Underneath Your Log Home

Most of my posts have been referring to log home packages, selecting a log home company and log home builder. One item of log home construction that is very important is the foundation. Does a person build on a slab, crawl space or foundation? Your lot will dictate some of that. If your lot is low and susceptible to water/high water table then a slab may be best to eliminate any wet basement issues. Here in Minnesota where I'm at full basements are the most popular option. So many people think slab construction is alot less than a full basement. As far as finished product goes, it is only slightly less. Excavating is still needed for the footings and frost wall. Here that will be either 48" or 60" depending on northern or southern Minnesota. At that point you are already half way to a full basement. Concrete slab will be the same. By the time you insulate under that slab the finished product isn't that much different. Crawl spaces are nice being they can still be waterproofed, will have a concrete floor and can be insulated. They make a great location for some of the utilities so you don't have to sacrifice first floor space for those. A crawl space makes for a good storage area as well. On to full basements now. The options there are full basement all the way in the ground, a "look out' basement that windows will be at grade, maybe 4' feet of the basement exposed and a walkout where you have enough grade to have a patio door going outside from the basement. Grade and lot conditions will dictate which one will make the most sense. Walkouts can be pulled off on a rather flat lot but be aware of the fact that you will have to bring in alot of fill at added expense to make it work right and have frost protection. What is best for you? That is for you to decide. Your log home dealer or log home builder will do a site visit during the planning process to help you decide before you get too far into your home design and planning. My next post is going to be on foundation types between ICF, block or poured concrete.