Log Home Money Saving Tip #1 - Use a Stock Floor Plan

When my husband and I began dreaming about a log home,  we were anxious to begin right away and not wait many years to begin building it.  So we looked for ways to save money; one of which was using a stock floor plan from Hiawatha.

A custom-designed log home does give you that uniqueness but in most cases does cost more than a stock plan.  One of the benefits of using a stock plan is that it's a design that's already been built so there is the less likelihood of construction errors.  Also, there are usually cost-saving options built into the design.

We chose the Tall Timbers plan from Hiawatha and modified it; opening up the loft, bumping out the bedroom and reducing a closet in the guest room.  These modifications made us feel we were still getting a custom-designed home but without all the costs associated with it. 

Take a look at our stock floor plans and see if something catches your eye: http://www.bearcountryloghomes.com/floor-plans.html

Loft Space in a Log Home

One of the most charming and versatile spaces you can add to your log home is a loft.  If you decide to have this option, you need to decide what you want to use it for and how much space you will require to accommodate this need.

Let's look at some of the possible uses for the loft space:

1. 1. Bedroom / Guest Bedroom
2. 2. Reading area / library
3. 3. Game space to put a pool table, ping pong table, etc.
4. 4. Home Office

The space in the loft could have less usable space and/or head height depending upon the width of your log home.  Adding a dormer or raising the knee wall length of your loft will help increase this space.  The dormer will also be helpful in adding more windows thus increasing the light in this loft area. 

While we are on the subject of lighting, make sure to plan on adding lighting and windows that will make sure you are not left with a too darkened space.  We left the loft in our log home open so it overlooks a 2-story living room and looks out at a wall of windows.  This makes the area such a sunny space and we enjoy being able to see the lake views when we are up there.

It's important to note that a loft does add extra cost to your log home.  If you already planning on have a 2nd story, then this could provide a lesser cost option in some cases.  Hiawatha has a great selection of floor plans with and without lofts. Be sure to visit www.bearcountryloghomes.com to view our models and to begin planning your log home dream today!





*This photo was taken before we furnished the loft as a guest bedroom.