A log home builders perspective

Working closely with a client for months to plan, design and build their dream log home you get to know them.  From awkward beginnings evolving to collaborative teamwork, that relationship is cherished and often lasting.  Each project is unique as are the experiences of stacking logs to shingling the roof, quick lunches on a favorite log cut-off to frozen fingers nailing up cedar shakes in January and everything in between. Memories that are etched in our minds.

On a recent visit to a clients home I snapped this photo.  Ah the memories...

The Leelanau Log Home Company LLC
www.leelanauloghomes.com

Copyright 2014 Under the Influence of Wood Blog

What's the best time of year to start building my log home?

The best time to start construction in Northern Michigan is during the summer/fall months.  Our winters are very cold and timing the project start can pay off with some advantages.  Lets explore some of the reasons why.

-For most builders and sub-contractors, it's easier and more productive to work in the summer versus the winter months. Productivity is really compromised during the winter months when workers must wear bulky clothing, thus move more slowly and become less efficient.  Some will contend winter construction can impact the overall quality outcome, but that's subject to debate. The bottom-line, the work is more enjoyable and efficient when your not battling your environment.

-Typically there are many more work delays in the winter due to frigid weather temps (Polar Vortex!) and dangerous wind chill.  Plus the days are longer during the summer months so more work can be accomplished.

-It may cost you more to start the build in the winter months.  There are extra precautions when installing footings and foundation in the winter which will require ground heaters, warming blankets or heated enclosures and the associate labor costs.  

-Getting the log home package unloaded and delivered to the construction site can be challenging with snow on the ground.  Also moving and staging the log home package and other materials on the site is much easier during the summer months.


-You'll have additional expense to keep the site and driveway plowed and temporary heat and lighting so work can continue during the dark days of winter.

-There may be additional labor costs for items that are constructed during the winter months, such as roofing, building the weather tight shell, etc.  Ask your builder if there is a winter differential charge for labor.

The Take Away:  If building in a cold weather climate such as ours, work out  a preliminary timetable with your log home dealer and builder very early in the process so you can avoid a winter start. If the majority of the construction is headed for the winter, get your foundation installed during the fall before the snow flies and frost begins to penetrate the ground.  The bottom-line, warm weather starts are the best time of year to start building your log home in Northern Michigan.



The Leelanau Log Home Company LLC
www.leelanauloghomes.com

Copyright 2014 Under the Influence of Wood Blog

Custom Built Log Home - What does it really mean

Recently I was taking a nice couple on a tour through several of our client log homes and a question popped up about the commonly used phrase in the construction industry, "custom-built and semi-custom built log home" and what it really means.

So let's explore the levels of custom.

Spec (speculative) Log Home:  The log home is built to be turn-key ready, however depending on the stage of construction you find the home you may be able to make some personal choices such flooring, counter tops, paint/stain colors, etc. Typically there can be some cost savings because the builder has built the design before and understands the complexities of the construction and costs are known. In most cases the log home will offer an attractive universal design that will appeal to a wide spectrum of potential buyers and most important the builder will have wisely chosen features that are the best value (bang for the buck).  In today's housing market, spec log homes are a very rare find.

Semi-Custom Built Log Home:  This is most common type of log home constructed.  The homeowner chooses a design from a catalog of standard floorplans from the log home manufacturer and works with the dealer and/or builder to make modifications to meet the specific requirements of the homeowner.  These changes can range from adding an attached garage, deck or sunroom, moving interior walls, changing the footprint or roof lines, etc.  Often this is the most cost effective path when working with the builder to determine design, features, amenities and the level of quality materials used in the log home.

Custom Built Log Home:  The custom built home is designed and constructed entirely to the homeowners vision and specifications and is unique, no two log homes are alike.  The homeowner works with the log home dealer and manufacturer to create a clean-sheet design and determines everything that goes into the log home.  From room sizes, shape and style, features, amenities and material quality that are included in the final design.  This type of log home is often the most expensive especially if it's a complicated design and has high end materials and features.


The Leelanau Log Home Company LLC
www.leelanauloghomes.com

Copyright 2014 Under the Influence of Wood Blog

Spring Model Home Open House

Spring Model Home Open House

If you're planning to build your dream log home we invite you to visit us in beautiful Northern Michigan on Saturday, April 5, 2014 for our model home open house.   Tour our model log home and see the quality of our craftsmanship for yourself.  Plus were happy to review building costs, explain our log home packages, dealer services including construction and answer all your log home buying and building questions.  Be our Guest on SATURDAY, APRIL 5, 2014  11 AM to 4 PM  1310 S. Lakeshore Drive Lake Leelanau, Michigan   49653 RSVP to Brad 231-668-1465     The Leelanau Log Home Company LLC www.leelanauloghomes.com Copyright 2014 Under the Influence of Wood Blog