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