Current Leelanau Log Homes Project

Visit our Facebook Page and checkout the current project of The Leelanau Log Home Company.  A 2,900 sq. ft. custom designed log home with half log siding with 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms with finished walkout basement, attached screened porch and detached workshop.  For more photos, click on the link below to see the photo progression of this project.

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150244002863160.327360.96111723159

By The Leelanau Log Home Company LCC
www.leelanauloghomes.com 

Log Home Site Planning Basics: General

Determining the placement of your new log home on your property is not a casual exercise.  It can be as simple as fitting a rectangle house on a square lot to as complex as finding the best location on 100 acres.  The key in any scenario is to carefully evaluate all the factors that go into developing your site plan so your new home functions well within its surroundings .  Here are some of the key elements you should consider for your site plan:

•          View and view angles
•          Summer and winter solar angles
•       If you already have a design, window locations
•          Driveway approach
•       Relation to other buildings, i.e. detach garages, pole barns, etc.
•          Seasonal wind direction from the North and West
•          Privacy from roads and neighbors
•          Zoning setbacks
•          Utility access and connection paths
•       Potential drainfield constraints
•          Determine which trees you’ll keep for aesthetics and/or for shade
•          Soil conditions
•          Natural terrain
•          Drainage

Typically your log home dealer and/or builder offer this service and will work with you to evaluate all the elements that are specific to your project and assist you in developing your site plan.

Keep in mind that site planning can take an enormous amount of time, forethought and vision.  But the time invested to get it right will be realized every time you pull into the driveway. 

By The Leelanau Log Home Company LLC

www.leelanauloghomes.com

Log Home Construction Basics: Should your builder of choice be local to your project…does geography really matter?

Well that answer is a matter of opinion, but we think it does.  Yes, there are excellent log home builders and general contractors that do travel long distances.  However, we've outlined some distinct benefits to consider by choosing a local log home builder or general contractor (GC). 

1. A local builder/GC is typically on the job-site daily and can answer questions, has the knowledge of the project to make changes, etc.
2. A local builder/GC will have the knowledge of quality subcontractors in the area, such as plumbers, electricians, foundation companies, etc.
3. A local builder/GC will have the knowledge of local sources for products and materials for your project.  Potentially savings to you $$$ with lower transportation costs.
4. A local builder/GC is already home.  Therefore they aren’t charging you for travel, lodging and meal expenses whether it’s a line item in there proposal or included in their labor fees.
5. A local builder/GC will have knowledge of building code requirements for that specific state and/or county of your project.
6. An established local builder/GC will have local projects that you can visit, speak with the owners about their experience and see for yourself the quality level of craftsmanship.
7. Reputation matters, today more than ever.  An established local builder/GC understands that his livelihood depends on the outcome of any project big or small.
8. An important aspect that many homeowners overlook is the builder/GC warranty.  Typically warranties range from 12-18 months from the date on the occupancy permit with a couple of routine service intervals during that warranty period.  But what if there’s an emergency issue(s) that needs immediate action?
9. Staying close to the project timetable is critical for you and your lender.  If the builder/GC of choice has more than one project in progress what impact does that play for your project if there are delays from weather, materials shortages, etc.
10. Supporting your new community by contracting with a local builder is always a good thing.

The bottom line, it’s your home and whom you choose is ultimately up to you.  We hope you find these considerations helpful.

By The Leelanau Log Home Company LLC:  www.leelanauloghomes.com

Log Home Series: Selecting the right log home builder for you

In this series, Selecting the right log home builder for you, we’ll cover tips and suggestions for navigating through this important process.  Time spent doing a thorough job here will pay big dividends and take you steps closer to realizing your dream of living in your custom log home. 

Okay, now you’ve made the decision to build your log or timber frame home, congrats!   But, as with any major purchase you’ll want to do some research and due diligence to insure the builder you’ve selected is right for your project.   This decision needs to be made with the same care and consideration as your choice for log home supplier and financial institution.   Here are some things to consider:

What’s your game plan?

Determine what part you’ll play in the overall construction game plan?  

• Do you want a professional log home builder and/or general contractor to complete a turn-key project?  Do you know the difference between the two? 
•  Are you planning to act as the general contractor and manage the entire construction project?  Check with your lending institution before you decide on this endeavor.  Some lenders will not approve owner- general contractors.
•  Are you planning to do some of the work yourself, if so what elements of the project?  Will the builder of choice be flexible and work with you to make this happen?  Maybe the bigger question…have you budgeted the necessary time to complete the work so you won’t slow down the project?

Whatever role your plan to play in the construction process, we recommend you discuss this topic early in your conversations with prospective log home builders.

Where do I find a log home builder?

Your log home dealer, in many cases, works with local independent log home builders and can refer you.  Or the log home dealer is also a builder and general contractor (like us) and they can sell you the package and present you with a proposal to build it.  Some log home manufacturers also provide construction services, so ask your log home dealer if that’s an option.

Other sources can be the local Home Builders Association, local lumber yards or check the Yellow pages, but keep in mind that can be very limiting.

If you’re not having much luck with the above, go to the internet.  Since most shopping and research is now performed on the internet, Google searching for local log home builders in many cases be your best bet.  Today, it’s probably how you found your log home supplier.  There you may find individual builders and companies, directories and even checkout some of the log home magazine websites.  Take your time and conduct several searches by typing in “log home builders, your city, your state” and experiment with different combinations and evaluate the results.

As you explored the different sources, make sure you make notes and begin to list possible log home builders.

Series:  Selecting the right log home builder for you, future topics:

• Should your builder of choice be local to your project, does geography really matter?
• Don't over shop
• How to research and evaluate your findings
• How to interview log home builders
• The difference between a builder and general contractor
• Why visiting client references is critical
• Get it in writing (proposals and contracts)

By The Leelanau Log Home Company:  www.leelanauloghomes.com 

Welcome

Welcome to the new Leelanau Log Home Company blog.  We'll share informative how-to's, tips, suggestions and our opinions about shopping, buying, building and maintaining a custom log home.  We promise to spare you the annoying sales & marketing spin and definitely won't post trivial stuff like what we had for breakfast.  Our goal is to educate and inform while having a little fun.  We hope you follow along and welcome your comments.  

The Leelanau Log Home Company Blog Link:  http://undertheinfluenceofwood.blogspot.com/

By The Leelanau Log Home Company:  www.leelanauloghomes.com