I understand this forum is geared toward owner/builders so I hope my questions are not too out of place here. Much respect to all of you who are dedicated enough to build your own log homes - makes me feel like I'm cheating!
Anyway... we're looking at a pre-built log home that was built in 2006 and sold to an investor who finished the inside and added a 2 car garage. It has never been lived in, but looks to have been well maintained.
It's a Colorado mountain home that faces south and it's in an area that get as a lot of wind in winter. Heating is in floor radiant. It's an open floor plan with finished walkout basement and loft area. Roof is metal and the basement exterior is finished in rock (I'd imagine it's concrete underneath). There is no obvious rot or damaged logs, at least to my untrained eye.
The roof does not overhang by more than about a foot, except for 2/3rd of the front, south facing wall, which overhangs by about 10ft.
The log's are off the ground by a minimum of 2-3ft. All doors appear to open and shut without issue. There are a lot of dead moths inside the house.
My expectations is that it will be expensive to maintain the exterior (around 2K per year?) and somewhat expensive to heat due to the location and exposed post and beam ceiling. It will also be a pita to clean the inside due to the round log walls and exposed beams. Changing some of the light bulbs will be an extreme sport.
I have access to the original builder. What should my questions be?
So far I've though of
(1) Were the logs Kiln dried?
(2) What type of pine are the logs?
(3) What is the finish on the exterior
(4) Has the wood been treated for bugs?
We're getting a local log builder to inspect it but I would like to know any potential pitfalls. Any help is much appreciated!
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