Log Home Builder in Michigan: What to Look For
So you’ve decided to build a log home, now what? Building a log home is quite the undertaking and may seem overwhelming. However, if you do your research and know what questions to ask, it can actually be an enjoyable process.
From design and site preparation to solar integration and efficiency, you will need a log home builder that has experience and the capability of providing you with the home of your dreams.
Below, we are going to tear down the topic of finding a log home builder, help you learn more about things to look for, questions to ask and what the building process entails.
Research: Things to Look for in a Log Home Builder
Like any new home purchase, you are going to want to do your research.
Log home building is unique and comes with its own set of rules. Truly, log home building is an art form that encompasses nature at its finest. Log homes are very personal choice and can be custom built to your exact wants and needs.
Most often, log home building is done through a log home package manufacturer, and they have a network of dealers and builders across the country. Although this is an option for some, a custom log home builder is the other option.
With a custom log home builder, you will be able to achieve your design with local material, or facilitate harvesting the building materials from your land. Upon choosing a builder, there are a few key things to look for, and they are:
- They are a home builder that is a part of their state’s home builders’ association
- They should be a member of the International Log Builders’ Association
- They have no complaints with the Better Business Bureau
- Ask to see their recent completed properties
- They have a good reputation in the community
A log home builder should not only be well versed in the building aspect of the process, but also in site preparation, road and trail building, weatherization, and efficiency.
Another thing to keep in mind is communication. You want a builder who will communicate consistently and help answer any questions you have from start to finish. Speaking of communication, there are several questions you need to ask your log home builder before your make the final decision to work together.
Questions: What to Ask Your Prospective Log Home Builder
You have seemingly made a match with a builder, and now it is time to sit down and ask them some questions. But what do you ask? Where do you start? Well, the answer to those questions happen to be in the following questions below.
1. How much will the build cost?
We will discuss this further down below, but ultimately, you want to make sure that your budget and the builder’s cost to build is aligned. This is also true regarding the size of home that you want to build. Some builders can only build up to a certain square foot. Read more: How much does log maintenance cost?
2. Where will the logs for your home come from?
It is important to know where the logs for your home will come from. In some cases, you can visit where the logs are sourced and milled. If you have trees on your land and you would like to use them, you need to discuss this with the builder. This is a great time to also discuss the species of the wood that will be used, the profile of the logs, how they are treated, if the logs will be pre-cut and the level of moisture in them.
3. Does your builder have a design staff?
Many builders have either a design staff or sources to help you turn your dream home into blueprints. Find a builder that will work with you fluidly through the design process.
4. What are the builder’s capabilities in making your home energy efficient?
Some log home builders, like WeatherWize, focus on high efficiency construction, solar integration and proper weatherization during the building process. A home should be affordable to operate after it is built, as well be protected from the elements.
5. How will communication work with your builder?
Communication will be key between you and your builder. Be sure to ask the preferred method of communication. Does your builder prefer email, text or phone? Since you are looking at working together for quite some time (at least 1 to 2 years), it is important that communication is consistent and productive.
One of the last questions to ask your builder is for references. Your log home builder should be able to supply you with references from previous homeowners, suppliers and any other individuals that will be a part of your home building process.
The ability to speak with those that have directly dealt with your builder will help you in making your decision to work with them. If a builder cannot provide references, I would consider this a red flag and not proceed with the process.
Process: What Does It Look Like and How Long Does it Take
As you begin the process, you may be wondering what it may look like. There are several phases to the process and they are:
Budget, Design and Planning
The first part of the process will be to review your budget, begin your design and start planning your log home. As mentioned above, cost of a log home will be the first thing you need to look into. On average, a log cabin starts at about $350,000. The cost will obviously depend on many factors including size, labor, timber used, finishes, etc.
As for the the design, you may have sketched something out, or have found a plan you would like the builder to use. This is generally discussed in the initial meeting to make sure the builder can build what you are requesting. From there, your builder will plan out the building process with you, inform you of each stage and give you an estimated time of completion.
Preparing the Land and Foundation
From clearing and grading the land to constructing the shell off site, preparing the land, this part of the process may experience delays. Often delays during this phase are due to weather and deliveries of concrete and material for the foundation. Be patient and communicate any concerns you have with your general contractor or log builder.
Building and Finishing
During this time, communication and cost will be important. Staying on budget as changes are made, as well as running into unforeseen issues, will need to be discussed in a timely manner. Building a log home can take anywhere from 7 to 24 months to complete. Depending on size, weather and other variables, the time it takes to complete your log home from start to finish will vary.
In addition to new construction of a log home, builders who offer weatherization and restoration are a wealth of knowledge on caring for your log home in the years that follow. If you are a current log home owner and are weighing the options of restoring or building a new log home, let WeatherWize help you learn more about the following log home restoration efforts.
- Log and Lumber Replacement
- Media Blasting, Sanding and Pressure Washing
- Staining, Sealing and Painting
- House Lifting and Foundation Repair
To learn more about the log home construction process, feel free to contact us at WeatherWize. We will be happy to help answer any questions you may have.