CNW Log Homes of America, Inc.

Energy Efficiency in Log Homes: Understanding Thermal Mass

2011-05-25T16:25:00.000-07:00

Confused about thermal mass? A common misconception about log homes is the measure of a log’s energy efficiency. Log home manufacturers describe their product’s energy efficiency with the term thermal mass. Many prospective log home buyers haven’t heard of the term or don’t understand how it affects the energy efficiency of a log home. The reason is simple – most traditional stick-built homes use R-values to measure energy efficiency. But comparing a log home to a stick-built home is like comparing kiwi to carrots.

R-values measure a material's resistance to the transfer of the heat from one side to another. That makes sense with a stick-built home because there are a variety of materials involved in its structure (wood framing, insulation, siding materials, glass, etc.).

True Measure of a Log Home’s Energy Efficiency

However, the energy efficiency of a log home isn’t truly measured by R-values because the construction materials are primarily wood – and not just any wood, a natural log. Now wood in general transfers heat relativity quickly. The difference lies in a natural log’s ability to store energy and release it later.

In a log home, if you warm the log up with the heat of the day on the outside or the heat from a heat source inside, you will store that heat in that log. When the temperature drops, that log will give that stored heat back to you and help equalize the interior temperature -- and keep your furnace or boiler from running as much!

Log’s Ability to Moderate Temperatures

So instead of describing heat transfer resistance, thermal mass describes the ability of a material to moderate the fluctuations in the temperatures inside a home during a 24 hour period by its ability to store heat and release it.

Logs aren’t the only materials that can achieve the benefits of thermal mass. Other materials include water, stone, brick and concrete. You can also use combinations of these materials in a log home.

It is simple, logical and true. That is why log homes are so energy efficient – they use natural insulation qualities.

Choosing the Right Wood Species for Your Log Home

2011-03-28T14:49:00.000-07:00

Handcrafted Western Red Cedar

Customers frequently ask about the wood species of logs used for log homes. The biggest element in selecting a log species is a combination of availability and cost.

Cost and Availability of Log Species

Cost is influenced by several factors, including geographic location and the forest ecosystem. For example, eastern white pine is more common in the eastern United States and Canada, and therefore more cost effective for that region. In the western United States, white woods (or lodgepole pine and sometimes Douglas fir) are generally more affordable. Occasionally cedar may price itself competitively with white wood, but that situation may not be long lasting.

In general, softwoods are noted for their ease of handling, straightness of grain and availability. However, some log home owners also desire certain aesthetics. Color and grain vary by species. The heartwood and sapwood of wood species have different looks, so consider your personal opinion about burls, cat face, fire scars or other features that you feel are desirable (or not).

Log Species Characteristics

The most important feature is the log's ability to perform its role in your house. Logs that span window and door openings, for example, must be able to support greater weight than logs that are simply stacked one on top of the other. Regardless of log species and its characteristics, the manufacturer scrutinizes each log through the grading process. The grader considers direction of grain, presence of windshake, decay, insect infestation and mechanical handling scars. He also culls logs that have too many limbs and knots.

Here’s a general overview of common wood species used in log homes:

Pine: Pine has good tensile strength and remains true and straight. Some types of pine have a lot of character in the grain, too. Subspecies include lodgepole, ponderosa and white pine.

Cedar: Cedar offers variety in texture and tones, with minimal shrinkage. Its color—ranging from light brown to deep-reddish brown, depending on subspecies—radiates from the center, which can be showcased through exposed ends. For example, western red cedar contains turpentine within its resins thus rendering it more rot resistant, and it does not check or shrink as drastically as other species.

Fir: Douglas fir is heralded for its superior density, which make it valuable for structural performance. Douglas fir is a western species whose tones vary from red to yellow, depending on age. Because it grows to majestic heights, it is marvelous for use in lengthy spans. It can be pricey, but high-density Douglas fir is strong and a good choice for structural uses.

Standing Dead: The popularity of log homes built from dead dry timber has increased dramatically as consumers have realized the value of using dry wood to build their houses and the environmental benefits of using standing dead trees. Nature provides us with an excellent source of house logs in high altitude trees that are killed by beetle epidemics and, occasionally, forest fires. These trees dry naturally, which can add to their value.

Logs are graded by either the Log Homes Council (LHC) or by Timber Products Inspection (TPI), an independent company. Ask about log grading when choosing your log home manufacturer.

Because CNW Log Homes of America, Inc., works with different manufacturers, we offer a variety of wood species, giving our customers the ability to choose the best one for their area and home. Contact our corporate office or one of our log home dealers today for more information about the right wood species for your log home.

Tips on Finding the Best Log Home Package for You

2011-03-16T10:28:00.000-07:00

Standard Log Home Package from CNW Log Homes

Life would be so much simpler if all log home packages contained the same materials. Every log home manufacturer does things differently, so it is important that you understand just what you are getting when you are researching log home companies.

Before you begin, you need to know what a log package is. The industry defines a log home package as a group of building materials that a log producer offers to a consumer. It can range from a logs only package, just enough materials to build the basic home shell or everything needed including all the materials and fixtures necessary to make the home livable.

Types of Log Home Packages

Generally there are three levels of log home packages: basic, weather tight and complete. Ensure that you fully understand what the specific manufacturer is offering you because your builder will need to know what he has to purchase in addition to the package.

When talking with log home manufacturers, here are some general questions to ask:

Do final blueprints carry a seal of a licensed engineer or architect to meet your specific county/site building requirements?
How is tech support and local on-site support provided once the package is delivered?
How does the manufacturer guarantee the correct materials are there to construct the package and how are shortages in materials dealt with?
Is a warranty offered? Is it transferable?
How is shrinkage dealt with? What amount is anticipated?
Are the logs graded?
Does the log manufacturer deliver all materials at once or is it a staggered delivery?
What treatment is used on the logs to prevent insects and decay?

Every log home manufacturer offers different packages and costs; therefore it is very important to understand the process and what you are ultimately getting.

CNW Log Homes of America, Inc., works with multiple manufacturers to provide our customers with a range of products to meet their needs. We are an independent, national log home dealer network that is dedicated to providing the best product and best service in the industry. We invite you to contact one of our log home dealers or management team with any questions you might have about building your log home dream.

How Long Does It Take to Build a Log Home?

2011-03-02T13:30:00.000-08:00

One of the most frequently asked questions that we hear is, “How long from when I start the process until I move into my log home?”

The answer isn't simple. A log home is a custom project -- it's not a standard track home. That said, we have delivered a stock log home floor plan from one of our numerous renderings within 5 weeks of placing an order. The home was finished in 3 months. However, the average timeline is 6-7 months.

The timeline of your log home project depends on many factors. Let’s address the issue for a truly custom home. For this purpose, let’s use Mr. Average as an example.

Planning Your Log Home:

Typically, most people follow these steps in their log home planning process.

Customer initiates communication with a log home dealer followed by visit to the model home to discuss your personal dreams and wishes.
After reviewing log home floor plans, customer asks for CNW's free custom quote.
Quote reply is returned, usually within 2-3 business days.
Customer meets with the log home dealer to initiate contract action. At this point you are planning site visits, meeting with contractors and arranging for infrastructure (well/road/septic).
3 to 4 weeks after ordering the home, you will receive the first set of preliminary drawings. This is your first look of your dream scaled out on paper. Plans are reviewed and resubmitted for changes (if needed). Remember this is why you are building a custom home -- it’s to meet your specific needs/desires.
2 to 3 weeks later revised plans come back for review. You like what you see and sign off to go to full set of construction/engineered drawings. (Note: this process could take longer if you request more changes/reviews.)
6 weeks later you receive stamped/engineered plans. You or your builder then apply for building permits.

Now you are ready to start construction of your home. The planning timeline alone is typically around 4 months for Mr. Average. As stated earlier, it can be much quicker and it can also take longer. What is important to remember is that CNW Log Homes of America, Inc. will be behind you all the way to assist you. We will only be a phone call or e-mail away.

Construction of Your Log Home

Once your log home package has been delivered, the construction timeline will be dependent on many issues. Again let’s use Mr. Average. He purchases a 2,000 sq. ft. log home to be built on a daylight (walkout) basement. He is having a builder erect to a turnkey finish.

Excavation/footings/basement/sub-floor -- allow 4 weeks.
Erecting of the weather-tight package -- 10-12 weeks.
Completion of interior (utilities/drywall/trim/floor coverings) -- 3-4 months.

As mentioned above, any timeline depends on many factors.

While the process of planning and building a custom log home may feel overwhelming, a good support system makes a difference. CNW Log Homes of America, Inc.'s commitment to ethics and integrity are the corner stone that will set us apart in the fulfillment of our client’s dreams.

Visit us at the Log & Timber Homes show in Nashville, Tennesse

2011-02-13T11:29:00.000-08:00

CNW Log Homes will be at the Log and Timber Home Show in Nashville, Tennessee. this month in Booth number 101.. Come and visit us and discuss the options available to you for your 'Dream Log Home.'

Dates/Hours
Friday, February 25th
11 a.m. - 6 p. m.
Saturday, February 26th
10 a.m. - 6 p. m.
Sunday, February 27th
10 a.m. - 4 p. m.
Location
Nashville Convention Center
East & Center Exhibit Halls
601 Commerce St.
Nashville, TN 37203
Phone: (615) 742-2000
Fax: (615) 742-2014
Cost
$15.00 per adult onsite. Children under 18 are free with a paid adult.

Dealership Opportunities
We currently have dealership opportunities available in Tennesee, so if this is something that would interest you, then come to our booth number 101 to learn more.

Questions to ask during a Model Home tour.

2011-02-04T14:11:00.000-08:00

Touring a model home is a great opportunity to see what log home looks like, and to get the 'feel' of the logs. You may be eager to visualize your favorite amenities in your home, but now is the time to think about the long-term big picture. What does it mean to invest in a log home? Be sure to ask the following questions as you tour the model home:

1. How do the heating and cooling bills compare to a regular stick built home?
2. What is the shrinkage allowance on this log home?

3. How does a log home compare in the market for re-sale?
4. What is the maintenance for this log home?
5. How often will I have to re-stain the outside?
6. Can you recommend a product to stain my log home?
7. Do I need to stain or treat the inside of the logs?
8. Will I need to chink my home?

Upcoming Log & Timber Home Shows

2011-01-15T11:52:00.000-08:00

January 21-23, 2011
The Log & Timber Home Shows
Valley Forge Convention Center
King of Prussia, Pennsylvania

Visit us and our Authorized Dealers at the Show:
CNW Corporate
Corporate Office, Toll Free: 1-877-393-5647
www.cnwloghomes.com

Teed Hollow Log Homes
Tom and Sondi Kolb
Tel: 484-638-2109

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

January 28-30, 2011
The Log & Timber Home Shows
Georgia International Convention Center
Atlanta, Georgia

Visit us and our Authorized Dealers at the Show:
CNW Corporate
Corporate Office, Toll Free: 1-877-393-5647
www.cnwloghomes.com

Blue Ridge View Homes
Helen and Peter Schultze
Tel: 706-745-9171
www.blueridgeviewhomes

Save Money When Building Your Log Home, Part 2: Amenities

2011-01-04T11:44:00.000-08:00

Unlike design or land use, the amenities in your home aren’t necessarily a done deal. Most inexpensive amenities can be upgraded later. As you choose items for the interior of your home, ask yourself whether this is something you’d rather invest in now or later.

1. Flooring: Your floors can almost always be upgraded. If you’re using concrete slab, consider staining it. Or choose linoleum or carpet; both are less expensive than hardwood. However, if you’ve decided to use radiant floor heating or know for sure that you’ll be upgrading later on, be sure to consult your contractors to make sure that the base floor can sustain your current choice as well as your future upgrade.
2. Countertops: Laminate is the least expensive way to go. However, if your heart is set on granite, this is an easy upgrade down the line.
3. Avoid fireplaces: Log-burning stoves are lower in cost and much more energy efficient, so you benefit now and in the long run. However, if your heart is set on a fireplace, you can still save money by avoiding full masonry fireplaces and instead choosing a culture stone finish.
4. Standard windows and doors: Windows and doors are most economical when they’re standard sizes as opposed to custom.
5. Wood windows: Wood windows with an aluminum external clad are typically supplied by log home manufacturers and are easy to maintain. If, however budget is an issue then consider a good quality vinyl window.

One of the advantages of constructing your own home is the fact that you are in control of design and your personal choices within the constraints of your budget.

Save Money When Building Your Log Home, Part 1: Design

2010-12-26T13:59:00.000-08:00

Now that you’re ready to make your dream log home a reality, consider your priorities: design, amenities, or land use. To maximize your budget as you build your log home, consider the following tips:

1. Use standard building plans. Standard plans are usually designed with efficiency and economy in mind. However, you may be able to make a few variations without increasing the cost too much.
2. Build up instead of out. Large concrete foundations are expensive; consider adding a loft or a second story instead of building a sprawling one-story house.
3. Simple roofs. A fancy roof costs money. Consider a more simple roof line instead of one with dormers and gables. Steeper roof pitches are typically used in areas where there is inclement weather (high snow loads)
4. Avoid corners. Your interior will also be less expensive if you stay simple. Complex, multi-corner structures increase wasted space, use extra logs, and require more labor. Stick to a 4-corner structure design. Extra corners may also require a more complicated roof.
5. Add a shed dormer. Shed dormers in the loft increase headroom and create more square footage. If you’ve already invested in a higher roof pitch, make the most of the space!

Designing your house economically can save you a lot of pain in the long run, especially in your wallet!

Making the most of a Log Home Show Part ll

2010-12-18T09:37:00.000-08:00

Attending a log home show is like stepping into the pages of a magazine -- life size timber structures, furniture displays and all the wood you could want to touch and smell! In a previous post we discussed ways to prepare beforehand, but staying focused at the actual show is just as important.

First things first:

Check the schedule. Many log home shows have seminars. If you have a lot of general questions, consider attending a related seminar instead of asking the same questions of each vendor.
Take your time. Consider arriving at the show at off-times, when it will be less crowded. You will be able to walk the floor and keep your interests in mind, instead of just navigating the crowd. Don't try to squeeze the show in between sightseeing or running errands.
Take Notes. It is easy to lose track of the details when you are talking to so many people. Write down a summary about what you have learned, even if it is brief. If you are deciding between several companies, remembering that one company seemed to have particularly good customer service will save you lots of time and heartache!
Keep an open mind. Remember that these log home dealers are experts and have seen common pitfalls. You have your dream home in mind, but they know the reality of how to get you there. They may have suggestions for maximizing your budget or designing your home in ways that are more efficient and make better use of your land. If you are not sure whether you like a company's suggestion, write it down and research on your own later on.

Visiting a log home show can be informative and fun, but it is also an important step toward building your dream home. It is also a rare opportunity to compare and contrast several companies at once. Enjoy yourself but don't get so swept up in the moment that you forget who this home is really for -- You!

Making the Most of a Log Home Show: Part 1

2010-12-12T11:43:00.000-08:00

Once you have registered for a log home show and made travel arrangements, you may want to just sit back and relax. However, making the best use of your time at the show means doing a little homework beforehand.

Prioritize. Before you go, visualize your dream log home. What do you really want? Are you most concerned with materials, floor plan or customer service? Knowing what you want the most will guide which companies you should consider.
Research companies. The log home show's website should have a list of companies who will be attending. Check out each company's website and see what they specialize in. You may be able to cross a company off of your list just by looking at their options - maybe you like the uniform look of milled logs, if so you can pass on the company that only works with handcrafted logs. Or maybe you want a company with access to multiple manufacturers, giving you more options. A few minutes online can save you lots of time on the showroom floor.
Make a list of questions. As you research, keep a list of any questions you have. If you need to, keep separate lists of general questions versus company-specific questions. An informed buyer is a wise buyer.
Take your floor plan. Do you already have an ideal floor plan? Make a copy to take to the show with you. Many companies have standard floor plans, but can still accommodate others or customize a plan for you.

Your home is one of the biggest investments in your life; time spent on research now will pay dividends later.

Part ll coming soon!! See the Log Home Shows on our web site for show details.

Are you looking for an exciting business opportunity?

2010-11-17T08:23:00.000-08:00

Have you been dreaming about living in your own log home or about a home-based business?

CNW Dealers Helen and Peter Schultze were looking for just such an opportunity 29 years ago (yes, 29 years!) and they are still living the life style and have helped many families build their life's dream. This is not a job or career, it is a Passion! Once you have experienced living the log home lifestyle and helping others fulfill their log home dreams then and only then will you understand THE PASSION!

CNW Log Homes of America, Inc. offers the best of both worlds. You can build the home of your dreams and help others to achieve their dreams also. Our highly trained staff have experienced the satisfaction of helping others thousands of times and will be there to train and guide you in one of the most satisfying adventures you will have ever undertaken. You don't need to be a builder or an architect. The only things you need are the drive, the personality and the want to help other people build their 'log home dream' and we will teach your the rest.

Whether you are retired and looking for something new and exciting to do with your new found time or are looking for a change, please contact us. CNW Log Homes has dealer opportunities throughout the United States and Europe.

Visit our web site http://www.cnwloghomes.com/ to find more information about becoming part of our family of dealers.

Autumn Leaves

2010-10-23T15:51:00.000-07:00

Well, Autumn is here again and a great time to start thinking about your log home plans for next year. If indeed you are planning to build in 2011 now is really a great time to get things started.

It takes time to get your plans designed, drawn
and engineered so by starting now you will have your permits in hand ready to start building in the Spring. We are ready to help you with all aspects of your log home project from 'Conception to Completion'

Introducing our new 'Cabin Series'

2010-09-15T15:48:00.000-07:00

Wolf Mountain

540 sq ft

This wonderfully designed log cabin floor plan gives you all the feeling of a large home in just 540 sq. ft. Compact and cozy, the Wolf Mountain log cabin features a separate bedroom, full bathroom and contemporary great room that incorporates the kitchen, dining area and living room. The Wolf Mountain log cabin is simple living at its best.

To see all of the cabins in this new series go to the floor plan tab on this web site.

Tips on Planning and Building your Log Home or Timber Frame Home

2010-08-23T13:35:00.000-07:00

If you are planning to build a log home or a timber frame home, you’ll find much of the work starts before construction ever begins. It’s important to do your research beforehand to prevent problems and confusion down the road. CNW Log Homes offers the following suggestions for prospective log home or timber frame home owners.

Planning Process

Do your homework, so that when you decide on the company that will provide your home, it is an educated decision based on sound research.
Initiate contact with each company, which should be followed by a visit to their model home to discuss your project in detail.
After discussing options and reviewing plans, ask for a free, no-obligation quote.Typically you should have a quote returned within five business days.
Once you finalize the company that will provide your log home or timber frame home package, initiate contract action. At this point, you are beginning to plan site visits, meet with contractors and arrange for infrastructure (such as well, road and septic).
Approximately two weeks after ordering the home, you should receive the first set of preliminary drawings. At this point you will see your log home or timber frame home scaled out on paper for the first time. Plans need to be reviewed and re-submitted for changes (if needed). Remember this is why you are building a custom home – to meet your specific needs/desires.
Approximately two weeks later, revised plans should be back for review. If you like what you see, you will sign off to go to full set of construction/engineered drawings. (Note: this process could take longer if you need more changes/reviews).
Approximately six weeks after that you will receive stamped/engineered plans. You and/or your builder will then apply for building permits

The process outlined above will get you to the point where you are ready to start the construction of the home; this timeframe is typically around four months for the average person. However, it can be much faster if you choose a standard plan that does not need much, if any, alteration. Obviously, it also can take longer if you require several rounds of revised plans.

Construction Process
Once your home package has been delivered, the construction timeframe will depend on many issues. For our purpose of providing a simple estimate, let’s use the typical purchase of a 2,000 sq. ft. log home built on a daylight (walkout) basement where a builder was hired to complete the home to a turnkey finish.

Excavation/footings/basement/sub-floor: Allow 4 weeks
Construction of the weather-tight package: Allow 10-12 weeks
Completion of interior – utilities/drywall/trim/floor coverings: Allow 3-4 months
The overall timeframe for the average project is between 6-8 months.

None of these time estimates, however, are set in stone. Each one depends on many factors, such as weather conditions, size of crew, unforeseen obstacles, etc. These are things that you and your builder must work through together.

Customers of CNW Log Homes can be assured that we will assist you with all aspects of the planning and construction process. We are only a phone-call or e-mail away. Our commitment to you is to support you throughout the project.

Planning your log home

2010-06-08T14:38:00.000-07:00

Whether you are in the design and planning stage or at the very beginning of your research for your custom dream log home then like everybody else your aim is for perfection. Depending on where you are in life this may be a home to meet current family needs , future retirement needs or a vacation home perhaps as important as planning will be budgetary concerns. Whatever the circumstances whether you are thinking of performing the construction work yourself or have a professional general contractor the best advice we can offer is prepare a check list and keep it handy.

Items to include:

Make a 'must have' list and a 'wish list' Imagine the ideal home and set your goals

Communicate these to your family to see what their ideas are and if they agree with you!

Create a scrapbook with pictures from magazines to remind yourself what it is you want. It is easy to forget things during construction.. for example you really want the elevated dishwasher in the kitchen that you saw in a magazine but forgot about it when your contracter was installing it! Communicate your thoughts and wishes to those people doing the work for you.

Define your budget early on and stick to it. It is very easy to add a little here and there that only cost 'Peanuts' in the grand total but remember all of those 'Peanuts' can add up to a very big 'Jar'

Be flexible within your dreams to achieve that goal within budget. We all have ideas of our dream home; however in reality the majority of us don’t think the process through far enough in the early stages and therefore don’t understand “why we went over budget”. Consult with your local log home dealer. We have professional design staff on hand to help and advise you.

We offer free no obligation custom quotations and we will work with you to review your quotation and plans and endeavor to meet your goals and budget.
Order your home early enough to allow for timely; stress free changes to be made.

Most of all, remember building your dream log home should be fun, not a time of stress due to inadequate planning.

Featured Log Home Floor Plan Northwoods

2010-04-08T12:00:00.000-07:00

The Northwoods ll offers comfortable living with well-designed separation of space. The first floor includes an open living/dining/kitchen area that makes entertaining simple. The master bedroom is located on the main floor as well, including an ensuite bathroom and walk-in closet. A generously sized utility room can also serve as a mudroom with backyard access. The second story has two more bedroom, another bathroom and a bonus loft area for a reading nook, entertainment center, computer area or library. Go to the floor plan tab to see the layouts for all of our homes.

Spring forward with your Log Home!

2010-03-13T13:15:00.000-08:00

With Spring fast approaching now is a good time to think about your log home plans Things are beginning to move again and we are seeing more people moving forward with their dreams.

Whether you plan to build a small getaway cabin or a permanant home, there is still the same amount of preparation needed..selecting your floor plan, getting permits, contractors etc.

Get in touch with the CNW dealer nearest to you to visit their model home, discuss your options in detail and get the process started.

New Year - New Home

2010-01-07T11:41:00.000-08:00

Now that the New Year is upon us, it is time to start thinking about that log home you have always dreamt about. You have been doing your research, and now is the time to put that research to work. We at CNW Log Homes are able to help you with your planning from 'Conception to Completion.'

The show season is starting again, and CNW will be in Atlanta, Georgia, and Birch Run, Michigan, on January 22-24th. followed by Sportsman shows in Washington and Oregon, Festival of the West in Arizona, Log Home Show in Boise, Idaho, and many more. Click here for a complete list of shows and the dealers who will be in attendance. Call the dealer in your area to set up an appointment with them at the show.

We currently offer dealership opportunities nationwide, so click here for dealership opportunities information or call us direct on our toll free number: 1-877-393-LOGS (5647).

We look forward to a great year and helping you to achieve your log home dreams. As always, don't hesitate to contact us if we can be of help in any way.

Happy New Year 2010!

CNW Log Homes

Toll Free 877-393-LOGS (5647)

Log & Timber Home Shows

2009-11-22T10:01:00.000-08:00

CNW Log & Timber Homes has recently participated in four Log Home and Timber Frame shows across the West. They included shows in Dallas Texas, Denver Colorado, Portland Oregon and Spokane Washington. We enjoyed meeting with very interested and motivated people looking to design and build their dream log home!
We are gearing up and looking forward to the 2010 show season. Our first show begins in Atlanta, Georgia on January 22-24 at the Georgia International Convention Center. The CNW corporate staff and veteran dealers Helen and Peter Schultze of Blue Ridge View Homes Inc. (E-mail info@blueridgeviewhomes.com , 706-745-9171) will be in attendance.

During the same weekend, January 22-24 in Birch Run Michigan, Jim Coyle and Brad Karikomi of The Leelanau Log Home Company LLC (www.leelanauloghomes.com, 231-275-5647) will be participating in the Great Lakes Log Home Show.

For more information about locations, show times, tickets and more for the Atlanta and Birch Run shows, please visit us at:

www.cnwloghomes.com

If you are planning to attend either show, we encourage you to contact our participating dealers and schedule an appointment during the show to discuss your log home dreams.
Log on to our web site http://www.cnwloghomes.com/ to find more upcoming log home & timber frame shows in your area.
See you at the show!

For dealership oppotunities log on to http://www.cnwloghomes.com or call 530-906-3170

Thermal Mass – Benefits Recognized

2009-10-14T09:33:00.000-07:00

The Tahoe model

One of the first questions we are asked when someone visits us at a show is “what’s the 'R' value of your logs?" We then spend many minutes explaining the method by which the energy of the log is measured in thermal mass and not 'R' values per say. I would like to share some of this information and give you references that you can delve deeper into the subject with.

' R' value measures a material’s resistance to the transfer of heat from one side to the other. Logs have a relatively low resistance to heat transfer, and they actually absorb and store heat in their cellular structure. Thus taking a longer period of time to transfer through the material.
Thermal Mass is a material’s capacity to absorb, store and slowly release heat over time.

Back in the early 90’s the Log Home Council (LHC) set out to prove two things. First, logs have a thermal mass because of their cellular structure, bulk and thickness. Second, this thermal mass provides significant energy saving benefits because it releases heat back into the house when temperatures drop. The first study focused on heat loss through the log wall compared to a conventional framed wall. The finding was that leakage occurred in the same places as a framed house, at peak of cathedral ceilings, around window door frames and at tops of walls. It concluded that the leakage was not due to the log walls. The second study concluded that the thermal mass of log walls does significantly reduce energy use for heating in cold climates.

Therefore after 13 years the Nation’s Model Energy Code finally recognized the energy conservation benefits of thermal mass. The recognition was the goal of the LHC a part of the Building Systems Councils of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).
The above is a summary of the studies carried out as interpreted by CNW Log Homes Inc; more information is available on the Internet or the NAHB’s research center.

For dealership opportunities go to www.cnwloghomes.com for more information.

Gold Valley Log Homes Delivers First Big Foot Log Home in the United States

2009-09-23T13:08:00.001-07:00

Tom Kakuda (President, Big Foot Manufacturing), Hank Schaffeld (Owner, Gold Valley Log Homes) and Wayne Brown (VP Production, Big Foot Manufacturing)

Gold Valley Log Homes recently received an award from Big Foot Manufacturing, Inc., in honor of Gold Valley's delivery of the first log home from Big Foot in the United States. Big Foot Manufacturing has a long history of providing quality log homes to markets in Canada, Asia and Europe. Big Foot's dealer sales network is expanding, and Big Foot is offering log home dealership opportunities in Canada, Europe and Asia. Big Foot products are proudly sold in the United States solely through CNW Log Homes of America Inc.’s national network of independent log home dealers. Dealer opportunities also are available in the United States through CNW Log Homes of America Inc. Visit us at http://www.cnwloghomes.com/.

Choosing the Right Log Home Contractor

2009-09-20T11:01:00.000-07:00

Selecting the log home manufacturer who will supply your home is one thing; however, a good quality product is only as good as the team who will build it. Research prospects thoroughly to find the skilled team who will handle the job to complete your 'Dream Home' Here are a few tips to guide you along the way:

Your log home dealer will offer you a list of General Contractors (GC) who they have used before.
Make sure that those recommended are familiar with the log profile you have chosen. Someone who only does handcrafted log homes may not be familiar with the milled log or vice versa.
Get references from their previous customers, they will tell you how the job was handled and express any concerns/praise they experienced. Ask if there were any 'hidden costs'
Visit contractors current job sites, remember 'A tidy job site is a safe job site'
Ask your GC for details of Workman's compensation insurance, including that of any sub contractors he will use. Your local building authority will advise on local licenses that are required.
Consider being your own GC - although ask yourself these questions first:

" Do I have enough time, knowledge and experience to manage the project?"

Be aware though that some banks may not fund a project without a formal GC.
Choose and interview at least 2 GC's and make sure that these are people that you will be able to communicate and work with for the coming months. The cheapest is not necessarily the best if you can't communicate!
Finally, timing is of the essence, if you go to the effort of organising your home supplier months before delivery, don't wait until the last minute to lock in a GC!

I hope this will help you on the road to your 'Dream Home'

For dealership opportunities please go to http://www.cnwloghomes.com/

What is Included in Our Log Home Packages?

2009-09-01T10:15:00.000-07:00

This is our Standard log home package to take your home to a 'Weather tight' finish, explained in the 'cut away' house above:

Standard Log Home Package

Log walls, log corners, hardware & gasket materials

Interior framed wall material

Deck framing with log post, log headers, cedar railing & decking

Second floor framing

Gable end walls can be framed with log siding (5a) or solid log (5b)

Dormers framed with log siding (6a) or solid log (6b)

Roof framing with log ridges & 1x6 pine soffits

Porch roof framing with 1x6 pine ceilings

Pella Clad wood window and exterior doors

Site Specific Engineered plans included

Pine for vaulted ceilings and / or second floor ceilings

Options

A. Log railings for lofts, stairs decks & porches

B. Log Stair systems

C. Log girder & joists for second floor structural or decorative

D. Matching Tongue & Groove or Log siding for interior framed walls

E. Log Roof Rafters structural or decorative

F. Milled Logs ranging from 6x8” to 8x10”

G. Swedish Cope Logs ranging from 8-14”

H. Double Round, Timber Frame & Handcrafted also available

I. Log and Timber Species available are Pine, Fir, Cedar of Spruce

We have been asked why we do not supply the subfloor with our packages. The answer is that we can, but prefer not to so that your builder can have that completed before the logs arrive, thus allowing the log stacking to be started straight away rather than having logs laying around whilst the subfloor is being constructed.

For dealership opportinities with CNW Log Homes of America, Inc., please click here.

Creating a Log Home Budget.

2009-08-24T10:36:00.000-07:00

Let's briefly cover the estimated costs associated with construction of your custom home and how to manage the budget:

The first question is "How much to build my dream home?" The response to that question is as varied as the types of log profiles and home styles available to you. A good rule of thumb for an average 'turn-key' construction cost varies throughout the country but here in the West it currently ranges from $140 to $165 per square foot for the popular 'D' log profile to $200 plus for the Swedish Cope log, depending on the size of log used. However, these figures can change depending on many factors.

Location - remote locations will typically cost more both in getting materials to the site and in construction labour costs.

The log profile you use - CNW Log Homes of America offers many from the popular 'D' log, Swedish Cope and Hand Crafted.

The way you are going to finish your home - Wood floors, Granite, and a lot of rock work will add to your costs.

Your involvement in the project.

Log Interior/exterior additional accents - gable trusses and log porches.

Foundation type - crawl space, enclosed basement or daylight (walkout) basement. Are you using poured concrete or an ICF block poured wall? These choices are major factors, and while basements may be very inexpensive square footage, it also may take you out of your budget.

You can control your costs. Depending on your budget, you choose the items to finish your home. Often if your budget is tight it may be best to use standard grade materials now and plan to upgrade them in the future. For instance, install laminate counter tops instead of granite, vinyl floor covering instead of tile. The choice is completely yours. It is important to realize that it is easy to get caught up in the excitement of building your home. This is a trap that many fall in to. We all have our dream of what we want in our home. Often our dream and our budget are not the same, so you must make careful choices. It is recommended to get the home's shell built to the look/level you require because changes here down line can be very costly; you can always upgrade the interior at a later date.

Join the CNW Log Homes of America Inc dealership network, for more information log on to http://www.cnwloghomes.com/