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