Log Homes for Beginners - 10 Steps to Success

For those who may be thinking of building a new log home and enjoying the lifestyle that comes with it, there are a number of steps you should take to make the process smoother.

1. Decide on a home style by reading log home magazines and visiting log home shows in your area. Attend log home company seminars. Do you want a single-story, one-and-a-half story, or two story house? Do you prefer a traditional cabin style, or a more contemporary look? Do you like round logs or square logs?

2. Decide on a rough floor plan. Based on the plan, determine how many square feet of living space you'll need. Find standard floor plans at log home shows and on log home company web sites. Standard plans can be customized if needed.

3. Narrow down your choices of log home companies you think you would want to work with. Contact their representative in your area and discuss your plans. Visit model homes build by each company.

4. Based on the plan you choose and the number of square feet of living space, determine the rough turn-key cost of building your home. Remember, the cost of a log home "kit" is only part of the overall cost of your home. Cost estimator calculators are available on some log home company web sites, and on the Log Home Advisor web site.

5. Based on the estimated cost to build your home, determine if the cost is within your budget and your ability to be approved for a mortgage. If not, go back to Step 2 and make changes to reduce cost.

6. If you're OK on the financing, locate and secure property. Make sure that there are no problems with road access, zoning, building restrictions, utilities, or services.

7. Arrange your financing with a bank or finance company that understands log homes. Many banks don't offer log home mortgages.

8. Get a contractor/builder who has log home experience, preferably experience with your particular log home company's building methods. Sign your log package contract with your chosen log home company, and arrange for delivery.

9. Monitor the construction process closely to make sure everything is going smoothly and correctly.

10. Move in and live your dream.

Al Hearn is owner and operator of Log Home Advisor, a web site dedicated to the needs of log home enthusiasts.

---

Color Help: Color Theory and Design Psychology

Color theory is an entire science unto itself, and to... Read More

Useful Home Products Will Help Your House Sale Profits

Even if you've never been involved in the sale of... Read More

New Jersey Home Remodeling

The U.S. state of New Jersey lies on the Eastern... Read More

Soy Candles? What Will They Think of Next?

Quick: What comes to mind when you think of soy... Read More

Deck Decorating

On my blog, I once wrote about life on the... Read More

Chairs, Rocking Chairs and Other Comfortable Places To Park It!

A chair is one of the best inventions ever made.... Read More

Is YOUR Home A Safe Home?

Do you or one of your family members suffer from... Read More

How to Keep Your Tools Useful for Every Season

You don't want to keep your useless tools in your... Read More

Do You Have a Master Bedroom? You Shouldnt! Tips for Remodeling Your Bedroom

The word "master" is an antiquated term that suggests control,... Read More

Easy Renovations for Your Home

Renovating should be a fun and exciting process (really!). The... Read More

Outdoor Bars - Essential For Summer Entertaining

The trend for enhancing your patio is to create an... Read More

Do You Know How Important Your Air Conditioner Filter Is?

When most people think about an air conditioner filter, it... Read More

Planning Permission Tips UK - Conservatories - Dispelling a Myth

It's now well into the new year and the residential... Read More

Replacing Your Sliding Glass Door Rollers

If the sliding glass doors in your home are more... Read More

How Stained Glass Can Add Elegance To Your Home

If there is one way to throw a new light... Read More

Interior Design For Bargain Hunters

Interior design for bargain hunters is the new fashionable item... Read More

Reduce Noise to Reduce Stress: Sound Advice From the Rug Doctor

Maybe getting the silent treatment at home isn't a bad... Read More

Area Rug Buyers Guide

When you begin decorating your home there are some important... Read More

New-age Paint Thickening & Rheological Additives : Solvitex & Solvizen

For Paint Manufacturers worldwide, there has come a radical new... Read More

Why Cant We Kill Too?

Why does big business have all the fun? We fix... Read More

Fixing Old Wooden Chairs

Fixing Old Wooden ChairsIF you have some old chairs that... Read More

Hand Stripping Furniture

Directions for HAND Stripping.Work with plenty of ventilation, safety goggles... Read More

Pre-drawn House plans the Benefits and Styles

Pre-drawn house plans are those that are drawn by architects... Read More

Kitchen Design Online ? Understanding the Work Triangle and Kitchen Layouts

Good kitchen design online means having a layout for your... Read More

Planning Your Replacement Windows Installation

Windows are the eyes of a home. From inside, you... Read More

Corrugated Roofing Materials Used for Roofing Any Structure

The roof is a very essential element of the house,... Read More

Planning Permission Tips UK - Rights of Light to Adjoining Neighbours Windows - What You Should Know

Rights of light - What a minefield this topic is... Read More

Popular Trends in Home Technology

As a former home automation installer and a former manufactures... Read More

Create a Joyful Home with Living Accessories: Houseplants

Houseplants can be soothing because of their visual impact. Besides... Read More

Hot Tubs: Without A Shadow Of A Doubt Guarantee Relaxation When You Dip Your Feet Into The Water!

A staple of healthy outdoor living, hot tubs equals to... Read More

Outdoor Ceiling Fans Complement the House

Fans extending from the ceiling have been around for centuries... Read More

Lighting and your Kitchen - How to Design a Lighting Plan that Cooks!

Your kitchen, more than any other room in your home,... Read More

Unfinished Furniture - Finish It Yourself!

Unfinished furniture has started to become extremely popular in the... Read More