How to Properly Compare Log Home Packages.

If you’ve done any research at all comparing log home companies one of the first things you realized is that they all offer different types of packages. When trying to compare “apples to apples” you soon learn that it is a virtually impossible task since the material packages are different as well as the quality and type of materials.

Some examples:

• Log wall material is pre-cut or linear foot?
• Roof system - 2x convention frame, pre-manufactured truss or heavy timber?
• Thickness of log, nominal or actual?
• 2nd floor system - 2x, conventional frame, pre-manufactures truss or heavy timber.
• Quality of windows/doors – wood, vinyl or clad?
• Quality of sealants/fasteners?
• Written warranty against wood digesting insects and decay?
• Engineered for settling?

Assuming that each manufacturer offers the same products is incorrect. It is not uncommon to discover that you have requested pricing from a producer that supplies only log and beam materials that are random length and pricing from another that includes materials that are extensively pre-cut and supply a dried-in structural shell. With the pricing between the two log home producers being several thousands of dollars apart, we often find that folks think the lower priced estimate is better – until they discover the difference. Sometime folks don’t “discover” the difference until it is too late!

When asking log home producers to provide an estimate for a certain floor plan it will be in your best interest to also provide the list of materials you would like included as well as the type and quality of materials you are expecting. This will get you as close as possible to that “apples to apples” comparison you are looking for.

To help you along, here is our Request for Estimate Checklist. In addition our Packages and Pricing flyer is linked so you may see both the material list and pricing for our pre-cut and random-length materials. For more detailed information please call on your local Independent Log Home Sales Consultant. They are a GREAT resource for you to use throughout your log home building project.

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