1. What are the different kinds of logs available, and what are the differences between them in quality, durability and cost.

We primarily use Engleman Spruce, with some Lodgepole pine, supplied by the mill operation in British Columbia. Other suppliers use red cedar, fir, etc. Each type of wood has its own characteristics and we believe there is no perfect wood for all applications.

We chose Engleman Spruce due to its density of wood fibers and its USDA top rating thermal mass characteristics. While Douglas Fir and Red Cedar are also excellent they carry a 30-40% premium which we feel is not warranted or desired by most prospective log home owners.

We don’t use a lot of pine as it simply is difficult to find wide diameters (12”-20”).

2. Why is dead standing timber a advantage of Big Bear homes ?

Our logs are derived from dead standing timbers, which are seasoned and dried naturally. This means that most of the shrinking and checking of the logs has already occurred when you receive them, greatly reducing any additional shrinkage, splitting, or warping of your logs in your new home.

Additionally this means we can usually eliminate the 20-32 settling jacks that our competitors use in their homes. These sophisticated systems have to be wrench adjusted every six months for 5-7 years ---- we feel most homeowners would not want this incredible piece of maintenance

When a tree dies "on the vine" gravity goes to work pulling the sap and moisture out through the roots. This leaves air sacs which provide the element of insulation needed for maximum thermal mass effect. These species and method of harvest virtually eliminate "seeping sap" in your new home.

Environmentally-conscious through use of dead standing trees.

3. Why would I choose a log home over another kind of home?

Log home owners are a special breed of home buyer attempting to slow the world around them down.  Upon entering a log home one is surrounded with a feeling of tranquility and peace reminiscent of a bygone era. Logs bring us back to nature and truly settle the soul.

4. What exactly are YOUR services-are you like a General Contractor (GC) or a Builder?

Our services are a hybrid between a builder and GC –

• Comprehensive design and construction consulting (via email, phone, IM , video/audio conferencing or onsite) …. this service is available regardless if we are building the home or not
• We provide logs from 8”-20” milled and hand hewn
• We will dry-in/erect your log home – basically a weather tight shell ready for any local builder/GC to complete the interior to your liking.

5. What is the benefit for me to use a GC rather than do it myself. Will it end up saving me money in the long run? DO you have access to materials that I wouldn't?

We highly recommend that home owners not try to GC the exterior construction of the log home themselves. Log crafters are extremely talented and have mastered their skill over many years.

Additionally some of these logs are 50’-60’ long and require use of special lulls and cranes to lift into place.

6. Is a log home insulated for winter?

Logs homes can be used exactly like conventional homes and offer the benefits of thermal mass. i.e. when you warm 12” log it can retain heat for many days.

7. Do you consult with us for the entire house, or just the outside framing of it (where the logs are used)ie, do you consult on the kitchen as well.

As consultants we can advise you on every part of the log home construction inside and out. We even can advise you on where to find decorative lighting, fans, furniture, antique kitchen appliances, etc.

8. Can logs be painted?

Logs should only be stained and sealed. Today there is a rich selection of stains available from many manufacturers. It is highly recommended that you treat logs ONLY with stains designed for log homes. It is a fallacy that any “old” deck or house stain will do.

9. Do logs show wear and tear like conventional homes? What if the log home is built near an ocean, does the salt water and weather age the logs?

If properly stained, sealed and maintained logs will look and last for generations. The first enemy of logs is sunshine followed by water. In tough environments like the ocean extra steps should be taken to protect the logs. Like a conventional home more frequent maintenance (shorter time between caulking and re-staining) would be necessary.

10. Do log homes need a lot of maintenance?

The exterior of log homes need no more maintenance than a conventionally built home. Logs, decks, porches have to be stained regularly (every 5-10 yrs). If logs and wood products are used on the interior of the home then virtually all painting is eliminated. If this is a vacation or second home we can design a log home that is LESS maintenance than a conventional home though this comes at a cost.

11. What construction techniques do you use?

Swedish Cope with Saddle Notched corners

The Swedish Cope method provides a full weight bearing arc in each log, running the entire length and exactly matching the arc of the log below. This produces a full-weight bearing arc the entire length of the log, not just at the ends. This produces greater stability and strength.

Inside the arc of the Swedish cope is an extra notch running the full length of the log. This notch contains a 1/2"x1/2" polyurethane "memory cell" foam gasket. Each course or layer of logs is drilled and lagged (1/2" zinc plated) to the course below.