Frequently Asked Questions
We cover many aspects of the issues confronting you in starting out on your own self-build project in our guides that can be found on our Downloads page. Even though your architects will take you through the many processes and procedures involved in getting you from the outline of an idea to completion, our FAQs might just help to address some of those questions you might have.
Above: Laajaranta 2/3 bedroom house
FAQs
Planning & the Advantages of Buying a Timber Log Building
Is Planning Permission Required?
For buildings intended for use as family homes, holiday lets or used as offices - then the answer is yes, your project will require Planning Permission and Approval. Other restrictions may apply, roof height for example - checkout our useful guide on Planning and Building Regulations
Are Building Regulations Applicable?
Yes, as a new Family or Holiday Home or let, it will need to be compliant with current Building Regulations. But don't worry, most Building Regulations are taken care of in the Planning and Construction phases - such as ensuring the correct use of safety glass in windows and doors, electrics, plumbing, etc and of compliance with U Values.
If your building is below 30 m2 in size then Building Regulations do not normally apply.
Site Access
When looking at your site, you need to consider vehicular access for the various deliveries that will attend your site?
This will include concrete deliveries, delivery of your timber log building and cranes required to lift logs and roofing into position (amongst others).
Take account of access from the highway, trees, bridges, inclines, streams - anything that could possibly prevent easy access?
There may be more than one delivery for your home and delivery is by articulated vehicle
What are the advantages of a log building?
Many!
Warm in winter - cooler in summer.
Log homes have a healthy internal atmosphere.
Use natural materials.
Tried and tested building method.
Longevity - 100 years plus.
Timber is hygroscopic and both absorbs and releases moisture - making your home a healthier place in which to live and work.
Lower embodied CO2 and with captured CO2 for the life of the building - it's better for the environment, better for you.
Easily recycled at the end of a very long life.
Are log homes cheaper to build?
The short answer is yespossibly, but it can be difficult to make direct comparisons.
A log building is a lighter structure and so requires less digging out for the foundations and therefore less material and less waste.
Many buildings are weathertight in around 14 days or less.
Reduced architects fees - we are your designer and engineer.
You do not need the services of plasterers, carpenters, plumbing and electrical works take less time as plumbing and cabling routes can be prepared in the factory.
Worth noting also that, as a factory built home, you have much greater control of your budget!
All said, the final price is always relative to the size and complexity of your build and some costs are the same - services for example, whatever the nature of your build.
Are log homes more dangerous in a fire?
First, yes, timber burns but, the thickness of logs used in our homes means that the surface carbonises or chars and this helps prevent the spread of fire.
A log home will be safer in fire than a timber frame home for example as we use "massive" timber that should ensure the building structure remains standing, giving your family time to safely exit. Even steel framed homes will require the steel frame to have additional protection to protect the structure from the effects of fire - steel begins to lose its structural integrity in temperatures as low as 500 degrees C.
Second, where required by Building Regulations treatments exist to coat the exposed timber surfaces in a fire retardant treatment that gives the structure a Class 0 Fire Rating - surface Spread of Flame. This is a once in a lifetime treatment and delivers permanent protection.
Mortgages & Insurance
Unfortunately, in the UK Timber Log Homes are classed as "Non-Standard Construction" so High Street Mortgage Lenders are less likely to be interested - they may require structural warranty insurance to be in place?
We can provide you with details of lenders who may be able to offer suitable mortgages, but lenders can be readily found online and this is no different from most bespoke build projects. Find details on our suppliers page for Mayflower, specialists in mortgages and insurers for timber buildings .
There are an increasing number of lenders and brokers aiming their products at builds that are more environmentally friendly and log homes certainly fit that bill.
Site Preparation
Site Preparation?
Your new family or holiday home is going to need water and waste, an electricity supply, and telecoms (add a gas connection if required).
You will need to contact the Network Operators in your region to arrange for your favoured operator to connect you and don't forget, this will start with a temporary supply whilst works are underway on site.
By this point you should have arranged insurance for your site covering the entire site and building process.
Foundations
This will be determined by the Planning Process - specifically soil type, trees, drains and then building size.
Foundations for your home - a log home is a much lighter structure than more traditional building types and can save you money but it is important that you use the right foundations for your build - a geotechnical study is a good way to assess your type of foundation.
Contact us for further information.
Incoming Services?
Once you have finalised your design then you can share the plans we provide you with to allow your favoured services companies to bring their services into position in readiness for your foundations to be laid.
Manufacture
From the Signed Contract to the date of loading takes approximately 16 weeks, a 30% deposit is taken by week 2.
A loading week is fixed by week 5 and Main Drawing Approval should be fixed by week 7, including plumbing and electrical schematics, after this no changes can be made to your order.
Drawings and Foundation Approval is scheduled for week 10, payment of the balance is set at week 11.
Your order is released for production by week 14 and delivery information scheduled by week 14 with loading taking place by the end of week 16.
Delivery to site is subject to shipping and customs clearance.
The Build Process on Site
The build process takes between two and four weeks to reach to a weathertight condition, depending on the build size and complexity and disregarding any site issues.
Our vehicles are usually equipped with cranes to off-load and our installation team(s) will arrange for suitable crane hire to move the log beams into place, the price of which is included in Eestipod Lifestyle Supply and Install package.
Second Fix
Your log home has no need plastering so the move into second fix starts once you have a weathertight structure.
Electrics & plumbing, all electrical and plumbing aervices are channelled into your building during manufacture for connection on site by your chosen electrical and plumbing contractors.
Worth Knowing
Whether it's a family, retirement or holiday let, you will be in your property fast! If this is a holiday let this means you can start earning income very quickly, timber log buildings are also the fastest growing sector in the holiday market.
If its a family or retirement home then you benefit by spending less time in rented accommodation or paying two mortgages perhaps in your current home whilst also paying a mortgage on your new log building.