Specialized Custom Homes in Northern Michigan and Wisconsin.

The working environment in the upper great lakes can be challenging. All times of the year are a good time to work on log homes. New construction runs year round. We limit our Staining /painting and exterior caulking / chinking between April and November. November to April we focus on structural log repairs, carpentry and interior remodels.

It depends on a few things, first being whether they are inside or outside. If they are outside we like to caulk sky facing checks that are larger than 1/4 inch. On the inside we identify checks that have air flow and caulk them. Checks and cracks generally expand and contract seasonally as the log moisture level changes. To mitigate check size and movement inside the structure, maintaining a indoor humidity level of around 45% seems to help most buildings. This advice applies to cracks and checks that run parallel to the grain of the log. If the checks run diagonally to the log there is a problem and this doesn't apply.

First of all we are not a certified home inspector. We do offer consultations for log homes. Log homes are unique and have different issues than traditional homes. We can help you look for and identify any issues that may be missed during inspection. It's not uncommon for us to find repairs that would cost tens of thousands of dollars to do. If you are looking to purchase a log home call us for a consultation so you can relax about the purchase.

Both styles are log homes. Both are wonderful options. Handcrafted log homes are made from natural trees that are fit together by a skilled craftsman (hopefully). Milled log homes are also made from trees that have been run through a machine to make the logs fit together. Many times handcrafted log homes cost more due to the extra labor to build. Both styles of homes are dependent on good design and craftsmanship for longevity.

Modern chinking if installed correctly can last for the life of the home. Mortar based chinking doesn't airseal or last very well. Old chinking can be upgraded.

This depends on many factors. What stain you have, how much sun exposure it gets, was the stain applied correctly the first time, what color stain you have, how much exposure to the weather the logs are getting. To properly answer this question we need the specifics of the home.

We are more than happy to help. Please send your inquiries, we don't charge for over the phone consultations.

With the exception of a few bugs most infestations are the sign of a bigger problem. Treating for the bugs doesn't always mean you are treating the problem. If you are concerned about bugs we are here to offer solutions.

It's rare that we see a log home that can't be saved or restored. Most times the limiting factor is the budget for the project. If you have a place in question please contact us for a consultation.

In our local climate, natural log railings that are exposed to the weather, generally have a service life of 15-25 years. We offer some rot prevention solutions to prolong your exposed railing. We are often asked to repair log railing. In general once a railing begins to have structural issues its not worth repairing...it is time to replace. We can match log railings to your home or replace your log railings with a more durable option.

Most problems we see are due to the architecture of the home. These are related to splashing on the logs, ice dams, settling, improper or lack of flashing, inadequate overhangs, window placement and building site selection to name a few. Most common areas we repair on log homes are dormers, decks and railings.

Log home Construction takes many years to perfect and peoples taste are different. Who makes the best is a heated subject. From a restoration standpoint we see the most problems with the homeowner built it.

We recommend that you use a stain specific to log homes. There are many great stains on the market. All have some pros and cons. There is no perfect stain. We can help guide you in this decision. Some of our customers homes are well over 100 years old and have never been stained and are performing wonderfully. In fact the wrong coating on your logs is worse than nothing on your logs.

We identify the rot, cut the log out and put a new one in. Matching the logs and color of the old and new is the hard part. Replacing logs often involves removing windows, doors, decks, cabinets or built-ins. Each log replacement job is unique, contact us if you have questions.

The answer is maybe. The condition of your stain may offer some insight into the condition of your logs. If you have concerns about your stain we are more than happy to assist you.

Refinishing a log home can be rather labor and material intensive. This depends on what needs to be done to the home and what you want to achieve. We have different options available for different budget. For a quote on your project contact us.

Our core area is Michigan and Northern Wisconsin. For certain jobs we will work anywhere in the United States.

We do corn cob blasting along with walnut and ground glass blasting.