How to Build a Log Home Addition

When someone builds a log home for himself, it is usually their final home, their dream home. The log home represents a lifestyle choice rooted in the desire to get away from it all. It is not a home they plan to move away from any time soon.

But when that final home is no longer large enough, and moving out is not an option, the only solution is to enlarge it with an addition. However, adding onto these homes is somewhat trickier than adding to a conventional home. Because the home is build from solid timber material, modifying the structure is not as simple as moving studs and adding headers.

When it comes to adding onto your log home, here are a few considerations:

Have a well-defined plan for how you want to use the new space. Common additions include: family rooms, kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms, sun-rooms and even in-law apartments.

In some cases a smaller connector works best to pull the main addition away from the house. This strategy often creates options you do not have when adding a large room directly to the house.

To get the matching log look, consider using either full-log material or half-log siding. If full-log material is used, be sure to allow for the settlement of the new addition where the connection is made. An addition which looks great at the start may perform poorly if settlement is not allowed for.

Consider how you might access the new space from the existing house. In many cases a window can be made into a doorway to create the new entry. However, there may be limitations as to making the opening wider than the window area itself.

Avoid connecting at the corners. The crisscross ends make for a difficult area to join to. Yes it can be done, but it creates more work for the builder.

Hire someone with experience. There is a correct technique for cutting into the existing home which creates a connection that will both look good and provide a good weather seal. A log home builder will understand the dos and don'ts of building a log home addition. This may not be the case for a contractor without similar experience.

Finally, find the right balance of log and timber features to suit your budget. Your builder should be able to explain the options and how they affect the overall cost.

With good planning, adding to your log home can be a worthwhile experience and add many years to the enjoyment of your beautiful home.

Visit Log Home Headquarters to learn more about building a log home addition. We offer a full line of Sashco products to help you care for your log home.