If your dream is to custom build a log home, we can help make your dream a reality. You probably have a lot of questions about the design process and materials that we use for our manufactured log homes. This page is designed to provide you with basic information about building an Honest Abe log home.

For additional information, you can also request a brochure, contact us, or come visit us in person at one of our scheduled events.

What type of log do you use and what about shrinkage?

Eastern White Pine is the typical log used by Honest Abe Log Homes. It is purchased in the Eastern and Southeastern regions of the U.S. Other structural materials are milled from Douglas Fir, or Spruce. (Engleman Spruce and Logdepole Pine are used in our 10" Round Swedish Cope Big Sky System. With Honest Abe's engineered system, what little settling that will occur, should go unnoticed by you the home owner - No need for jacks, springs etc. The logs have been stabilized through our KILN DRYING PROCESS.

Are the logs dried?

Yes. All of the timbers are carefully and methodically kiln dried because "dry" logs provide a more stable, tighter package than "green" logs. The kiln drying also minimizes shrinkage and settling that occurs in the timbers over time. This process also destroys insects and their larvae. (The 10" logs are cut from standing dead timbers).

Does my builder have to cut the logs on site?

No. After drying, our logs are planed and cut to exact lengths and specifications using state of the art technology. This creates a perfect fit for your windows, doors and corner notches.

Can I modify the house plans?

Yes, Rodger and Darlene, along with Honest Abe will give you what you want! Most of the homes are customized to the customers' specifications. The catalog is a good place to get ideas, but if you don't find a plan that fits your exact needs, you can modify your design and make changes. The design department and engineers at Honest Abe will draw the blue prints for your custom home design, and the logs will be cut to your specs. (Sportsman Series can not be modified).

Are log homes hard to decorate?

Not at all. It is not hard to achieve that charming "woodsy" mountain look with a log home. Bring the outdoors in and play up the exposed wood, or we can incorporate some drywall on the interior walls to give you somewhere to paint and decorate. This also gives you the ability to make changes as you like to your rooms.

What about insulation?

A log wall is a solid thermal mass which works better than conventional wall framing. With Honest Abe, we use the highest materials that are available with our sealer, caulk and foam gaskets that are installed on each log.

What type of foundation do you use to build a log home?

Any type of foundation a conventional home can be built on: crawl space, full basement, walk-out, or daylight basements.

What does Log Kit mean?

A Log Kit will vary from one manufactory to another. Some companies sell logs only and some sell a complete shell. Some companies include interior doors, partitions, stairs, etc. You should take a close look at any estimate that is provided to you to see exactly what a company is offering in their package. Your estimate should be itemized. We are so confident in the value of our packages that we offer the Honest Value Guarantee.

What is the Honest Abe Guarantee?

It is our promise that Honest Abe will meet or beat the price of any competitor's comparable home package. Simply submit a detailed item-for-item quote from another company, and if we find it to be lower than our package, we'll meet it. How can we offer such a guarantee? Because Honest Abe's time-tested procedures have proven to be the best possible solution for new log home buyers.

Is it difficult to get financing for a log home?

If you could qualify for a loan for a conventional home, then you can get financing for an Honest Abe Log Home. When local banks understand the quality and value that goes into an Honest Abe package, most have no difficulty financing it. We work with local and national log home financing firms, and they could also provide competitive financing.

What about homeowner insurance and fire insurance for a log home?

Actually, logs are harder to burn than a conventional framed home. Insurance companies rate homes based on risk. Logs themselves add no risk to the equation. However, if you decide to build your log home in an inaccessible area that lacks fire hydrants and has nothing more than a volunteer fire department located many miles away, you may discover that the insurance company will assess the risk as high and charge premiums accordingly. It would also apply to a conventional home, if built under the same situation. This is something to consider when you are looking for your property.

Can anyone build an Honest Abe Log home and where would I locate a qualified builder?

Just about anyone can build an Honest Abe Log Home. We've had homeowners, friends, conventional builders, and general contractors build our homes successfully. Our logs are pre-cut, mortised, and numbered according to the plans we prepare specifically for your home. Honest Abe offers to our customers and their contractors a two-day Construction School. You will also receive with your package a Construction Manual. This will assist with many of your questions.

How is the maintenance on a log home?

The total cost to maintain a log home is about the same as a conventional home, but the tasks are different. The conventional home will require exterior cleaning yearly and repainting the interior and exterior every couple of years. The log home will require washing down yearly and re-staining every 4 - 5 years. This could be longer depending on how much covered porch line you have -- less exposure to the elements and the weather. The interior log walls once stained and sealed, should never require any refinishing.

What is the average cost of a completed Honest Abe Home?

It is difficult to speak of averages for log homes because of the tremendous differences among the models and site locations. That being said, in the North Carolina area, a quality built, turnkey Honest Abe Home could run between $110 and $175 or more per square foot. Your actual cost will vary depending upon where the house is built, site conditions, how much sweat equity you plan to invest. Do you want an $89 dollar faucet or a $650.00 one? Do you want a $8,500 less expensive kitchen or a more custom $15,000-$20,000 kitchen? A lot depends on your personal tastes and preferences.