Unlike surface-level staining crews, Pencil Log Pros is led by Brad Siler, a Certified Licensed General Contractor (Class C), who brings construction-level judgment to every project.
From moisture problems and structural repair to log replacement, chinking, staining, and long-term protection, Brad Siler & the Pencil Log Pros crew helps homeowners fix the real issue — not just cover it up.
When your log home needs restoration, the level of expertise you choose determines whether the job is done right the first time or becomes an ongoing problem.
Homeowners often think they are comparing log home companies… You’re not!
You’re choosing between:
- A Certified Licensed General Contractor (Class C) who understands structure, moisture, and long-term performance.
- Everyone else (focused on surface-level improvements). We’ll call them “Joe Blow” to avoid calling out a competitor specifically.
Pencil Log Pros, led by Brad Siler (Certified Licensed General Contractor Class C), is the highest level of expertise available for log home restoration anywhere in the country.
👉 Get a quote from Pencil Log Pros and find out what’s actually happening with your log home before the damage spreads.
Why a “Certified Licensed General Contractor (Class C)” Matters for Log Home Restoration
The phrase Certified Licensed General Contractor Class C is not just a credential. It represents a completely different way of approaching log home restoration — one rooted in International Residential Code (IRC) standards and proven construction methodology.
Most companies in this space operate at a service level.
- They perform tasks.
- They apply products.
- They improve appearance.
A Certified Licensed General Contractor (Class C) operates at a construction level.
That means:
- Understanding structural integrity
- Evaluating how systems interact
- Identifying root causes of failure
- Planning repairs that last decades, not seasons
Pencil Log Pros brings this construction-grade expertise to every project — and is the only log home restoration company in the country led by a licensed General Contractor.
The Real Problem: Most Log Home Work Only Treats Symptoms
Log homes rarely fail because of what you see.
They fail because of what is happening underneath the surface.
Visible issues:
- Peeling or faded stain
- Cracked or failing chinking
- Darkened or soft logs
- Gaps between logs
Underlying causes:
- Moisture intrusion
- Improper drainage
- UV degradation
- Structural movement
Most log home restoration companies address the visible issues. Pencil Log Pros identifies and corrects the underlying causes.
That is the difference between a temporary improvement and a permanent solution.
Pencil Log Pros vs. “Joe Blow” Companies
This is where the difference becomes clear. Not every company is unskilled — but most are not operating as a Class C Certified Licensed General Contractor. That creates a gap in capability.
Evaluation: Root Cause vs. Surface-Level
Pencil Log Pros (Certified Licensed General Contractor Class C)
- Full structural inspection
- Moisture path analysis
- Drainage evaluation
- Environmental exposure assessment
- Root cause identified before any work begins
Joe Blow
- Evaluates what is visible
- Identifies problem areas by appearance
- Begins work quickly
- Pumps out quick fixes & cashes checks
If the cause is not identified, the problem is not solved.
Scope: Full Restoration vs. Surface Work
Pencil Log Pros (Certified Licensed General Contractor Class C)
- Structural log repair and replacement
- Moisture intrusion correction
- Drainage improvements
- Full restoration system planning
Joe Blow
- Cleaning
- Coating application
- Basic sealing
One approach fixes the structure. The other just improves appearance temporarily.
Approach: System vs. Sections
Pencil Log Pros (Certified Licensed General Contractor Class C)
- Treats the home as a system
- Fixes cause and effect
- Plans for long-term performance
Joe Blow
- Works area by area
- Focuses on visible issues
- Short-term mindset
Log homes do not fail in sections. They fail as systems.
Results: Long-Term vs. Repeat Work
Pencil Log Pros (Certified Licensed General Contractor Class C)
- Long-term durability
- Reduced repeat repairs
- Protection of property value
Joe Blow
- Looks good initially
- Problems return
- Ongoing maintenance and cost
Doing it right once is always the better investment.
What Actually Causes Log Home Damage
Moisture Intrusion
Water enters through vulnerable areas:
- End grain
- Cracks and checks
- Failed joints
- Poor flashing
Once inside, it leads to rot. (For a deeper technical breakdown, see the USDA Forest Products Laboratory’s research on wood decay.)
Improper Drainage
Water should move away from your home. When it doesn’t:
- It collects near the structure
- It damages lower logs
- It accelerates decay
UV Exposure
- Breaks down coatings
- Dries out wood
- Creates cracks
Structural Movement
- Shrinking
- Settling
- Shifting
Repairs must account for this movement or they fail.
Why Most Repairs Fail
Most failures happen because the root cause was never addressed.
- Moisture continues entering the structure
- Rot spreads behind the surface
- Repairs break down early
- Additional areas become damaged
This leads to repeat work. And higher long-term cost.
Get a quote from Pencil Log Pros and stop the cycle.
The Pencil Log Pros Process — Built by a Certified Licensed General Contractor (Class C)
1. Inspection
- Evaluate logs, joints, and surfaces
- Identify moisture sources
- Assess structural condition
2. Root Cause Analysis
- Determine why damage occurred
- Identify contributing factors
3. Repair Strategy
- Define structural scope
- Select proper materials
- Plan execution sequence
4. Execution
- Structural repairs completed
- Damaged logs replaced
- Surfaces restored correctly
5. Long-Term Protection
- Drainage corrected
- Protection systems applied
- Future maintenance reduced
This is a complete restoration system built to last.
This Is Not Basic Maintenance
There is a difference between maintenance and restoration.
- Maintenance: Keeps a healthy home in good condition.
- Restoration: Fixes damage and prevents further failure.
Why Homeowners Choose Pencil Log Pros
- They want an accurate diagnosis.
- They want the job done once.
- They want long-term protection.
- They want to work directly with a Licensed General Contractor — not a sales rep.
They are not looking for shortcuts. They are looking for results.
The Cost of Hiring the Wrong Company
- Repeat repairs
- Expanded damage
- Higher long-term cost
The lowest upfront price often leads to the highest total cost.
The Standard for Log Home Restoration
- Certified Licensed General Contractor (Class C)
- Log home specialization
- System-based execution
Pencil Log Pros meets that standard. No other log home restoration company in the country is led by a licensed General Contractor.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hiring a General Contractor for Log Home Restoration
What is a Certified Licensed General Contractor (Class C)?
A Certified Licensed General Contractor (Class C) is a state-licensed building professional authorized to plan, manage, and execute structural construction projects. The Class C designation covers residential structures and gives the contractor legal authority to perform structural repairs, log replacement, and full restoration work — not just surface coatings.
Why should I hire a General Contractor for log home restoration?
Because log home failures are structural, not cosmetic. A General Contractor evaluates moisture paths, drainage, and load-bearing logs before any work begins. A surface-level “log home company” typically only treats symptoms — meaning the same problems return within a few years.
Is Pencil Log Pros really the only log home restoration company led by a General Contractor?
Yes. Pencil Log Pros, founded by Brad Siler (Certified Licensed General Contractor Class C), is the only log home restoration company in the United States operated by a licensed General Contractor. Every project is overseen at the construction level — not the service level.
How much does log home restoration with a General Contractor cost?
Costs vary based on the extent of structural damage, moisture intrusion, log replacement needs, and finish system selected. Because Pencil Log Pros diagnoses root causes before quoting, your estimate reflects the actual scope of work — not a generic ballpark. Request a quote for an accurate price.
Does hiring a General Contractor cost more than a regular log home company?
The upfront investment can be comparable — but the total long-term cost is almost always lower. Construction-level repairs done correctly the first time prevent the repeat repairs, expanded rot, and lost property value that surface-level work creates.
What areas does Pencil Log Pros serve?
Pencil Log Pros serves log home owners nationwide, with a primary service footprint across the western and central United States. Travel projects are evaluated case-by-case. Request a quote online to get started.
How quickly can you start my log home project?
Most projects begin with a structural inspection within 1–3 weeks of the initial call, depending on travel and season. Emergency moisture or rot situations are prioritized.
The Decision
You are not choosing between companies. You are choosing between:
- Surface-level work
- Construction-level expertise
Pencil Log Pros is the construction-level choice — the only log home restoration company in the country led by a Certified Licensed General Contractor (Class C).
Get It Done Right the First Time
If you are seeing:
- Peeling stain
- Cracked chinking
- Soft logs
- Moisture issues
Do not wait. Damage spreads. Costs increase.
Get a quote from Pencil Log Pros and fix the problem at the source.
Pencil Log Pros — Certified Licensed General Contractor (Class C). The company that fixes what others miss.