Log Homes contain more than just logs! Persons interested in building a log home often have a difficult time trying to determine what the structure will ultimately cost especially when dealing with quotes on a "shell" or log only packages. Every log home manufacturer produces and packages differently... some include more items, some less. This open- endedness and mystery of what it will actually take to finish most log home packages often results in their going over budget. We take a realistic approach to helping you achieve your dream by taking your entire budget into consideration while planning your project. This cost conscious approach, combined with the ability to provide a major portion of the building components (and therefor the costs) enables your home to come in right on target.

An important concept to understand about our building system is its versatility. We believe that options are vital. Therefore, we make available many building methods and products so you can tailor the package to suit your needs, both structurally and aesthetically. We also provide specific information as to how those choices will affect the budget.

When we are asked to quote on a log home, we examine the structure and it's budget in great detail. The objective is to yield to you as much information as possible at the planning stage. To accomplish this, we create a rough floor plan that fits your functional requirements. We then determine the building materials needed, and what portion we can supply. A custom quote is produced that includes a floor plan idea, package cost, and construction estimate. This process is done at no charge. The result is a “no mystery, no surprises” log home package that includes a real construction budget. It is a very effective approach, and unique to Sierra Log Homes.

For ease of understanding, we have broken our package into 6 major categories. Each category will include overviews of the building materials involved. Of course your own package will depend upon the final design of your home and the choices you have made.

CATEGORY #1 - PLANS This category deals specifically with design, plans and blueprints. All structures are custom designed to fit your exact needs. We have an in-house drafting department, and thereby control all aspects of the structural design. We don’t charge extra for custom design services. The plans include the following supplies and services.

CATEGORY #2 - LOG BUILDING MATERIALS The "log build" materials usually consist of the logs and assembly hardware. The types, sizes and uses of logs vary greatly, from just the log walls to a total log structure (roof, floors and all). The items actually included in a particular package depend upon the client’s choices and budget. We typically design 9" Pine log walls with saddle notch corners. Conventional framing is utilized for the rest of the structure, finishing with log decorations (trusses, rafters, joists, etc.). We find this to be the most cost effective and easiest to build. Here we list some of the many types and uses of logs.

Our typical assembly system consists of the following:

Lags - 1/2"x12" (or whatever size is applicable)

Hardware - Post bases, tie downs, connectors, brackets, bolts, etc.

Through bolt -1/2" threaded rod the height of the wall-usually at corners

Gasket - Emseal 1.25"x.75" hot melt double adhesive latex impregnated

Butt joint spline - 1/2"x9" (or whatever size is needed) oak dowel

Caulk - Sashco 'Log Builder' for areas that need caulking

Chinking - Sashco 'Log Jam' for connections and window trim that need an aesthetic caulk

CATEGORY #3 - FRAMING MATERIALS A log home doesn’t consist solely of logs. There are many areas that framing materials (2x4, 2x6, etc.) are needed. Typically we design structures in which the first & second floor systems are conventionally framed. Also framed are the interior walls, gables, dormers, roof system, and the decks/porches.

The following are areas of framing, and the materials typically used:

First & second floor -2x10, 2x12 dimensional or manufactured "I" beam

with 3/4" t&g plywood floor sheathing

Lofts - Heavy timber or log with 2x6 select decking, or, 2x10, 2x12 framed with plywood floor sheathing

Interior walls - 2x4, 2x6 with door headers and trimmers

Gables -2x4, 2x6, with plywood shear skin, or insulated panels

Dormers -2x4, 2x6 with plywood shear skin, or insulated panels

Roof system - stacked (2x10 etc.), engineered truss, with plywood sheeting or insulated structural panels

Structural system - Glu-lams, micro lams, or parallams for girders, ridges and structural rafters

Decks/porches - 2x8 joists with 2x6 or 5/4x6 redwood or cedar decking

Boxed stair system - 2x12 horses with 2x12 treads for typical boxed stairs

Hardware - Simpson or custom hardware for typical connections

CATEGORY #4 - DOORS & WINDOWS Doors and windows are an essential part of any structure. Typically, a log home is placed in a scenic area which demands a great deal of window area. Windows and patio doors vary widely in cost, with aluminum framed being the least expensive and wood being the most. Front doors express personal style and taste. We offer many lines & models from which to chose. Interior doors range from hollow core to solid wood with raised panels. All doors come pre-hung in their frames.

The following door and window products are offered:

Windows -Picture, double hung, single hung, casement, bay, bow

Window material -Aluminum, vinyl, wood primed, wood clear, wood/vinyl, wood/aluminum

Exterior Doors -Front, rear, patio, french, sliders, garage

Ext. door material -Wood, steel, fiberglass, glass

Interior Doors -Passage, airlock, closet

Interior Door material -Wood, mirrored, glass

CATEGORY #5 - FINISH MATERIAL Finish material is the catch-all category encompassing much of what is actually seen when the home is completed.

The following are typical finish materials used in various areas.

Stain & finish coating -Exterior/interior log, wood ceilings, window & door trim, wood decking, railings, and sidings

Wood ceilings -1x6 pine ceilings

Wall siding -Cedar and pine - beveled ship lap, board & bat, ship lap, log

Roof eves -1x6 Cedar or Pine

Roof fascia -2x8 and 1x4 Cedar

Window&door trim -Heavy timber post & beam or 1x4, 1x6 Pine and Cedar trim

Insulation -Roof & wall - fiberglass or solid foam

Roof shingles -Painted steel, architectural grade comp., tile, concrete tile, wood

Wood flooring -Pine, Oak, Cherry, Hickory - t&g plank,unfinished

Stair system -Log, conventional, spiral

CATEGORY #6 - KITCHEN, BATH and LAUNDRY This is an area that truly sets us apart from the other log home companies. We specialize in kitchen and bath design and the products required to fulfill those designs.

The following are the areas and materials from which to chose:

Cabinets - Kitchen, bathroom and laundry

Cabinet material -Oak, Maple, Cherry, Hickory , pre-finished modular, American or European style

Countertop -Butcher block, cultured marble

Finish Plumbing -Kitchen sink, bathroom sinks, laundry sinks, bathtubs, faucets, water heater,

shower surrounds (fiberglass, cultured marble) and toilets

Appliances -Stove, oven, range, dishwasher, standard hood, microwave hood,

garbage disposal, trash compactor, refrigerator, washer, and dryer

ROUGH -IN ELECTRICAL

FINISH ELECTRICAL

ROUGH-IN PLUMBING

DRYWALL & CORNER STEEL

CARPETING OR OTHER FLOORING

COUNTERTOPS OR TILING

HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM

FOUNDATION (CONCRETE, STEEL ETC)

FLASHINGS

CERTAIN SNOW BARRIERS FOR ROOF (FREEZE BLANKET, ETC)

TAR PAPER (VAPOR & MOISTURE BARRIERS, ETC)

BASEBOARDS

INTERIOR DOOR CASINGS (TRIM)

DOOR HARDWARE (DOOR KNOBS & LOCKS)

PAINT FOR NON-WOOD SURFACES

MISC . NAILS, FASTENERS, SCREWS ETC .

NORMAL BUILDING TOOLS

CHINKING

INSULATION FOR FLOORS, PIPES AND SOUND BARRIER

LABOR

FOUNDATION PACKAGE

FOAM BLOCK FORMS

ROUGH IN ELECTRICAL PACKAGE

ELECTRICAL PLAN (Normally included in plans package)

MAIN

WIRE

BOXES

OUTLETS/SWITCHES

RECESSED LIGHTING

FINISH ELECTRICAL PACKAGE

FANS

WALL & CEILING LIGHTING FIXTURES

TRIM

LAMPS

INDOOR & OUTDOOR LIGHTING FIXTURES

MECHANICAL PACKAGE

MECHANICAL PLAN

OUTDOOR WOOD FURNACE SYSTEM

DUCTING & BOOTS FOR FORCED AIR

FORCED AIR UNIT W/THERMOSTAT

GROUND SOURCE HEAT PUMP UNIT

RADIANT HEAT SYSTEM (FLOOR)

OTHER HYDRONIC HEATING SYSTEMS

DRY WALL PACKAGE

WALL & CEILING DRY WALL

TAPE & MUD

TOOLS

FLOORING PACKAGE

WOOD FLOORING- FINISHED & UNFINISHED

CARPET & LINOLEUM

TILE & GROUT

TOOLS PACKAGE

CHAIN SAW

BUILDERS LEVEL - SCOPE

LOG CHOP SAW GUIDE

LOG CHOP SAW TABLE

OUR LATEST PACKAGE PROGRAMS

These programs are offered as representations of your purchasing power through Sierra Log Homes. These homes can be used as the basis of design for your custom home, or you may wish to design your own. Any element of these programs can be modified, upgraded or deleted. Prices will naturally vary to reflect changes.

The Alpine & Prairie

The Ranch House