Every day we work with individuals to design a log home that fits their family’s lifestyle. Sometimes one of our standard floorplans fits the bill, but often a custom design is needed. The easiest way to create a custom design is to find a standard floorplan that comes closest to meeting your needs. Looking through standard floorplans might spark some design ideas you can incorporate into another plan, and the pictures can help you visualize the exterior appearance of your dream home.

After you have found a standard design you like, mark it up with the changes you want. If you only have minor changes to a standard plan, the price quote will likely be in the same price range —making it easy for you to quickly estimate your budget.

Of course, you can design a custom floorplan completely from scratch. Whether you draw it yourself by hand, or simply give us the details so we can create the floorplan using our design program (a service we provide free of charge), this can be a very exciting and fulfilling experience that ensures your dream home is truly one of a kind.However, when designing from scratch you will want to keep a few design considerations in mind:

Lumber Usage: Keep your dimensions in even numbers, such as 24’, 28’, and 32’. These lengths make the best use of lumber for dimensional stock for framing.

Support Posts: If you plan on having a loft, or any kind of upstairs, there will need to be posts to support these structures.

Room Dimensions: If you want a room without a support post somewhere in the middle of the space, you need to be aware of the clear span your roof system will support. Our Tradesman Series homes can have up to 12’-0” spans between posts or walls, and in our Craftsman Series spaces can span 14’-6”.

Closet  Space: Take advantage of small areas and the space under the eaves of the roof in the loft and second story. These are the best spots to put  some much needed storage space.

Staircases: Plan on enough room for the stairs. If the second story is at the standard height of eight feet, your staircase will be at least 8’-9” long.

Hallways: These days many people prefer an open concept floorplan, which eliminates the need for hallways. However, when halls are needed, make them a minimum of 3’-6” wide —better yet, make them an even 4’-0” —you will appreciate the added space.
Remember, whatever method you choose to design your original log home, make sure all the room dimensions are clearly indicated on the floorplan and sketch out how you envision the exterior. These details will help ensure you receive an accurate price quote on the log home of your dreams.