| For those who may be thinking of building a new log | | | | cost of a log home "kit" is only part of the overall |
| home and enjoying the lifestyle that comes with it, | | | | cost of your home. Cost estimator calculators are |
| there are a number of steps you should take to | | | | available on some log home company web sites, and |
| make the process smoother. | | | | on the Log Home Advisor web site. |
| 1. Decide on a home style by reading log home | | | | 5. Based on the estimated cost to build your home, |
| magazines and visiting log home shows in your area. | | | | determine if the cost is within your budget and your |
| Attend log home company seminars. Do you want a | | | | ability to be approved for a mortgage. If not, go |
| single-story, one-and-a-half story, or two story | | | | back to Step 2 and make changes to reduce cost. |
| house? Do you prefer a traditional cabin style, or a | | | | 6. If you're OK on the financing, locate and secure |
| more contemporary look? Do you like round logs or | | | | property. Make sure that there are no problems with |
| square logs? | | | | road access, zoning, building restrictions, utilities, or |
| 2. Decide on a rough floor plan. Based on the plan, | | | | services. |
| determine how many square feet of living space | | | | 7. Arrange your financing with a bank or finance |
| you'll need. Find standard floor plans at log home | | | | company that understands log homes. Many banks |
| shows and on log home company web sites. | | | | don't offer log home mortgages. |
| Standard plans can be customized if needed. | | | | 8. Get a contractor/builder who has log home |
| 3. Narrow down your choices of log home companies | | | | experience, preferably experience with your particular |
| you think you would want to work with. Contact | | | | log home company's building methods. Sign your log |
| their representative in your area and discuss your | | | | package contract with your chosen log home |
| plans. Visit model homes build by each company. | | | | company, and arrange for delivery. |
| 4. Based on the plan you choose and the number of | | | | 9. Monitor the construction process closely to make |
| square feet of living space, determine the rough | | | | sure everything is going smoothly and correctly. |
| turn-key cost of building your home. Remember, the | | | | 10. Move in and live your dream. |