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