Articles By:

Lynnette Walczak

We've gone through the entire process of designing and planning every single detail of our dream log home! We have the blueprints... and the land... and the contractor... and the goal for our log cabin home to be our retirement home. Before you build (or buy) a log home, I have a slew of helpful tips for you -- to plan, design, build, decorate, and maintain your very own rustic modern log home. When I'm not fine-tuning the log home of my dreams, you'll find me at the corner of Good News & Fun Times as publisher of The Fun Times Guide (32 fun & helpful websites). To date, I’ve written nearly 300 articles for current and future log home owners on this site! Many of them have over 50K shares.

What Do You Think About Geothermal Energy & Prefab Basement Walls?

We're trying to 'build green' with our new log home, but there are some challenges. Here are our thoughts on geothermal energy and prefab basements.

My Dream Home Idea Notebook: Version 4.0

Phase II of the Idea Notebook has definitely made the process of designing and decorating our log home even easier: One notebook just for DESIGN ideas that have to be determined early in the process... structural details that a contractor would need to know. And one notebook just for DECORATING ideas that can still be fine-tuned along the way... up until the final moment that we purchase each item.

Should We Screen The Front Porch Or The Back Porch?

So, which is the MOST likely to be used and appreciated?... A screened in front porch? Or, a screened in back porch? What about a partially-screened in Porch? Here are my thoughts.

Center Hill Lake Properties For Sale

Center Hill Lake is between Dale Hollow Lake and where we currently live in Williamson County, Tennessee. It only made sense to see what lake property was for sale there, but we never found anything we liked.

Lakefront Living In Tennessee

Looking for lake property in Tennessee? Did you know that lake FRONT doesn't necessarily mean lake ACCESS in Tennessee? The thick perimeter of land surrounding every major waterway in this state is technically owned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers or the Tennessee Valley Authority. As a result, they dictate what you can and cannot do on that piece of property between your house and the lake.

How We Found A Log Home Designer… Eventually

Here are the steps we went through when looking for a home designer to draw up the blueprints for our custom log home. There are also some recommendations here if you're looking for home designers in Williamson County, Tennessee.

Clearing The Land: Day One of Bush Hogging

First photos after we cleared the land to build our log home in Williamson County Tennessee.

Blog Cabin: Watch It On DIY Network Thursdays at 9PM ET

Follow along on TV... Watch as they build the log cabin right before your eyes each week and incorporate each of the features that people like you & me have suggested for this one-of-a-kind log home. Check here to see if you have the DIY Network in your area.

Preparing To Clear The Land For The Homesite

Our first official step toward building this log home was to clear the land. We decided to hire a professional team to take out most of the trees & brush that we knew would be in the way of the home. They had all the right equipment for heavy duty bush hogging, and they were even set up to deal with all the rock they encountered on the property.

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Buy A Log Home, Get A Free Jeep Wrangler

Details about how you can buy a log cabin from Pioneer Log Cabins and you get a free Jeep Wrangler Unlimited.

Tips For Buying A New Refrigerator And Keeping Your Fridge Running Efficiently For Years

Here are some things I wouldn't have necessarily thought of when it comes to buying a new refrigerator, keeping it running efficiently, and saving money in the process.

What To Look For When Comparing Log Home Floorplans

Some tips for deciding on the right log home floorplan for you... based on your family's wants and needs, as well as how your family plans to utilize the spaces within your home.

How Do You Measure Square Footage?

Do you know how many square feet are in your home? Here's how to determine square footage in a house.

Got Creeks? What Is A Blue Line Stream, Anyway?

I had no idea what a 'blue line creek' or 'blue line stream' was... until recently. The 5+ acres of land we purchased has 3 creeks running through it and one of them is a blue line creek, and it is controlled by FEMA. Here's what you need to know.

Can’t You See It???

When you're trying to decide on which property to buy for your new log home, sometimes it's hard to visualize how things will look. Here are a few tips...

I Found Some Uncommon Goods For Log Home Owners!

While searching for unique items made from twigs, sticks and branches, I found the best selection and most unique items at a store called Uncommon Goods. Things made from sticks will add a touch of 'rustic' to an otherwise modern log home.