Beaver Mountain Log Home Articles:
Get an early start
Some enthusiasts approaching their first log home like to tackle all the fun stuff first, like floor plans, locating built-ins, decorating, choosing fireplace tools, and imagining those picture-window views. Too often, they leave the less exciting stuff, like financing, for last. But, entertaining as that is, it’s really putting the cart before the horse. The reality is, you need to establish the financial boundaries for your project as early on as possible.
How do you go about determining your financial parameters? To organize your thoughts, jot down the six main factors contributing to cost:
- Site selection/development
- Design
- Manufacturer/materials
- Builder costs
- Interior finishes/furnishings
- Landscaping
Let’s take them one by one.
Site Selection/Development
The land on which you choose to build is important aesthetically because it provides the “setting” for the log home of your dreams. But it’s also important economically. Some lots require extensive preparation, even excavation. Are utilities already there, or do you have to bring them in? What about water/sewer/septic? Will you be needing a driveway? How far from the road is the lot? Other factors include soil conditions, drainage, the views afforded by the location, even sun and wind exposure. Think all of these through, as they affect looks, and function, and cost.
Design
What are your kitchen needs? How about bedrooms and baths? Do you want a fireplace? Or a hot tub? Or both. (Of course, you do, but these amenities come in lots of styles and price ranges.) Will you be working from a home office? Will you be entertaining? Is a garage in your plans? How will the driveway approach the home? Do you intend to add on at some later date? These and many other considerations will bear on the design of your log home and thus affect cost. The best way to sort through design ramifications is to sit with your Beaver Mountain building consultant and a Beaver Mountain designer. Ask for their help converting your ideas into rooms, and dimensions, and structure, and how everything might work together. We offer a free CAD design session to interested individuals who’ve decided to move ahead with Beaver Mountain on their dream home project! Peruse our plans book to prepare for the sit-down with our designer.
Next time, Naturally Home takes up these two factors which contribute to cost:
- Manufacturer/materials
- Builder costs
Meanwhile, we’re ready to help. Our Beaver Mountain Home Planning Seminar is just the place to learn more about everything discussed in this article. If you have not already attended one of these informative sessions (they’re free!) check your calendar against ours, then call us and reserve a spot in the one which is most convenient for you. See the “Come to the Mountain” insert in this newsletter for more details on the seminar and other Beaver Mountain Special Events.
Further, if you’ll be financing your new log home, you can learn a lot by visiting www.systembuilt.com, one of the premier lenders serving the log home industry in the Northeastern United States (by phone, at 1-888-539-1160). For more information regarding financing along with other options, visit www.americanlogmortgage.com. Your Beaver Mountain building consultant can help you coordinate all these details.
Part II / Part III
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