A log cabin is a wonderful place for a vacation, and when you own it, you can get away whenever you want to. While you could buy an existing cabin, the benefit of building your own is that you can design it to your specifications to meet your particular needs and wants. Here are some things to consider when planning to build a log cabin. 

1. Style

The traditional log cabin is simple and rustic. It is iconic in the public imagination, but that doesn't mean that you cannot incorporate your personal style into your new cabin. Traditionally, cabins have been small and simple because they were built by hand, without the benefit of modern technology. Your cabin is custom-built to be your retreat, so it is totally appropriate to add some personal touches. For example, you may want larger windows or glass doors to let in more natural light and enjoy the view. You may want sharper angles or a flatter roof. You may want stone accents or less wood inside than is traditional. As long as you have the resources available, your cabin can be whatever you want it to be. 

2. Budget

When it comes to building a cabin, your imagination is limited only by your finances. However, it is really important to give some thought to what you can afford before you start thinking about what you want to include in your cabin. You do not want to overextend yourself financially. Your cabin is a place for you to retreat from your stressful life and relax. However, if you overspend on it, your cabin can become a source of stress for you, which is the last thing you want. Creating a budget gives you a framework in which to make decisions. This helps you to narrow down your choices and evaluate your needs versus your wants. When your cabin is finished, it will have everything you need, and you can relax knowing that you didn't spend more than you can afford on something that you only use for a portion of the year. 

3. Location

Maybe you already know where you want to build your cabin. You have the site chosen and have already purchased the land, and now it is just a matter of getting to work building it. However, it is just as likely that you like the idea of a cabin but haven't decided where you want to put it yet. Another possibility is that you know the general area in which you would like to place your cabin but have not yet chosen the specific site. 

If you have not yet chosen the exact location for your cabin, you need to think about what you want to use it for and choose a location that will facilitate those activities. For example, if you want to use your cabin for fishing vacations, you probably want a cabin on a lake or near a stream. If you want to use it as a home base for snowmobiling excursions, you obviously need to choose a site that sees cold winter weather. If you like a challenging hike, you should choose a site in the mountains. You have decisions to make as to whether you want seclusion or would prefer to have other people around. All these factors go into consideration when determining where you want to build your cabin. 

4. Maintenance

While it is important to plan the building of your cabin carefully, you should not lose sight of what happens after it is completely built. You want your cabin to last for many years, and that means it will require regular maintenance and upkeep. Over time, small gaps will appear between the logs as they dry out, and these will need to be filled up with the appropriate material. The logs will have to be restained occasionally as the original finish wears away. Above all else, you have to inspect your log cabin frequently for signs of insect infestation and call immediately for pest control if you find any. 

If you perform the maintenance yourself, it will take time. If you hire someone else to handle it, it will cost money.