Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I choose Northern White Cedar to build my dream log home?
Mountain Creations has chosen Northern White Cedar (NWC) for their log home packages and so should you because of its remarkable qualities which surpass other species of wood to construct a log home. When comparing NWC to other species such as pine or oak, NWC is simply superior for its minimal shrinkage, twisting, warping, and moisture content. For more information on NWC, CLICK HERE.
What is the maintenance with your cedar log homes?
Due to the natural properties of Northern White Cedar, your log home will not require any chemical application to prevent insects. To preserve the exterior color from harsh ultra violet rays, Mountain Creations recommends applying an exterior stain every 4 to 7 years depending on the amount of direct sunlight your home will receive daily. Mountain Creations supplies 2 coats of Sikkens exterior stain as a standard component to our cedar log home packages. There is no interior maintenance for your log home as all of the walls are Northern White Cedar. You may chose to stain the interior walls to change their color, but it is not necessary.
Does Mountain Creations air-dry or kiln dry their cedar logs?
Mountain Creations air-dries their Northern White Cedar logs for 6 to 12 months before milling. Due
to NWC's naturally low moisture content and natural ability to resist insects, it is not necessary to
kiln-dry our logs. Pine logs require kiln-drying to remove excess moisture before the milling process and to also to attempt to kill any wood boring insects. According to the Forest Products Laboratory of the U.S.D.A, "NWC has less moisture when green (3500 lbs. per cord), making it easier to reach desired moisture content levels. Cedar can be naturally air-dried to a 14-16% moisture level in a fairly short time. Air drying allows the wood to acclimate itself to the new moisture level without harming its' molecular structure." Pine on the other hand, "averages 4700 lbs. per cord immediately following harvest. Pine's natural character is to retain moisture and in turn, release it very slowly. When moisture is "forced out" unnaturally, as with kiln-drying, there is risk of possible cell rupture". U.S. Dept. of Agriculture - Wood Handbook
How energy efficient are Mountain Creations cedar logs?
Our cedar logs are naturally energy efficient directly saving you 20-30% per year in heating and cooling costs. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Wood Handbook, "white cedar has the highest "R" value of any of the wood species used in producing log homes. A rating of 1.41 "R"/inch of thickness while the "R" value of various Pine species used in log production averages 1.12 "R"/inch of thickness." ". U.S. Dept. of Agriculture - Wood Handbook
Can I custom design my cedar log home to fit my lifestyle and budget?
Mountain Creations offers over 40 standard plans, but we will custom design any home to
fit your lifestyle and budget. Custom design is free of charge. A specialist will work with your
idea or any plan to make your dream home a reality. Mountain Creations also includes state-of-the-art
CADD blueprints with all custom cedar log home packages. For more information, CLICK HERE.
How long does it generally take to construct a Mountain Creations cedar log home?
Construction of our homes typically ranges from 4-6 months from ground-breaking to completion for a home less than 3,000 square feet. If you are planning to build the home yourself, please allow up to a year for completion.
Who will build my Mountain Creations log home?
Mountain Creations is a supplier of solid cedar log home packages however, we can provide you with a list of independent contractors who have previous log home building experience with our unique construction system. Typically, builders charge between $10-$12 per square foot for under-roof construction. You may hire the builder to do as much or as little of the construction to fit your needs. Mountain Creations will also train your builder to construct your cedar log home.
How much of the construction can I do myself?
Mountain Creations will train you to construct your entire home if that is your choice. Mountain Creations offers a construction manual for the do-it-yourselfers, toll free technical support, and onsite guidance.
Can Mountain Creations assist me in acting as my own General Contractor?
Mountain Creations will help guide you through each process of building your cedar log home from property location, financing, and construction. Upon request, Mountain Creations will provide a cost estimate sheet designed especially for your home to use as a guide for budgeting.
Does Mountain Creations finance log homes for their customers?
Although Mountain Creations does not directly finance log homes, we have established relationships with various financial institutions to fit all of your banking needs. Based on your unique financial situation, Mountain Creations will place you with the appropriate lender to fulfill your needs.
Can Mountain Creations assist me with finding property for my new log home?
Mountain Creations has an exclusive arrangement with a real estate company to assist you with all of your real estate needs from property location and the sale of your current home.
What is included in Mountain Creations cedar log home packages?
Mountain Creations includes Northern White Cedar logs, siding, exterior window trim, second floor tongue & groove, roof tongue & groove, porch roof tongue & groove, and interior tongue &groove standard in their log home packages making our homes a truly "solid cedar log home". Also included are second floor joists, posts, roof rafters, porch rafters, accessories, blueprints, exterior stain, and much more. CLICK HERE for a detailed list of our Standard Materials List.
How much will my Mountain Creations cedar log home cost to build?
There is no sure and easy method to determine the final cost of a log home as there are many factors which will affect the final cost. Mountain Creations cedar log home typically finish for $140-$160 per square foot. This price includes complete construction from the footer to cabinets. Mountain Creations will provide a cost estimate sheet for customers upon request to assist them in deriving at a final construction cost. CLICK HERE for more information on the factors affecting the price of your cedar log home.
Is fire insurance available for log homes and does it cost more than conventionally built homes?
Home Owners insurance is available for all log homes and generally does not cost any more than a conventionally constructed home. This insurance also includes fire protection. Builder's risk insurance is typically required by your lender during construction of your log home to protect against liability and theft.
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