Log Home - Questions and Answers
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
| Why would I want to build a log
home? |
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A log home on the right property is one of the most beautiful pictures
you can ever imagine, something that you will take tremendous pride
in showing and owning. The warmth of logs is something you will never
find in any other type of construction.
| Aren't log homes expensive? |
| TOP |
The finished cost of a log home can be at many different levels. You
can build a very simple design and the cost will reflect the simplicity.
The more complex, the more per square foot the log home will cost. Costs
are directly linked to number of corners or notches, number of log beams,
high vaulted ceilings, amount of glass, big decks, covered porches and
quality of finishing. Home costs are also tied somewhat to local construction
costs in your area. A good general rule is if the style of finishing
is similar in another type of construction, i.e. all wood finishes,
and similar finishing, the finished log home cost will be only slightly
more.
| How do I start my log home experience? |
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Well, the first thing to do is establish a rough budget for your project.
i.e. if home costs are approximately $115/sf and your budget is $250,000.00,
then your home size should be somewhere between 2000-2500 sf of living
area. Usually basement areas and garage area are less expensive per
square foot.
After you have established a rough building size, you need plans.
These can be selected from stock plans as shown in our stock plan selection
or you can have a custom plan created for you. The custom plans give
you the flexibility of putting your own personal needs and ideas together
in order to make your home truly unique and personal. - One of a kind!!
| How do I get my ideas for my own unique custom
home? |
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Most folks look through magazines and plan books, but short of that,
just imagine yourself sitting on your site and envision which way you
want to face and in which rooms? Which way does the sun travel? Do I
have a view? Very rough, not to scale, block room sketches are all our
well-trained log home design specialists need to start your design project.
| If I purchase stock log home plans, can I make changes
to it? |
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Yes. If they are minor, the plan cost will be the stock plan charges
plus some revision costs. If they are more involved, the revised cost
will reflect that. If you purchase a stock plan and use it as a basis
for a full custom plan order, 50% of the basic stock plan charge will
be deducted for the custom plan cost (Proof of purchase required)
| How will the custom design progress work? Do I
need someone to look at my property? |
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Once your sketches or ideas are received by our office, we will call
you and go over your design material and ideas. You will then receive
a faxed letter and plan cost quote with instructions on how to proceed.
In most cases, pictures, verbal descriptions or site surveys are very
useful in place of a site visit. Site visits can be arranged if required
or desired. To start, we require a 50% plan cost deposit. The balance
is due when your log home construction plans are complete.
| What do I get for my money? What is the process?
|
| TOP |
Your first plan draft will include all the floor plans laid out to
1/4" scale with design and structure clearly indicated along with
two of the most prominent elevations, so you can clearly see what your
ideas and home may look like. One of our designers will work one-on-one,
using their years of experience to guide you through the whole design
process, to end up with your perfect log home design and layout. Once
all your design needs are satisfied, your own personal designer will
complete your log home construction prints, at which time, the second
payment is due.
| How long will the whole process take? |
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Depending on complexity, time of year, and number of changes, 3-4 weeks for each half would be the norm.
| Will I need anything else to get my permit? |
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Usually, but not always, you may require your plans to be reviewed
and sealed by a local engineer who is licensed in your area. You may
also, in rare cases, need separate framing plans. These are available
as an extra to your plan purchase if needed.
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