| Log homes trace back thousands of years and hold a | | | | statement? |
| meaningful part in the history of the United States as | | | | Take the time to seek out materials that might give |
| well as in other countries. Log structures of today as | | | | your home a unique touch while at the same time, |
| well as the idea of a small cabin in the big woods has | | | | saving you money. To do this, talk to builders, |
| never gone out of style even in this high tech world | | | | contractors, and other homeowners who have built a |
| we live in. In fact, log homes are even more popular | | | | log home similar to yours. When getting costs for |
| than ever. This is probably due to our innate nature | | | | your project, make sure you are getting local costs |
| of wanting peace and security. And log cabins do | | | | that are accurate to your area and plan ahead for |
| make one feel secure and cozy more than just | | | | possible cost increases which do happen. |
| about any other style of dwelling. Today there are | | | | During your planning process, keep a scrap book of |
| more log home choices and the term "log Home" | | | | pictures and clippings in the years/months leading up |
| means something very different from one person to | | | | to your project. Don't set your heart on just one |
| another. Because there are so many versions of log | | | | design. Consider pros and cons of your ideas and try |
| homes, you should decide what style you like best | | | | to imagine yourself or someone else actually living in |
| and find the best builder who specializes in that style. | | | | that space. |
| There are some key factors You'll want to consider | | | | Get good references. Look for a log home |
| before making the decision to build a log home. | | | | manufacturer that is a member in an organization |
| The first step in having a great log home is finding | | | | such as the ILBA, International Log Builders |
| the best location for it. The property you build on | | | | Association. This will mean they have a |
| can and should dictate the design of the home itself. | | | | comprehensive construction manual and a set of |
| But do this before you make a commitment to a log | | | | published Standards and will have agreed to operate |
| home builder or a particular design. Work with the | | | | according to certain established principals. Ask to take |
| characteristics of the land if possible, not against it. If | | | | a tour of other homes your builder has done in your |
| there are trees you want to save so you can see | | | | area or other areas. Walking through an actual log |
| them out the bedroom window, be sure you give | | | | home will only give you even more ideas. |
| them enough root-growing room to survive after | | | | Your financing needs to be in place to bring the |
| you dig the foundation. This can save you time and | | | | project to completion. Getting partially through a log |
| money and give you a better end product. Does | | | | home project and running out of money is all too |
| your land have municipal water? If not, know how | | | | common. This is why having an accurate estimate of |
| much a well is really going to run you and shop | | | | costs is so important. Don't assume you can get a |
| around for a reputable and affordable well driller. Does | | | | loan to finish the project after you tried to pay for it |
| your land perk? You need to know this before you | | | | on your own. Lenders will not consider rescuing your |
| purchase the land. A simple perk test can seem like | | | | project so get financing right away. |
| an unnecessary expense, but put it off and you | | | | Make sure you understand the builder's contract and |
| might be in for a large alternative septic system. | | | | ensure that your financing covers those terms. Log |
| Second, have a close estimate of the project costs | | | | home builders typically will have a payment schedule |
| before you lock yourself into a home package. What | | | | synced to levels of completion. Make sure your |
| a builder quotes you for the kit and what the end | | | | lender agrees to these terms so payments do not |
| cost will be may be very different. How you | | | | delay the work schedule. Understand what happens if |
| complete the home will have an enormous impact on | | | | your payment is late. |
| the end cost. Will you want granite counters or will | | | | Change orders. If you make changes to the original |
| you go with an old school wood counter top that can | | | | plan, expect to cover change order fees and |
| cost a fraction of granite but really make a | | | | understand what those fees are. |