Some tips before you build your log home
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Let us help you realize your Dream of Log Home Living
If you are ready to start your Dream home journey, Start with these tips to get you started
.Tip #1
We recommend that you start by Buying Your Land First!
We suggest buying your land early for a couple of reasons
1. You can use the land for storing materials you collect along the way
2. Paying off the land as you build or before you build means that once you move in, you could be debt free.
Bare land is much cheaper than improved land. This is perfect if you are not yet ready to build, because you could pay off the land before starting construction.
Unimproved land does come with the added costs of having septic and electricity installed. But if you’re planning on building in the future you can pay this off as you go, spreading out the costs and making it much more affordable.
Figure out what works best for you and then find the perfect spot
Also, when buying land get more bang-for-your-buck by selecting parcels with trees that can be harvested for some cash.
* * * The best part about building your own log home is that you can find that perfect view, the perfect town, the perfect climate to build your dream. Once you have the land, storing found materials and then planning your new home becomes easier and cheaper.
* * * Land is the first step in your journey to living in your dream log home, mortgage free.
Okay, so how can you get a property with septic and electricity at a relatively cheap price?
If you’re building a log home you are not going to buy land with a house already on it. But, buying unimproved land means a longer timeline to building because you have to get the sewer system and electrical run.
Tip #2
But, there is another way
Try to find a piece of land with an old mobile home or house already on it. The former home will have water, electricity, and sewer. The property already has a driveway. And if the mobile home is old, the price tag will be much lower than that of ready-to-build land (where the developer added the electrical and sewer to the property and the price). See, many banks don’t offer large loans for mobile home purchases, forcing sellers to price the property for cash sale or personal loans
Some jurisdictions will allow you to “re-use” the septic system on your new log home, but some jurisdictions might not, or may have to approve your build plans for the existing system, so check with the local rules before you buy.
So, there are many good reasons to get your land first.
Tip #3
Materials you may not have thought about
Logs are the main building material for the structure of your home. And buying them from a company that specializes in “log home construction and materials” is important
Another part of planning your build and saving money is to collect materials along the way.
We also recommend that you begin collecting materials for the inside of your log home as well.
Bathroom fixtures, kitchen appliances, lights, windows and doors can all be expensive .
But, if you are planning to build in a year or two, or longer, then you can shop sales, find wonderful second hand items, and begin collecting these materials at huge savings.
Also don't forget Spring sales and Father day sales from the big name stores Lowes. Home Depot etc. I've seen discounts up to 50% off but just for the weekend so watch the flyers.
* * * When it comes time to plan your build, it is much easier to plan around the items you’ve collected than to find items that fit your build plans
For example
If you design a house with a certain number of windows of specific sizes, it can be difficult to adjust those plans to different size windows should you find a good deal. More likely, you will buy windows to fit those specs and more than likely, you’ll pay full retail price for them.
This can be true of doors, flooring, and just about everything else
When you know what you have, you can design a home that best uses the materials you have . You can design to highlight those unique barn boards, or that beam that came out of that 200 year old barn in town, or that beautiful stained glass window that you found.
Planning in this way lets you create a home with character, and that will cost you much less than planning a build in a more traditional way.
Tip #4
Building a scale model
Building a scale model of your home design could save you time, money, and frustration in the long run
Discovering design flaws could only happen in a scaled model. And that discovery could save you a lot of money.
Could you imagine building the main structure of your home only to find out a small error had ruined the whole build and you’d have to tear things down to fix the error?
What a nightmare !!!
So build a scale model – it’s worth it, and besides, it’s a fun project for the whole family.
Tip #5
Have others look at your plans
Sometimes other people notice design issues you may not. People uninvolved with the project may see potential hazards, may notice room flow issues or space problems.
We all have different things we find important, and we design accordingly, but that may mean we forget about important things like where a water heater can go based on regulations. Closet space, floor space, or not enough room in a bathroom or which way a door opens are all easily overlooked details if one hasn’t really thought about them.
So let other people look at your model. Gather their input and opinions, use the ideas that make sense. Then adjust your model if necessary!
Once you’ve gone through this process, you’ll also be better prepared should you need to submit the design to a zoning board for approval
Tip #6
Talk to other owner-builders that have built a log home
If you are going to build your own log home, than you should talk to people that have been through, or are going through the process
Ask what they would do different if they did it over again
Home owners and other builders that are willing to share their struggles and successes
They are willing to share their struggles and successes so that you can learn from them. They are also willing to answer questions, offer advice, and some are even willing to help you with your actual build.
As you get ready to build, even if you are just in the planning stages
We hope this helps you out on your journey to log home living
By building yourself, you’ll not only get the log home of your dreams – but you can do so in a more eco-friendly, mortgage free, sustainable way…
Stop dreaming about the life you want to live, Build It!
We hope this helps you and gives you some ideas on how to start your journey of log home living
We want to Help you achieve your Dreams
We are the supplier of the building materials to help get you in the dry.
We want to help you custom fit your needs and offer our expertise help any way possible.
Our company has been in business since 2002 and helped hundreds of people into they're dream home
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From framing to finishing and everything in between
We'll cover, doors, windows, roofs, hearths and fireplaces, bathrooms, family rooms and kitchens.
Do it yourself or hire a contractor, I'll give you the scoop and what you should know.
SO... Stick around, let's have some fun and maybe you'll realize your Dreams of log home living can come true !!!!
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Barry ( Bear ) Davidson
Low cost log homes of Ky.
Office 270-969-0466
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