Log cabins used to be hewn from the forest by tough pioneers bent on survival. Today, most log homes come from kits manufactured by 55 members of the National Association of Homebuilders. They are now rightly called log homes rather than cabins. Most are full time, year-round residences with plenty of comfort. Baby boomers are a growing market for larger more luxurious log homes. (PRWEB) February 16, 2005 -- Nearly two-centuries after Lincoln's birth, the log cabin still symbolizes America’s pioneering spirit, inspiring the sale of 25,000 log homes annually. Log home, rather than "cabin" is the more apt term, since 95 percent are year-round, full time dwellings. Most log homes are sold as kits or packages by some 55 manufacturers who are members of the Log Homes Council of the National Association of Homebuilders (www.loghomes.org). There are countless small manufacturers as well. Rich Horn, Log Homes Council president and an executive with Northeastern Log Homes in Kenduskeag, Maine, points out, "Today’s log homes are engineered to meet the building, energy and safety standards that apply to all modern US housing. Computer-controlled milling machines shape the logs with tongue and groove joints for a precise fit. Steel fasteners, foam gaskets, and caulking between the logs protects against air and water infiltration. High quality, energy-efficient, double-glazed windows and doors are typically used. Most log homes are professionally built." University of Maine at Orono, studies show that modern log homes require less energy for heating and air conditioning. Package prices depend largely on square footage and whether the kit includes components such as windows, doors, roofing, interior walls and stairs. Northeastern Log Homes (www.northeasternlog.com), for example, includes all these components as well as pre-cut and numbered logs. Prices range from about $25,000 for a starter home to $100,000 or more for a custom, luxury model. Total move in cost, not counting land and site preparation, is about two-and-a-half to three-times the price of a complete materials package. "The market for larger models tends to be baby boomers who are building vacation homes that will become their full-time residence when they retire," says Horn, whose company has exported log homes to Japan.