| You've chosen your log cabin layout, now it's time to | | | | wrong wallboard and ultimately failed to finish the job. |
| decide who's going to execute the plan. As a general | | | | Fortunately for him, the builder bailed him out. Again, |
| rule, you need to research whichever participants you | | | | know your limits. |
| choose. They all should be local. Most manufacturers | | | | Choose your manufacturer - You've done your |
| have franchisees or independent representatives that | | | | homework and decided on your acceptable log |
| service your building location. Be confident that they | | | | species, drying method, shape, joining system, corner |
| will stand behind their work. Talk to customers and | | | | style and cabin layout. You need to select your |
| determine level of reputation, customer service and | | | | manufacturer based on these specs, the company's |
| quality of performance. | | | | architectural capability to produce plans and blueprints |
| Check out out their non customer references. For | | | | (and logs) based on your desired layout as well as |
| manufacturers, look at the Log Homes Council ( For | | | | other factors described below. |
| contractors, check with the Better Business Bureau | | | | Some of them provide only the log kits. You or a |
| and state contractor license board for an | | | | contractor/builder you hire will be responsible for the |
| independent review and complaint history. Check | | | | construction and providing all building components |
| credit standing with Dunn & Bradstreet or other | | | | other than the logs. Other log cabin companies will |
| source. | | | | offer a turn key package and offer to construct the |
| If possible, visit cabins these companies have supplied | | | | finished package. As mentioned above, you can |
| built. Check for the quality of construction and logs. | | | | negotiate your participation. |
| Older homes will tell more about the longevity of the | | | | Choose your contractor/builder - If you don't |
| logs/construction. | | | | contract with the manufacturer for construction, you |
| Choose your participation level - Your level of | | | | will need to hire a contractor/builder to construct the |
| involvement can range from general contractor down | | | | log cabin. |
| to interested observer. My contribution will be clearing | | | | If you act as general contractor, you must hire |
| trees, log staining, inside painting and staining and | | | | subcontractors. |
| landscaping. Appreciate your capabilities and time | | | | Get written contracts - Make sure everything is on |
| availability. I bought a new condo once and a | | | | paper and signed by proper authority. Don't assume |
| neighbor in the building cut a deal with the builder to | | | | anything. If it's not in the contract, it's your problem. |
| do the interior wall installation himself. He bought the | | | | |