Does Your Log Cabin Home Plans Contain Everything You Need To Build ?In most areas of the country, your log cabin home plans will be everything you need to build, but not necessarily everything you need to obtain a building permit. One question that we receive almost every day is whether or not the package for log cabin floor plans 1234 contains everything that a person would need to build the cabin in the state of (LOCATION). We wanted to provide some additional information to clarify the subject. In addition to the log cabin floor plans you order, you may also need to show where the house is going to be located on the property. You might also need beams sized to accommodate roof loads specific to your region. Your home builder can usually help you with this. You may also need a septic design unless your lot is served by a sanitary sewer system. Many areas now have area-specific energy codes that also have to be followed. This normally involves filling out a simple form providing documentation that your log cabin plans are in compliance. To find out what documents you should expect, see the FAQ at www.houseplancentral.com In some regions, there is a second step you will need to take to insure you are in compliance with local codes. Some areas of North America have very strict engineering requirements. Examples of this would be earthquake-prone areas of California and the Pacific Coast, hurricane risk areas of the Florida, Gulf & Carolina Coasts. New York, New Jersey, Nevada, and parts of Illinois require review by a local professional as well. If you are building in these areas, it is most likely you will need to hire a state licensed structural engineer to analyze the design and provide additional plans, drawings and calculations required by your building department. If you aren’t sure, building departments typically have a handout they will give you listing all of the items they require to submit for and obtain a building permit. Additionally, these do not have a professional stamp attached. If your building department requires one,they will only accept a stamp from a professional licensed in the state where you choose to build. In this case, you will need to take them to a local engineer or architect for review and stamping. In addition, those which are used to construct homes in Nevada are required to be drawn by a licensed Nevada architect. If you get free log cabin home plans than it is always a good idea to check with your local city, municipality, and state building authorities to ensure that your log cabin home construction will meet all applicable building codes.
Most log home companies have a portfolio of standard log cabin home plans that are published in plan books, in log home magazines, and on company web sites. Many companies also have an additional portfolio of modified standard log cabin home plans that they sometimes don't promote — but will show if asked. Most have an architectural staff that can help with modifications to standard plans, or development of a completely custom plan. Don't restrict your search to log cabin floor plans that fit your desired square-footage range. Small house plans can be "super-sized" and large plans can be "down-sized." Also don't overlook potential plans just because exterior drawings of the house are not to your tastes. Exteriors can be easily changed. Another source of log cabin floor plans are books and magazines containing floor plans for conventional houses. Just be aware that the log home plans you choose may have to change a little to be buildable as a log home. Finally, if you just can't find a plan that meets your needs, create your own using one of the readily available "home design" software products. These products range in price from $19.95 to hundreds of dollars. Just be aware that the higher priced products are richer in features but more difficult to learn. None of the products are designed specifically to create log home plans. However, most can do the job, often with some degree of difficulty. Al Hearn is owner and operator of http://www.LogHomeAdvisor.com, a web site for log home enthusiasts. It contains comprehensive information, resources, and advice for anyone who is planning or building a log home.
|