Log Cabin Homes Ltd will supply “Certified” grades of logs and timbers as well as construction drawings and a manual. Log Cabin Homes does not provide construction services. These individuals will turn your log home package into an attractive, well-constructed home. It can be difficult to find the right person for the job. This Buyer’s Guide was created by the Log Homes Council to assist consumers in making educated decisions as they make their dream homes a reality.
Identify your Role
Before you can make any progress on The Perfect Path to Your Dream House, you must identify your role in the construction process. This will impact your budget and a number of other issues. According to the National Association of Home Builders, labor costs account for approximately three-fifths, or 60%, of total construction costs. Some of the cost savings can be made by doing the work yourself. There are three options available, each of which is discussed in more detail here.
Professionally Designed
This option will allow you to work with a professional builder/contractor in the finalization of your home’s design. We then manufacture the log home package while the builder makes infrastructure improvements such as installing a foundation, driveway, or sewer, and many more. Construction begins once the log home package is received and inventoried. Once the home is completed, the builder will obtain a certificate of occupancy from the local inspector. Then you can move in. This is the quickest route and is often recommended if you want a home that is completed on time and within budget.
Owner-Contractor
This is a harder path. This is a more difficult path. As an owner-contractor (general contractor, GC), it will be your responsibility to hire talent to complete the work. This isn’t without risk, and it can be exhausting. It’s a full-time job. You will need to create all specifications for each trade. Specifications are instructions for the materials and the job they will be expected to do. TIP: Before signing any contracts, make sure you have an experienced attorney who is familiar with construction. You will need to be familiar with all local building codes and safety regulations. You will need to deal with your lender and building inspectors, order and inventory building materials, and manage the job site. You could make scheduling mistakes, overlook building materials, or choose a subcontractor who is not qualified. Every professional makes mistakes from one time to another. It’s almost certain that you will make more if you’re new to construction. This will result in a higher cost of time and money.
Owner-Builder
This is the most difficult route. It’s like having several full-time jobs. You will be required to work nights, weekends, and days. The general contractor will not be responsible for you, but you will take care of most of the labor.
Build for your Builder
Another option is to find an experienced builder who will be willing to work with you and let you do some of the labor. You can do any type of construction task if you are skilled in home improvement. Numerous log and timber homebuyers have found ways to save money on their building costs by installing landscaping, staining logs, and cleaning up after the job is done.
Lender May Decide For You
Unless you’re a newcomer to the area, you probably already know that banks and lenders are more conservative than you might think. A veteran log builder may be required to construct your home in this new lending environment. Discuss your options with your lender.
Which role is right for you?
What time do you have available to complete this project? It can help you decide whether to hire someone to do this job yourself or hire someone to.
Budget for A Pro
Even if some of the work is done by you, budget as if the project were being completed by a professional builder. This provides a safety net to ensure your project is completed. You will be able to hire a professional if you are injured on the job.
Shopping for a Builder/Contractor
Log Cabin Homes will provide a list of contractors who have built log homes in your locality if you ask. Consider a few and then carefully evaluate each one.
Refer to References and Rapport
Consider the standing of each builder in the community. You should also consider their communication skills and if you can build a good relationship with them. You will spend anywhere from a few weeks to a year communicating. A good working relationship is important.
Talk to previous Log Home clients and tour completed homes.
See the log and timber homes that the builder has previously built. Pay attention to the details of crafting and sealing around doors and windows. The best example of a builder’s skill is a home that has been in existence for three to five years.
Check Official Channels
To verify that the contractor is in good standing, contact the local contractors’ board. Check that the builder has been licensed and bonded. To find out if your builder has been involved in litigation or other judgments, check online with your state’s attorney general. You shouldn’t expect to have a perfect record over a long career. Multiple incidents within a short time period can be alarming.
Trust your intuition
To get an idea of the communication style and customer service of each builder, interview them. Ask their past clients about how they handled real-world situations. You are likely to find at least one person who will get along with you.
Here are some places to find a builder
The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), headquartered in Washington, D.C., has chapters and councils throughout the United States. Members of local chapters are mostly builders. A resource page on the NAHB website called “Find Your Local Builders Association” is available. The page includes a map of The United States by state and lists all the local associations. For a complete list of NAHB-member builders, contact your local association.
