The family has started another important process in their pursuit of their lakehouse. They have submitted their blue prints to the bank and the bank's appraiser. The appraiser will take about two weeks to determine the value of the home based on the blue prints, details of the home and comparable homes in the area. This appraised value will then be used to finalize the construction financing.

Once the construction financing is finalized, the log package can be ordered from Golden Eagle and construction can begin. The family is very anxious to break ground.

More questions were posted about the advantages of split log construction, energy efficiency and hybrid options. The family shared some of the same questions and sought the answers from Golden Eagle.

Split log has numerous advantages over full log construction but probably the most important to the family is the options it provides for windows.Windows can be placed closer to the corners of the house because of increased structural integrity. In full log construction, windows must be at least 2 feet from the corner of the structure. Split log can support windows as close as 6 inches from the corner. This allows more and larger windows to be used.

A Golden Eagle representative explained that full log and split log construction are about equal in energy conservation. Full logs have thermal mass. The loss of thermal mass in split log is made up in R-factor or the insulation in the walls.

Also, Golden Eagle employs a very loose definition of hybrid. A Golden Eagle representative told the family that hybrid can mean what the family wants it to mean. If the family wants it to mean a combination of split and full log, it can. If they want it to mean a combination of timber frame and log construction that is possible. It can also mean conventional construction with log accents. The family got the impression Golden Eagle is offering the hybrid option as a way to offer the family and all its customers basically as many options as they can.

After receiving advice from a Golden Eagle engineer, the family has changed their mind on using 10x10 full log construction. Based on the renderings and floor plans, the engineer recommended that the family use Golden Eagle's 10 inch split log system for construction. This will provide more structural strength for the exterior walls. This is especially important because of the large walls of windows the family has incorporated into the design. The family's sales consultant has assured the family that the home will still maintain the full-log look.

Using split log construction also has a benefit beyond structural strength. The family now has the option of choosing the finish for all of the walls. For the exterior walls, the family can choose split log to look like full log construction or they can choose from drywall or tongue & groove pine.

The family is now faced with a laundry list of options and decisions. Despite the misconception that a complete log package limits choices, Golden Eagle has provided the family with the opportunity to choose nearly every detail of their lakehouse from door knobs to countertops and window colors to stains.

The design consult was a success. The family now has a working floorplan.

They decided on three level plan with bedrooms on all floors and a family room in the basement. They also decided to have two master suites for the convenience of their guests. Three additional bedrooms are located in the basement.

Basement/foundation level

Main floor


Loft



The family's designer is working on detailed sketches of the kitchen and exterior of the lakehouse. The family is scheduled to meet with the designer and finalize those designs next week.

The family has made some floor plan decisions and are ready for the next steps.

They want more than one master suite. They want two additional bedrooms. They want a large kitchen that can serve as a gathering space.

Now they are ready to meet with a Golden Eagle designer. Their consultation is scheduled for Monday. During this consultation, the family will provide the designer with some rough sketches they have worked up. The designer will then work "magic" and create the floor plan. If all goes well, this will be the final floor plan. Otherwise, a second consultation will be scheduled for the family to work with the designer to create a new floor plan based on what is created Monday.

Sketches from Monday's consultation will be posted by Tuesday morning.