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Steps To Building Your Own Log Home / Log CabinFor those who may be thinking of building a log cabin and or log home and enjoying the lifestyle that comes with it there are a number of steps you should take to make the log home construction process smoother.
1. Decide on the home style Read 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.Take a Tour of a log home demo in your area if applicable.
4. Based on the plan you choose and the number of square feet of living space, determine the rough turn-key cost of construction on 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 , 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, 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 who has log home building 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!!
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