Log house ABC - FAQ
If you decide to build a log home or browse through our website, you may come across technical terms that are not immediately understandable. Our log house ABC serves as a comprehensive lexicon that provides you with detailed explanations of these terms. Some concepts are more complex and require a more detailed description, which you will find on the linked pages.
Simply click on the explanatory text, which will take you to the corresponding detail page.
Building application
Every building starts with a vision, but before this vision becomes reality, there is the planning application process. This procedure is not just a bureaucratic step, but also ensures that your building project meets all legal requirements. It includes the submission of plans, calculations and other relevant documents to the responsible building authority. The topic is so complex that we have a separate page called "Building application" which deals with this topic in detail.
EnEV
The Energy Saving Ordinance, or "EneV" for short, is a key instrument of German energy policy. It sets minimum standards for the energy efficiency of new and existing buildings. The EneV not only affects building owners, but also architects, planners and tradesmen. It ensures that new buildings meet certain energy efficiency standards. For residential buildings, an energy demand calculation is required, which is carried out by a qualified engineer. On our "EnEV" page, we offer you a detailed explanation and information on implementation.
Delivery times
The time from planning to completion of a house can vary. Factors such as size, wall thickness, equipment and the timing of the order play a decisive role. A small garden shed can be produced more quickly than a large house. It is important to have realistic expectations and to allow enough time for planning and implementation. In the case of large houses, there is also the fact that it is usually necessary to wait for planning permission before the house can enter the production cycle.
Allotment garden law
The Federal Allotment Garden Act regulates what is permitted in allotment garden sites. It takes into account both the protection of nature and the needs of gardeners. However, there are regional differences that can lead to different building regulations. This law ensures that allotment gardens fulfill their original purpose and are not misused for other purposes. There are regional variations and different interpretations of assessment points. For example, gazebos in Lower Saxony may be higher than those in Hamburg or Berlin. In Hamburg, the term "eaves height" is interpreted differently than in Berlin.
Wood preservation
Wood is a natural material that needs protection from external influences. Appropriate wood protection not only extends the life of your log home, but also preserves its beauty. It is important to choose the right protective agent and carry out regular maintenance work. As the wood has a residual moisture content of approx. 18% on production and delivery, it must not be "cemented" with a varnish or thick-layer glaze. We recommend treating the outside of your log cabin with HK-Lasur from Remmers.
More on this under "Wood preservation treatment".
Wood used
Choosing the right wood is crucial for the quality and durability of your log home. Our log cabins are made of high-quality Nordic spruce, which is known for its robustness and beauty. Additional structural elements, such as stairs and window frames, are made of durable pine wood.
Type statics
The statics of a building are the foundation of its safety and stability. It deals with the load-bearing capacity and the forces acting on a structure. Type statics are often required for projects requiring a building application. But what exactly does that mean?
A type statics is a standardized static calculation for a specific structure or a specific type of building. It is based on general assumptions and can be used for several similar construction projects. This sounds practical at first, as it can save costs and time. However, there is a challenge with log houses: many of these houses are individually planned and customized. This means that a type statics is not always sufficient, as it does not take into account the individual circumstances of the respective project.
In addition, the "worst possible" conditions that can occur in a particular region must be taken into account when creating a type statics. This can lead to oversized and therefore more expensive construction methods, which in many cases would not be necessary. An individually planned house in Bavaria, for example, has different snow load requirements than a house in northern Germany.
It therefore often makes more sense to have an individual structural analysis drawn up for the respective building project. This ensures that the house is designed precisely for the given conditions on site. It takes into account the exact building site, the climatic conditions and the specific requirements of the client. This ensures that the house is safe and stable without incurring unnecessary costs.
Subsoil expertise
The foundation of a building is literally and metaphorically the heart of any construction project. It ensures that the building is secure and stable on the property. A ground survey is an essential step to ensure exactly that.
A subsoil survey, often also referred to as a soil survey, is an investigation of the subsoil of a building site. It provides information about the nature and load-bearing capacity of the soil and identifies potential problems that could occur during construction. This can range from soft, damp areas to solid rock.
The survey is carried out by a specialized geotechnical or civil engineer. It usually includes soil samples taken at different depths. These samples are then analyzed in the laboratory to determine the exact composition of the soil, water content, density and other important factors.
The results of the ground survey are decisive for the planning of the foundation. For example, if the ground is very soft, a deeper or wider foundation may be required to safely support the load of the building. In areas with a high water table, special waterproofing may be required to avoid moisture problems.
A ground survey is not only crucial for the safety of the building, but can also save considerable costs. If unexpected problems with the substrate arise during construction, the costs can quickly mount up. A ground survey helps to avoid such surprises and enables precise budget planning.
Show houses
Building a house is a significant investment, both financially and emotionally. It is the place where you will spend many years, if not decades. It is therefore understandable that many builders want to get a concrete feel for the house before making a final decision. This is where show houses come into play.
Show homes are fully built and often furnished houses that give potential builders a real impression of the quality, room layout and general feeling of living in a house. They serve as a physical example of what a construction company has to offer. It is an opportunity to take a close look at the intricacies of the construction, the materials used and the quality of the craftsmanship.
While many construction companies have special show house exhibitions where several show houses are available for viewing, we at Betana take a different approach. We have found that many of our customers are willing to show their own, already occupied homes by prior arrangement. This not only offers potential builders the opportunity to see a real, lived-in home, but also to get valuable feedback and experience from actual homeowners.
So if you would like to see a house "in real life", just get in touch with us. We will see if we have a comparable house in your region and clarify the possibility of a viewing.
Click here to get a brief impression of customer projects.
So if you would like to see a house "in real life", just get in touch with us. We will see if we have a comparable house in your region and clarify the possibility of a viewing.
Click here to get a brief impression of customer projects.
