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Frequently Asked Questions with Quick Answers. Some items have more in-depth discussions accessible through hot links. We've grouped the questions roughly by subject. Please call (1-530-899-0680) or e-mail if you need clarification or more information!
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FINANCING
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DistributionCan I be a distributor for Sierra Log Homes?
Yes! We prefer our distributor have some building and business background.
Can you ship homes overseas?
Yes.
Where are the headquarters of Sierra Log Homes?
Sierra Log Homes is headquartered in Chico, Northern California USA. You are encouraged to visit our show home (by appointment) if you are local or in the area.
How can I find a distributor or model home in my area?
Please call Sierra Log Homes headquarters at 1-530-899-0680. We will soon have a more detailed listing of distributors here on our web site.
DesignCan I design my own home?
Yes. Or you can find one in a home design booklet or magazine and adapt it to your personal needs. Most standard plans can easily be converted to log homes.
Who will design my home?
Sierra Log Homes and design your home. An architect of your choice or a purchased plan can also be used. Nearly all plans will require some personal work to allow them to fit your site and jurisdiction's requirements.
How long does the actual design process usually take?
The design process usually take two to three weeks, depending upon complexity.
Will my home need engineering?
This will depend upon the home design, the geographic area in which you are building and the requirements of the local building and planning departments.
Can I build a log home over a basement?
Yes. Your log walls are build over the standard floor system which covers the basement.
Which is better, a raised wood floor or a slab, and can I build on either?
This is a matter of personal preference. Slab floor systems tend to be less costly, but lend themselves to flat sites where no basement is involved. Space heating ducting is usually less complex under raised floor systems. A log home can be built on either.
Doors and Windows
What is door and window "Bucking"?
Bucking is the wood framework around the door and window openings. It is either milled dimensional material such as 2x10 or heavy timber such as 4x10 and larger. The windows and door units are set into the bucking and trimmed.
Vinyl vs. Wood...which is better?
Vinyl windows offer fine operation and thermal characteristics at a very reasonable cost. Wood windows (and doors) add the easthetic qualities of wood. It is a matter of personal preference and budget.
ConstructionWho can build a log home? Owner / Contractor / Sierra Log Homes?
Any combination of the above. Sierra Log provides extensive assistance throughout the entire process regardless of who does the actual building.
Can a normal building contractor build my log home?
Absolutely! Once the basics of log construction are mastered, the build is straightforward and quite conventional. Sierra Log provides assistance both on site and via fax, phone, mail and e-mail.
How long does the typical project take?
A typical home takes from 3 to 5 months, depending upon the terrain and the complexity of the roof and floor systems.
Log vs. Conventional roof system. Which is better?
Here again it is a matter of personal taste. A log roof system is very dramatic but may require significant engineering and skill to erect. A conventional roof system can be embellished to resemble a true log roof. A conventional system will use standard graded building materials and insulation. A conventional roof system is usually less costly.
How are the wall logs held together?
The logs are fastened together with large lag bolts. Often, through rods are installed to meet specific engineering requirements. The spacing of the bolts is dictated by the engineer and the design. A normal spacing would be a lag bolt every three feet. Each course is bolted to the course below.
Will I need a crane to set the logs?
This depends on the size of log. Logs larger than 9" in diameter will usually require a crane, at least in part of the structure.
FinanceGeneral Discussion of Financing
In most areas, you will have no problem at all getting mortgage or construction financing from your local lenders. However, in some areas where log homes are not that common and lenders are not as familiar with them, the lenders may have questions or hesitations. These can usually be answered quickly and easily by examining the fast growth of the log home industry nationwide. According to a survey conducted by the National Association of Home Builders, log homes, on the average, are worth more than the average conventional home, and they appreciate in value faster and so are an excellent investment for mortgage lenders. Can an owner builder get financing for a log home?
Yes. Most lenders will finance owner builders.
Do all banks loan on log homes?
No. Most do.
Will the VA loan on a log home?
Yes. When built by a contractor.
How long is the normal construction loan?
Six to nine months, with extensions to twelve. Check with your lender.
My LandCan we get the logs to my building site? What kind of accessibility do I need?
Generally, the logs will come on a 50 foot truck and trailer. However, they can be off-loaded at a remote site and ferried into your site on a smaller truck if access is a problem. This usually involves additional expense. Often the logs arrive in two stages so you're not overwhelmed by the entire load at once.
How do logs stand up to the elements?
Properly sealed and treated, they will hold up very well.
How do logs stand up to fire?
While wood will burn, the larger sizes of wood products, such as heavy timber and large logs, burn more slowly than smaller size dimension lumber.HEAVY TIMBER CONSTRUCTION
Heavy timber construction has long been recognized by the model building codes as fire resistant. To receive building code acceptance as "heavy timber," limitations are placed upon size and thickness or composition of all load carrying wood members. Heavy timber also avoids concealed spaces under floors in walls and roofs.
The performance of heavy timber construction under fire conditions is markedly superior to most unprotected non-combustible structures. Fire fighting is simpler and safer due to elimination of concealed spaces and the inherent structural integrity of large timbers.MATERIALS COMPARISON
Most are surprised when Heavy Timber construction is compared with other structural building materials' fire resistant properties. Unprotected metals lose their strength quickly and collapse suddenly under extreme heat. Steel weakens dramatically as its temperature climbs above 450 degrees Fahrenheit, retaining only 10% of its strength at about 1380'F (average building fire temperatures range from 1290'F to 1650'F). Wood retains a significantly higher percentage of its original strength for a longer period of time, losing strength only as material is lost through surface charring. The charred outer material acts as an insulator during fire, reducing the rate at which the inner material will burn.
How do logs stand up in an earthquake?
Because the corners are interlocked and the building elements are frequently and thoroughly fastened together, the risk of collapse is very low. Building jurisdictions in areas with seismic conditions all require log homes be engineered, thereby assuring proper seismic performance.
Will my logs shrink and crack?
Some checking (cracking), twisting and shrinking will naturally occur in log timbers. These conditions are not considered defects. Some caulking may be necessary over time.
What about logs and energy efficiency?
Wood is an excellent insulator. Many tests have shown that properly installed solid log wall systems are among the most efficient wall systems in use today.
Where will my logs come from?
Depending on the profile (shape) they will come from Oregon, Idaho or Montana. Some raw log stock is of Canadian origin.
Should I have my logs dipped in insecticide?
This is a personal preference issue, but at Sierra Log Homes we'de like to stay away from these chemicals, since many are carcinogens. The customer may elect to apply a non-toxic Borax solution to the logs which does provide protection against insects.
What species of logs are available, and what are the advantages of each?
Pine, Spruce, Cedar, Oak, Douglas Fir
Your Home will last for generations if given Proper Care and Maintainance
Logs: Treatment and Preservation provides additional detailed finish and weather related information.
