Sometimes adding a few frills to your log home really don’t cost much more. One of these frills is an upper level exterior balcony. Here we see the Cowboy II Plan from the view side.

The upper balcony is accessed from the half loft. The main cost difference to the original log package is to add in a few floor joists that counter lever from the loft floor. In this method there is no need to add supporting corner posts from the balcony to the ground. The timber floor joists to support the balcony are circled in yellow in the diagram below.

When the Cowboy II was designed it was also constructed with cost effectiveness in mind. Notice this plan has square windows across the front instead of trapezoid windows. The cost savings is about a few thousand dollars, depending on the style and brand of windows you choose. In the Anderson 400 Series, with wide wood jambs, wood interiors, and vinyl exteriors the window allowance for the original Cowboy Plan (with trapezoid windows) is $11,247. For the Cowboy II, without rectangular windows, the allowance is $8,094. This is a savings of about $3,153.

A log home needs to look and feel the way you want it to. If trapezoid windows on the front of your home have always been your dream, then it is worth the investment of a few thousands dollars to make it a reality. If you really don’t have a preference then it might be a good idea to go with the large rectangular windows instead.

Balconies are attractive. They also fit well with a log home. They bring the outdoors into your home. Often log homes are built with a smaller floor plan but also incorporating large porches. The living space spills outside.

Covered porches are another design option that are extremely attractive to most log home owners. A full wrap around porch gets expensive, but adding a covered porch to one or two sides still provides a lot of exterior living space without as much funds invested in decking, railing, etc.

Log home designs need to reflect what you as an owner desire, while also keeping an eye on costs. Prioritize what is important to you. Be open to options like a two sided wrap around porch instead of a full wrap around. Consider exchanging trapezoid windows for tall rectangular. And don’t be afraid to add a frill or two like an exterior balcony. Almost all log home plans with a loft can have an upper balcony added. Planning is a vital part of the construction phase. So take time to dream while you plan.

Cowboy Log Homes