Using a log home kit is one of many available methods to build a log home. But is a log home kit the right approach for you? How you answer depends on a balance between what you can afford, your skill level, and the desired result.
What Is A Log Home Kit?
A log home kit, despite what it sounds like, is not a ready-made home. A log home kit is actually a set of materials that are pre-cut for “easy” assembly. However, a person with no basic knowledge of using certain tools, reading a blueprint or project plan, or assembling such a large project should not think that he or she could just build a home from a kit. Log home kits allow a homeowner to play a role in the building of their home, but if you have no experience in construction or carpentry, it may be a good idea to enlist the help of a builder to oversee the project. This way, you can avoid making costly mistakes that someone will have to fix later.
Some log home kits simply include the logs and a basic plan for assembly. These are for the hardcore do-it-yourselfers who have everything that they need on hand except for the timber. Other log home kits have the basic shell of the home that needs to be fitted together. For people with at least an intermediate skill level, these kits are simple enough. If a homeowner has no skill when it comes to building, the easiest kits are panelized, which means that the walls are pre-constructed, the doors hung, and it comes with the windows as well.
Counting the Costs
The most expensive part of building a house is labor, so you can really benefit from building your log home yourself if you know what you are doing. However, one thing to remember is that while log home kits help save time over traditional log home building because everything is pre-cut and ready to be fitted, the finished product may not be cheaper. This is because the typical log home kit only provides the outside of the home—or, the shell. That means you are responsible for other contents such as the roof, interior walls and anything else that needs to be added on. Those that include more than the shell may be more expensive. You also have to be concerned with the costs of the foundation, the plumbing and electrical work. Even if you build the exterior of the house on your own, without the proper training to do the rest of the work you are still looking at labor costs to do your wiring and lay down a septic tank. Therefore, a 2000 square foot site built log home might cost you about $180,000 (not including a basement or garage), but the cost of completing a log home kit may come close to that amount.
So, Can You Do It Yourself?
If after shopping around for kits, you find one that you like and decide that you would like to start building, you need to assess whether you have the skills and tools necessary to undertake such a project. After all, this is not a birdhouse. This home needs to be sturdy and able to withstand the elements. This home is where you and your family will live or at least use as a vacation home, so it needs to be well built.
Many log home kits include the nails, caulk, joist hangers and other materials to fit the timber together and build your home. The tools that you will need may include hammers, drills, a lever and other tools needed to complete the job. It is important to assess whether you are proficient in the use of these tools before you start.
It is also important to understand the instructions because while most companies offer some kind of technical support, in the end you need to be able to read the plans that the companies sent. It is entirely possible for you and a small team of workers (whether you use family members and friends or neighbors) to complete the work yourselves, someone in the group has to be able to make sure that all is going according to plan so that nothing has to be disassembled after you have all worked so hard.
Most homeowners who use log home kits are satisfied with the results. Either many of the ones who are not pleased purchased a kit that was not high quality or they did not understand how to complete the home. One thing that you have to remember about log homes is that if the logs are not properly treated, they will be vulnerable to rot and insect infestation. Log homes are also prone to settling, which can worsen if the home is not properly constructed. Knowing this can help you to properly plan before you start working on the project. If at any time you are in doubt of your own abilities or your knowledge of the product, you should consult a professional builder in your area. Otherwise, there is no reason why you cannot use a log home kit to build your home.