Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much will my Jim
Barna log home cost to finish, and how will it compare to a
conventional home?
The finished cost of your home will
depend on several factors-location, choice of finish, materials, and how
much of the work you do yourself. You total investment should be
about the same as a conventional stick frame home, built to the same exact
standards, under the same building conditions.
2. Will I be able to obtain
financing for my Jim Barna log home?
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In most areas you will have no
problem getting mortgage or construction financing from your local lender
or a lender in the area you are building. Log homes appreciate, on
the average, at a higher rate than a conventional home, making it an
excellent investment for mortgage lenders. Should you have a problem
with financing, we can help arrange financing through M&T
Mortgage Corp., a lender working with Jim Barna
that has very
competitive rates. (Keep in mind that some lenders hesitate to make
construction loans to individuals building their own home, they may
require that you hire a general contractor.)
3. How does the Jim Barna
layaway plan work?
The Jim Barna Log System
layaway program is a two year program that requires only a $500
deposit. The balance of the down payment on your log package (10% of
the total cost of the package) is then divided into 24 monthly payments
with no interest charged. You may take your order out of layaway within
the two years, with no penalty, by giving Jim Barna Log Systems a
30 day notice and paying off the balance. If you would like further
details please contact us.
4. Do the Jim Barna logs
carry a warranty?
All log systems manufactured by Jim
Barna Log Systems carry a limited lifetime warranty on the log
elements. A copy of the warranty can be found in the back of our
catalogs. Please contact us if you would like one mailed to you.
5. How energy efficient will my
Jim Barna log home be?
Wood is one of nature's best
insulators. Jim Barna Log Systems are designed for tightness and
lasting integrity. If you use adequate roof and floor insulation,
high quality windows and doors, and make sure all joints are sealed
properly, your Jim Barna log home will use little energy to stay
comfortable all year.
6. What is the R-Value of a log
home?
The R-Value is a measurement of
efficiency of an insulated wall. A solid log wall is measured in Thermal
Mass, not R-Values. Studies have been completed on the
differences of a standard insulated wall and a solid log wall, and the
findings indicate that the solid log wall is superior based on average
cost from cooling and heating on a year long basis. Obviously, the
size of the logs and the roof and floor insulation you choose, play key
roles in energy efficiency.
7. How does the Yellow Pine
compare to the Western Pine as far as quality?
The Yellow Pine is grown in a more
favorable environment, particularly one that is higher in humidity with a
longer growing season. The result is a more dense wood.
8. Will my logs shrink and
crack?
A characteristic of log timbers is
that some checking, twisting, or shrinking will occur. There is a
possibility that a check may occur over time that requires caulking.
This is a natural process that adds beauty and individual character to
each log home. However, the logs are kiln dried at the mill which
removes most of the moisture, therefore reducing the chances of
further twisting and cracking after delivery.
9. Are my logs treated before
delivery and what type of maintenance is required after that?
A surface treatment is applied
initially that helps prevent the buildup of mold and mildew during
construction. Once the log home is erected, we recommend you have it
pressure treated with a CCA or Borax solution and finish with three coats
of Sikkens to protect against insects and preserve the
wood. Like any natural wood that is exposed to the elements, we
recommend a Sikkens application at least every three years, (or
sooner) depending on the degree of weathering.
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