| For some, the idea of building a log home elicits | | | | than regular construction because you will be required |
| romantic dreams of a return to nature and a simpler | | | | to pay for the log shell prior to delivery. This can be |
| way of life but for others it conjures up nightmares | | | | 30% of the overall cost of your home and some |
| of budget overages, poor quality work and absent | | | | "un-educated" mortgage companies will not release |
| customer service. While there is no way guarantee | | | | funds until certain milestones are reached. This can |
| an absolutely trouble free build of your log home | | | | put you in a tight situation where the builder won't |
| there are certain steps you can take to minimize the | | | | ship the home until he is paid but the lender won't |
| risk and in the process save you some money. Below | | | | release the money until the log shell is re-assembled. |
| are 10 tips to help you avoid the pitfall of log home | | | | Your best course of action here to ensure smooth |
| construction; | | | | and timely delivery is to ether arrange bridge |
| 1. "You get what you pay for" there is no secret | | | | financing or deal with a mortgage company that |
| here the lower the price the less that is included in | | | | specializes in log homes- they are out there and they |
| your "package" This is true for materials and service. | | | | understand the process. Failure to do so could result |
| 2. Only buy quality materials- keep in mind that the | | | | in penalties or even storage fees until you can |
| log package which usually includes the walls, support | | | | arrange financing. |
| beams, and roof beams is the only portion of the | | | | 8. Be ready for delivery- nothing could be worse than |
| house that cannot be retro-fitted at a later date. | | | | not having your foundation and or jobsite ready for |
| Always buy the highest quality materials you can | | | | the delivery of the log shell. This means that the |
| afford. The best materials for log home construction( | | | | foundation is finished, backfilled, and the site is |
| in descending order) are Cedar, Fir, Spruce, Pine | | | | accessible. Do not overlook the seriousness of this as |
| 3. Deal with reputable a reputable company- make | | | | most builders have it written into their contract that |
| sure the company you are dealing with is legitimate- | | | | if the site is not accessible or ready then they are |
| stay away from offers that are too good to be true. | | | | under no obligation to deliver the log shell and instead |
| Visit the log home company's construction site and | | | | will off-load it at an accessible location and then leave. |
| look around- Is the machinery in good shape? Are | | | | Be sure that if you are supplying the crane that it is |
| the crew members respectable looking? Is the owner | | | | suitable for the job and that the operator is |
| present? Are they insured? A reputable company will | | | | competent and has the skill as a slow and |
| answer yes to all these. | | | | incompetent crane operator can cost you a lot of |
| 4. The contract. A good reputable log home company | | | | money. |
| will have a good contract that clearly details exactly | | | | 9. A good contractor- finding a good contractor who |
| what is and what is not included in its package. Be | | | | will finish the home is where your budget is "make or |
| wary of a company that has a vague contract which | | | | break". Do not automatically assume that your |
| does not include details. | | | | contractor shares your same vision and budget |
| 5. Be prepared to pay- You won't get something for | | | | constraints. It is imperative that you stay close to |
| nothing. If you grind the company too much on the | | | | the project and make you contractor stick to your |
| price they will grind you on the quality or service. | | | | budget. If you contractor seems to be spinning his |
| Keep in mind that "they have to eat too" and that | | | | wheels or is absent or keeps coming up with more |
| building a log home requires large amounts of | | | | hidden costs don't be afraid to fire him- its your |
| expensive materials and labour. Before you interview | | | | money and he works for you not the other way |
| builders determine you budget for the log shell and | | | | around. |
| the overall home. This may require price shopping on | | | | 10. HAVE FUN. Enjoy the whole process. Along the |
| your behalf but remember if the price you get | | | | way you will meet many great people if you let them |
| seems to good to be true then it probably is. | | | | in. Log homes, from the builder on up attract a |
| 6. Be flexible- building a log home requires a skilled | | | | certain type of warm and hospitable person and you |
| labour force that is in short supply. If you can be | | | | will become life long friends with these people |
| flexible with your delivery date you can usually | | | | because after all you are all working on something |
| negotiate a better price. | | | | more than just a home you are all working on a |
| 7. Financing- financing log homes is a little different | | | | dream- your dream so enjoy it as much as you can. |