Take a Tour of Southland’s Model Homes

Posted on April 25, 2012 by admin

If you’ve always wondered what it would be like to own your own log cabin home, come check out one of our fully furnished model log homes to get your creative juices flowing. Southland Log Homes has model home locations all across the United States and Canada—more than anyone else. There’s almost certainly one near where you live.

Get a Taste of Log Home Life

When you visit one of Southland’s log home models, you can see, feel, and experience log home living for yourself. Our model homes are full-size and furnished, which means you’ll have the opportunity to stroll through each of the rooms and imagine yourself living in a similar home. Our clients tell us that visiting a fully furnished log home model helps them match their dreams to reality.

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of stepping into a warm, inviting log home. Each of these model cabins is built after one of Southland’s most popular log cabin floor plans and is fitted with important details that make them true to life.

In addition to the model, you’ll be able to see our brand new design album with photos and floor plans of beautiful log cabins all across the country. You can use these photos and plans as a launching point to design your own log cabin home.

Making a Log Home Dream a Reality

When you visit one of these log home locations, you will have the chance to meet with one of Southland’s log home experts to begin planning the log cabin home of your dreams. This complimentary design session includes a chance to adapt any of our log cabin floor plans to meet your wishes using our DesignWorks software.

After you’ve made your custom log home floor plan, we’ll give you a free, no-obligation price quote. We have everything you need to start turning your dream into a reality, including resources for affordable land, furniture, and more.

Visit one of our log home model locations today to get to know what it’s like to live in your own log home. We’ll be waiting to help you make log cabin ownership a reality.

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Achieving Energy Efficiency of Log Homes

Posted on April 24, 2012 by admin

The amount of energy required to heat or cool a home is determined by a number of factors, and the materials and quality of construction can really affect how efficiently a log home stores, radiates, or blocks heat and cold. Log homes, when they are constructed properly, can do a lot to help you keep the energy bills a little lower.

A common measure of a structure’s energy efficiency is the R-value of the material. This is the rating of its resistance to heat flow, and, in the case of a log home, it can be different depending on the type of wood that is used. In many cases, you may see that the R-value of a log home is actually lower than most homes with the regular stud walls, but that is because the R-value rating doesn’t take into account a log’s ability to act like a “thermal battery.”

In the right situations, a log cabin store heat during the day and release it into the home throughout the night. Whole logs are filled with millions of tiny air pockets that act as natural insulation and make this thermal exchange possible. However, logs also have some other characteristics that must be addressed.

Ensuring Energy Efficiency

The materials used in log home kits undergo a lengthy procedure to dry them out before they can be used in construction. However, as they dry out further over the years, contraction and expansion can happen, which may cause some air leaks. This is a concern that has dissuaded some people from buying a log home, and they will question the energy efficiency of these structures.

When logs are seasoned in a controlled environment, though, we can minimize this effect. By using the right wood and kiln drying the logs to remove as much moisture as possible, we can reduce the level of shrinking or settlings that could lead to issues with air leakage. When you use high quality building materials that have gone through the proper drying period, you can maintain a good level of energy efficiency.

Other Important Factors

The building materials are just one component of an energy efficient home. If you really want to reduce your energy consumption you must also consider the type and placement of the windows, the orientation of the home, the size of the logs, the local climate, and the air tightness of the structure. You should also check your heating and AC systems to make sure they are performing within acceptable parameters.

When all of these elements are working together you will be able to start lowering your energy usage, which is great for the environment and even better for your budget.

 

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Log Homes are for Lovers!

Posted on February 14, 2012 by admin

Imagine the warmth of a cozy fire crackling away, the ambiance of a candlelit dinner, and the familiar smell of the natural woods throughout the walls and floor. You turn the lights down low and curl up on the couch with someone special and you’ve got all the ingredients for a truly memorable Valentine’s Day.

They say log homes are for lovers, and with good reason. Nothing quite matches the comfortable, rustic feel of a log cabin when it comes to setting a romantic mood. A little bit of quiet seclusion and some simple words shared in front of the fireplace is an experience you’ll both always remember. Perhaps this Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to start contemplating your own log home.

At Southland Log Homes we’re committed to helping you build these kinds of memories. All of our log home floor plans are designed to provide the highest quality and the most comfortable living spaces. Just take a moment to think what this Valentine’s could have been like in your very own cabin – and then come and take a look at some of our beautifully furnished models and log home packages so you never have to miss a chance to experience it for yourself.

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Southland Log Homes Provides the Venue for the South Carolina Green Building Council

Posted on January 11, 2012 by admin

Green building means constructing a home from sustainable resources that is extremely energy efficient and natural. At Southland Log Homes we have always been dedicated to providing these environmental solutions, and recently we have expanded our commitment by hosting the annual meeting of the South Carolina Chapter of the US Green Building Council (USGBC SC).

The meeting was held at our Columbia, SC headquarters, and it began with the USGBC SC thanking their outgoing board members for the contributions and work they had done and then welcoming in the new members. After that, the meeting moved to “open house” tours of our log home models and administration buildings, where the focus of the discussion changed to our log home materials and the sustainable qualities of our designs.

Southland Log Homes Green Building

The floor plan, the materials, and the construction process can have a large effect on a home’s environmental impact, and at Southland Log Homes we always use methods and materials that are sustainable and renewable. We use Borate to treat the wood, a natural substance that is safe for your family, and we use large logs that create enough thermal mass in the walls to keep the interior warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.

We also only support venders that harvest trees on a 20-year life cycle and maintain compliance with standard forestry procedures. Log homes are a great way to build an energy efficient, affordable home, and we are committed to using the best practices to provide a great living space while protecting the environment.

Working with the USGBC

At the annual meeting, the USGBC SC was able to take the opportunity to look back on 2011 to determine what went well and then look forward to 2012 and plan for even more great developments.

The chance to partner with the USGBC SC for this meeting was a wonderful opportunity for us, and we were pleased to provide a venue for their annual meeting. This was a great chance to highlight some of the sustainable qualities of our log homes and how our designs are a great alternative for green building initiatives. As we move into 2012 we also look forward to more opportunities to partner with the USGBC.

The annual meeting was considered a success by the parties involved, and we were happy to provide a venue that features some of the natural beauty of our log buildings. There is a lot of talk about green building these days, and at Southland Log Homes we are going to continue using sustainable methods and creating energy efficient homes.

Going green doesn’t have to be difficult, and there are a lot of long-term benefits that come from the making this choice. It’s good for the environment, your health, and your budget. By working with other dedicated organizations, it will be easier for homebuyers to learn about their options and make the choices that contribute to a sustainable community.

 

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Get Everything You Need with the Southland Total Solution

Posted on December 29, 2011 by admin

Taking the step to buy your dream home can seem a little daunting at first. Perhaps you have always wanted log cabin retreat somewhere, but hesitated over all the ins and outs of the buying and building processes. Many potential home owners don’t know how to get started, or whether or not they can get financing, or even if they will be able to pick a floor plan they won’t regret after moving in.

These are all valid concerns, and we understand that you don’t want to make any uninformed decisions that leave you with a home you won’t completely enjoy. That’s why we offer the Southland Total Solution. We want to help future log cabin owners make the best decisions and get into the home they will always love.

What is the “Total” Solution?

At Southland Log Homes we want to make sure you have everything you need to quickly get into that dream home, and that means we will work with you from the very first stages of the buying process until long after you have moved in and gotten settled. Our Total Solution includes design, construction, financing, and continued support for new log home owners. To discover what is included in our log home plans visit here: http://www.southlandloghomes.com/log-home/whats-included.

Explore Your Options

The easiest way to get started with the Total Solution is to come and check out one of our model log homes. You’ll be able to talk to one of our sales consultants and work with them to develop your ideas and take a look at some of our photos and log home floor plans.

In order to make the process as smooth as possible, you will have a Project Manager who will be able to provide the kind of personalized attention you deserve. Our managers are experts in design, materials, delivery, and much more, and they’ll be able to take you through the entire process.

Designers and Builders

Our designers are experts in computer aided design to create top of the line log cabin kits, and they will work with you to develop and expand your ideas – even if all you have is a basic sketch or idea – and create the workable blueprints that the builders will need. The Southland Preferred Builders are all licensed, insured, and bonded and have a history of providing quality construction. We’ll make sure that the image you had in mind will eventually become a reality.

Financing

Securing financing is often a tricky process, especially with the current state of the economy. However, at Southland Log Homes we work with many local and national lenders and we can connect you with the institutions that have the best program for your situation.

Continued Support

At Southland Log Homes, we provide a service that goes long past the day you finally move into your dream home. Owning a log home is a new experience for many people, and we will are ready to help answer any questions you may have. Whether you are worried about proper maintenance or considering a new addition to the house, you can contact us for the information and support you need.

 

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Tips on Financing Your Dream Log Home

Posted on December 8, 2011 by admin

You have an array of financing options to help make your log home dream a reality. But the lending landscape has changed in recent years, and it’s important to learn more about the process before you begin searching for financing for your new log home.

Important Factors to Consider in Financing Your Log Home

Finding lenders who will finance log homes. Not all lenders are offer loans for new home construction, so it can help to work with local lenders and/or lenders who have a history of providing log home mortgages. Southland Log Homes has been building relationships with national and local lenders who understand log home construction and who can help you finance construction of your new home.

Lending requirements have shifted. The financial landscape has changed dramatically, and those changes have impact how you can finance a log home. Construction loans now require larger down payments, so you may need to budget and plan on putting down 20% equity in cash and land value. Documentation requirements are stricter as well. Most lenders require income verification, tax records and investment information for the last two years or more.

Appraisals are especially challenging for log homes. Since fewer log home owners sell their properties, it’s more difficult to find comparable sales prices in the area where you’ll be building. It can also be hard to judge whether a log home design is under- or over-built for a particular area, both factors that can affect whether a loan will be approved. Let Southland’s expert design team guide you in the design of your log home plan.

Tips for Navigating the Financing Process

Consider a home equity loan. If you currently own your own home, you may be able to use a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) to finance the construction of a new log home. Such loans can often be faster and less complicated than new construction loans.

Do some quick loan calculations. To see whether financing your dream log home is feasible, do some quick, back-of-the-napkin calculations. Use our simple financing tools to get a good idea of the near and long-term costs. Keep in mind that there may be other costs involved in addition to your down payment.

Check to see if your lender does a “one-time-close.” Some loan processes for new construction will include two separate sets of closing costs: one before you break ground on your new log home and one once construction is complete and you close on mortgage for your new home. You might save significantly on those costs if you can combine them into a single closing. This usually involves a “construction-to-permanent” loan which simply converts to a regular mortgage after the house is finished. Ask your lender for details on this process.

Ask about payment schedules for materials. Although Southland Log Homes only requires a small down payment to get started and no other payments until the materials are delivered to your job site, many companies require multiple payments during the manufacturing of your home. The challenge here is that many lenders won’t pay for building materials until they are actually attached to your home’s foundation. You’ll want to coordinate with your contractor and lender to make sure your loan payment schedule keeps these factors in mind before construction begins.

Make plans with multiple lenders. It always pays to be prepared. If financing with one lender falls through, you can always have a backup lender who will be happy to finance construction of your new home. Preparing multiple lending options will help prevent construction delays and keep you on schedule throughout the entire process.

 

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Wrap Up Your Log Cabin Plans This Year

Posted on November 23, 2011 by admin

There’s nothing quite like the experience of celebrating the holidays in a warm log home, and this year you can still get all your plans in place in time to receive the perfect holiday gift. If you order your custom log home plan by November 30th, you can receive the set of blueprints for your dream home gift wrapped and ready to go under the tree by Christmas.

Just contact us before the end of the month and our expert design team will be able to put together a log home plan that fits your needs and your budget. Just let us know that you’re ready to order and we can reserve a design appointment to make sure we understand what you want from your dream home. Then once we get to work you can expect to see the blueprints arrive in time to make this Christmas something special.

This year, as an added bonus, we are also including a Southland Log Home table that will perfectly complement the design of your new home. This table is crafted from the same precision-milled logs and timbers that will go into the rest of your home. The table measures 6 feet by 3 feet, and is perfect for a kitchen table where everyone can gather, a computer table for doing work and playing games, or just as a beautiful stand for your big screen TV.

The only thing better than unwrapping those cabin plans this Christmas morning will be celebrating next year’s holidays in your new log home. Now is the perfect time to get started. Contact us today and our designers will get to work on your customized plans. The holidays are just about around the corner, but if you place your order before November 30th, you may have the perfect gift to share with your family.

If you’ve been thinking about the ultimate holiday gift this year, we’re ready to help. Just imagine yourself in front of the fire in your own log home next winter, and then contact us for details and direction to the Southland location nearest you.

 

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Considering A Green Earth When Building Your Log Home

Posted on November 17, 2011 by admin

Now more than ever going “green” is on our minds as we build anything, and that goes double for new log homeowners.  When you consider that green building is not only good for the environment, but also good for your wallet, it’s really no wonder that so many people are excited about it.  Not to mention that we create log homes to bring more of the outside world into our home, while keeping the comforts and luxuries of a log home intact. It’s that outside world we value so much that green building honors.

In our processes for establishing a “green” log home here are just a few aspects we implement:

1. Use sustainable materials. Whenever possible, opt for renewable or recycled building materials over other alternatives. You can, for example, choose cellulose insulation that includes recycled content, and use logs that come from sustainable forests, as all of Southland’s logs do. Use environmentally safe and naturally—rather than chemically—treated construction materials for everything from paint to carpet.

2. Place doors and windows correctly. The placement of doors and windows in your new log home is all-important for energy conservation. You can adapt your Southland design to take these things into account. If you live in a cold climate, you’ll want to make sure that your large windows are south-facing to take advantage of the maximum amount of direct sunlight and warmth. If you live in a warmer climate, make sure that most of your windows are north-facing, and position windows and doors in such a way that you can profit from cross ventilation.

3. Choose the right roof design and materials. Planning solar panels as part of your project is a key feature to living green in your log house. Or even if you think it might be a possibility one day, make sure that your roofing design incorporates this idea. Design a roof with a long, rectangular surface with no interference from skylights or chimneys to maximize the size of the solar array. Another good idea is to design a system that will allow you to collect rainwater. Make sure to choose a material that reflects heat, especially if you live in a warm climate.

4. Insulate for energy efficiency. Proper insulation is important for reducing heat transfer between the outside and inside of the home. One of the best things about Southland’s log homes as opposed to traditional building is that our 8-inch thick walls give the cabin a higher thermal mass, which makes the heating and cooling of our log homes much more efficient. We also use precision milling techniques to ensure a tighter fit and an extremely energy efficient home.

5. Use an open design layout. You can reduce materials and cost if you design with an open layout. This also improves daylight and natural ventilation.

6. Practice water conservation. An easy way to save water is by installing water-reducing appliances and fixtures. Consider collecting rainwater and other runoff and recycling it for your lawn or garden. You can also take steps to preserve native vegetation in your landscaping, which will minimize your need for an elaborate irrigation system.

7. Reduce the impact of building on your home’s site. Take steps to preserve environmental features such as streams, vegetation, and natural drainage. In some cases, it’s better to assemble things offsite.

Log home living is a great way to go green. Southland Log Homes takes our commitment to the environment very seriously, and we strive to use safe and green building practices for every log home that we build.  View our log home plans now.

 

 

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The Ultimate Man Cave

Posted on June 9, 2011 by admin

In recognition of Father’s Day, Southland Log Homes presents:

A place to indulge in your hobbies, watch sports, hang out with friends, or even enjoy a little peace and quiet – create your Ultimate Man Cave in a Southland log home.

Southland’s award-winning design team has turned its creative eye to developing The Ultimate Man Cave.

Come out to one of our fully-furnished models to explore the possibilities for yourself!

Check SouthlandLogHomes.com to locate the Southland model log home nearest you.

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Log Homes: From the Ground Up

Posted on April 6, 2011 by admin

You are invited to join us this Friday, April 8th at 4PM or Saturday, April 9th at 11AM or 2PM for an informative look at making your log home dream a reality.

From the ground up,our experts will share helpful hints on:

  • Southland Log Homes

    Southland Log Homes

    Designing your Log home

  • Acquiring your Property
  • Financing your Log Home
  • Selecting your Builder

Our knowledgeable, experienced log home specialists will also be available to answer all of your questions.

Let us show you our personal commitment to help you at every stage of obtaining your log home dream and see why Southland is America’s Favorite Log Home™.

Seating may be limited – please call your nearest location to reserve your seat. Check SouthlandLogHomes.com to locate the Southland model log home nearest you.

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