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Several special issues relate to the construction of log homes. These
issues include energy efficiency, corner construction, log shrinkage, and care and
maintenace of log homes. These issues will be addressed in this section.
Comparing Costs
The question is frequently raised: What does it cost to build a log home compared to
frame homes of similar size and design. We have built homes in many communities, and
find in virtually all cases that the final costs are very similar.
Building It Yourself
Some log home websites indicate a significant savings can be achieved by constructing
a log home by yourself. That is true; but unless you have attended a course on log home
construction or built a log home before -- and
learned by living in that house the things you previously did wrong -- you are likely to
make serious mistakes that can cause major costs later on, and greatly reduce the value
of your investment. However, once the outer walls have been constructed
by crews that are familiar with their proper construction -- and the roof and windows
added -- finishing off the balance of the house is similar to building a frame home -- and
it is here that you can achieve your major savings by doing it yourself.
[Please note that while the outer walls are being constructed, all electrical conduit and
related cable runs are installed in the walls. This should not be attempted after
the walls are constructed.]
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