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Frequently Asked Questions |
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| Foundations | ||||||||
| Q: Do log homes require special foundations? | ||||||||
| A: Brentwood Log Homes are designed to adapt to any kind of foundation used in conventional construction. Our homes are built over full basements, crawl spaces, concrete slabs, and even over pylons. | ||||||||
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| Plan Modifications | ||||||||
| Q: Can the standard floor plans shown in the plan books be modified without problems? | ||||||||
| A: Most of the interior walls in Brentwood Log Homes are non-load bearing so you can place your walls where you prefer. Windows and doors can be relocated so you can accommodate your furniture layout, or take advantage of that special view on your site. | ||||||||
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| Fire Prevention | ||||||||
| Q: What about fire prevention; are the logs specially treated? | ||||||||
| A: It is not necessary to treat the logs for flame spread because solid log walls, unlike conventionally built homes, do not have vertical air spaces which can create a chimney effect to promote fire. Fire will spread much slower across the face of a log wall than on other wall covering materials. Just imagine trying to light an 8" log with an electrical spark or by holding a match to it! | ||||||||
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| Heating & Cooling | ||||||||
| Q: How do log homes compare to conventional homes in the amount of energy consumed for heating and cooling? | ||||||||
| A: Brentwood Log Homes are constructed of dead standing lodge pole pine. Wood is a natural insulator and log walls do not require additional insulation. In fact, the thermal mass of a solid log wall decreases the energy required to heat or cool a log home. The model energy codes throughout the country recognize this thermal mass value when determining the energy efficiency of a specific log home. | ||||||||
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| Q: Do log homes require a special type of heating and cooling system? | ||||||||
| A: The type of heating and cooling system you put into your Brentwood Log Home is strictly up to you. | ||||||||
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| Wiring & Plumbing | ||||||||
| Q: How do you make provisions for wiring and plumbing in a log home? | ||||||||
| A: There is very little difference in wiring a Brentwood Log Home and a conventional home. The plumbing is simply run through closets or interior partition walls, while the duct work is run up through the first floor partitions, and vented through the ceiling into the second floor. Most of your electrical outlets and wall switches will be located on interior partition walls, however locating electrical outlets on log walls is simple if you plan for them before construction. | ||||||||
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| Log Packages | ||||||||
| Q: What do I get in my standard log package? | ||||||||
| A: With a Brentwood home,
you receive the logs for the exterior walls; the fastening screws, foam
insulation tape and dowels required to stack the logs; three sets of
construction blueprints; caulk (for butt ends and corners); exterior water
repellent stain; posts, beams, rafters and 2x6 T & G roof decking for
porches; posts, beams, joists, and 2x6 T & G decking for the second
floor; log siding for gables, dormers and foundation skirtboard. Additional information and pricing |
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| Settling & Shrinking | ||||||||
| Q: What do you do about settling and shrinking in your logs? | ||||||||
| A: All homes, regardless of type of construction, will encounter some settlement or movement after completion. Because Brentwood uses only standing dead dry timber (8% to 15% moisture content) to produce our logs, shrinkage and subsequent settling are reduced to insignificant levels. We build our homes just like a conventionally framed home--with no intent to allow movement. | ||||||||
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| Pest and Fungus Control | ||||||||
| Q: Are log homes more susceptible to termites than other homes? | ||||||||
| A: Regardless of the type of construction, all sites should be treated for termite control; log homes are no more susceptible to termite infestation than any other type of home. Since the exterior walls are all wood, it is important to maintain proper water repellency on exterior surfaces by applying high quality wood preservatives. if you want added fungus, termite and insect protection, a borate product can be applied during construction. | ||||||||
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| Do-It-Yourself | ||||||||
| Q: Can I save money by doing some of the work myself? | ||||||||
| A: Brentwood Log Homes is an excellent choice for the person who wants to build their own home. We have made our log system so simple that many people who have lacked the confidence to build a conventional home have succeeded with a Brentwood home. Many of our customers who have participated in the construction of their home have reported significant savings on their projects, not to mention an added measure of pride in their lovely new home. | ||||||||
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| Build It For Me | ||||||||
| Q: Do you have construction crews who will build my home for me? | ||||||||
| A: Brentwood Log Homes'
affiliate company,
Wood House
Construction, Inc., can provide a "Stack & Set" service or a
"Dry-In" service anywhere you want to build your log home.
Additionally, in some areas, Brentwood Log Homes has qualified independent
local dealers who provide construction services. Additional information and pricing |
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| Turn-Key Services | ||||||||
| Q: Can you completely finish my log home? | ||||||||
| A: Wood House Construction, Inc., Brentwood Log Homes' affiliate, is a licensed general contractor in Tennessee. In our local area we can do complete turn-key construction. As in "Stack & Set" or "Dry-In" services, Brentwood Log Homes has qualified independent local dealers who are also general contractors and can provide turn-key services in their locales. | ||||||||
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| Pricing | ||||||||
| Q: How much does a log home cost? | ||||||||
| A: You can get costs for our Log and Mill Material Package, our Dry-In Package, and a Turn-Key estimate on this site by visiting our Package and Pricing page, by visiting the floor plan of your choice, or call us and let us quote your favorite floor plan. | ||||||||
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| E-Mail Your Question | ||||||||
| We welcome your questions. You may e-mail us at E-MAIL | ||||||||
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| References | ||||||||
| <Member,
Home Builders Association--Greater Knoxville <Member, National Association of Home Builders <Member, Building Systems Council |
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