Inspecting log homes is a specialty in itself. In fact, there are specialists in that field. In our region of the northwest, even with mountains and woods there are still not that many of these homes. So such inspections ore only occasional things. A problem with logs is that the pests can love them, from various wood boring beetles to carpenter ants and so forth. On thing, in looking at and inspecting a log home, is to follow the water. If trying to track corruption they follow the money. In this case, follow the water. Logs look durable, tough, etc. But, fact is, when they start to go they become as soft as Styrofoam. The fact this one rests on a flat surface, and water can pool around it does not help. I was suspicious of the dark color, which can be a sign of decay. The ice pick is in about 7 inches. There were a few logs in this condition. This, fortunately, is just part of a handrail. This is the second time I have seen the home. First time, a year back, the decay was in cantilevered beams. They have repaired that but missed some of the other log issues.
Thanks for looking.
Steven L. Smith
Bellingham WA home inspector
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