Selecting a log home is like selecting a new car. What are you looking for? Porsche 911, Chevy Pickup, S Class Mercedes, Honda Civic, Jeep Wrangler or an Aston Martin — you get the point. You will want to shop for what fits your needs. Cost, size, style, quality, ability to deliver on time, warranties and references are some of the guidelines you should use in making your decision. There are plenty of log home manufacturers online, and most offer extensive visuals to help you understand their specialties. But when it comes to price comparisons the picture gets a bit fuzzy. You’ll see references to walls-only packages, structural-shell packages, complete packages, and others. The only way to get an accurate price comparison is to compare packages side-by-side.
Log home companies are very competitive in their pricing. In comparing costs, keep in mind the following: different kinds of wood, size of the logs (thickness), manner of construction, charges for plans, cost of freight (no such thing as free shipping – fuel costs money) and what is included in the package. This last item is, by far, the most important. It is very difficult to compare “apples to apples” unless you know exactly what you are getting for your money. Will you be getting just the basic shell, or will you be getting everything necessary for drying in the house. Does your basic kit or shell include the roof system, or just the rafters? Is the sub floor and interior framing included in the price? Can you buy the materials necessary for drying in the home from a local supplier for less? – probably not.