ᐅ Log Cabin Construction: Solid Timber vs. Frame Building – Experiences?
Created on: 4 Feb 2019 21:58
L
Lucrezia
A year ago, it was clear: log house, nothing else (we had an experienced company, but unfortunately no general contractor). Since we got in touch with a general contractor specializing in timber frame construction who convinced us, I have been going around in circles. Since I have already received many helpful ideas and tips in this forum, I would like to invite you to share your thoughts on this. I’ll start with the advantages and disadvantages we have noticed:
Log house:
+ Only untreated wood, so "minimalist" and with very low chemical exposure
+ Short waiting and construction time
- Trades must be contracted separately (we would not take on any work ourselves, except possibly flooring)
- Prices can fluctuate more significantly
- Warranty is "only" 15 years on structural components (5 years on the rest)
Timber frame construction:
+ General contractor, so "worry-free"
+ Accurate price quote (fixed price)
+ 30-year warranty on structural components – waiting and construction time somewhat longer
-/+ Wood only in the “frame”; (eco-friendly) materials can be freely chosen
Log house:
+ Only untreated wood, so "minimalist" and with very low chemical exposure
+ Short waiting and construction time
- Trades must be contracted separately (we would not take on any work ourselves, except possibly flooring)
- Prices can fluctuate more significantly
- Warranty is "only" 15 years on structural components (5 years on the rest)
Timber frame construction:
+ General contractor, so "worry-free"
+ Accurate price quote (fixed price)
+ 30-year warranty on structural components – waiting and construction time somewhat longer
-/+ Wood only in the “frame”; (eco-friendly) materials can be freely chosen
At wohngesund, the focus is on reducing or avoiding harmful substances, such as formaldehyde. For example, all types of expanding foam were avoided in our project. Certified products are used instead, such as tile adhesive. As a homeowner, you often don’t even notice this. At the time of the preliminary selection (2016), there was no vinyl flooring, which might be noticeable.
I believe it is possible to have your house tested and certified for health standards before moving in. I have not looked into this in detail myself. We simply followed the company’s standard.
We built with Wir Leben Haus.
I believe it is possible to have your house tested and certified for health standards before moving in. I have not looked into this in detail myself. We simply followed the company’s standard.
We built with Wir Leben Haus.
Hello @Johann_s, well, a solid wall construction isn’t necessarily more expensive than other building methods, and the same goes for log construction. It always depends on the supplier. Thoma is in the higher price range, and they charge a premium for their brand by now.
Solid wall construction has the advantage that it is often built by local carpenters. In our case, almost everything was consistent (local wood, good reputation of the carpentry shop…). However, we didn’t feel confident enough with the supplier (our requests weren’t always taken seriously, little flexibility…), so we ultimately chose a different provider (timber frame construction with ecological materials). It was a very long decision-making process!
Regarding death, I share a similar view as you. Some people smoke, eat fast food, and are still healthy. Others become ill from much less toxic exposure. I don’t know which category I fall into, so I try to treat myself as well as possible, without stress. We will all die eventually. Some, however, suffer painfully over many years. I see that often and want to avoid it. It’s about quality of life, not length.
Solid wall construction has the advantage that it is often built by local carpenters. In our case, almost everything was consistent (local wood, good reputation of the carpentry shop…). However, we didn’t feel confident enough with the supplier (our requests weren’t always taken seriously, little flexibility…), so we ultimately chose a different provider (timber frame construction with ecological materials). It was a very long decision-making process!
Regarding death, I share a similar view as you. Some people smoke, eat fast food, and are still healthy. Others become ill from much less toxic exposure. I don’t know which category I fall into, so I try to treat myself as well as possible, without stress. We will all die eventually. Some, however, suffer painfully over many years. I see that often and want to avoid it. It’s about quality of life, not length.
@Lucrezia:
Thank you very much for the information.
I find the tip regarding Thoma helpful, but I will also get specific price quotes from one or two Thoma partners.
Unfortunately, MHM partners are not located nearby, but I will check whether the next two might be willing to build in our area.
One of the providers even builds using ground anchors.
I think that would be great because I consider them more environmentally friendly than a reinforced concrete slab.
I just need to convince my better half of that.
Thank you very much for the information.
I find the tip regarding Thoma helpful, but I will also get specific price quotes from one or two Thoma partners.
Unfortunately, MHM partners are not located nearby, but I will check whether the next two might be willing to build in our area.
One of the providers even builds using ground anchors.
I think that would be great because I consider them more environmentally friendly than a reinforced concrete slab.
I just need to convince my better half of that.
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