Oh, do we have one for you! And by “one” we mean a new featured remodel! It’s not every day that we get the opportunity to remodel a log cabin, but our team had the absolute pleasure of renewing a log cabin in Conifer, Colorado. It was the perfect way to celebrate 20 years in business! So, without further ado, let’s get started!
This home remodel involved a full main level remodel including the 2nd level loft for our homeowner’s mountain home. Our team masterfully renewed the home’s kitchen, two full bathrooms and bedrooms, updated flooring throughout, refreshed laundry / mudroom, and so much more. This remodel, designed by Rachel Vanek with Eclectic Expressions, brought out the home's best features while staying true to the overall design of a log cabin. Working with both the homeowners and the designer was a dream and we absolutely loved the collaboration. We are thrilled that our client decided to invest in the home they have and trusted in Maverick to deliver.
Log cabins come with their own set of challenges, and our first challenge was an interesting yet common one. Any time working on a log home it is essential to understand that the exterior walls are just logs and chinking and therefore, have limitations. When a log home is originally built, channels are created in the logs to run wiring and plumbing before they are assembled. But once the logs are assembled and the home is built, making changes can be tricky for a home renovation. Hiding new wiring or plumbing lines in the existing exterior log walls is a challenge because patching the log to look the same is nearly impossible. Being creative and meticulous in the craftsmanship is required to not only maintain the integrity of the log wall, but also the appearance.
Log home remodeling can be a challenge for many home remodeling designers. We were fortunate to work with Rachel Vanek of Eclectic Expressions who truly invested in both the design and the application. Her extensive knowledge in construction allowed her to take the desired form of her design and make it functional because of her understanding of the required building implementation. Her construction background is incredible and a rare attribute in a designer, which truly made our job easier. Not only was she detailed in her work, she was also available to come to the job site and assist with any design-construction related questions. It was a true project collaboration and an absolute pleasure for our team to work with Rachel.
While it is always a delight to go into the mountains to work on a home, the location did have some challenges due to its proximity and the time of year. Since the home is located near Conifer, Colorado and the project began in the spring, we did end up experiencing some delays due to weather specifically, snow. Some delays were also due to trade contractors being able to get to the home’s remote location, but fortunately it was not significant enough to delay our overall timeline.
Another challenge, albeit a good one, was the creative craftsmanship required to work within a log cabin. The kitchen design was to create a more open concept by removing the existing island that hosted the kitchen sink. The new sink area was moved to the exterior log wall now parked under the existing window with an amazing mountain view. Traditionally, a tile backsplash is ideal for a kitchen sink wall, but the homeowners wanted a wood backsplash. So, our carpenters crafted a wooden backsplash complimenting the existing exterior log walls while accommodating building code requirements for electrical outlets. All handled by our expert tradesmen providing the desired finished product.
During this home remodel, we worked to move the HVAC lines when we hit another challenge. The existing floor joists were going the opposite direction from the joists in the ceiling, which creates a problem for running ductwork. As such, our team had to come up with an interesting path to get the venting to meet the required building code. Once again, we put on our creative thinking hats and created a solid plan that worked out beautifully. Who knew playing Tetris as a kid would come in handy later in life at the workplace?!?
We also had to move electrical wiring, as is the case with any home remodel. But as noted earlier, a log cabin remodel presents more tests we don’t always face in typical homes. For running wiring in the exterior log walls, we had to go through the ceiling and down through the logs, which required drilling new channels through the wood, if they were not already available. Our team did this in a very precise way so as not to disturb the structural integrity of the wood.
Slide the Arrow Right for Before & Left for After
For the two bathroom remodels, they presented their own set of difficulties as we moved walls to create additional storage. For new walls built perpendicular to the log walls, the team scribed the new walls to the existing log wall for a neat and complete look. This took true artistry and extra work to make it look amazing. The new bathroom design incorporated beautiful wallpaper and gorgeous tile. Check it out below!
This property has a lot of natural light from the large picture windows in the great room and ample windows throughout the home. Upon our first inspection of the property, it was clear that the sunlight had changed the wood color over the years in several areas of the home. Since we removed some permanent structures, like the original bench in the living room, we had to stain unexposed wood to match the sunkissed wood. A difficult task to match wood stain color, but the final result achieved and is exquisite.
To wrap up, we updated the chinking on the interior and exterior of this log home. Chinking is a stainable sealant material that is used to fill gaps and joints between the logs and is essential for weatherproofing the home as well as preventing pests from entering. The great room’s 24 ft cathedral ceiling makes this process extra challenging, but worth it to be sure our homeowners are snug as a bug… yes, pun intended!
This home remodel in Conifer, Colorado was truly a team effort. We appreciate the creativity and talents of our trade contractors, the design acumen of Rachel Vanek of Eclectic Expressions, and the expertise of our Project Manager, Paul Moore, helped by his colleagues, Chase Babcock and Chris Skodack. When the homeowner lives out of state, having confidence in our entire team is comforting. This log home renovation was a total team effort, which really speaks to the experience that Maverick is proud to offer.
Click below to see more photos from this home remodel in Conifer, Colorado.
We absolutely loved this home renovation. Our client was so happy with our work that they have decided to retain us for the next phase of their remodel… their basement and primary bedroom & bathroom. If you’re ready to renew your life by renewing your home, we’d love the opportunity to assist. Our team will make sure your project is handled professionally. Get in touch with our team today to discuss your options.
