| "> | | | | shell of the home. And, typically, the shell of the |
| Log homes are beautiful. Log homes are rustic. | | | | home represents only about half of the materials |
| They are the dream of many a home owner. | | | | cost for an average home. Adding the missing |
| They are also not for the uninitiated or first time | | | | materials really changes the picture. |
| home builder. Of all the kit or packaged home | | | | Many of these items are included in a standard kit |
| programs out there, log home packages typically | | | | home package which makes comparing prices |
| are the least complete. This can be misleading to | | | | very difficult and potentially misleading. Now that |
| those who are trying to compare costs based | | | | you know, you'll ask better questions, get the list |
| upon quoted package prices. You just can't do it. | | | | of items not included, find their prices and add |
| So, what do you do? | | | | them to the overall materials package cost. |
| Figuring the Materials Costs | | | | Adding Labor to the Cost of Building a Log Home |
| Get out your calculator, you're going to be doing a | | | | Finally, labor costs for building a log home will be |
| lot of adding. In my years of experience working | | | | higher than for a traditional stick-built home. You |
| with packaged homes, I've found that most | | | | may also have difficulty finding qualified |
| people are completely unaware of the amount of | | | | contractors with log home building experience. You |
| additional building materials that must be purchased | | | | should check with the manufacturer for proven |
| after the log home package is purchased. A good | | | | contractors in your area. |
| log home manufacturer will provide you with a | | | | Get at least three labor quotes from these |
| complete list of what is included and not included. | | | | contractors. Give them the plans and the list of |
| Expect this ... demand this, right up front. | | | | items the manufacturer supplies as well as the list |
| This list will likely include items like: | | | | of the items you're purchasing yourself. And, to |
| - Drywall for the interior | | | | make the cost complete, don't forget to add in |
| - Plumbing and electrical materials and labor | | | | land costs, building department fees, finance |
| - Cabinets, vanities, counter tops | | | | charges, and contingency funds. |
| - Bathroom fixtures, kitchen fixtures, light fixtures | | | | With log homes, perhaps more than with other |
| - Interior trim, shelving, window sills, etc. | | | | types, excellent knowledge and preparation goes |
| - Interior doors and door hardware | | | | a long way in guaranteeing a better experience. |
| Without these items, what you really have is the | | | | Know before you go. |