Log Homes >> Basement Benefits

Why Add a Basement to Your Log Home?

Basements are an easy way to a square footage to your log home. It is also very cost-efficient, more so than building out or up. For about $15 per square foot, you can dig a deeper crawlspace and raise the foundation walls. In order to save on initial building costs, you can complete the basement later.

But basements are dark and cold, you say.

Adding light will keep a basement from having that dank basement feel. Adding carpeting and drywall also help.

Basements and Building Codes

If you're planning on having bedrooms in the basement, building codes require the installation of windows to act as emergency exits. Gaining room for windows can be accomplished by raising your first floor a few feet. Even better is if you can find a lot of land with a gentle slope and good drainage. Then a walkout basement works well, and windows can be numerous and lower to the ground in the back.

Source: The Log Home Plan Book