Water and Logs: Why Moisture Matters
It’s a very common question: why does the moisture in my logs matter? It’s a good one, since the amount of moisture in your logs will have a big effect on how your house performs with energy efficiency, tightness against weather, maintenance, and comfort. First a little bit about how water is stored in wood… Read more »
Wide Plank Floors’Tips on How to Achieve a Rustic Look
If you’ve ever walked through an historic home, you’ll discover that the hardwood floors are oftentimes made of much wider planks than oak or other hardwood flooring in more recent construction. The rustic and beautiful look of wide planks can be replicated in a new log home, but there are some things you should know… Read more »
Organizing for Recycling
Just about every community has some sort of organized recycling program, and many municipalities are implementing other programs to offset fees for waste removal, including so-called “pay as you throw” programs. Many homeowners have muddled through with makeshift systems for separation, sorting and bagging trash, recyclables, and returnables. However, building a new home provides an… Read more »
Navigating Log Home Construction Loans
Construction loans are a different type of program from a conventional mortgage. For those home buyers seeking out construction financing, there are a few things you should know in advance. We spoke with three mortgage officers about what they are looking for when they meet with a customer for loan qualification, as well as some… Read more »
Green Tip: ‘Crush’ Recycled Glass Tiles
If you’re exploring interesting options for glass tile, you’ll want to check out Fireclay’s Crush 100 percent recycled glass tile. The tiles are available in 40 different colors, two finishes (matte or glossy), and 14 different size formats. Fireclay’s Crush is made from pre-consumer recycled glass diverted from the waste stream from a window manufacturer… Read more »
Wood Species Make a Difference in Log Home Exteriors
The wood species you select for your log home will make a difference both in upfront exterior preparation as well as ongoing maintenance. The Northern White Cedar that Katahdin uses in its log homes has unique properties that eliminate extra steps during initial exterior stain application, as well as ongoing maintenance and repair. We spoke… Read more »
Soil Preparation is the First Step to Beautiful Gardens
The secret to landscapes and gardens that flourish is getting the soil in shape with all the nutrients your plants require. There are many ways to achieve healthy productive soil, but the first step is to learn what you have. DrainageIf you were present during some of the excavation work around your home, you may… Read more »
Sliding Barn Door: Rustic and Functional
Who isn’t charmed by the rustic appeal of a sliding barn door? It gets even better now thanks to precision milled track systems manufactured by Canadian company K.N. Crowder. Unlike the barn door you may have slowly heaved open, these barn door tracks slide open noiselessly and smoothly with just a couple of fingers. The… Read more »
Green Tip: Programmable Thermostats
One of the easiest ways to control energy use is through your home’s thermostats. New designs have made thermostat programming even easier. There’s even one brand that learns your habits and then adjusts itself without having to program it at all! First from the temperature control giant, Honeywell, comes the Prestige 2.0 Comfort System (right),… Read more »
Reserve Your Spot at the Extreme Log Home Planning Seminar on April 28
Limited seats available—call or email today! If you’ve ever wanted to tour the Katahdin Cedar Log Home built for the television program Extreme Makeover Home Edition, now’s your chance! The tour is one of the highlights of an informative Log Home Seminar on April 28 at the Village by the Sea Resort in Wells, Maine.… Read more »