Living in Southwest Colorado means truly embracing the outdoor lifestyle whether that’s in activities, design, or all senses. Log homes are not uncommon in our area and create stunning architecture and comfortable accommodations. Below we’ll cover some of the considerations of building and owning log homes in Southwest Colorado.
Types of Log Homes
The two ways to build a log home, both of these methods offer pros and cons.
Handcrafted Log Homes
Further defined by building method, a handcrafted log home entails a builder to carve each log by hand which allows the natural look of each log intact.
Full scribing is when builders carve grooves in each log to match the log’s contour underneath it for a tight fit. This method produces a traditional, seamless pure log look that’s weather tight. However, because of the additional labor that goes into carving each log, full scribe log homes typically have a higher build cost and longer build time than others.
Chinking is a less time consuming way to build a log home that relies on a synthetic adherent (once mortar) called chinking that fills in the space between logs. This results in a classic look with horizontal bands of chinking between logs. It’s typically a cheaper option but can require more maintenance over time including touch ups on the chinking.
Both of these options create a rustic mountain appeal that accentuate the beautiful logs. Building cost is a primary consideration as both of these methods require more craftsmanship and time to piece together by hand.
Milled Log Homes
Milled log homes utilize logs that have been uniformly cut into a standard size and shape. This creates the traditional appearance of a log home that usually does not require as much chinking as the logs are smoothed. This is a more economical choice because they are not hand cut logs and the assembly is much easier.
Maintenance & Upkeep
Maintaining the natural logs is important not only to preserve the natural allure of living in logs, but also to keep the structural integrity and natural thermal battery of the logs at its best. Restaining, resealing, and caulking are all common requirements, especially for chinked log homes. However, all log homes can fall victim to UV damage, pests, rot, settling, and shifting. Keeping a close and consistent eye on the logs and the chinking will help catch any issues early on and help prevent serious problems down the road.
Log Home Insurance
All homeowners should consider home insurance, even if it’s not required by a lender. All types of property’s plans may be influenced by the distance to fire hydrants and fire stations as well as the level of fire mitigation done on the property. Despite the building material being a fire fuel, many home insurance companies offer policies on log homes and are similar in expense to any other home in the area. The type of roof can make a difference, as with any home, and having a fire resistant material such as metal, can make the property look better on paper and truly help in the case of a nearby wildfire.
Log Home Design
As with any house, the decor and feng shui can take a “house” to “home”. Especially in Southwest Colorado, rustic farmhouse, western leather, and vintage chic are all popular motifs. Beautiful rock fireplace surrounds, big windows framing views, and stainless steel appliances all pair well with and elevate log homes.
Achieving a stunning Colorado home is possible without the commitment to a full log home. Exposed wood beams, log railings, log mantels, and handmade wooden furniture can all add a natural focal point to your home. Mountain modern architecture is a great example of incorporating these elements into any home and sometimes mixing materials such as rock, stucco, wood, and metal for a unique look.
Durango and the greater area have a wide variety of home types, property offerings, and living opportunities. For more information on log homes and real estate in general, please don’t hesitate to contact The Durango Team at The Wells Group.
