Resources
When it comes to designing a log home or log cabin, we encourage creativity! In almost 30 years of designing and manufacturing log homes, no two log homes have been exactly the same. Log homes are as unique as the people who design, build and live in them. Most are one-of-a-kind designed to fit the wants and needs of the home’s owner.
Custom In-House Design Services
Here at Cedar Knoll Log Homes we generally start out the design process based loosely upon one of our popular standard home plans (though we can work with anyone’s rough plans – we’ve even designed log homes from plans that started out as a rough sketch on a napkin). Many clients choose to incorporate components that they have dreamed up or may have seen elsewhere. Using Chief Architect® software, our onsite Computer Aided Drawing (CAD) operator will work with you to create a unique house you can truly call home.
The Custom Design process starts by speaking with one of our sales associates to choose the size, style and layout you like best. We will then take all of these specifications to produce a preliminary drawing that you can then alter. The preliminary drawings include five different elevation views, floor plan(s) and even your kitchen and bath layouts.
Once you are completely satisfied with the preliminary drawings, a set of blueprints can be produced and stamped by a NY State Engineer. You will receive two sets of these prints and when you purchase your home package from Cedar Knoll Log Homes we will deduct the cost of the stamped prints from your final invoice.
It is such a rewarding experience to create functional art. I love coming to work every day and working with people to create their dream home.
- Steven Barber, Cedar Knoll Log Homes CAD Designer
Can I build a log house myself?
If you have the aptitude, time, physical strength, and patience for such a project, then the answer is, “Yes.” But before you embark on such an endeavor, do lots of research. In reality, very few log homes are built by the owners. Unless you have previous building experience, we recommend that you hire an experienced log builder. We maintain a list of experienced log builders and will gladly refer you to one or more of them. Before selecting your builder, insist on inspecting homes he has built and be sure to talk to the occupants.
Why is it necessary to use experienced log builders?
Log construction is different from standard construction. Some tasks require skills not developed by “stick built” contractors, e.g., log wall erection, cutting and setting exposed rafters. Whether by oversight or otherwise, failure to follow recommended practices for log construction can create problems that may never be completely resolved. For example, it is essential that the walls be adequately caulked with a superior grade of caulking and that solid beams be properly secured at both ends. Once the house is finished, it will not be immediately obvious if these and other important steps have been satisfactorily completed. If an experienced builder is not available, at least contract with one who has an open mind and is willing to listen to those who have experience.
For those of you who are intent on building your own log home or log cabin, we have assembled an in-depth log home construction manual that is available for download at no cost and with no obligation. Even if you are hiring a contractor to build your log home or cabin, it is still a good idea to download this free log home construction manual to give your builder as a reference. At the very least, you can better understand the process involved in constructing a log home.
