home is less per square foot ...than this 1643 sq.ft home which is a more complicated design.
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Q?
Can I make changes to your floor plans?

A.
Absolutely, we are custom builders and build according to our customers specifications. The few log home floor plans we offer are really to help get people started with ideas for their new home. Send us a sketch, floor plan, or your blueprints and we will offer you a detailed quote.
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Q?
How long before I receive my log package?

A.
Once we have received your final plans and deposit it is generally 6 to 8 weeks when your completed log package arrives at your home site, but may take longer in a high building season. This gives you time to prepare your foundation and site.
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Q?
Do you re-erect the log package?

A.
We always send at least one qualified log builder to meet your log package when it arrives at your home site to supervise and assist with the re-erection of your home. The re-erection generally takes one day per 1,000 square feet. An average size home is re-erected in 2 or 3 days.
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Q?
Do you include freight in your pricing?

A.
We include the freight from our construction yard to your home site in our price quotes once we know where your home site is.
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Q?
What kind of foundation is necessary?

A.
Our log homes do not require any special foundation. We can build on full basements or a standard 8" concrete wall with a regular sub-floor is fine.
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Q?
Where does the plumbing and wiring go?

A.
Plumbing is installed into interior stud partition walls the same as it is in conventional homes. The wiring is generally run from your sub-floor and drilled into the log that will hold your outlet plate and along door and window key-ways and then drilled into the log that holds your switch plate.
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Q?
Are the logs pre-drilled for wiring?

A.
We do pre-drill for wiring when it is requested; otherwise, it is done on site as the re-erection is being done.
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Q?
How is the home insulated?

A.
As the log shell is being loaded onto trucks for delivery, the lateral V groove on each log is filled with fiberglass insulation and ready for re-erection. Each of the corner notches are laid with insulation as the home is re-erected. All of the insulation for the log work is included in the package price.
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Q?
What is the R factor of the walls?

A.
Logs themselves are very good natural insulators and radiate back into your home warm air in the winter and cool air in the summer. The calculation is R = 1.25 per square inch. Our 12 to 14" logs are giving you a wall with an R-value of 15 to 17.5.
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Q?
How do you allow for shrinking and settling of the log walls?

A.
The amount of shrinkage will depend on your climate and altitude. In 3 years, your home should be finished settling and shrinking. This space is calculated and allowed for above your window and door openings and interior frame walls and then filled with insulation, covered with a vapor barrier and then hidden behind trim.
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Q?
What type of joinery do you use?

A.
Our logs are peeled using a drawknife, and then carefully scribed their entire length by transferring the natural contour of the lower log to the log above it. Each log is fit with insulation within a V groove, and a Norwegian shrink fit saddle notch is used for the corners. We also build using other corner styles if you desire an alternate notch.
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Q?
What kind of roof do your log homes need?

A.
We prepare your log shell to the point that it is ready to accept the roof you choose. The usual options, e.g., metal, cedar shingles, asphalt shingles, tile, are all possible for your log home.
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Q?
Do you offer log siding? Detail work? Mantles, Timber Frame etc.?

A.
We offer all of the above and more. There is an increasing trend towards adding log detail to new or existing conventional homes. In addition, many homeowners are mixing timberwork with log work and the result is very pleasing. If you want to simply add some log or timber as a focal point for your home we can build fireplace mantles, decorative or structural trusses, ridge beams, purlins, post columns, stairs, etc,. Handcrafted log accents or special large timberwork offers a unique way to add character and beauty to your home.
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Q?
What finishes/sealers do you recommend and what maintenance is required with a log home?

A.
When you build a log home, you need to think of preventative maintenance first off. You want to protect your logs against water, insects, decay and damage from the suns rays. When you are in the design stage, you will want to consider your roof over-hangs to ensure the walls do not have areas where any rainwater will drain along them constantly. When the log shell is complete and erected on your home site, we recommend that the logs be washed with a bleach solution to remove any dirt or sawdust that can appear after leaving our construction yard. People usually use a pressure washer to rinse the logs at that point. When they are dry, you would then apply your preservative wood treatment. This treatment would contain a water repellent with some pigment and UV inhibitor. There are many on the market and they are improving them every year. You are able to get good UV protection now without having to stain your logs with much color if you prefer a more natural log look. As for the inside, that depends on the look you like. You can oil, stain, varnish or leave them as they are (consider dusting when you make this choice though and sealed logs may reduce some of the checking). If you do a proper job of caring for your logs when your house is first built, you will save yourself extra work for the future. You should follow the recommendations of the exterior treatment manufacturer for re-applying. They usually recommend every 3-5 years, however, our experience has been that if done properly the first time, re-applying can be in 5-8 years. Regarding insects, this issue is dependent on your area and specific to your home site. It is the same concern whether you live in a regular frame house or a log house, if termite nests were all around your property you would want to speak to a pest control specialist. An exterminator can recommend a selection of treatments if you have concerns about insects in your area. There is more maintenance involved with a log home compared to a vinyl sided home, but we think the effort is worth it.
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Q?
Do you offer turnkey service?

A.
It is not cost effective to send crews and materials a great distance, so we only offer the log shell portion of your log home. Consider us a sub trade. We do, however, always work very closely with your chosen general contractor to ensure a smooth building experience regardless of where your log home site is.
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Q?
How do I get started?

A.
Your first step would be to secure your property. At that point, you are better able to refine a home plan to suit your desires and needs as well as fit your property. Determining your budget is important at this point. Assuming you have decided upon Sitka Log Homes to build your new home, we would look at your blueprints to offer a price quote on the log work. If you are still in the design stage and need help with this, we do have designers and architects that can assist you. Secure your financing, if necessary. You are now ready to sign a contract for building your log home.
View CMHC's (Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation) Frequently Asked Questions on Log Homes here!

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