Just discovered this topic, but weighing in anyway. I am in New England, so I don't have experience with the log firm you are considering. I did recently move into a log home and can give you some insight on the homes in general. The log home company I went with insisted that I use a GC that had past experience building log homes. I also talked to home owners that had gone through that company, and saw their homes, got their feedback. The company also had a yearly date when they made a small structure (garage) on their property to show how the homes are constructed. Very informative. When my house was being built, they sent one of their experts to assist in the laying of the log shell, to make sure that no corners were cut. (I am glad they did.) As far as Summit Studio's feedback: In my home, each log is connected with a layer of insulation. My home here in the hills of western Massachusetts is more tightly insulated than my old stick built home down in Connecticut - this is noticeable in the winter! Up here, I'm on the side of a hill with little in the way of trees to serve as a wind buffer -- it's a LOT cozier here than back down at the old place, where the winds never amounted to much. When the house shell was constructed, there was space along the floor allotted for electrical conduits and outlets. Light switches on outer walls didn't prove to be a problem, either - planned for at sensible locations by entry doors. As for plumbing, all my plumbing is on interior walls or sections of the house, with the exception of my prep sink... those hoses and drain pipe go down to the basement just before the back of that cabinet (which is how it's done in just about any house that has a basement). In winter country I really don't want plumbing on outer walls anyway. Yes, a log home will settle more than a conventional stick built home. When building, they take this into account (a reason why my log company insisted on my hiring a GC with past log home experience). I've had a few minor drywall breaks, but minor, and I knew to expect them. (I did have a few troubles with the GC I chose, but those had nothing to do with this being a log home.) Pricing notes: This worked out to be less expensive than my original stick built plans even though the ultimate house was the same square footage and more or less the same footprint (different design). I knew in my rural area dropping a half million on a home was just plain stupid. The log company charged me for the log shell, and included the roof, front porch, and exterior doors - but not the staining or floors. The GC charged twice that to do the foundation, the walk out basement, all the interior including carpentry for cabinets, the back deck (it wasn't an option on the log company plans), and the septic. (I'm not including the well or the landscaping in this.) I was able to do custom higher end things where it mattered to me, and scale back on the trivial stuff. Excluding that landscaping and well, this worked out to just about 10 percent above the GC's quote. I was able to modify the plans I chose from the log company. I discovered GW (now owned by Houzz) about the time I was working on the kitchen design, and I'm grateful for their assistance! Although the logs were being milled at that point (no changes on exterior), I was also able to get a couple other pointers placed towards my benefit inside.

I also live in a log home, we built it ourselves (DH & I) 13 years ago. I truly like the cozy feel of all the wood but it does lack natural sunlight (which is why I am always outside!) Because our home is so remote, the only home on 27 acres and a dead end, I don't use window dressings at all, other than the bedroom, which does have blinds. This helps brighten it up quite a bit and I have a lot of lamps, plants, colorful scatter rugs, pillows & throws. This works well & I get a lot of compliments on my decorating. I will say this, at first, I went a bit crazy with "cabin decor" and I lean more toward rustic yet colorful now. Be careful not to try too hard for the lodge look as it can get old & boring quickly.

Hi! I am sorry, Ted and I are doing a lot to work in our IBs and I am not posting every idea I have on this thread. I will definitely post the final pictures and the link to the booking website! Cabin is looking lovely! Nothing is final yet and there is still a lot of work left to do. Here are some pics LR Map in the SR I just hang up. Do not have time to finish the bar top right now, but will do it in the near future. Broncos decor is my son's idea. MB. Ted is Still working on the perfect pillows :) GB - not finished yet M Bath Stairs to the basement. Elk mount was my husband's idea. Kitchen - My favorite!

What color was it before? Stained or painted? If previously painted, then your options may be limited due to leftover paint in places. Will there be any chinking? What is your personal style on the inside? Woodsy? Beachy? I like log homes best when the wood is stained a woodtone and stands out! If it were mine, I think I'd go for a nice medium tone, not too different from what it looks like now. Not too dark, because there are already shadowy areas on the porch. Not too yellow, that would make the roof look more purple. Is this the front door? It needs to stand out much, much more. Maybe a arbor overhead? A prominent piece of art next to it, and paint it a really eye catching color! I agree about the downspout and rainchain, or even copper. Then I would fill the flower bed with ferns and hostas (if shady) or wildflowers (If sunny) It's a charming house!