- Check building codes for log homes in Washington state.log cabin image by Allyson Ricketts from Fotolia.com
Ensure your safety and that of your neighbors when planning to build a log home in Washington state by learning about and following the state's log home building codes. Building codes for log homes in Washington include satisfactory construction, electricity, plumbing, fire prevention and measures to save energy. While the energy efficiency of log homes is disputed, Washington state has adopted special "prescriptive packages" to accommodate logs of various sizes in order to meet normal energy regulations. Information on log home building codes in Washington is available from the state as well as from private contractors. - Contact the Washington State Building Code Council for up-to-date information on building log homes in city and rural areas. You can purchase print or electronic copies of various codes online or by calling.
- Apply for a building permit and an inspection of the site where you plan to build. You will be assigned an inspector specifically knowledgeable about log cabins. Contact your local city or county's department of planning for information on obtaining a permit.
- Take a class on building a log home. There are several associations in Washington state that offer daylong classes on how to build your own log cabin home.
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