| Log homes have a long and valued tradition in the | | | | picture and say "do the kitchen like that and the |
| United States and other countries, and despite our | | | | bathroom like that..." you'll be more likely to get the |
| modern age, they've never really gone out of style. | | | | home of your dreams. Don't be afraid to spend |
| In fact, they're more popular today than ever. In our | | | | months in the planning process, considering |
| busy stressful lives, more and more people want a | | | | everything, before actually committing to a design. |
| first home, vacation home, or retirement home that's | | | | Before you buy, check references. Look for a log |
| off on a piece of land of their own, away from the | | | | home manufacturer that is a member in an |
| hustle and bustle of the city. If this sounds appealing | | | | organization such as the Log Homes Council. This |
| to you, and you're seriously thinking of taking the | | | | means they have a comprehensive construction |
| plunge and building a log home, let's talk about some | | | | manual and have agreed to hold up to certain |
| tips that can save you time and money. | | | | log-grading standards. |
| First off, buy the land on which you're going to build. | | | | Make sure you've taken care of financing before |
| Do this before you make a commitment to a log | | | | starting construction (and make sure that financing |
| home manufacturer or decide on a particular design. | | | | will cover the cost of the whole project--there are |
| Often the lay of the land will dictate the best way to | | | | too many tales of partially finished log homes out |
| go about building a home on it. (And going against the | | | | there that have been abandoned because the |
| lay of the land will only cost you money and trouble.) | | | | erstwhile builders ran out of money). Some home |
| Second, have a realistic idea of how much the total | | | | buyers with disposable income will start the process |
| project will cost before you sign up for a log home | | | | paying out of pocket and then try to get a |
| package. What they quote you for the kit and what | | | | construction loan when they run out of cash. This is a |
| the actual costs will be are going to be a lot different. | | | | bad idea, since lenders usually refuse to loan money |
| To get a feel for how much more you'll end up | | | | on construction that is in progress. |
| paying once labor and non-kit necessities are included, | | | | Make sure you understand the manufacturer's terms |
| talk to builders, contractors, and other homeowners | | | | of purchase and that your financing covers those |
| who have built a log home. Don't be afraid to ask the | | | | terms. Especially pay attention to the time period of |
| manufacturers how much actual costs tend to run in | | | | the agreement (and what happens if you exceed the |
| your area. | | | | time limit). Examine the refund and warranty policies. |
| Whether you're browsing kits or planning to have an | | | | Keep these tips in mind as you think about your |
| architect design your dream home, keep a scrapbook | | | | future log home. Plan copiously and don't rush. This |
| of pictures and clippings in the months leading up to | | | | way you'll be more likely to survive the building |
| your purchase. Trying to say everything you want in | | | | process and get the home of your dreams. |
| words can be difficult, but if you can point to a | | | | |