Frequently Asked Questions

What do we do?

Antique Cabins and Barns, LLC travels throughout the countryside of the Eastern United States and into the lake country of Ontario in search of antique log structures.  All of our buildings are at least 100 years old, each with its own unique history.  When we locate a home or barn with unusual characteristics we carefully dismantle the structure log by log with detailed measurements and notes.  The structures are then transported to our facility where we again reassemble the shell of each building.  We typically maintain an inventory of 5-15 log structures reassembled at our facility. 

In the event we find cabins or barns which are beyond repair, we acquire these structures and use their parts and components to custom build log homes or other structures.  We can work with your architect or use a plan from our portfolio to fit your personal needs.  Most clients typically choose an existing plan with modifications to fit their particular site or lifestyle. 

What is the price per square foot for an antique building?

The cost to build an antique log home varies depending on your particular design selections and the location of your building site.  Guest cabins and hunting style cabins range from $100-$150 per square foot while primary residences and upscale getaways range from $200-$300 per square foot.  As a general rule of thumb, if you pay $35,000 for the shell of the building, this is the amount you are likely to spend over and above the cost for a new log cabin or a conventionally framed home.  For example, if the cost to build in your area is $200 per square foot, the cost to build a 1000 square foot getaway using an antique log cabin would be approximately $235,000.

Who will finish the cabin?

We do not turnkey projects outside of Greenbrier County, West Virginia.  However, we have worked with many contractors and architects throughout the country with our strongest relationships in North Carolina, Virginia and Maryland.  It is important to note that since most cabins are relatively small in footprint, it does not take a restoration specialist to turnkey the job.  Once we deliver and erect the shell of the building on your prepared foundation, building a roof on these four walls is essentially no different from building one on a traditionally stick framed home.  The same is said for flooring and siding installation.  

What is chinking?

Chinking refers to the material between the logs.  Once the logs are reassembled and a roof assembled, the chinking process can begin.  The first step is insulating between the logs.  Foam board insulation is used on the inside and outside of the structure.  This actually gives the home more of an R factor than if it were solid log.  Next the chinking is applied to the insulation.  We recommend using the synthetic type of chinking that will expand and contract with the logs.  Concrete chinking is another option, but in our experience it does crack and needs maintained over time.  In the 19th century, mud, clay and horsehair were used. 

What about insect treatment?

We replace any logs that have deteriorated due to weather or past insect damage at our restoration facility.  As with any house built from wood, pests can be a problem.  We recommend treatment at our facility with a third party pest control company to ensure that your investment will be around another 100 years.  We will be glad to make arrangements with one of several companies that have provided us with excellent service over the past several years.