If you’re like most people, you’ve had a romantic notion of living in a log home since childhood. Visions of mountain or lakeside retreats, deer frolicking in your front yard and cozy evenings around a glowing fire surrounded by the earthy beauty of log homes are fun. But it’s important to look beyond the glamour to the real facts of buying a log home in order to realize if it’s the right choice for you.

Here’s a look at some of the pros and cons for buying a log home that make them unique from “traditional” homes today:

PROs of Buying a Log Home

Old world charm with modern convenience: Log cabin home design has come a long way. Unlike the homes you remember from the days of “Little House on the Prairie,” today’s log homes offer modern convenience and design innovations that combine the best of the old and the new. Vaulted ceilings, grand fireplaces, modern kitchens, central air and heat. These offer comfort and convenience in the rustic setting you’ve dreamed of, bringing you the best of both worlds, really.

Green living: Home owners are becoming more environmentally conscious and log homes fit into a “green” lifestyle perfectly. 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 (keep reading.)

Energy efficient: 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. If you own an older home, replacing old windows with modern Energy Star-rated windows is another way to increase the efficiency of your log home as well.

CONs of Buying a Log Home

Unique maintenance requirements: Log homes are unique – and have unique care and maintenance requirements when compared to “traditional” home. Note, though, that we did not say “more difficult.” Just “different.” Click HERE to read more about maintenance of a log home, including applying protective exterior coatings, watching for pests or mildew and upkeep of caulking between logs.

Homeowners insurance: Do not assume that your normal insurance company may not provide insurance for a traditional log home. This doesn’t mean that there aren’t companies out there that will insure a home – just be sure to do your research and find a reputable company that offers log home insurance. Need some recommendations? Send us an email and we’ll be glad to help.

Remote locations: This is not always the case, but often log homes can be located away from the hustle, bustle and convenience of urban areas. This may actually be a firm “Pro” for many of our readers, but if you are firmly rooted in “city life” a remote log home may not be for you.

Just like buying a traditional home, do your research when considering buying a log home. If you feel that a log home is the answer to your dreams, congratulations. And be sure to remember us when you need someone to turn to for expert advice for the care and maintenance of keeping your dream in great shape for years to come.