We’re looking at building a log home in the not too distant future as a vacation home and are trying to pull together a budget.
My question is a simple financial one. All the research I’ve done so far shows they are sold in packages, with various combinations of materials. Before I sit down and talk to the manufacturers, I’m wondering how negotiable the package prices are. Most things are negotiable so I’m assuming that these must be as well. Plus I realize there are all the extra costs for construction, foundation, etc.
So any dopers got any tips or insight into the buying process?
There are tons of log home manufacturers and builders around, each using different techniques and materials. Look at lots of them before you make your decision. Also, unless you have lots of building experience and unlimited time, pick a manufactured that offers to build on your site or at the very least send one experienced forman who can hire a local crew. Some of the smaller builders might be willing to go down in price to get exposure, but I think I would shop, check out references from folks who have recently dealt with them. Don’t try to short change the manufacturer out of a living, everyone will be happy and you will have a home you can be proud of.
Being in sales myself, I would never try to short change anyone out of a living. Negotiations should always lead to a fair deal for all parties.
Good suggestion about having someone local involved. Since we live pretty far away from where this would be built, it would be nice not to have to deal as much on a day to day basis, and work with a single point person.
Just be very careful with these. I have a friend who is into the log home thing big-time, and have read many promotional guides and seen many videos that she has brought over. Regardless of their actual merits, I have seen some wild mis-statements and flat-out lies by many of these promotional items as to the the energy efficiency, fire resistance, insect resistance, strength, cost, etc.
I don’t know about buying, but my uncle built his own log cabin pretty much all by himself. (He had someone else dig the foundation, had advice on plumbing and electricity, and my dad helped out when he was between jobs, but that was it.) It’s probably the most solidly-built and impressive-looking house I’ve ever seen.
If you’d like it, I could send you his e-mail address. He’d be able to help you on pitfalls, average costs, etc.
we built a modular (though not log) cottage recently, and our experience was that you could negotiate for different prices based on different options. F’rinstance:
Side-slider windows are cheaper than double-hung
Pre-made truss-supported roofing is cheaper than beams
Pressure-treated floor joists cost more and may not be needed if you have a full basement
…and so on. As said previously, shop around, and explore all your options. Be honest about what you can afford, and the vendor may be able to cut some corners with less expensive alternatives, or suggest minor design changes that will make the job easier for them, therefore cheaper for you.