Build A Log Bump-Out Room Addition

Is it time to build an addition to your log home? If your family is growing with children, elderly parents, or you need extra space for a home office, think about adding a log bump-out room. This is a good option for adding more space out into the yard.

The easiest way to build a log bump-out room that simulates full logs is using pine log siding. You can vary the construction style to coordinate with the style of your existing house. It can blend in or contrast with the existing siding material.

What Is A Log Bump-Out Room Addition

A bump-out log room addition expands a room but is typically smaller, less complex, or less costly than a full room addition. Most bump-outs expand an existing room by two or three feet but can be larger from eight to twelve feet wide in some cases.

A log room addition is easily built with pine log siding instead of full logs. Homeowners make this addition because they need extra space for a variety of reasons. It typically has a strong foundation under it with in-ground water drainage, walls, siding, a roof, and perhaps a window on the exterior. The interior has insulation in the walls, log siding secured to the wall framing, and pine paneling or drywall on the ceiling.

Where To Put The Room

There are optional areas to build your bump-out room depending on your needs and the best spot to add it. Here are five typical places and why homeowners add this space:

• Bathrooms for bathtubs, vanities, hot tubs, closets
• Bedrooms for walk-in closets, sitting rooms, or a king-size bed
• Dens to add space for a fireplace, wood-burning stove, or TV room
• Garages for storage, parking, workshop, or hobby room
• Kitchens for pantries, cabinets, breakfast nooks, islands, shelving
• Living Rooms for extra seating, furniture, shelving, or fireplace

Even a small added area can provide adequate space for your current and future needs. Learn more about these projects from this informative article.

Preparing For A Log Bump-Out Room

There is some preparation work before the actual construction begins. Think through these steps so you won’t make mistakes along the way:

• Determine the purpose of the addition and its location
• Plan the budget by estimating a range of costs you can afford
• Decide how you will pay for the construction with the lowest interest rate
• Consult 3 contractors about the room details and obtain cost estimates
• Obtain the permits and building codes from the local officials
• If you live in an HOA, check with the board of directors for permission to build

“If your family is growing with children, parents, or you need extra space for a home office, think about adding a log bump-out room.”

Building The Log Room Addition

Adding a room generally requires removing part or all of an existing wall. Your contractor will typically perform the following work:

• Build a temporary support for the ceiling, walls, and an upper floor if there is one.
• Choose between a cantilever support or install a ground foundation
• Remove or move plumbing, wiring, insulation, and wall framing
• Add a heavy-duty support header to replace the wall-framing support

• Build the bump-out structure, floor, roof, and add OSB board, house wrap, and pine log siding, corners, and any window trim needed
• Place wiring, plumbing, and fixtures in the right places
• Add a window if desired, insulation, interior log siding on walls, trims, and pine paneling or drywall on the ceiling

The last step is staining the log siding and taping and painting the drywall if used.

Additional Materials For A Log Bump-Out Room

You can save money by ordering pine log siding, log corners, trims, log screws, and stain/sealant yourself. Put these items in the construction contract before you accept a bid from the contractor. You must also decide what flooring material to use. Will it be the same as the existing room, or something different like knotty pine flooring, tile, or laminate?

The walls can be made from pine log siding, knotty pine paneling, or painted drywall. The ceiling can be covered with painted drywall or knotty pine paneling stained to your color choice. A last consideration is the décor and decorations for the add-on room.

How To Find A Contractor

Experts typically recommend obtaining bids from three licensed contractors with high reviews. They advise you to take these steps in their selection:

• Ask friends, family, co-workers, architects, and neighbors who did professional-quality work for them
• Check with interior designers, realtors, lumber yards, and websites for high reviews
• Deal with contractors who are licensed, insured, and bonded
• Obtain 3 bids and then make the decision based on who you can communicate well with and who seems best qualified

Building a bump-out log room can be the perfect solution for the extra space you need. Take your time and plan well for a successful and enjoyable project.

Resources And References:

• Bump-Out Rooms Explained
• Bump-Out Room Locations