If you've ever dreamed of owning your own private hideaway where you can feel relaxed, undisturbed and removed from the stresses of everyday life, then you're not alone. You have something in common with countless others who yearn for a secluded spot that provides a sense of privacy, ownership and comfort. For some adventurous individuals, that dream comes in the form of a rustic log cabin. In fact, with the assistance and guidance of one of numerous companies that specialize in building modern-era log cabins, many such dreamers have acted upon their inclination to turn their dream into reality. Perhaps you could as well. Building a log cabin from the ground up is not as complicated as one might expect, particularly since a considerable industry has grown up in the manufacture of the materials needed to build these structures. The finished product is a contemporary replica of an early log home but is complete with modern amenities and conveniences. If you admire the craftsmanship and rugged simplicity of the American log cabin, you may want to consider building one of your own. In this workshop, we follow the steps in the construction of one such cabin from foundation to the last roof-shingle. Individual segments cover such topics as choosing a suitable site, ensuring that proper permits are in order, selecting materials, excavating, building a footing, raising exterior and interior walls, flooring, roofing, plumbing, wiring, installing doors and windows, heating equipment, water access, gutters, porches, gables, beams and cross-ties. The cabin shown in this workshop was built to function as a guest house on a portion of land near the owner's main residence. The fundamental structure of this cabin -- including log walls, support beams, roofing, flooring, etc. -- was built from materials that were delivered as a kit. Though the owner and builder of the cabin was involved in supervision of and assistance with the construction from start to finish, for reasons of speed and logistics much of the labor was conducted by a construction crew. The segment-summaries presented on this site are designed to review the steps as they were presented in the workshop and to point out some of the major considerations in taking on a project of this scope. Many of the online segments incorporate downloadable videos allowing users to rewatch the most substantive portions from the corresponding show segments. The cabin constructed in this workshop comes with the following features: - 800-square-foot interior
- Large living room
- Full kitchen
- Master bedroom
- Master bathroom
- Additional half-bath
- Flagstone front porch
- Wood side porch
- Vaulted ceilings
- Propane heat
- Tankless water-heater.
The structure and appearance of the cabin are designed to blend into a rustic, pastoral setting; be visually unobtrusive to the landscape; and evoke a casual, easygoing atmosphere. Fortunately for those interested in building a log home, there are numerous manufacturers that offer the components necessary for building a log cabin in kit form. The companies also offer plans and blueprints (figure A) for varying designs ranging from a one-bedroom getaway to a full-size home large enough to accommodate an entire family. 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 (figure B). Earth-moving equipment (figure C) 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 (figure D), who will come out and dig a hole in your yard for the concrete vault (figure E ) 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. Since this cabin is to function as a guest house in close proximity to a main house, the decision was made to run a water line from the main house. For electrical power, the electric company is contacted to dig a trench for installation of a power line (figure F). The local propane-gas company is contacted to do the necessary excavation for the installation of a propane gas tank and gas lines (figure G). 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 :
Log Home Repair and Restoration Services
Log Home Repair and Restoration Services
Website: www.loghomerepair.com
Special Thanks for DIY Build a Log Cabin workshop
Blossman Gas
Website: www.blossmangas.com/
Propane
Propane
Washington, DC Phone: 202-452-8975
Fax: 202-452-9054
Website: www.propanecouncil.org/
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
Log Homes Made Easy: Contracting and Building Your Own Log Home
Model: 0811728471
Author: Jim Cooper
Stackpole Books
Website: www.stackpolebooks.com
The Cabin: Inspiration for the Classic American Getaway
Model: 0879056711
Author: Dale Mulfinger, Susan E. Davis
The Taunton Press Inc.
Website: www.taunton.com
Hands-On Log Homes
ISBN: 0879058056
Author: Cindy Teipner Thiede
Gibbs Smith Publishing
Website: www.gibbs-smith.com
American Log Homes
ISBN: 0879054581
Author: Arthur Thiede, Cindy Teipner
Gibbs Smith Publishing
Website: www.gibbs-smith.com
The Craft of Modular Post & Beam: Building Log and Timber Homes Affordably
Model: 0881791318
Author: James Mitchell
Heritage House/Hartley & Marks
Website: www.heritagehouse.ca/hartleymarks/hartleymarks.html
Small Log Homes: Storybook Plans and Advice
ISBN: 1586850431
Author: Robbin Obomsawin
Gibbs Smith Publishing
Website: www.gibbs-smith.com
Log Spirit
ISBN: 0879059257
Author: Linda Arms White
Gibbs Smith Publishing
Website: www.gibbs-smith.com
Inside Log Homes: The Art & Spirit of Home Planning and Decor
Model: 087905963X
Author: Cindy Teipner Thiede, et al
Gibbs Smith Publishing
Website: www.gibbs-smith.com
The Log Home Book: Design, Past and Present
Model: 0879056711
Author: Cindy Teipner Thiede, Arthur Thiede, et al
Gibbs Smith Publishing
Website: www.gibbs-smith.com
| 
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
