Beaver Mountain Log Home Articles:

How to Figure Costs – Part 2
This is the second in a series on log home financing.

Here are more key factors to consider when preparing to calculate the cost of your log home project.

Manufacturer/Materials
There are approximately 400 manufacturers of log homes. You’ll find a wide range of quality and reputation at your disposal, as well as differences in the materials each company provides. Just remember the wise words of John Ruskin, “It is unwise to pay too much, but it is worse to pay too little. There is hardly anything in the world that someone can’t make a little worse and sell a little cheaper — and the people who consider price alone are this man’s lawful prey.” Or as Andersen Windows says in its advertisements, “Which would you rather explain? Why you use the best? Or why you don’t?”

Builder Costs
Some builders have more experience with log home construction than others. However with the precut, “builder-friendly” construction of a Beaver Mountain Log Home, it does not necessarily mean they will do a better job on your home than a contractor with less experience. It is more important that you determine the builder is one who you will have a good relationship with, and one who is conscientious and trustworthy.

Some do-it-yourselfers are game to serve as their own general contractor (e.g., coordinating among the builder, electrician, plumber, etc.) or even build the home themselves. The intent could be to save money, or they want to experience the satisfaction of having done it themselves. Whereas this may save money on the total project cost, we advise that the following be considered.

• Not all lenders will finance a self-contracted project.
• Both self G.C. and/or self build takes a lot of time and attention to detail.
• The professional builder has developed contacts and has resources for the materials needed for each of these areas. Therefore, the savings may not be what one would initially expect, and the quality and time of completion may be affected as well.

Interior Finishes
What are you planning for the grade or quality of interior amenities? There are various levels of finish which the builder can pursue, in the trim and in the built-ins. Typically, a log home customer chooses finishes that enhance the natural beauty of wood, and frequently, these “last touches” add value (and investment level) for the log home of your dreams.

Landscaping
Will you be putting down turf? How about shrubs? And might you be adding a tree here and there? Will there be fencing, edging, patios, etc.? Landscaping touches can make the difference between a good-looking home and a great-looking home. And, as with everything else above, it affects the bottom-line price of your overall project.

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, call us and reserve a spot at 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.

Also ask about lenders and referrals to experienced builders. Your Beaver Mountain building consultant can help you coordinate all these details. In the next article in this series, we will discuss the “wish list,” and how it pertains to your plans and cost calculation.

Part I / Part III