Q: WHAT'S DIFFERENT ABOUT STRONGWOOD?
In a word - service. Our heritage as custom builders has trained us to focus on providing quality from our initial conversations all the way through final construction and the exciting day when you move into your new log home. We know our experience and focus make all the difference - and we hope to have the opportunity to show you completed homes and introduce you to clients who have become friends and provide great testimonials along the way.
We are also known in the industry for being one of a very small handful of companies that makes the investment to completely kiln-dry our logs. Starting with quality materials enables us to avoid the issues that many log companies face as their logs continue to dry after the home is built. Our experience is that this insistence on dry, premium logs results in a higher quality log home that is warm, air-tight, and stands the test of time.
Q: HOW MUCH DOES A LOG HOME COST?
In most locations, we find that the cost of a turn-key log home costs about the same as a custom-built, conventional home built from quality materials. A log home will be more expensive than a tract home in a mass-produced subdivision, as you would expect when using higher-end natural materials over less expensive alternatives, such as vinyl siding. For more detailed information regarding pricing please contact us.
Q: ARE LOG HOMES ENERGY EFFICIENT?
Absolutely. Log walls are renowned for their energy-efficient characteristics. Simply put, there is nothing as warm and inviting as a well-constructed log home.
While the science can seem confusing, an important concept to understand is, that like a stone fireplace, log walls warm up when the house is heated and radiate that heat back into the building so the heat system doesn't have to work as hard to keep the building warm. The same concept applies when a building is cooled in the summer, as the logs absorb the cool temperature and radiate it back into the building.
It is also important to note that with properly sized and sealed log walls such as Strongwood's 4-way seal, the majority of heat loss will occur in the roof and at window and door openings, so proper specification and installation is a must in these areas to ensure a well-insulated structure.
Q: IS THERE A LOT OF MAINTENANCE?
Like any home made of wood or wood siding, it is important to maintain the finish on the outside of the home to protect it from the elements. The UV rays of the sun break down the finish, so it is important to watch the south-facing side of the home for signs of wear. Typically, a wash down with a hose and reapplication of stain on the southern exposure will be required about every third year or so. It's a simple, inexpensive process when kept up.
Log home design secrets such as extending eaves and raising the foundation will also help protect the logs and reduce potential maintenance, as will building with properly kiln-dried logs to virtually eliminate the shrinkage, settling, and movement that will occur with a less dry log.
Q: WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MILLED LOGS, HANDCRAFTED LOGS, AND HALF-LOG SYSTEMS?
In a word - taste. We build all three types of homes, and when designed and constructed properly, they all perform beautifully. Many companies build one type of home and make creative claims to steer clients away from the competition. We don't believe in doing business that way - we know from experience that all three construction methods work. We recommend that you choose the construction style that appeals to you and ignore the naysayers.
Q: HOW DO I DECIDE ON A LOG HOME MANUFACTURER?
Choose the style of home you like and do your research on companies that provide that style of home. We strongly believe in tying together the three elements of design, manufacturing and construction to achieve a top-notch result. Most quality manufacturers have design capabilities in-house. Ask for and expect to receive references on the manufacturer and call them to ask about their experience. Get inside completed homes to ensure the manufacturer's idea of quality matches yours. Ask for, and expect, to receive tangible help with the construction of the home. And, do the same due diligence on the builder. Check references and visit completed homes to ensure a good fit. It takes a bit of time, but a little research goes a long way to ensure an appropriate fit between your expectations and a manufacturer's capabilities.
Q: WHERE CAN I SEE A STRONGWOOD HOME?
Strongwood homes are available for viewing by appointment in many areas of the country; please contact us to schedule an appointment.
And, if your schedule allows, we would love to see you at one of our many home tour events.
