Planning for retirement

Many of us who are considering purchasing or building a log home in the coming years typically do so with one thought in mind, “retiring to my dream log home”.  So it’s a good idea to start planning with the issues that come with getting older.  

For many of us aging is something we try to ignore, but aging issues should be addressed when planning for your future needs.  If you plan to grow old in this new home then careful and well thought out planning will make your life much easier in your senior years.  Here are some simple tips to follow:


Building design:  Give serious consideration to building a single level home, eliminate stairs and make hallways at least four feet wide for wheelchair accessibility.  If a two-story home is required now, design the master bedroom on the first floor.  If you can design your home with limited hallways all the better.  Choose wider doors that are wheelchair accessible.  Eliminate or reduce floor level changes and if you do plan any make sure a change in floor covering in this area to assist when failing eyesight becomes an issue.


Lighting: Provide more light than you think you need right now.  Place windows strategically to maximize natural light.  Have hardwired nightlights installed and make sure there are sufficient lighting at all exterior entries.


Emergencies:  Consider installing a back-up generator for power outages.  Plan for a security system.  Does your area that you plan to build have adequate emergency services…fire, ambulance, police.  What is the proximity to the local hospital?


Maintenance:  Single story homes are easier and less costly to maintain than two story homes.  Make sure your home has maintenance free exterior clad windows.  Consider composite decking materials that reduce maintenance.  


ADA Compliance:  Plan the whole home with ADA features in mind.  Seek advice in this area.


Accessibility:  Keep the structure closer to the ground (check local building codes), limit the number of stairs and either build or make a provision in the design for future approach ramps that are wheelchair accessible.


A log home is one of the most peaceful and attractive types of housing on the market today.  The Leelanau Log Home Company can work with you to ensure your log home will be easier to care for and enjoy in your later years.  Contact us to learn more.


By The Leelanau Log Home Company LLC
www.leelanauloghomes.com 


Copyright 2012 Under the Influence of Wood Blog

Lighting your log home

Lighting can influence how you feel and create the atmosphere you envisioned when designing your log home.  Lets review some lighting basics to help you get started.

Basics:  When developing your lighting plan, the experts suggest incorporating three lighting types in your plan which is determined by function and fashion.

• General:  Also known as ambient lighting.  Provides the area with overall lighting and creates sufficient brightness in any room.
• Task:  A direct light that can be focused on a specific area.  This type of lighting usually directs a light source down to the specific task area.  Used in kitchens for cooking, home offices for reading, etc.
• Accent:  Used to accent a specific item or used to highlight a decorative feature of your home, like the fireplace mantel, log or timber features, etc.  Also used in landscaping as well. 

Log Home Lighting Challenges:  Log homes offer some unique challenges when compared with conventional homes.

• Large great rooms with seating/furniture in the center of the room create the need for floor outlets for general or even task lighting.
• Some interior log wall surfaces can make wall mounting fixtures challenging.
• It’s often difficult to place concealed lighting in a log home.
• Wood tends to absorb light rather than reflect it.  The correct lighting in combination with window location and the use of drywall for interior walls can help make the room appear lighter.

Make A Plan:  Developing a lighting plan during the design stage is a smart idea.  A preliminary lighting plan will allow your general contractor/builder to provide you an estimate for your preliminary electrical plan for budgeting purposes so you can avoid cost overruns at the budgeting stage.  Here are some things to consider when developing your lighting plan:

• You’ll need to determine the use and what type of activities will occur for each room.
• What is the atmosphere and/or style of décor do you wish to create for each room?
• Determine how much natural light will each room receive?
• Factor in the amount of natural light in combination with the window and door location affect your lighting choices?
• How will furniture and your choice of décor affect your lighting choices?
• It’s also a good idea to list outlets and mark them on your blueprints.
• Review the lighting in your current home.  What works and what doesn’t work?
• Also consider energy efficiency when determining your lighting needs.  Effective use of fluorescent or low-voltage bulbs and incorporating dimmers can help.  Consult a local lighting professional and electrician for assistance.

  
  

Start Your Lighting Education Here:  Checkout www.americanlightingassoc.com which is an excellent lighting resource.  Ask your log home builder/dealer and electrician to assist you in developing your lighting plan or seek a certified lighting consultant at a local lighting showroom for assistance.

By The Leelanau Log Home Company LLC
www.leelanauloghomes.com 

Copyright 2011 Under the Influence of Wood Blog

Are solid or full log homes energy efficient?

With home energy costs on the rise and energy efficiency changes in the building codes one of the most frequently asked questions, “Are full log homes energy efficient?”  

The simple answer is yes.  Most folks know the term R-value, which is used for conventional framed housing, but I bet you didn't know that full log homes are measured by their thermal mass.  Here are the two terms defined.

R-value:  Measures a materials resistance to the transfer of heat from one side to another. 

Thermal Mass:  A materials capacity to absorb, retain and slowly release heat over time.

Logs have a relatively low resistance to heat transfer, but they do posses the ability to absorb and retain heat in there cellular structure.

In the 90’s the Log Home Council of the National Association of Home Builders was able to define two things.  First, logs have a thermal mass because of their cellular structure, bulk and thickness.  Second, thermal mass offers significant energy saving benefits because it releases heat back into the home when the temperature drops.

The first study focused on heat loss through the log wall compared to a stick framed wall.  The finding was that energy leakage occurred in the same places as a stick framed home, around window and door frames, at the peak of the cathedral ceiling and at the top of walls.  The conclusion that leakage was not due to the log walls.  The second study concluded that the thermal mass of the log wall does significantly reduce energy use for hearting in cold climates.

As a result, the Nation’s Model Energy Code recognized the energy conservation benefits of thermal mass.  This recognition was the goal of the Log Homes Council, a part of the Building Systems Councils of the National Association of Home Builders. 

This summary of the study was interpreted by The Leelanau Log Home Company.  To learn more read the study by the NAHB Log Homes Council: http://www.loghomes.org/docs/EnergyPerformanceWP_2010.pdf


By The Leelanau Log Home Company LLC
www.leelanauloghomes.com

Copyright 2012 Under the Influence of Wood Blog

Healthy Log Home: Controlling humidity

Take the humidity test:

• Do you wake up parched, dry nose or itchy eyes?
• Are the hardwood floors in your new log home creaking like an old ship?
• Does static electricity make loved ones and pets cringe at the touch?

If your answer is “YES” to any or all of the above you and your home could be suffering from lack of moisture in the air.  The measurement is called “Relative Humidity” which is defined as the ratio of the water vapor density (mass per unit volume) to the saturation water vapor density, usually expressed in percent.  

Too much can encourage mold growth, dust mites and place condensation on cold windows. And too little can create potential respiratory problems, damage to the home (remember you log home is made mostly of wood!) and furniture, plus the annoying items listed above.  Both extremes can be potentially bad for humans and your log homes performance.  I bet you didn't know that dry air can also be expensive…by adding water vapor to your home you can also reduce your heating bills.  Increasing the relative humidity by 10% is roughly the equivalent of raising the room temperature by one degree.   

Years ago folks would boil a kettle of water on the wood stove, which was not very effective.  Today’s log home is typically much larger and using the kettle method is just totally inadequate.   The Environmental Protection Agency recommends keeping indoor relative humidity between 35 to 50 percent.  The good news is there are several options to create and maintain the appropriate relative humidity in your log home. 

Here are some suggested guidelines to help you decide what’s best for you:

Increasing humidity: 

Portable humidifiers:  Simple to operate, easy to install, counter top size or free standing.  Prices range from $25-$150.  The main disadvantages are the small area they cover (you may have to purchase more than one), they can be noisy and a hassle to refill with water.  Select an evaporative unit, one that creates water droplets can emit bacteria or aid in mold growth.  Make sure you check the humidifier output to insure its sized right for your home.

Whole house systems:  By far the best way to go is to have it installed by your HVAC contractor at the time of construction (you can also add it later).    Costs can range from $400-$1000.  The main advantage is they connect to your central water supply and you can control the level or percent of humidity.  They still require maintenance and should be checked periodically like other appliances in your home. 

Reducing humidity: 


Portable dehumidifiers:  Inexpensive and simple to operate, but noisy, only affect a small area and a hassle to empty the water.  Prices range from $100 to $400.  A portable dehumidifier is best used in conjunction with your air conditioning system.


Air conditioning:  Many folks think that by installing a whole house air conditioning system will control the level of humidity in the home.  By lowering the actual air temperature in your home can actually increase relative humidity and reduces the temperature of the materials in the structure which increases the risk for condensation.  If you attempt to control humidity by reducing the temperature you’ll accomplish only having a very cold living space, jack-up your energy costs and put excessive wear on your cooling system. 

Whole house dehumidifier system:  These systems are designed to remove moisture from your home.  Depending where you live, this may be a sound choice.  A whole house dehumidifier senses the level of humidity in your home and maintains that ideal level.  Better systems work in conjunction with your air conditioning system.  Check with your HVAC contractor for prices.  By maintaining the right level of humidity in your home using these systems you’ll be able to increase the temperature without sacrificing comfort, ease the wear on your cooling system and save energy costs       

Which ever systems you choose, always consult a HVAC professional for advice and costs. 
Think of controlling humidity as an investment in your home and your health.

By The Leelanau Log Home Company LLC
www.leelanauloghomes.com 

Copyright 2011 Under the Influence of Wood Blog

Log Home and Construction Terms

Every industry has their own lingo and the log home and construction biz is certainly no exception.  Ever have this happen to you...you're shopping and want to learn more about a product and the salesperson is using technical terms and you have no idea what he's talking about.  Very annoying!

When meeting with a log home dealer/builder to discuss your project a professional dealer/builder will be able to gauge your knowledge base and use terms that are easy for you to understand.  These experts are adept at explaining  complex and technical details with clarity and are focused on educating, not preaching.  It's a small point, but if you run into this it maybe a sign about future interactions and may identify their ability or inablity to communicate with you effectively.

For a list of log home and construction terms, visit our website by clicking on this link below: http://shop.leelanauloghomes.com/shopcontent.asp?type=loghomeresources_glossary_llh

By The Leelanau Log Home Company LLC

www.leelanauloghomes.com 


Copyright 2011 Under the Influence of Wood Blog

Is there a difference between a builder and general contractor?

The answer is yes!  Like many industries, construction terms and titles can have different meanings depending on the individual and can be toss about with the assumption that you know the meaning(s).  Here's how we define them.

The builder is typically the individual who will actually construct your home that may include  setting the foundation, raising the log walls, framing, roofing, install windows and doors, trim carpentry, etc. 

The general contractor (a.k.a the G.C.) will act as the project manager who will prepare and present you the construction contract and schedules, execute the schedules, monitor quality, coordinate and communicate with the subcontractors (subcontractor is hired typically by the G.C. to perform specific work such as drywall, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, etc.), prepare the paperwork for draws for the title company and bank, communicate progress and issues to the homeowner, etc.

Many times a builder (typically a smaller company) not only swings a hammer, but serves as the general contractor as well.  This individual wears many hats and is typically on the jobsite daily.

So before you sign the construction contract, make sure you know who's wearing which hat!

By The Leelanau Log Home Company LLC

www.leelanauloghomes.com 

Copyright 2011 Under the Influence of Wood Blog

Log Home Preliminary Planning Basics: Needs vs. Wants

We're amazed how even the most educated log home buyer struggles  to articulate clearly their design ideas or elements inside their log home.  Maybe it's the complexity and unknowns of building a custom log home or what ever, but it happens.  

Before you sit down with your log home dealer and/or builder, we recommend completing a needs and wants list based on your log home vision.  This exercise can be revealing and help get you started to define your new log home.  Think of it as an assessment...compare your living conditions now, what works, what doesn't and how will you design elements into your new home that fit your lifestyle needs more effectively and efficiently.  The better prepared you are to share this vision in some detail, the better your dealer or builder will be able to serve your needs.  

Here are some tips to develop your Needs and Wish list.   

1.     It’s best if you can create two lists side-by-side in an Excel spreadsheet.  If you don’t want to use a computer, use two sheets of paper which will work just fine.

2.    Create 3 columns for your Needs and Wants list.  The first column is for the item, the second column is for notes or references and the third column is for a priority rating (keep it simple and use numbers such as a 1 through 5 scale).

3.     A Need should be defined as an element that you must have in your log home.  For

      example:  ranch design, hardwood floors in the great room, tile master shower, large deck, etc.  A Wish is an element you would like to have if the budget allows.  For example: granite counter tops or 3-car garage or additional bathroom or gourmet kitchen, etc.   

4.     If you already have a design in mind, start by listing needs and wants room by room.
5.  Often times when you are working with your list and learning more about costs, items will start moving from one list to another.  So keep an open mind.

6.  Use photos from log home magazines or the internet to help you communicate your ideas to the dealer and builder.  Start a file folder by room (i.e. great room, kitchen, etc.) to organize your ideas and photos.

7.     If you are 2-3 years away from building your log home, it’s a good idea to do this exercise now.  As you get closer and become more knowledgeable about costs, you’ll want to make adjustments to your lists.

Tip:  a good dealer and builder will review your lists with you and help you prioritize the items on the list based on your budget and design.  Then outline optional choices based on cost, type of material and quality of materials. 

By The Leelanau Log Home Company LLC

www.leelanauloghomes.com 

Copyright 2011 Under the Influence of Wood Blog