Log cabins are a romantic notion, and now that rustic is trending log homes are hot. While cozy nights in front of a fire sound incredibly enticing, there are many other things to think about before buying a log cabin in Georgia.
Know the difference between a true log cabin and a home with just log siding when searching. There are different types of cabins, whether they're part of a kit or stick-built (houses built on location with no regard for mobility) with log siding. Some of the most important differences include maintenance and insurance.
Log homes require more maintenance than a traditional home. They need regular cleaning with special solutions. Caulking is needed frequently as logs shrink and expand due to weather changes. Keeping the cabin looking great also means restaining every two to three years.
Insect treatment is a must for all homes, but it is especially important with log cabins. Termites, carpenter ants and beetles are constant battles for log cabins in Georgia. Worst of all are the wood boring bees.
"Wood boring bees bore symmetrical holes in the wood and lay their eggs," said Kristy Petrillo, realtor and host of HGTV's Cabin Reno. "Not only does this damage the home, but it also attracts woodpeckers... and a whole new host of issues."
Due to their structure, log cabins do not have the best insulation. Georgia's hot summers and cold winters (in the mountains, at least) can feel uncomfortable.
Another issue Petrillo warns potential buyers about is the steep climb to reach your home away from home. The spectacular mountain view some people want with their cabin has a price. Building a house high in the mountains makes it hard to reach, often on unpaved roads. Would-be cabin buyers without a good car with four-wheel drive should consider how they'll get there.
For true log homes, insurance can be costly or hard to even find a provider, Lynnette Walczak explains in her blog. They can be harder to sell too because of the limited buyer pool. Many people do not want to handle the work and worries that go into a log cabin.
If all this seems like too much, a compromise may be a better option. Stick-built homes with log siding on the outside and tongue and groove on the inside are just as beautiful and half of the stress. However, if your dream home is a no-compromise log cabin with a mountain view, remember it has one great pro to balance all the cons: It's somewhere to visit that makes you happy.
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