We often get calls from people who are looking at purchasing a log home for the first time. A common statement is, “I am considering purchasing a log home but I really don’t know much about them. What should I be aware of?” It is standard practice when home shopping to have a home inspection done before putting an offer in.  Home inspectors have varying degrees of knowledge about log homes and sometimes, a home buyer thinks the inspector has given the home a “clean bill of health’ when in fact, the logs may have hidden problems with rot or the basic design of the house is such that it can contribute to the common problems that log homes can have.

Log homes and cabins tend to have unique problems and often it takes someone who has specific expertise in log homes to be able to recognize these problems.  When we have done pre-purchase inspections on log buildings, sometimes we discover major problems that need to be addressed such as:

Rot caused by improper flashing between attached deck and log wall

- Rotted logs
- Failing finish or stain
- Signs of leaking on the interior walls of the home
- Improperly flashed decks, windows, roofs

Other times during a pre-purchase inspection, we find problems that may not necessarily require immediate repair but could become problems in the future. Many times the new owner, in conjunction with the seller, can negotiate to have these issues fixed. When considering buying an existing log home, it is important to go into the venture with your “eyes wide open”.  You want to know exactly what you are buying and what it takes to be in the position of maintaining your investment versus repairing it. (more…)