You don’t have to live in the mountains of Montana to enjoy log home living. You can find them in cities and towns across America; they include amazing amenities and options not found in the log cabins of yesteryear.
As an added benefit, log homes are both environmentally- and energy-friendly. They are constructed from natural and renewable materials as opposed to the processed lumber used in traditional stick-built homes.
Planning and building a log home is a unique opportunity to create your dream home, but it’s important to do some research first. The Log Homes Council (LHC) of the National Association of Home Builders is a great place to start. All LHC members follow specific standards and a uniform code of ethics, and each member stays abreast of new technology with the end goal of ensuring customer satisfaction and a quality product.
It is a great time to consider building a log home. The LHC recommends the following steps to make sure you are asking the right questions in today’s buying process:
Make sure the company you are dealing with is financially stable. Before you fork over a large down payment, ask them what will happen if they are unable to finish the project. Knowing what will happen to you and your money in a worst case scenario will give you peace of mind that you know what to expect from your log home manufacturer in all cases.
Ask for the manufacturer’s references. These references will provide you with valuable feedback on how the company operates throughout the building process. You can also research the company by contacting the local Better Business Bureau at www.bbb.com. Here you will find out if the company has had any complaints filed against it and if they have been resolved in a satisfactory manner.
Often, with log home manufacturing, the company that sells you the log package will not be the same company that builds it. Be certain to do the same research on the builder or contractor that you have done on the manufacturer. Ask if they have experience building a log home versus a stick-built home.
The LHC offers consumers a wealth of resources through its consumer Web site, www.loghomes.org. Contact the Teller County Home Builders Association or call us at Scott Homes, Ltd to discuss your log home dreams or the availability of log home providers in the area.