FAQ
Q. WHY PURCHASE A "CANADA'S LOG PEOPLE" HOME?
A. "Solid, Satisfying, Warm, Cozy, Excellent Value, Great Acoustics", are some of the words that previous customers have stated. We also provide a 40-page construction and maintenance manual for your new log home.
Q. WHY HANDCRAFTED AND NOT MACHINED?
A. Our logs, which are 12"-16" (or larger) mean diameter, are much larger than standard machined (milled) logs which means greater insulation value and greater aesthetic value. Our logs are also longer which means you will not see butt-joints throughout the walls. Also, our log shells are completed and set up in our yard by hand, that way we are able to ensure everything fits properly. The setup on your property takes 2-3 days on average while machined logs can take weeks.
You will probably spend the same amount wether you build handcrafted or machined. Knowing that, why wouldn't you choose a handcrafted log home with its larger logs and greater aesthetic value?
Q. HOW EFFICIENT ARE LOG HOMES FOR HEATING AND COOLING?
A. Our log homes are warm in the winter and cool in the summer. The main reason for this is the size of the logs. Unlike conventional construction where "R-value" is incorporated in the structure using insulation, in a log home the insulation comes from the thermal mass of the log. For instance, a smaller log has considerably less thermal mass than a 12"-16" log. Using the envelope method of calculating "R-value" equivalence, we are happy to say our log homes, when finished as recommended, will meet current energy codes. Because of the thermal mass, once the logs are heated, they stay warm longer. Here is more information: Energy Efficiency
Q. WHAT TYPE OF INSULATION IS IN YOUR HANDCRAFTED V-GROOVES?
A. We use fibreglass which through a recently revised process, feels like cotton. We can also use sheep wool and foam gasket, but it does cost more. We recommend after 2 summers of natural drying, to put a very small bead of Sashco Conceal or Permachink Energy Seal to seal any natural drying checks & seams on the exterior. Some customers will do this on the interior as well for aesthetic reasons.
Q. WHAT IS YOUR COMPANY ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ON HARVESTING OF LOGS?
A. Canada's Log People puts a high priority on sustainable forestry practice. We follow the CSA environmental standards which is compatible with other stringent environmental standards. We plant three trees for every one we cut down. We put back what nature gave us!
Q. WHAT SPECIES OF WOOD DO YOU USE?
A. We offer Engelmann Spruce, Douglas Fir, Western Red Cedar, and Yellow Cedar. We prefer to use winter harvested logs that are air-dried throughout the year. We have enough stock in advance for six months of building. We build with ‘standing dead logs’ upon request.
Q. WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE LOG SHELL?
A. Anything log: log walls, loft joists, support beams, support posts, log ridge and purlins for the roof, log trusses, character logs, log railings, log stairs, etc., and also hardware pertaining to the log work.
Q. WHAT IS THE COST OF YOUR HANDCRAFTED LOG SHELL(S)?
A. Our average cost is very competitive with other handcrafted log home companies ($30-$70 per square feet). You will find our quality and service, in relation to price, is a very good value. Let us know which of our designs you would like a price on or if you have a another design you would like priced.
Q. DO YOU SELL LOG HOME KITS WITH NO INSTALLATION?
A. No we do not, and for good reason. An important part of our quality assurance is that Canada's Log People or our Sales Contact installs the log portion of the home on your foundation/sub-floor, which usually requires 2-3 days, and then we know it is done properly. Canada's Log People provides a complete log shell ready for finishing. During the setup, you and your contractor will be provided with tips on how to finish your log home.
Q. HOW SOON CAN YOU DELIVER?
A. Usually between 60-120 days after you have approved your construction drawings and payment has been received. This depends on time of year as the busy construction season is between April and November.
Q. HOW DIFFICULT IS IT TO FINISH A LOG HOME?
A. We make the log package as "Builder Friendly" as possible. The contractor does not need special log builders' tools to finish your home. We also provide finishing details on our plans, and a Free Consultation Service. We have completed a Construction & Maintenance Manual developed especially for our clients. The manual is a 40-page document that includes information from building your log home in our yard to finishing it from foundation tips to electrical installation to long term maintenance. You will receive a manual with your signed contract.
Q. ARE LOG HOMES DIFFICULT TO MAINTAIN?
A. Not our log homes. I cannot speak for others. When you build a "Canada's Log People" home, we provide you with expert advice on how to maintain it.
Q. DO YOU BUILD LOG POST & BEAM WITH 12" - 16" MEAN DIAMETER LOGS?
A. Yes we do, as some clients like to have this style which includes log frame, log structural roof system, log stairs, log railings, etc.
Q. CAN YOU PROVIDE LOG ACCENTS?
A. Yes we can, as some clients only want some accent highlights to their conventional frame house.
Q. DO YOU BUILD TIMBER FRAME STYTLE?
A. Yes we do. With our highly skilled log home builders, we have found working with square wood much easier than using round logs. We are a good alternative to using a dedicated timber frame company. Our prices are quite reasonable.
Q. HOW IS THE ELECTRICAL AND PLUMBING INSTALLED – IS IT VISIBLE?
A. No, it is no visible as our plans show you how to conceal all electrical and plumbing. Our electrical boxes for switches and plugs are chiseled & recessed. We then sand it flat for the faceplate. This is done by the electrical contractor, homeowner, or we can do it for you for an extra cost.
Q. HOW MUCH DO LOG HOMES COST TO TURN-KEY?
A. Depends on your area. A good guideline is the same cost as a 'custom' frame house, depending on the log features & finishing personalized tastes. Our large logs make your home a very good investment & value.
Q. CAN I DESIGN MY OWN LOG HOME, AND IF SO, DO I NEED AN ARCHITECT?
A. Yes, you can design your own home. Most of the homes we build are custom. It can save you time and money if you use our competent and professional designing services – we have the experience. It is not necessary to have an architect.
Q. WHAT ARE YOUR DRAFTING AND DESIGN PRICES?
A. $2.10 per sq. ft. for custom plans and less if you choose to modify one of our stock design. Upon signing a contract for us to do the log work, we refund your drafting cost 100%.
Q. ARE YOUR PLANS DESIGNED ACCORDING TO LOCAL BUILDING CODES?
A. Yes, of course they are. We have designed houses all over North America.
Q. DO I NEED COURIER SERVICE TO RECEIVE MY PLANS?
A. No. Plans are easily delivered through E-Mail in PDF or AUTOCAD Format. Any general printing establishment can print plans. This expedites the planning process. We can use courier if you like or mail.
Q. DO YOU PROVIDE FREE ESTIMATES?
A. Yes! We are ready to make your log home dream com true, so don't delay! Fax, E-Mail or Mail us your ideas today!
Q. WILL YOU BE SATISFIED WITH A "CANADA'S LOG PEOPLE" LOG HOME?
A. Yes! We take pride in our workmanship – one log at a time!