Frequently Asked Questions to eLoghomes

An eLoghomes log home materials package typically costs $55-$95 per square foot. The actual package price depends on the home design, materials and upgrades selected, and any additional materials required to meet state or local building codes.

A completed eLoghomes log home may cost approximately $250-$400 per square foot to build, but actual costs vary significantly by location, site conditions, labor rates, finishes, foundation type, and other project requirements. This is an estimate, not a guaranteed construction price; homeowners should obtain local estimates to determine their expected total build cost.
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Building a log home typically takes approximately 6-12 months from foundation through completion, although timelines vary by project. Installation of the log home shell itself may take approximately 1-2 months or longer, depending on the home’s size, complexity, site conditions, weather, and contractor availability.

A well-built and properly maintained log home can last for generations and potentially for centuries. Longevity depends on construction quality, wood species, moisture management, climate, and ongoing maintenance such as staining, sealing, and inspecting the home for water damage, insects, and decay.
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Common ways to reduce the cost of building a log home include choosing a smaller floor plan, simplifying the design, selecting a slab foundation where appropriate, and carefully prioritizing materials and upgrades. An eLoghomes Log Home Specialist can also help identify design and package options that align with your budget.
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An eLoghomes materials package includes the primary materials needed to construct the home’s exterior shell and interior framing. The package generally includes exterior components except the final roof covering, fixed trapezoidal glass in upper gables, and exterior stairs to grade. Interior framing and stairs are included so the structure can be prepared for mechanical rough-in. See the materials list for the specific components included with your selected package.
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An eLoghomes materials package does not include every component required to complete a finished home. Homeowners are generally responsible for site preparation and excavation; the foundation and supports to grade; final roof covering; certain fixed glass; mechanical systems such as electrical, HVAC, and plumbing; finished flooring and interior wall coverings; additional insulation; lighting fixtures; cabinets, vanities and appliances; exterior wood preservative; driveway and landscaping; and other items not listed in the applicable materials package.
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The Gold Premium Materials Package includes several upgrades over the Silver Complete Materials Package. These include a solid-log first-story wall system, Andersen 400 Series Perma-Shield windows and patio doors with additional color choices, handcrafted 8-14-inch-diameter log porch posts, 24-inch gable-end overhangs, and – when needed – final blueprints sealed by an engineer licensed in the project’s state plus a complimentary REScheck.
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A single-hung window has two sashes, but only the lower sash opens. A double-hung window allows both the upper and lower sashes to open, providing more ventilation options and making the exterior glass easier to clean from inside the home.
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eLoghomes does not typically include large fixed glass panels for upper gables because transporting oversized glass can increase cost and the risk of damage. Purchasing the glass locally can be more practical and allows a local professional to handle installation. When eLoghomes Construction Services installs the shell, the required opening can be framed for the locally supplied fixed glass.

Specifications, floor plans, elevations, and other information for eLoghomes models are available in the online log home gallery. For project-specific questions, an eLoghomes Log Home Specialist can provide additional information.
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Yes. Blueprints are included with an eLoghomes materials package order, beginning with preliminary elevations and floor plans and progressing to final construction drawings. Final plans include elevations, floor plans, subfloor and roof framing plans, interior framing, porches and decks, along with a basic preliminary foundation plan. PDF plans are provided at no additional charge; printed final plan sets may be available for an additional fee.

Yes. eLoghomes publishes floor plans and elevations for its log home models online, allowing you to compare designs, layouts, sizes, and architectural styles before selecting a model.

Yes. eLoghomes offers more than 200 customizable log home designs. Buyers can modify an existing floor plan to better accommodate their site, lifestyle, design preferences, and other project requirements.

Yes. A garage can be added to any eLoghomes model. Depending on the design and site, the garage can be attached directly to the home, connected by an open or enclosed breezeway, or built as a detached structure.
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Yes. Several eLoghomes models already feature wraparound or near-wraparound porches, and porches or decks can be added to virtually any side or area of many designs.
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eLoghomes designs can be built on several types of foundations, depending on site conditions and local building requirements. Options include basements, crawl spaces, concrete slabs, and pier or piling foundations.
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eLoghomes no longer provides a printed catalog. The complete collection of customizable log homes is available online, including floor plans, elevations, square footage, log sizes, styles, corner options, and other design information.

Yes. eLoghomes has model homes available to tour at its Sales Centers and may also be able to coordinate a visit to a completed customer’s home in a convenient location. Contact a Log Home Specialist to learn which viewing options are available near you.
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eLoghomes materials packages include a lifetime warranty for the original purchaser, subject to the terms and conditions of the eLoghomes warranty. Review the Warranty page for complete coverage, requirements, limitations, and exclusions.
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eLoghomes designs its homes in accordance with the applicable International Residential Code (IRC) standards used as the basis for residential construction in many jurisdictions. State and local requirements can vary, so customers or their contractors must identify project-specific requirements. eLoghomes can then make applicable design changes to accommodate those requirements.

To view current eLoghomes model and package pricing, register on the eLoghomes website and create an account. Registered users can view pricing online, and a Log Home Specialist can provide information about applicable promotions and discounts.
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eLoghomes periodically offers promotions and discounts on its log home packages. Register on the eLoghomes website to view pricing and connect with a Log Home Specialist who can explain offers currently available.

eLoghomes does not provide financing directly. However, eLoghomes can refer customers to financial institutions that offer construction loans for log homes. Loan availability, qualification, rates, and terms are determined by the lender.

eLoghomes materials packages are typically delivered approximately 4-6 months after ordering. Actual lead times can vary depending on seasonal demand, project requirements, production schedules, and other factors, so customers should confirm the current delivery estimate when ordering.

eLoghomes uses Eastern White Pine for its log walls and log siding. Eastern White Pine is well suited to log home construction because of characteristics including dimensional stability, strength, durability, insulation value, moderate checking, and relatively minimal knots.
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eLoghomes specifies Grade 1 Eastern White Pine for its log home packages. Each log is graded by a trained grader at the mills that work directly with eLoghomes.
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Yes. eLoghomes logs are cut according to detailed blueprints for each home, and individual logs are numbered to indicate where they should be installed. This precutting and labeling system helps streamline installation of the log home shell.
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No. eLoghomes logs are intentionally not pressure-treated because a significant portion of each solid log forms part of the home’s interior living environment. After construction, the exposed exterior wood must be protected with an appropriate log-home preservative.

Yes. eLoghomes recommends treating exterior log walls and other exposed wood surfaces with a preservative containing UV protection within approximately 60 days of delivery. Reapplication is generally required every 4-5 years, although exposure, climate, product specifications, and manufacturer recommendations can change the appropriate maintenance interval.

eLoghomes supplies a termite shield with its log home packages for installation on top of the foundation. Because termite risk varies by location, homeowners should also follow local building requirements and use appropriate additional termite-prevention measures, just as they would with other wood-framed homes.
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A log home typically needs exterior staining or sealing approximately every 4-5 years, although the correct interval depends on the finish, climate, sun exposure, humidity, precipitation, and condition of the wood. Highly exposed walls may require maintenance sooner, while protected areas may last longer. Fading, loss of water repellency, or water soaking into the wood rather than beading on the surface can indicate that maintenance is needed.

Yes. Log homes can be built in hot climates when the home is properly designed for local conditions and incorporates an appropriate HVAC system, roof design, windows, air sealing, and other energy-efficiency measures. eLoghomes has customers in warm climates, including Florida.
www.eloghomes.com/make-your-log-home-energy-efficient-from-top-to-bottom-model-gallery/

Yes. Some settling is a normal part of log home construction as wood adjusts to environmental conditions and changes in moisture content. eLoghomes mills seasoned logs to precise dimensions to promote uniform drying. Proper log-home construction techniques accommodate expected movement, and homeowners should inspect and maintain the home according to recommended procedures.

Yes. eLoghomes uses quality-control procedures throughout production of its log home packages to check the accuracy of cuts and the overall quality of the logs and materials.

eLoghomes documents materials before shipment using packing records and photographs. If a customer reports a missing or damaged item, eLoghomes reviews that documentation to determine what occurred. When the records show that eLoghomes failed to ship an included item or shipped material in a damaged condition, eLoghomes will repair or replace the affected material at its expense.

eLoghomes uses packing lists, shipment documentation, quality-control procedures, and additional quantities of certain materials to help ensure package completeness. Customers should use the Packing List/Intended Use List provided with delivery to verify that listed materials were received and are used in their intended locations.

Delivery is quoted separately based primarily on the location where the log home package will be delivered. eLoghomes works with freight carriers to provide customers with a shipping and delivery quote for their project.

Customers need a 6,000-pound-capacity forklift to unload an eLoghomes materials package and must provide clear, safe access to the unloading site. Confirm delivery and equipment requirements with eLoghomes before the shipment arrives.
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Delivery to a remote or mountain site may be possible, but safe truck access cannot be guaranteed. If site accessibility is uncertain, customers should identify an alternate unloading location before delivery. The driver makes the final determination based on road conditions, access, unloading space, egress, equipment safety, and the risk of property damage.
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Yes. eLoghomes ships and has previously shipped log home materials packages to destinations outside the United States. Contact eLoghomes to discuss availability, shipping logistics, and requirements for a specific country or location.

eLoghomes offers a Construction Services division that can professionally install the shell of an eLoghomes log home in available service areas. eLoghomes does not complete every aspect of the finished home; customers will still need appropriate contractors for the remaining construction. Construction Service availability varies by state.
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eLoghomes Construction Services pricing varies by project location rather than using one nationwide construction price. Costs reflect the area of the United States where the home will be built and applicable regional market rates.

eLoghomes Log Home Specialists and customer service professionals may be able to recommend experienced general contractors in your area. Customers are responsible for evaluating, selecting, contracting with, and supervising their builder or general contractor.
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Thermal mass is a material’s ability to absorb, store, and later release heat. Solid wood log walls provide thermal mass that can help moderate indoor temperature fluctuations by absorbing heat when temperatures rise and releasing it as temperatures fall. A log home’s overall energy performance also depends on factors such as climate, wall design, air sealing, windows, roof insulation, HVAC equipment, and construction quality.
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Here’s how thermal mass applies to log homes:

Temperature Regulation: Logs have a relatively high thermal mass compared to many other building materials, such as drywall or insulation. This means they can absorb and store heat during the day when the indoor temperature is higher (e.g., from sunlight or heating systems) and release that stored heat at night when the temperature drops. This process helps to regulate the indoor temperature, reducing temperature swings and maintaining a more comfortable living environment.

Energy Efficiency: The thermal mass of logs can contribute to the energy efficiency of log homes. During hot summer days, the logs can absorb excess heat, helping to keep the interior cooler and potentially reducing the need for air conditioning. Conversely, in the winter, the stored heat in the logs can assist in maintaining a warmer interior temperature, potentially reducing heating requirements. This can result in energy savings over time.

Comfort: Log homes often have a cozy and comfortable feel due, in part, to the thermal mass of the logs. They can create a more stable and even indoor temperature, reducing drafts and cold spots. This can lead to a sense of comfort and well-being for the occupants.

Design Considerations: When designing and constructing a log home, it’s essential to consider how the thermal mass of the logs will interact with other elements of the building, such as insulation and heating systems. Properly balancing these factors can help maximize the benefits of thermal mass while maintaining energy efficiency.

In summary, thermal mass, as exhibited by the logs in log homes, helps regulate indoor temperatures, improve energy efficiency, enhance comfort, and contribute to the unique charm of these homes. It’s a valuable property that should be considered during the design and construction of log homes to optimize their performance and livability.

Electrical wiring can be accommodated in log walls by drilling designated channels and notching locations for electrical boxes during shell construction. With the appropriate electrical boxes available as templates, the log walls can be prepared for the electrician. Plumbing supply and drain lines generally should not be installed in exterior walls and can instead be routed through appropriate interior or under-home locations based on the home’s design and applicable codes.

An experienced carpenter or framer may be able to install an eLoghomes materials package by carefully following the provided plans and instructional materials. eLoghomes does not recommend DIY shell installation for someone without appropriate carpentry or framing experience.

eLoghomes works with experienced, reputable contractors to help install customer log home packages and welcomes inquiries from qualified contractors interested in working with the company. Contractors can contact eLoghomes for current opportunities and requirements.
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Start with the city or county planning and building departments that have jurisdiction over your property. ADU requirements vary by location and may regulate allowable size, setbacks, building height, parking, occupancy, utilities, foundation design, and permitting. Ask whether your jurisdiction provides an ADU-specific checklist before selecting or modifying a design.
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Before building an ADU, review the zoning rules and other restrictions that apply to your specific property. Local regulations may address ADU size, height, setbacks, placement, parking, occupancy, utilities, and permitting. If your property is governed by an HOA or recorded Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions (CC&Rs), review those requirements as well and obtain appropriate professional guidance regarding how they apply to your project.

Yes, where permitted by local regulations. eLoghomes offers EasyCabin log cabin designs intended for use as accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and other small-footprint living spaces. Depending on local rules, a log cabin ADU may provide space for family, guests, a home office, or an approved rental use.
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An eLoghomes EasyCabin ADU is designed to be constructed on an appropriate foundation that meets the project’s structural requirements and applicable building codes. The foundation is not part of the EasyCabin shell materials package and must be completed separately by the homeowner or contractor.

A log cabin ADU may be rented where permitted by applicable laws and property restrictions. Rules for long-term and short-term rentals vary significantly by city, county, state, HOA, and property, so homeowners should confirm zoning, permitting, occupancy, licensing, HOA/CC&R, and short-term-rental requirements before relying on an ADU for rental income.

The timeline for building an eLoghomes EasyCabin ADU depends on permitting, site preparation, foundation construction, delivery, shell installation, contractor availability, inspections, utilities, and interior completion. Because EasyCabin models are predesigned, some of the design process may be simplified, but customers should develop a project-specific construction schedule with their contractors and local permitting authorities.

eLoghomes EasyCabin ADUs use solid Eastern White Pine log construction and Andersen 400 Series windows. Solid log walls provide both insulating properties and thermal mass, but the energy performance of a completed ADU also depends on its design, roof and floor insulation, windows and doors, air sealing, HVAC system, climate, orientation, and construction quality.

An ADU can potentially increase a property’s usefulness, marketability, and value by adding separate living space, but an increase in property value is not guaranteed. The financial impact depends on factors such as location, local housing demand, permitted use, construction quality, ADU size and design, and comparable property sales. Consult a qualified local real estate professional or appraiser for property-specific guidance.

Yes. eLoghomes provides an online Glossary of Construction Terms that explains terminology commonly encountered when planning, purchasing, and building a log home.
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