Frequently Asked Questions

Q. There are hundreds of log builders on the web, what should a person be looking for while surfing the web for a log builder?

A. Look for the style and look of a log home that appeals to you first from various builders. After all, this is one of the larger investments you will make during your lifetime so you should get all the amenities you want most for the home. Then consider what is offered as far as what a given company offers with construction of the home is concerned. Do they offer a package only? Do they send a crew to the site to construct the log work or take the project further? Is there consultation offered for other portions of construction? 

Then look hard at experience and recent projects that have been done.  With 35 years of building with logs and being involved in projects from foundation to final walkthrough of the home, we can help you avoid the pitfalls that come with inexperience.  While many of our projects require a 4 to 5 man crew, we have done commercial projects that have had as many as 26 craftsmen on the job. Since handcrafted homes can look so different even when using the same floor plan, makes them an art form that cannot be duplicated. That being the case your next thing to look for is the builders' ability to provide the form of art in log construction that fits your liking.

Another very important factor is the superior method of joinery that we use in our log construction and careful placement of insulation. This is best explained when you make your first visit to see our work in person.

Q. How long does it take to construct the log shell at your building yard?

A. Since all of our homes are custom built, time for log construction varies quite a lot depending on the square footage, amount of corners, and complexity of roof members.  But, to give you an example the log work for the Brooks Falls plan in the "Plans" section would take us approximately 12 weeks to have ready once we have the logs in our building yard, and another 6 days to insulate and reconstruct on your foundation.

Q. How do I estimate the cost of a home?

We will be glad to give you estimated costs when you come to me with sketches of what you want and after you have given me the opportunity to show you our work in person. Since most of our structures are done using larger Cedar logs from Southeast Alaska, cost estimates are based mainly on complexity of the floor plan and how the final design of the roof members are to be done. Since we offer Closed in weather tight construction as well as turnkey construction, The quality in items such as roof coverings, floor coverings, amount of stone work, and quality of plumbing and electrical fixtures can make the final cost vary quit a bit. To give a price per square foot would only be a guess at best with a custom handcrafted log home.

Q. How far will you go for a project?

A. We will consider any location in the world and have the knowledge and expertise to provide shipping to your location from Alaska.

Q. Can I use my own General Contractor?

A. Yes.  When the project is some distance away from our building yard in Alaska it can be cost effective to use a local contractor to take over when the log portion has been completed.

Q. How do log homes hold up in earthquake zones? 

A. Earthquakes mainly affect all buildings with lateral movement.  With log construction and the use of interlocking corners and full length logs they will generally out perform other types of construction.  When a major earthquake hit South central Alaska in 1964, the "Spit" in Homer was hit hard.  The only building left standing after the quake was log, the world famous Salty Dog Saloon.

A local longtime Alaskan, Art Sheets, had done much of the insurance work for damaged homes and recalls how log and timber frame homes out performed all other forms of construction.

Q. Are interior walls log or frame?

A. This is totally up to the decision of the client.  Usually interior walls are framed, and this gives more options for wall coverings along with the opportunity  to change things later on.

Q. What brand of stain do you use for the exterior and interior?

A. We recommend Weather Seal stain and preservative for the exterior, and a clear satin finish for the interior.

Q. Are your log homes energy efficient?

A. We will put the performance and energy efficiency in our homes up against any other type of home.  The secret to energy efficiency is the precise fitting of the logs, careful placement of insulation in the lateral grooves and saddle notches. Another key element is to have a properly insulated/vented roof system with the right R value insulation for your area. The main reason our homes are energy efficient is because of our massive logs and their ability not only to store heat, but then radiate it back into the room.  According to the Log Homes Council Energy Committee, log homes retain heat 44 percent better than conventional homes.  Their finding was based on a test by the National Association of Home Builders that compared 8 log houses with 8 well-insulated foam houses in upstate New York and Montana.

Q. What are some of the benefits of using an architect/designer?

A. The detail on measurements in rooms, hallways, and ceilings in loft areas along with many other design factors make the job go much smoother from start to finish. Putting together bids/estimates from all the subcontractors and suppliers will be much more accurate with drawings that are professionally done.  They may be more expensive, but in the long run they will save you money and you will have less confusion with your project.