For many people, their vision of a dream getaway is a cute little cabin tucked away in the woods. Or maybe a luxurious log home overlooking a lake. Either way, it’s a place where you can sip on your favorite drink while relaxing in front of a roaring fire in an authentic fieldstone fireplace. Well, you’re not alone. Owning a log home and escaping to a simpler way of life has been a universal fantasy sharing by many generations. Today, in fact, there are more log homes available than ever, and opportunities to live or vacation in them is much more than a distant wish.

Here at Prolog Restorations, we’ve seen an upsurge in interest first hand, with more and more calls from people who are interested in building new log homes, or have recently purchased log homes and want expert advice for restoring and maintaining their homes. It’s great to see that log homes are coming back into fashion and people are once again appreciating their natural feel and retro appeal.

Living in a log home is a lot different than conventional homes, however. There are all new maintenance and upkeep issues you’ll need to be aware of. Plus the location of many log homes can also affect daily life. When it comes down to it, the question you need to ask yourself before contacting a Realtor or writing a check, is: “Is a log home really right for me?”

First, let’s take a look at the upkeep involved when owning a log home. Log homes generally have different maintenance issues than conventional homes. Not necessarily “more difficult,” just “different.” For instance, logs can expand and shift. Certain kinds of pests have to be watched for such as termites and carpenter bees. Log home maintenance guides can be helpful for identifying problems and learning ways to treat logs to prevent future damage. Click HERE to read more about maintenance of a log home, or request our free ebook by clicking here and learn more about log home maintenance issues including applying protective exterior coatings, watching for pests or mildew, and upkeep of caulking between logs.

Something to also take into consideration is location. Often log homes are located well away from the hustle and bustle of urban areas. This may fall firmly into the “pro” list for many people, but if you are firmly rooted in the conveniences of city life, a remote log home may not be for you. Your location and style of home, it should be noted, can also affect something that you might not have stopped to consider: your homeowner’s insurance. Some companies do not provide insurance for a traditional log home. This doesn’t mean that there aren’t companies out there who will – just be sure to do your research and find a reputable company that offers log home insurance. And if you need help when it comes to this, give us a call at 877-477-6564. We’ve worked with a lot of companies throughout California when it comes to log homeowner’s insurance, and are happy to provide recommendations.

Another advantage of log homes is their “green living” adaptability to an environmentally responsible lifestyle. Today’s builders use logs from sustainable forests, which means the trees are grown specifically for the purpose of being cut down, saving forests that are at risk elsewhere. And all portions of the log are used in the building process, keeping waste to a minimum. Also, don’t forget the energy-efficiency factor. Due to the thickness of the logs used as building materials, log homes are great at maintaining temperature and conserving energy. They are able to naturally absorb heat during the day, then radiate it at night, keeping the interior at an even temperate and reducing the need for forced heat or air.

Just like buying a traditional home, it’s important to consider all the factors – both pros and cons – when considering investing in a log home. If you feel that a log home is the answer to your dreams, congratulations! And be sure to download our complete log homeowner guide, as well as check back here on our blog for expert advice for the care and maintenance of keeping your dream in great shape for years to come.