 What
is the difference between Handcrafted and Milled log homes?
 In
Handcrafted log homes, the naturally tapered logs are hand peeled
to reveal the unique character of each log. Connections between
logs are hand-scribed and notched by craftsmen to match the unique
contour of the adjacent logs in the structure. The logs also run
the entire wall length of the home with no butt-joint splices.
In
Milled log homes, the logs are run through a machine to make every
log identical, and to put a smooth (lumber like) surface on the
log. Shorter log lengths are typically utilized with butt-joint
splices in various locations throughout the wall. Since every log
is identical, connections between logs are cut by machines.
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How
much does the log shell cost and what does it include?
Handcrafted
log shells utilizing 10” average diameter logs, average $20-$30
per square foot of floor area prior to delivery and assembly. This
includes the log walls, log second level floor joists (if applicable),
structural log columns, log gables and purlins, and log trusses
(if applicable). Delivery, site fabrication, crane, and assembly
of the log shell generally averages from $6.50-$9 per square foot
of floor area. Costs may increase depending on the location and
complexity of the site.
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Can
I design my log home?
Yes.
All of the homes we build are custom, and no two are identical.
Our design department will work with you to create a design specifically
catered to your desires.
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How
much does it cost to create the plans?
Preliminary
Drawings usually average $0.32 per square foot of living area, and
$0.13 per square foot of garage/deck/unfinished area. Complete construction
drawings (inclusive of the preliminary drawings) usually average
$1.75 - $2.10 per square foot plus $0.40 - $0.50 per square foot
for structural engineering. Revisions and complexity may increase
costs.
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Are
your logs graded?
Yes,
all structural logs are TPI (Timber Products Inspection) Graded
and stamped.
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What
type of logs do you use, and where do they come from?
Log
Knowledge carefully selects its logs from the finest naturally tapered
Rocky Mountain Lodgepole Pine, Engelmann Spruce, and Douglas Fir/Larch
timber.
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What
styles of construction do you offer?
Log
Knowledge offers handcrafted chink-style and full-scribe (Swedish
Cope) log shells using a traditional stacked log wall style of architecture.
Saddle-notch corners are standard, with columned corners as an option.
Log Knowledge also offers post & beam, timber frame, and framed
construction with log and timber accents.
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Can
I use my own designer/architect?
Yes,
we work with outside architects and designers. Typically in this
situation, LK would only handle the shop drawings that define the
log and timber components, as well as all connection details.
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How
much of the construction can Log Knowledge, Inc. do for me?
Our
minimal involvement is to fabricate only the log and timber portion
of the job. We also build a lot of homes completely “turn
key”, which includes everything from site improvements through
appliances, ready for move-in. Log Knowledge can be involved at
any level of the construction, it is completely up to you.
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How
much does it typically cost for a completely finished home?
Complete
“turn key” homes generally average between $150 - $200
per square foot. Actual construction costs will be influenced by
site considerations, home size, design complexity, and finish selections.
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How
long does it take to build the log shell and re-assemble it on my
site?
Most
log shells take 4-8 weeks to prefabricate here at our facility,
and less than a week to reset at the job site. Larger, more complex
structures may take longer.
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How
long does it take to build a completely finished (turn key) home?
An
average “turn key” home, from start of excavation until
it is ready to move into, usually takes 7-9 months to build.
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What
is your experience and how many homes do you build each year?
Log
Knowledge has been based out of Northern Colorado for 30 years.
We are involved in the construction of approximately 25-35 homes
per year, in addition to many commercial projects.
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What
is the maintenance of a log home?
As
with any stained wood exterior, log homes typically require that
wood preservative be applied every 3-5 years, depending on exposure.
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Do
you build post & beam (log frame) and timber frame homes?
Yes.
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What
is chinking and what are my color options?
Chinking
is a synthetic material that resembles mortar. In a chink-style
home, the chinking is placed between the logs over a backer-rod
insulation. This pliable product allows movement of the logs and
provides a maintenance-free weather seal. Chinking comes in colors
to match every stain color, as well as colors that look more like
mortar. Chinking is also stainable.
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Is
a log home energy efficient?
"The
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) conducted
a series of tests during 1981-82. The tests proved that log homes
performed as well as insulated wood frame houses and consumed 24%
- 46% less energy through varying seasonal periods. Therefore, log
home owners enjoy greater savings in their energy bills. However,
these energy savings for log or conventional built are all dependent
upon the quality and installation of the doors, windows and roof.
Design factors will also affect energy usage."
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Do
you ship out of Colorado?
Log
Knowledge ships anywhere. We can also send a crew out to assemble
the log work. We have done projects as far away as Japan, although
most of our work is in western and central US.
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What
comes with your packages?
Log
Knowledge has no standard packages. We can create exactly what you
are looking for.
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Can
Log homes be built on basements?
Yes,
in fact most of the homes we build are on basements.
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