North Georgia Handcrafted Log Homes
Scandinavian Full Scribe Log Builders
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North Georgia Plus 48 Surrounding States & Alaska
North Georgia Plus 48 Surrounding States & Alaska
Frequently Asked Questions
We realize that there are so many questions that you might have that we are only putting a small portion on this "Frequently Asked Questions" page. We would like you to e-mail us, or call to get answers to the very important questions that you may have. Cell 770-540-6361 If you have AT&T the call should be free. If you use E-Mail make sure that your e-mail filter will let our return e-mail come thru to you.Q_7How do I find a General Contractor (Builder) that offers competitive pricing and quality work to finish the log shell that you build?
How do I find a General Contractor (Builder) that offers competitive pricing and quality work to finish the log shell that you build?Q_10 Are Log Homes energy efficient?
The above questions are answered below. Just click on the question numbers and you will be taken to the answer. Again, for other questions that we have not addressed go to the "Got Questions?" bar above and click.Q_1What is the difference between a Log Cabin and a Log Home?
What is the difference between a Log Cabin and a Log Home?The only real difference physically is the size of the structure, but the cost per sq/ft will probably be higher on the smaller log home/cabin.Many of the Log Crafters will not build a structure under a certain size because of the cost to the customer. An example, or comparison, of two rectangles, one being smaller than the other.More specifically, one log Cabin being 18' X 24', and a second one of 28' X 32'. Now this might not seem to differ greatly, but if they are both 1 1/2 story, the size difference in sq/ft would be over double. The smaller Log Cabin would be 864 sq/ft, and the larger Log Cabin would be 1792 sq/ft.Not only is the larger size just over double, but here is the shocker, they both cost almost the same for the Log Shell Builder to build. The logs will probably be the same diameter, and length, as shipped from the tree cutter. The logs will then have to be cut to the length that is usable for each Log Structure.Next, the same amount of work will be necessary to build each Log Shell. The same number of Shrink to Fit Saddle Notches at the corners of the Log Shell will have to be carved. The same number of Linear Coves will have to be carved in each log to fit each log, one to another.All in all, it's actually cheaper to build a moderately sized Log Cabin, or Log Home, than a smaller one. It will cost close to the same to heat and cool year around. The yearly maintenance will be about the same also for the life of both log structures.What does this all boil down to? The terms, Log Cabin or Log Home are interchangeable. they can be from 600 sq/ft to 10,000 sq/ft or more.To determine your final costs you have to sit down with the log shell builder, as well with the general Contractor, to make this determination.
I hope this has helped. Further questions on this matter can be addressed to the "Got Questions?" bar above left.
Q_2Are Log Cabins/Homes cheaper, or more expensive to maintain than stick frame homes?
Are Log Cabins/Homes cheaper, or more expensive to maintain than stick frame homes?Without any doubt Log Homes made from real logs, and I am referring only to Handcrafted Scandinavian Full Scribe Log Homes, are far cheaper to maintain year around then stick frame houses.There are many reasons why Log Homes are much cheaper to maintain, but I will only state a few reasons here because of time limitations for you to read the answers.Log Homes, such as Dream Crafters builds, have much larger roof overhangs then conventional stick frame houses, and larger than most other log homes. The minimum overhang on the eve side of the log home is three feet. The minimum overhang on the gable end of the log home is four feet.These overhangs protect the log walls from excessive wetting from rain and snow. This in turn allows the wall logs to dry properly between wettings. As long as the logs dry properly there can never be rotting of the log walls, eliminating one of the major costs of maintaining a Log Home over the long run. This has positive effects other than protecting the log walls from excessive wetting. These large overhangs protect the finish on the log walls. Not only does it reduce the damage to the finish from excessive wetting, but also helps to protect the logs, and finish, from ultraviolet damage caused from continuous sun exposure. What does this accomplish? Well, it makes the finish on your new log home last a lot longer considerably extending the time frame of having to refinish the outside of your new Log Home. Again allowing a much cheaper cost of maintaining a log home in the short and long run.I guess you might think that this is the end of the story, but it's only a small part of the whole picture. Dream Crafters Log Homes, with large overhangs, has a lot more to offer than just that.Our overhangs also protect the interior of your log home. It helps keep the sun from damaging the interior furnishings of your log home from the bleaching effect of the sun. It also makes it cheaper to heat your log home in the winter, and does the same for cooling in the hot summer by protecting your log home from extreme weather.More could be said, and if you have any question that we have not addressed please click the navigation button at the top left of this page titled "Got Questions?". We look forward to hearing from you.Q_3Do you sell Log Home Floor Plans and Blueprints?
Do you sell Log Home Floor Plans and Blueprints?No, we do not sell our blueprints. Our plans are protected by copyright and can not be reproduced, or built using another companies log product.If you are looking to build your Dream Log Home, we will be delighted to guide you through the design process, and then transfer these ideas, along with the guide lines necessary to build a Dream Crafters Log Home, to a set of blueprints. Any costs incurred by you for these services will be transferred, and deducted from the cost of your New Log Home when construction starts.When blueprints are completed you inform us as to when you will be ready to move forward with your project. Prior to entering the design phase, you will be placed onto our building schedule.More questions? Go to the navigation button above "Got Questions?" and click on the button. We would appreciate assisting you.Q_4How Long Does it take to design and build a Log Shell?
How Long Does it take to design and build a Log Shell?We don't have a specific lead time because it will be based on the next open slot that we have in our building program. The actual building time will depend on if it is a small rectangle Log Home which may take as little as three and one half months, to a very complex Log Home that may take up to ten months or longer to build.Also materials availability and weather will affect the finished date. The total time in building needs to be discussed with Dream Crafters Log Home Builders and the General Contractor before a finished date can be set.There are basically three phases in getting your Log Home Shell to your waiting foundation. The first phase is planning and design ( three to five weeks) which varies depending on the uniqueness of the project, then construction on the average Log shell (2400 sq/ft) (three to five months), and then the reassembly phase where we assemble the Log Shell on your waiting foundation (two to five days). Usually one of the most enjoyable times during the total construction process for the New Log Home owner, only eclipsed by the move in day.If you have more questions please go to the top left of this page and click on the "Got Questions?" button.Q_5Can I have standard walls on the interior of my new Log Home?
Can I have standard walls on the interior of my new Log Home?Yes, you certainly can. In fact we recommend it. Sheet Rock is very easy to install on the interior walls, along with other materials such as T&G Knotty Pine, and a host of other materials that are used in the average built stick frame home.Of course, almost everyone wants to keep the interior of the outside walls natural log which we always recommend. The log inside surfaces, along with other materials such as Knotty Pine on the interior built walls, strikes a very harmonious balance. Of course tile and sheetrock walls in the bathroom, and kitchen, can really add familiarity to the warmth of the New Log Home.There can be many choices and preferences for the finished interior built walls, so dream away. Dream Crafters will be more than happy to discuss all of these things in the planning stage. Again, if you need answers before the planning stage just go to the "Got Questions?" navigation button at the top of the page and click.Q_6Do you allow for settling and shrinking of the logs?
Do you allow for settling and shrinking of the logs?Dealing with shrinkage, settling, and slumping is a speciality of Dream Crafters. Each and every log is carved to eliminate problems of shrinking. Since we refuse to use any log cut from a tree that has died from any cause what so ever, we cut only healthy trees and hand peel the logs. We then wash and clean them with high pressure water and borates.By using the above steps in the order presented we get a start on controlling the shrinkage of the logs. The logs, after some trimming of the knots, goes to our handcrafters to be scribed, marked, and hand carved with chain saws, slicks, adze, and chisels to fit the logs that each log will be placed upon. Again, as the logs are being carved, shrinkage is taken into account by our artisans.After most of each wall has been processed we then mark out and cut the header logs for the windows and doors. Above each of these we cut a slip joint that takes into account the amount of involved wall of each window and door. When we install your New Log Shell on the waiting foundation and subfloor, we cut in the key ways for the windows and doors at this time. We make sure that you will never have a problem with shrinkage.We feel so strongly about our handcrafted methods of dealing with shrinkage, we warrant that you will not have a problem with the windows and doors being compressed, or crushed by shrinkage of the logs as we complete the New Log Shell.Q_7How do I find a General Contractor (Builder) that offers competitive pricing and quality work to finish the log shell that Dream Crafters build?
How do I find a General Contractor (Builder) that offers competitive pricing and quality work to finish the log shell that Dream Crafters build?In the past, finding a builder that could build a Scandinavian Scribe Log Home was a horrendous task. In some areas it still is, and some cases almost impossible.Dream Crafters works with a few Builders that can give top quality construction and a reasonable price to finish a log shell. In North Georgia we work with three or four General Contractors that can do the work, and are more then willing to go the extra mile required to complete a Dream Crafters Log Shell.More questions? Just click on the "Got Questions?" navigation bar at the top of the page. We'll be glad to help, and we will respond within a reasonable time frame.Q_8How much will my Log Home Shell cost to build, and what will it cost to finish the log home?
How much will my Log Home Shell cost to build, and what will it cost to finish the log home?Handcrafting a Log Home is a physically demanding craft which is labor intensive, and since we do not build kits, each Log Home is handcrafted to the unique needs and desires of each homeowner.The price of our Log Shells are based on the length of logs, always full length, bought specifically for the project and the number necessary to build your New Log Home. The diameter of the logs, the number of corner joints necessary, the number of window openings, the number of exterior door openings, and the number of trusses and perlins.We can give you a rough estimate before the blue prints are completed, and an exact price after the blue prints are finished and we know what your floor plan entails.Log Home Shells range in price from $30.00 sq/ft - $100.00 sq/ft depending on the size, complexity, and the materials used to construct your New Log Shell.The full turnkey cost would be determined after you have talked to the General Contractor to determine his costs in completing the Log Shell.We build the shell and reassemble it on your waiting foundation and subfloor, which is provided ahead of time by the General Contractor that you have chosen.Our immediate market area is North Georgia and the surrounding states, although we are capable of shipping a Log Shell anywhere in the continental United States.We do require a $1,500.00 payment to hold your slot in our building program, which will later be deducted from your contract price if you do not cancel. Otherwise the payment is forfeited.More Questions? Just click on the "Got Questions?" bar at the top left of this page. We look forward to helping you through the process of designing, planning, and building your New Log Home.E-Mail: gifford@ellijay.com Call me personally at Cell: 770-540-6361
Q_9Where does Dream Crafters build their Log Home Shells?
Where does Dream Crafters build their Log Home Shells?Dream Crafters builds all our Log Shells at our own Log Yard, located ten miles outside of Ellijay, North Georgia. None of our work is contracted to other log builders.After your Log Shell is completed at our site, we number the logs and load the logs onto trucks. They are then hauled to your property and reassembled on your foundation by the same craftsmen that handcrafted the shell.This process gives us the ability to ship a Log Shell anywhere in the us, and then reassemble the Log Shell for you.A map to our location is on the "Contact Us" page. Just go to the navigation bar above on the left and click.We will be glad to answer any questions that you have. Just go to the "Got Questions?" navigation bar above and click. or e-mail us at the address below.Q_10 Are Log Homes energy efficient?
At Dream Crafters we feel that we build the most thermally and energy efficient Log Homes in the industry.There are two factors that, in combination, support thermal and energy efficiency in logs. The first factor is the species of log, and the second factor is the diameter of the log.The larger the diameter of the log used in building your New Log Home the higher the "R" value, and the higher the thermal mass. Dream Crafters uses logs that have a minimum butt diameter of 15", and go as large as 24" in butt diameter. With a minimum of 10" diameter tip on the 15" logs, and a minimum of 13" diameter tip on the 24" logs. This gives a minimum of 12 1/2" average log diameter for the smallest log, and an average of 18 1/2" diameter on the larger log.It might help you to understand more if I were to say, "imagine a log as a big bundle of straws filled with air", air being one of the best insulators, slows the flow of heat through the log, that's R-factor. The larger the diameter of the log the higher the R-factor. The 18 1/2" average diameter log will have a R-factor of approximately 27, far above that of a stick frame house if built with 2X6 studs and insulation of only R-19.The second factor to consider is the Species of tree used to build your Log Home. This is not quite as straight forward. Most all softwoods in the North American Continent have similar R-factors per inch of average diameter. But there is another aspect that is just as important as the name of the species of tree, and that is the strength of the particular wood.Douglas Fir is the strongest softwood, followed by Southern Yellow Pine. The only problem with selecting these two trees for the wall logs is that they have an average lower R-factor. They are the best for ridge logs, perlins, trusses, and make extremely strong posts.Since Eastern White Pine rates in the top three or four trees thermally, and rates high in strength, it only makes sense to choose this tree for the walls, and with it's inheritant good strength, for the other wood members as well. There are many species that may also be used in log building, but Eastern White Pine is one of the best choices for thermal and energy efficiency plus strength.All of the above create a situation that is called "Thermal Mass". This is a unique characteristic that does not occur in a stick frame house, but does occur in a Log Home. Its definitely a characteristic that helps make a log home energy green besides the high R-factor of large logs.
Thermal Mass, the magic word for the day, retains heat and radiates it back into the home, controlling and reducing cooling and heating energy demand year around. Now that's living energy efficient, green, and healthy.More questions, just go to the top left of the page and click on "Got Questions?".Q_11 What Log Home Builders organizations does Dream Crafters belong to?
belong to?Dream Crafters believes that is important to maintain memberships in our industry to stay on top of the learning curve, and to maintain the best possible building code in the country.Dream Crafters is a member of the International Log Builders Association (ILBA), who developed the building code that we adhere to. It is the highest building code in the North American Continent. You will find a copy of that code by clicking on the "Building Code" button at the top left of this page in the navigation section.Dream Crafters is also a member of the Great Lakes Log Crafters Association (GLLCA). This organization has a very large membership of handcrafters. Most of the members build using Scandinavian Full Scribe Log Building technics of building. These are the very best building practices in the US, and by far one of the best world wide. GLLCA also adheres to the same building great code as ILBA. GLLCA is a proud group of old world Log Crafters. Dream Crafters is proud to member of such a group.