Are log homes more expensive to insure?

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Many log homes are more expensive to build than traditional homes of the same size. Once completed, insurance companies may hesitate to insure the property for its full value since that value is higher than traditionally built houses of the same size.

Also know, does it cost more to insure a log home?

Log Home Insurance Is More Expensive log homes are more expensive to insure for a number of reasons. It's a fact, log home insurance is typically 20% more than insurance for the same size non-log home. Worse yet, many insurance companies charging a 25% to 50% surcharge for a log home.

One may also ask, what are the problems with log homes? The most common log home problems are:

Avoid planting bushes or plants close to walls. Plants and bushes naturally attract moisture and if to close to log walls, will cause moisture damage.
Divert rain using gutters, overhangs, and trenches.
Maintain your log home's sealing.
Protect from ground moisture.

Similarly, it is asked, what insurance companies cover log homes?

Some of the largest nationwide companies do offer policies for log and timber homes, such as State Farm, Met Life, Merrill Lynch, Allied, Farmers, USAA, etc. Other insurance companies may not offer coverage to log and timber homes.

How much does it cost to replace logs on a log home?

The costs attached to restoring a log home vary depending on the extent of work necessary, the size of the home, and other circumstances. Based on national estimates, the cost of renovating a log home may range from about $15,000 to upward of $100,000. The process can also be a lengthy one.

30 Related Question Answers Found

How long will a log home last?

between 20-50 years

How often do you have to seal a log home?

For example, once your entire home is properly sealed the south and west walls will usually need recoating first (often within 3-5 years). The north and east outside walls are more protected from UV sunlight and weather, and may need resealing only every 5-8 years.

How much maintenance does a log cabin require?

The average maintenance cost for a 2,000 square feet cabin is around $1,350 per year: $150 for 5 gallons of mild cleaning detergent. $767 for 35 gallons of log cabin stain every three years. $230 for chinking.

How do you maintain a log home?

Read on for ways to keep your cabin in tip-top shape.

Drainage counts. Walk around your retreat to inspect the ground around your foundation.
Oversize your overhangs.
Cover your gutters.
Apply sunblock.
Be watchful.
Just add water.
Watch for mold or mildew.
Keep an eye on the roof.

Are log homes cold?

We know logs are great natural insulators, however, relying upon logs alone will cause you to be very cold during those harsh winters in your log home. In addition, that dream log home can end up costing hundreds of dollars each month to heat as fuel bills increase.

What is it like to live in a log cabin?

Living in a log cabin has a very rustic feel no matter how expensive it is. There is a old fashioned feel that comes from being surrounded by wood and every room in a log cabin has not only wood walls but wood ceilings as well. The people who love log cabins just can't get enough of them.

Does Geico insure log homes?

Insuring a Log Home. First, try a larger, well-known insurance agency, such as GEICO, Allstate, State Farm, AARP, or American Family. These companies may not insure log homes in all the states they offer coverage in, but they do carry log home insurance.

How much more expensive is a log home?

The average price of a full scribe log shell tends to be more expensive than a timber frame and post and beam log shells with an average cost of $60 Cad – $100 Cad per square foot. This equates to a 2,500 sq. foot 3-bedroom log home costing between $150,000 Cad and $250,000 Canadian, with another $120 – $170 per sq.

Do log homes hold their value?

The answer to all of these questions is "yes." If they are well-built, cared for and in a desirable location, log homes do hold their value. They are also better credit risks, and frequently take up to 2 years to research log homes before making a purchase (as opposed to 6-7 months for conventional buyers).

Can I get a mortgage on a log cabin?

Can you get a mortgage on a log cabin? In most case, no, you can't – but Flexi-Fi is there to bridge the gap and split up the cost into affordable payments.

What are the pros and cons of a log home?

Here's a look at the pros and cons of today's custom log home construction:

PRO: Green Building Material.
CON: Higher Maintenance Level.
PRO: Energy Efficient.
CON: Insurance Can Be Tough To Find.
PRO: Available in Kits.

What do I need to know about buying a log home?

Let's take a look at all nine of the exterior elements you should inspect at before buying a log home:

Condition of Log Cabin Staining. Water is the number one enemy of log homes.
Logs Touching the Ground.
Rotten Logs.
Overhangs/Exposed Logs.
Gutters.
Insect Infestation.
Chinking and Checking.
Settling & Shrinking.

Do you need to treat the inside of a log cabin?

Do I need to treat the interior of my Log Cabin with Preservative? It is not necessary but if a preservative is required or desired, use a biocide free preserver such as Osmo Wood Protector (4006). The inside of log cabins can be treated the same as the inside of a property, with interior floor oils or floor varnishes.

How do I keep my log cabin from rotting?

Here are eight things we recommend a home owner do to keep their building dry and prevent “rot”:

Maintain a good finish on the exterior logs.
Have adequate overhangs wherever possible.
Have gutters in place and keep them working.
Free board – in other words – keep the house up off the ground.

Can you side over a log home?

Most log siding is usually 1.5 – 2″ thick. So if the plan is to remove some of the rot and fit the log siding over that area, you typically cannot remove all of the rotted wood because all that you have to put back in its place is siding that is only 1.5 – 2” thick.

Are log homes stronger than regular homes?

When properly constructed and sealed, log homes are 30 percent more efficient than building codes required as of 2015. Log homes that are properly designed and built can be made 15 percent to 20 percent more efficient than homes made of more modern construction materials.

How do you replace a log in a log home?

Repairing Damaged Logs On Your Log Home

Identify damaged logs and asses extent of damage. When checking for log rot, your best bet is to go around the home with a rubber mallet or hammer, tapping on each log (not the chinking between logs).
Get the right replacement.
Cut out the log - carefully.
Put in the new log.
Seal.
Finish.