Building a Log Home in Maine
Southern Maine is increasingly becoming a prime spot for those looking to buy land and build their own home. While the rest of the East Coast is overpopulated, Maine continues to offer peace and tranquility to those who desire it. With plenty of land and hundreds of acres available for purchase, and many nearby lakes, many people are choosing to relocate to Maine for retirement or to build a second home.
Perhaps the most popular style of new home these days is the log home: an American tradition. Most log homes have a modern flair, designed to give a rustic look, yet provide a comfortable, open and warm environment. In this article, we detail some of the steps that you can take to build the perfect log home in Maine.
Step 1: Find and purchase land
Without a doubt, we’ve found the best resource for buying land in Maine to be Land and Farm. This is exclusively for looking for large plots that are greater than 10 acres. If you’re only looking for less than 10 acres, then we suggest using Google Maps Real Estate search function or Realtor.com.
However, most people who are looking to build a log home in Maine want to do so on a large plot. Land and Farm provides the best selection and almost every county in Maine is represented. When buying land in Maine, make sure to read this article and take its precautions. Of special concern is whether the land is buildable and whether there is an easement on the property. The last thing you want is for your peace and quiet to be disturbed by someone who pops up out of the blue and demands to have a 100 year old abandoned road reconstituted right next to your home.
Step 2: Choose your siding style
The most basic decision that you will have to make is whether to go with manufactured or handcrafted siding. Manufactured siding has a more polished, modern look, can generally be built more quickly, fits tighter and is quite a bit cheaper. Handcrafted log siding gives you a much more rustic look, but is also much more expensive (labor fees) and requires a cement or similar sealant because there will be significant gaps between the wood.
Step 3: Choose your log siding distributor
If you go with a handcrafted log, you’ll most likely be working with someone local to Maine. On the other hand, if you go with a manufactured log, you have the entire country at your disposal. Ideally, you’ll choose a distributer who has plenty of options, including Quarter, Half, Pine, Cedar, Hand Hewn and others. You’ll also want to work with a company that can offer you an interior wood option such as Knotty Pine Paneling
Step 4: Find a reputable builder and/or contractor
While your best bet is to meet some locals and ask for recommendations until you feel confident that you’re working with the best builder available, you might also need to do some research on the internet. Start by looking at directory sites like LogHomeLinks or Maine Log Home Builders. The key is to check and recheck references, look at reviews, and preferably go to several homes in person that the builders have built.
Of course, if you are really into the log home spirit, you could try being your own contractor/builder. But most people these days are looking to build a log home as a vacation home, and don’t have the skills or time necessary to build the home themselves.
Written by Joe on October 1, 2007
Filed Under Property, Land, Homes
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