DIY Network

WEB-EXTRA: 10 Key Steps for Building a Log Home From "Be Your Own Contractor: Vacation Homes" episode DBCV-105

Below is a simple 10-step guide for success in building a log home.

Source: New Homestead USA
Website: www.loghomes.com/newhomestead

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A Ten-Step Guide for Building a Log Home

1. Develop a budget:
   Determine the type of home you want and know how much you can afford to spend. You should consult with your local bank. There are also national mortgage companies that specialize in financing log homes.

2. Acquire your land:
   The layout of the land on which you build should help determine the style of home and floor plan design. Take into consideration the direction from which the home will be approached, views, sun orientation and neighboring structures.

3. Explore:
   If you haven't already done so, now is the time to explore ideas. Start a "Dream Home" folder. Visit model homes in your area, attend home shows, and gather magazine and catalog pictures. Make sketches and jot notes concerning the things you want, and cut and paste pictures in a layout to use in the design of your home.

4. Rough draft:
   By sketching a layout of your plans you can expedite your log home progress. Take the liberty of moving rooms around, change measurements and make interior alterations, until you arrive at a plan that fits the needs of your lifestyle.

5. Assistance:
   Call New Homestead for assistance. A qualified dealer will guide you through the channels of preparing for your log home. Once you have established the floor plan design and log style, a cost estimate can be calculated.

6. Plan Approval:
   You will work directly with design and blueprint personnel to completion of your blueprint.

7. Builders:
   You can get a builder, you can build the home yourself, you can be your own general contractor and hire subcontractors or your home can be built turn key. Blueprints will need to be finalized in order to obtain quotes from contractors.

8. Finance:
   Once all your blueprints have been completed and your construction costs are in writing, you will be ready to make final arrangements for financing your project.

9. Building Site:
   Your building site should be cleared, foundation work done and the entrance road should be prepared prior to the arrival of your log home materials.

10. Delivery:
    Sufficient help should be present on delivery day. Materials will be unloaded and should be double checked by the dealer, builder or customer to verify that all materials listed on packing slips have arrived on the site.

If you'd like more information on how to build your own log cabin, check out DIY's special Build a Log Cabin workshop.

RESOURCES :

The Complete Guide to Building Log Homes
ISBN: 0806974869
Author: Monte Burch, Richard J. Meyer, Lloyd P. Birmingham
Sterling Publishing Co. Inc.
Website: www.sterlingpub.com

Small Log Homes: Storybook Plans and Advice
ISBN: 1586850431
Author: Robbin Obomsawin
Gibbs Smith Publishing
Website: www.gibbs-smith.com

Log Homes by New Homestead USA
Website: www.loghomes.com/newhomestead