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WEB-EXTRA: More Information on Building a Log Home From "Be Your Own Contractor: Vacation Homes" episode DBCV-105

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Below is addition information on building a log home provided by the producers of this episode of Be Your Own Contractor: Vacation Homes.

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More information on Building a Log Home:

• There are books, magazines and catalogs readily available to help in the selection of style and size of cabin to fit your needs. Remember that more time you spend selecting plans that are most suitable for the intended use of the cabin, the more smoothly the construction project is likely to go.

• The initial step, before ever breaking ground, is to select a site and then contact your local building-inspections department. The inspectors will determine whether the site you've selected is suitable and will come out to do periodic inspections as you go through the construction process.

• Earth-moving equipment will be required for excavating the site and establishing access to water and sewer lines.

• If your site doesn't have access to city water and sewerage, you'll need to put in a septic system. Inspectors will test your soil to see whether it's suitable for handling a septic system. If your soil passes, you will be granted a permit.

• Once you've been granted a permit, you can hire a backhoe operator who will come out and dig a hole in your yard for the concrete vault and a series of trenches that make up the septic system.

• Options for water supply include digging a well or accessing existing water lines. Having a well dug can cost several thousand dollars.

• For electrical power, the electric company is contacted to dig a trench for installation of a power line.

• The local propane-gas company is contacted to do the necessary excavation for the installation of a propane gas tank and gas lines.

• Important: Necessary permits and zoning restrictions vary from one location to another. It's critical that you know and adhere to the local construction codes and ordinances that are applicable in your area.

RESOURCES :

The Complete Guide to Building Log Homes
ISBN: 0806974869
Author: Monte Burch, Richard J. Meyer, Lloyd P. Birmingham
Sterling Publishing Co. Inc.
Website: www.sterlingpub.com

Small Log Homes: Storybook Plans and Advice
ISBN: 1586850431
Author: Robbin Obomsawin
Gibbs Smith Publishing
Website: www.gibbs-smith.com

Log Homes by New Homestead USA
Website: www.loghomes.com/newhomestead