The procedures to follow in order to find a log home builder you can trust are pretty much the same as if you were looking for someone to build a home using more common stick construction. Talk to multiple contractors and compare estimates, check references, and get a first hand look at their work before you sign any papers. A log home builder is also an expert in a very specialized form of construction, however. In that respect, you'll want to ask about which type of building method they use to ensure you're getting the most bang for your buck.
Never Take the First Bid
With any major construction project it can be tempting to hire the job out to the first builder who calls you back. While this might mean the least work for you as a homeowner, it's definitely not the way to find the best builder in your area. In order to get the best craftsman and the fairest bid for your project, be sure to call around and talk to several log home builders before you sign any papers. You'll get a better idea of what your build is going to take, and you can compare estimates to get the fairest price.
Shoot for the Middle
When those bids start coming in, beware of estimates that are either far over or under the average. An unreasonably high bid probably means the builder is trying to take you to the cleaners, and a bid that low balls all the others most likely isn't being honest about what the job is really going to cost you in the long run. Don't get me wrong, get the best price you possibly can. Just keep your radar up for bids that are too good to be true.
Do Your Homework
Once you've gotten a few estimates and met a few builders, your next chore is to check references and take a look at some actual work. Checking references is very important, since talking to several former clients about their experiences is the best way to get a gauge on how a contractor operates. And there really isn't any substitute for seeing a log home builder's work up close and personal, either. While following these suggestions is going to take a little effort on your part, the pay off is well worth the legwork when it comes to a good homebuilding experience.
Kits, Milled or Handcrafted Construction
Besides the basic standard fare, it's also important that you inquire into whether each builder uses kits, milled logs, or handcrafted construction.
Log home kits are cheap and great for an inexpensive hunting cabin, but they have a less than admirable reputation when it comes to permanent residences.
Milled logs means the logs are run through a process at the mill that makes them uniform in every way. In that respect, they're more akin to lumber than natural looking logs. You'll save a little money going this route, but you'll sacrifice a lot of character.
Handcrafted construction is really the best way to go. Log home builders who specialize in handcrafted construction have the highest standards, from the type of logs they use right on down to how they join all the pieces together. For a top quality log home, there really is no substitute.
By following these steps you're sure to find a log home builder you can trust to build your new log home.
Matt Goering, formerly a carpenter and house painter, is a freelance writer for the home improvement industry who has published over 600 articles.
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