FAQs
Frequently asked questions about the type of projects Log Home Scotland provides – ranging from post and beam construction to log homes and modular prefabricated timber frame houses. For any other question please use the comments section on the Enquiry Form or simply phone us to discuss your query.
Q1: How much does a log cabin cost?
Q2: Can you supply log cabins in kit form for self build?
Q3: Is it possible to get a mortgage / insurance for a log house or can you arrange finance?
Q4: Are log cabins more at risk from fire / vandalism?
Q5: Do you provide foundations for log cabin homes?
Q6: What is the life expectancy of a log home cabin?
Q7: Can you help with submitting / obtaining planning permission for our log cabin?
Q8: Which is better a log cabin made from hand peeled / hand crafted logs or one made with machine milled Logs?
Q9: Is it more expensive to have a bespoke design log cabin?
Q10: Are Log homes suitable for all year round living?
Q11: Can you explain about shrinkage / settling of log cabin homes?
Q12: What are laminated logs and how do they compare in price with conventional logs?
Q13: Is it possible the achieve a U value of 0.25 with your thickest logs (330mm) without using insulation in log cabin?
Q14: What is the price difference between your modular timber frame construction and log cabins solid log construction?
Q15: What materials are included in Log cabin / home kits?
Q1: How much does a log cabin cost?
A1: There are many variables affecting the cost of custom made log homes. To respond your enquiry meaningfully, please visit Design Your Own and fill in the Enquiry Form . After which We will contact you to discuss your project / options over the phone and provide you with price guide. For general guide click here: Price Guide.
Q2: Can you supply log cabins in kit form for self build?
A2: Yes. However, unless you are an experience builder we would recommend the option of having 1 (one) of our master craftsmen on site. For guidance and working with you to ensure correct / speedy installation. The cost of which is £ 220 per day / pro-rata for up to 2 weeks.
Q3: Is it possible to get a mortgage for a log house? Can you arrange finance?
A3: High street banks / lenders provide mortgages and insurance for prefabricated timber frame modular homes and post and beam type homes, less so for log homes and log cabins. There are a number of ethical, eco friendly lenders who will and do so. As for finance, we do not provide this service.
Q4: Are log cabins more at risk from fire/vandalism?
A4: Log homes are no more prone to vandalism than any other structure, nor are log cabins at more risk from fire than conventional construction, on the contrary in fact. Log Home Scotland structures are made from slow-grow solid logs averaging 90 years old when harvested. Therefore it is extremely difficult for fire to get hold due to ring density and the solid log mass. Also, a house made of logs is an organic living breathing entity. When exposed to fire the logs exude a vapour which acts as a natural barrier / fire retardant on the surface of logs.
Q5: Do you provide foundations for log cabin homes?
A5: Normally we provide working drawings for clients to source their own local firm to build the foundations and we inspect the work prior to construction. Also, we can provide foundations, on request.
Q6: What is the life expectancy of a log home cabin?
A6: Log cabins homes made from solid logs will last for generations provided that they are properly maintained. Log homes made from Northern Pine and Spruce have lasted for well over 200 years in some of the most inhospitable coldest climates on earth. Timber is one of the most durable, forgiving materials in house constructions. Homes made entirely of timber are the norm in many parts of Northern Europe and North America, where examples of hundreds of years old homes are plentiful.
Q7: Can you help us with submitting / obtaining planning permission and building warrant?
A7: Yes. Most times clients appoint their own agents. Log Home Scotland help is by way of providing working drawings for Planning and Building Controls as well as extensive free advice / guidance. Alternatively we can recommend other professionals whom we collaborate with to deal with Planning on your behalf.
Q8: Which is better a log home made from hand peeled / hand crafted logs or one made with machine milled Logs?
A8: Much of this is a matter of personal preference as both types of log homes are made from the same raw materials. We supply and work with both – machine milled logs and hand-crafted logs. As such, we are well positioned to explain the difference without bias. The hand-peeled / hand-crafted as its name suggests are totally hand made. Typically of thicker logs than machine milled logs. (See Log Profiles) Meaning sturdier longer lasting and better U values. Machine-milled logs are more uniform compared with hand crafted which have a more natural rustic look and feel. Hand crafted log homes are built on the factory floor, then disassembled and put up again on site. Machine-milled log cabins are delivered on to site directly from the production line. Both systems are built on site by our craftsman. The hand crafted method is much more labour-intensive, hence more expensive. As a rule of thumb, for same floor area a hand peeled / crafted log cabin home is roughly 50% more expensive than one made from machine-milled logs.
Q9: Is it more expensive to have a bespoke design log home?
A9: No. Most of our projects are custom made in fact and it is part of the service we provide free of charge.
Q10: Are Log homes cabins suitable for all year round living?
A10: Yes. Our homes are built to Scandinavian standards which are ahead of UK building regulations.
Q11: Can you explain about shrinkage / settling of log cabin homes?
A11: All solid log buildings are subject to “settling” within the first 3 years after construction – meaning they shrink. This is due to loss of the moisture content in the logs. “settling” is anticipated and is well provisioned for by way of design, manufacturing, construction method and on going maintenance
Q12: What are laminated logs and how do they compare in price with conventional logs?
A12: Log Home Scotland laminated logs are made from the core strips of Nordic Spruce glued together. They are lighter in colour, darken less with passage of time, feel and look smoother, appear as single log but are in fact much stronger, less prone to cracks, bowing and settling. The characteristics and superior qualities of laminated logs stem from selective use of the Spruce-log core. Laminated logs are used in our timber frame Modular Homes and post and beam construction. In particular for larger structures, wide span, reinforcement and where large glass areas required. Laminated logs are 30% more expensive than conventional logs.
Q13: Is it possible to have a log home without insulation?
A13: No. For example: to achieve U value of 0.25 without insulation you will need to use logs in excess of 600mm thickness.
Q14: What is the price difference between your modular timber frame construction and log homes?
A14: The main difference is substantial cost savings re on-site time and labour for construction to wind and water tight stage for prefabricated timber frame Modular Homes – about 50% less than log homes.
Q15: What materials are included in Log cabin / home kits?
A14: A lot in fact. To learn more click here >> Log Home Kit .