Why are people drawn to log

homes? According to surveys, nine out of 10 people who choose a log home

say they made their decision because they liked its distinctive look.

Given the weight of the aesthetics, why do so many couples agonize over

the details?

For some, a little research

can give pause. That's how it was for John and Katherine Overbee,

who had long dreamed about building a log cabin as a retirement home.

"We backed off a little,"

he said. "Unless you have a lot of time and money, the intricacies

of solid log construction can be worrisome."

Even with all their uniqueness,

there are basically two different types of solid log home construction:

handcrafted, the most extreme log home, which may take years and millions

to complete; and the milled D-log, in which the top, bottom and one side

of the log are milled flat. With both methods, one log is stacked on top

of another to form a wall, and then the roof is built off the walls. Proper

allowances must be made around windows, doors, stairs, and cabinetry to

allow the log walls to settle through the years.

"I love the look,"

said Katherine. "But it seemed like everyone we spoke with has had

problems."

The problem is the way cold

air finds its way through the solid log wall.

"During the first three

years the log walls can actually shrink and settle," John said, as

he shows how he held a piece of paper by a log wall and watched it move

from the air infiltration. "If a guy likes to caulk there's

less of a problem," he adds with a smile.

So ... should you go out on

the limb? For many, like the Overbees, building a solid log home was not

a logical decision. The solution came when the couple discovered a hybrid

form of log home construction.

It was more than two decades

ago when David Janczak, founder of Wisconsin Log Homes, began testing

new-energy-efficient designs and introduced the Thermal-Log building system.

To eliminate heat loss and stop the settling problems, Janczak designed

a super-insulated, 6-inch thick-framed wall. Just as important, he also

originated the precut half-logs with full log corners. In essence, he

created an entirely new category of log home construction.

The insulated log home construction

not only satisfied John but also gave him the peace of mind to build the

home they dreamed about. "I absolutely love it," said Katherine.

"We're at home - it's a place of peace."

Just under 2,000 square feet,

it's a home of pleasures for Katherine and John. "We were surprised

at how well this space accommodates our daily activities," Katherine

said. The people at Wisconsin Log Homes suggested they look carefully

at their lifestyle and how they really live.

"We cannot emphasize enough

how important it is to work with a team of people who want to help you

build your dream home," said John. "They guided us through every

step of the process." He credits Wisconsin Log Homes for making their

home a better place to live.

Katherine admits that she did

get ahead of the process when she selected a 3,666-square-foot floor plan

within 10 minutes of paging through Wisconsin Log Homes planning guide.

The 144-page catalog is filled with color photos and over 100 floorplans

but most importantly, helpful building information to guide people in

a logical sequence.

Upstairs, two bedrooms flank

the bathroom. The loft doubles as an office. The open downstairs contains

a kitchen, living and dining room, plus the master bedroom. Just off the

dining area is a cozy room that Katherine uses as her art studio.

The Overbees were also delighted

when they discovered that Wisconsin Log Homes had a Design Center and

an in-house interior designer for creative support. Working with an open

floor plan, it was important to integrate the kitchen. Wood flooring connects

the kitchen with the living and dining space. Lighting, cabinets and unique

furnishings complement the elegant yet rustic log interior.

"It all came together

so nicely and it's so beautiful. The end result is a home that emphasizes

who we are," Katherine said. "Friendly, relaxed, nothing fancy,

nothing extravagant. It fits us like a glove."

Oh, one other thing: It wasn't

the large floor plan that Katherine loved, it was the large custom-tailored

window wall - it makes a striking statement and frames a special

view from the great room.

If you would love living in

a log home but have concluded that the intricacies of solid log construction

are depriving you of your dreams, then perhaps you should contact the

people at Wisconsin Log Homes. And if your choice is this hybrid form

of half-log construction it will not only satisfy, but also delight you.

For more information about designing and building log homes, call (800)

678-9107 or visit www.wisconsinloghomes.com.

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