Answers

Note: The answers to Frequently Asked Questions are the opinions, experience, and understanding of our Lincoln Logs Dealership and should not be treated as an official response from The Original Lincoln Logs^® LTD.

There are so many log home companies, how do I choose one?

First decide what you can afford. Then decide what type of building system you like that is within your budget. Once you know what you can afford and what you like, interview representatives for those companies. Be sure you are talking with reputable companies. You will find them advertised in the major log home magazines and at the log home trade shows. Find out how long they have been in business and ask to contact a couple of their clients. Most importantly are you comfortable with the representative you will be working with? Do they answer your questions? Will they be there to help you solve any problems along the way?

Is Cedar better than Pine?

When we first started looking into log homes I knew I wanted a cedar home. I had always heard that cedar would keep the bugs away and it smells so good. I quickly learned that Western cedar is more expensive than Pine and that the 100 Year Warranty offered by The Original Lincoln Logs^® LTD is the same regardless of the log species. So why not put the money into square footage instead of cedar unless your budget allows you to purchase the cedar.

I've been told there is more exterior maintenance on a log home, is this true?

Exterior maintenance depends on location, positioning of your home, the building system you choose and the product you choose to apply on the exterior of your home.

• Location: Generally the south and west sides of your home get the most sun. If a porch is in your plan, consider the south and west side of your home. This will help keep the sun from your logs requiring less maintenance.
• Positioning: Just the slightest change in the positioning of your home can make a difference not only in the amount of maintenance, but also the energy efficiency of your home.
• Building System: Our building systems do not require chinking, which helps keep maintenance to a minimum.
• Exterior Product: It will be well worth your while and money spent to purchase a product from a reputable company. There are many products available, but only a few that we would recommend using. Please ask your representative for recommendations in your area.

What does the Lincoln Logs weather tight package include?

All of the materials necessary to complete a weather tight shell, including but not limited to: perimeter logs, complete roof system, custom windows and exterior doors, log siding exterior and 1x9 T&G interior for gables and dormers, framing for the interior partitions, hardware to assemble the shell, as well as all of your drafting. Materials for decks, porches, garages, or solariums are included in some packages.

There are so many floor plans, but none are exactly what I want. How can you help me?

Creating a log home that satisfies your tastes, meets local building codes and is construction friendly is a critical, yet invisible, part of the home building process. The Original Lincoln Logs^® LTD has a full staff of designers and engineers to help turn your dream into reality! We can start from your "napkin sketch" or modify an existing plan. Custom engineered plans that meet local building codes are a part of every one of our packages.

I would like to design my own home, but I don't know where to begin.

Begin by knowing what you want to see when you drive up to your home. Now get out of your car. Are you in the garage, a carport, or parked in front of your home? Do you need to go up stairs from your daylight basement/garage, or directly into your home from the garage. Maybe you will be going right in the front door. What is your lifestyle like? Do you need a single story, one and half stories, or two stories? What rooms need to be on the main floor? Where will the laundry be done, in the basement or garage or do you have a laundry or mud room indoors? Do you want a fireplace, wood stove, or pellet stove? Where will they go? Do you have a porch to sit on in the evening or a breakfast nook to take in the morning sun? The dream is yours! It is our job to make your dream reality. Need help? We love to help you dream!

How energy efficient is a log home?

Unlike regular wood framed structures, log homes are rated in "Thermal Mass" as opposed to "R" values. The "Thermal Mass Effect" relates to the ability of the logs to retain heat and then return the heat back into the room. This results in lowering the demand for heating or cooling the inside of your log home. Logs also are a great sound barrier.

How does Lincoln Logs control the shrinkage of the logs and how much settling can I expect?

The shrinkage is controlled by a combination of the drying process, quality of logs, and our unique building system. An allowance of ¾ inch is made for all windows and doors. This far exceeds the expected settling if all construction directions are complied with.

How are Lincoln Logs dried?

The Original Lincoln Logs^® LTD air dry their logs. This is a natural way of removing moisture while retaining the integrity of the logs. Air drying reduces the amount of checking in the log. Kiln dried logs have a higher tendency to develop checks.

Does Lincoln Logs provide labor to build my log home?

As Representatives for The Original Lincoln Logs^® LTD, we have worked with many contractors and skilled craftsman. We can provide a list of experienced craftsmen who can support you in building your log home.

How is electrical wiring run for a log home?

During the construction process, logs are drilled from the starter course up, and outlets are cut to meet all your electrical requirements. You should minimize the number of outlets in the log walls by running the required (per electrical code) number of outlets in the exterior log walls. The rest of your electrical, telephone, and sound system can be run in the interior walls.

How long will it take to build my log home?

Depending on weather conditions and the diligence of your builder, your home will be completed in approximately 5-8 months.

I would like to build my own log home, is that possible?

Yes. Each Lincoln Logs^® LTD package comes with a complete construction manual and our 800 hotline to answer your questions. This publication is filled with step-by-step advice, tips and suggestions. Whether you are building your home, or you have hired a contractor, our construction guide will make the entire construction process easier and faster.

We've heard it may be difficult to finance a log home, is that true?

In the past that has been true. However, lending institutions have a better understanding of the product and its quality. Today there are more lenders for log homes than ever before. Contact us for a list of log home friendly financial institutions.

We've heard it is tough to get insurance coverage for a log home. Is this true?

Absolutely not! I worked in the insurance industry for many years. Insurance companies insure based on where your home is built and the condition it is in. Contact your current home insurance representative for more information. If they are unable to help you, let us know, we will point you in the right direction.

How do you control water problems when a log checks right through?

Our logs are milled from the heart of the log, therefore the check can only travel as far as the heart and no further.

Can we add on to an existing log home?

The Original Lincoln Logs^® LTD has a full staff of designers and engineers to help add to an existing home. In the majority of cases we can easily design an extension.

I would like to add a solarium to my home. Will they attach to any home?

Our solariums are designed to fit with either a new structure or added to an existing home. Just imagine sitting in the outdoors where the mosquitoes can't bite and the bees can't sting. Southern California is the perfect place to add a solarium to any home!

As an authorized Representative for The Original Lincoln Logs^® LTD, what services do you offer?

As a representative we offer you a variety of services. Here's what we can do for you:

• Site evaluation
• One-on-one planning sessions
• Design a log home that fits your lifestyle, budget, and needs of your family
• Superior customer care with integrity through your building process

Why should I choose Lincoln Logs?

The Original Lincoln Logs^® LTD offers one of the most complete log home packages in the log home industry. Here are just a few reasons why we believe The Original Lincoln Logs^® LTD should be your choice:

• 100 Year Limited Warranty - the best in the business
• High quality graded air dried logs
• Custom engineered plans from the on-staff designers and engineers
• Multiple log styles, cedar homes, plus timber frame and post and beam
• Several options including solariums, garages, decks, porches, and more
• Easy to use construction guides
• Authorized Representative commitment from start to finish

Making Your Dreams Reality is Our Business