| Here are some tips to help you narrow your search | | | | and fun. Some are very simple and easy to use, |
| for plans for your new log home.Use your old home to | | | | although may not contain features that are specific to |
| help you plan your new home | | | | log homes. Others are more robust, more expensive, |
| One of the ways to help you decide on a plan for | | | | and more difficult to use. Use Google or other Internet |
| your new home is to take a look at your present | | | | search tools to find sources for this type of |
| home and use it as a reference point for your new | | | | software.Search for standard plans |
| plans. Treat your new home plan as an "adjustment" | | | | It's possible that there is already a home plan out |
| to your old home plan. Make a list of the features you | | | | there that closely meets your needs. The Internet is |
| like and dislike in your current home. Add features you | | | | one of best resources. A seach for "log home plans" |
| don't have now, but would want in your new | | | | will result in a wide selection of plans, primarily from log |
| home.Organize your plan selections | | | | home companies. Log home magazines are another |
| Start a scrapbook that includes pictures and drawings | | | | good source for plans.Modify standard plans |
| of the styles of log home and features that appeal to | | | | Any log home floor plan can be modified to suit your |
| you. Common features will start to appear in many of | | | | needs. You don't have to choose one of the standard |
| your selections. For example, if your scrapbook photos | | | | plans offered by log home companies. You can use |
| show mostly handcrafted log homes, you can | | | | the plan from one company as the basis for creating a |
| concentrate your search on log home companies that | | | | plan to be used by another company. Plans for |
| specialize in handcrafted construction.Start with a | | | | conventional homes can usually be adapted to log |
| simple plan | | | | construction.Your log home company can help |
| Draw a rough layout of individual rooms for your new | | | | Log home companies have in-house designers to help |
| home, with the rooms represented only by boxes. Use | | | | you create or modify a plan. They use sophisticated |
| the dimensions of your old rooms as a reference. | | | | professional software for this purpose. Be aware that |
| Arrange the boxes in the general pattern that you | | | | you may have to make a few compromises in your |
| would want. Account for hallways, closets, and | | | | plans to accommodate certain log construction |
| storage spaces. This will give you a good idea of not | | | | requirements.Al Hearn is founder and operator of Log |
| only your general floor plan, but also your overall home | | | | Home Advisor (LogHomeAdvisor.com), a popular and |
| dimensions.Use your computer as a design tool | | | | growing web site that provides information and advice |
| There are a variety of home design software | | | | for log home lovers. |
| products available that can make your planning easy | | | | |