Log-home owners have always been ahead of the curve when it comes to green living. After all, log homes are made from timbers — a renewable and sustainable natural resource. Additionally, the National Association of Home Builders says that log and timber homeowners “report that they spend far less than their neighbors on heating, air conditioning, hot water and lighting.”

In the last decade or so, there has been a growing buzz around “going off grid.” It’s a catchy phrase with varying interpretations and applications. For some, it means cutting ties with all mainline energy sources and becoming fully self-sustaining, including food and water supply. For others, it means a gradual but intentional move towards energy independence by putting systems in place that will help reduce daily reliance on the power grid or help with short-term outages in case of emergency.

Whichever camp you fall in, as a log homeowner, you are ideally poised for embracing this lifestyle. Here are three top reasons why log homes are especially suited to off-grid living.

Building a log or timber home from the ground up is a lot like running a marathon: You need a plan; you need to pace yourself; and you need to keep your eyes on the prize. Now, in this last installment of our six-part homebuilding series, the finish line — and the celebration of your new, complete home — is just ahead. 

Post five detailed the various options for customizing the interiors of your log cabin or timber hybrid home. This time, we’re laying out the materials and products that can add curb appeal to the exterior of your home.

The shell of your house from Ward Cedar Log Homes is complete, and now it’s time to make it a home by filling it with the finishes and features that show off your signature style and create a welcoming atmosphere

With your home’s framing finished, your build is really beginning to take shape. Once upon a time, back in those log-cabin-in-the-woods days, your home would be complete. But there are still some essential steps that are needed to bring your home firmly into the world of modern comforts — namely, the installation of your home’s mechanical systems.

This important phase of construction is referred to as the rough-in stage and involves three key systems: HVAC, plumbing, and electrical. Here are some key points to keep in mind through this stage of construction: