Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much will my Barna Log Home cost to finish, and how will it compare to a conventional home?
The finished cost of your home will depend on several factors-location, choice of finish, materials, and how much of the work you do yourself. You total investment should be about the same as a conventional stick frame home, built to the same exact standards, under the same building conditions.
2. Will I be able to obtain financing for my Barna Log Home?
In most areas you will have no problem getting mortgage or construction financing from your local lender or a lender in the area you are building. Log homes appreciate, on the average, at a higher rate than a conventional home, making it an excellent investment for mortgage lenders. Should you have a problem with financing, we can help arrange financing through a lender working with Barna Log Homes that has very competitive rates. (Keep in mind that some lenders hesitate to make construction loans to individuals building their own home, they may require that you hire a general contractor.)
3. How does the Barna Log Home layaway plan work?
The Barna Log Home layaway program is a two year program that requires only a $500 deposit. The balance of the down payment on your log package (10% of the total cost of the package) is then divided into 24 monthly payments with no interest charged. You may take your order out of layaway within the two years, with no penalty, by giving Barna Log Homes a 30 day notice and paying off the balance. If you would like further details please contact us.
4. Do the Barna Log Homes logs carry a warranty?
All log systems manufactured by Barna Log Homes carry a limited lifetime warranty on the log elements. A copy of the warranty can be found in the back of our catalogs. Please contact us if you would like one mailed to you.
5. How energy efficient will my Barna Log Home be?
Wood is one of nature's best insulators. Barna Log Homes are designed for tightness and lasting integrity. If you use adequate roof and floor insulation, high quality windows and doors, and make sure all joints are sealed properly, your Barna Log Home will use little energy to stay comfortable all year.
6. What is the R-Value of a log home?
The R-Value is a measurement of efficiency of an insulated wall. A solid log wall is measured in Thermal Mass, not R-Values. Studies have been completed on the differences of a standard insulated wall and a solid log wall, and the findings indicate that the solid log wall is superior based on average cost from cooling and heating on a year long basis. Obviously, the size of the logs and the roof and floor insulation you choose, play key roles in energy efficiency.
7. How does the Yellow Pine compare to the Western Pine as far as quality?
The Yellow Pine is grown in a more favorable environment, particularly one that is higher in humidity with a longer growing season. The result is a more dense wood.
8. Will my logs shrink and crack?
A characteristic of log timbers is that some checking, twisting, or shrinking will occur. There is a possibility that a check may occur over time that requires caulking. This is a natural process that adds beauty and individual character to each log home. However, the logs are kiln dried at the mill which removes most of the moisture, therefore reducing the chances of further twisting and cracking after delivery.
9. Are my logs treated before delivery and what type of maintenance is required after that?
A surface treatment is applied initially that helps prevent the buildup of mold and mildew during construction. Once the log home is erected, we recommend you have it pressure treated with a CCA or Borax solution and finish with three coats of a high quality stain to protect against insects and preserve the wood. Like any natural wood that is exposed to the elements, we recommend a new stain application at least every 5-7 years depending on the degree of weathering.
Email us: barnaloghomes@blackfoot.net
