If you’re considering building a log home, you may be wondering how much it will cost. This can be difficult to determine because it depends on several factors.
For starters, the size of the cabin will have a huge impact on its price. Smaller cabins tend to be cheaper than larger ones.
Materials
Choosing the right logs is essential for building a long-lasting cabin. Ideally, you should choose a wood that has been harvested by an experienced wood harvester and that is healthy and straight. Moreover, it should be a superior quality that will last for generations.
A variety of species are used in the construction of log homes. Among these are pine, spruce, cedar, oak, redwood, and Douglas fir. Some of these are better for constructing log cabins than others, and it is also necessary to consider their size and shape.
Another factor to take into account is the age of the wood. Older trees are more likely to contain more heartwood, which helps protect the wood from insects and other damaging organisms. On the other hand, young trees tend to be more brittle and prone to damage.
In addition, the logs should be kiln-dried to sterilize them and prevent them from shrinking or settling. Lastly, they should be treated with a salt solution to further protect them against insect infestations and decay.
Once you have determined the type of log you want to use, the next step is to find a company that can supply it. You should look for a company with a full service offering, multiple model home locations, and a helpful website.
Then, decide on a log home plan with the help of the company’s experts. Depending on your needs, you may be able to build a small log cabin for your family or a large cabin with plenty of rooms to accommodate your friends and relatives.
It is important to note that a new log cabin or home can be a significant investment. Therefore, it is important to have the best financing options available for your project.
Southland Log Homes has a team of professional mortgage specialists who can assist you in getting the financing for your log home that meets your specific requirements and budget. These lenders are based nationally and locally and they understand log home financing and will be able to guide you through the process of securing the log home loan that is right for you.
Labor
As with all construction projects, the exact price of a log home depends on many factors. The price will be based on the size and design of the cabin, as well as the location it is built in.
The cost of labor is another important factor in determining the price of a log home. Most builders charge between $3 and $8 per hour for labor, which can add up quickly if you have multiple jobs to complete.
A professional log home builder will often take your construction materials package to several saw mills to get the best pricing for you. This will often save you money in the long run.
It is also a good idea to work with a local builder, as they know the area and can offer better pricing than a log home builder in another state.
Some of the most affordable log cabin packages are those that include everything, including the shell, the siding, and the interior finishes. These packages are generally around $40-$50 per square foot.
If you are building a larger, more elaborate cabin, the costs can be as high as $300 per square foot or more. This is because there are more materials to use and a larger amount of labor involved in the building process.
Other factors that can make a log cabin more expensive are upkeep, such as septic system maintenance and water supply. Usually, these types of systems will require repair every few years.
These upkeep expenses can add up, and they are often more costly than a traditional house that is connected to the main sewer line.
You can build a log cabin on your own, but it’s best to hire a professional log home builder. This way, you’ll be able to ensure that the cabin is built properly and safely.
A professional log home builder can also help you with any financing questions that may come up during the building process. This can be helpful, especially if you are planning to finance the entire build.
Most reputable log home companies will require no more than 10 percent of the total cost of your log cabin as a deposit when you sign a contract. Once the construction is finished, they will bill you for the balance of the cost of the materials.
Appliances
A quality kitchen appliance is a must have in any log home and you’ll be hard pressed to find a better selection than that offered by Southland. For the price you’ll pay, you’ll get top-notch appliances that will stand up to years of wear and tear in an environment where they will often be exposed to a lot of moisture.
The kitchen is also where you’ll find some of the most eye-catching features in a Southland log home, such as custom cabinetry, granite countertops and an impressive tile backsplash. The best part? You won’t have to wait around for a plumber to do the dirty work because all of this is already done!
Another must have is a good HVAC system. This will not only keep your home comfortable but also help you cut down on your energy costs and save money on your monthly utility bills.
You’ll also want to make sure you’re getting a quality roof, as these are the most important components of any home. They’ll provide you with a solid foundation for your new home, which will make for a more enjoyable experience in the long run.
Finally, a good home security system will help protect your family from criminals, thieves and burglars. These devices are a must have in any log home, but they’ll be especially handy in a home with a lot of windows and doors.
The best way to figure out what your budget will allow for a new log home is to start with a design plan and then get some builder quotes. This will give you an idea of what you can afford, and then you can focus on a home that fits your budget and fits your lifestyle. The best log home companies will even be able to suggest a builder that is right for you.
Financing
If you are building a log home, there are a variety of financing options to choose from. These include construction loans, mortgages, and Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOC). Many lenders have streamlined programs for HELOCs.
Lenders who specialize in log home lending understand the special challenges associated with building a log home. This makes them better able to assist you in obtaining a loan.
Before you begin searching for a lender, it is important to consider your individual financial situation and goals. You should be aware of the cost of the land, as well as the costs of building a log home, including foundation and wall completion. Once you have these figures in hand, you will be better able to identify which lenders can best serve your needs.
In addition, you should have a realistic understanding of how long the building process will take. According to Davies Merry, vice president of Southland Log Homes, a log home can take from six weeks to nine months to complete, depending on the type of project.
The process starts with getting a set of detailed plans from the log home company you have chosen. These plans will be necessary for the builder to submit a quote.
Once you have the plan, you can then get a quote for the materials package that will be required to build your log home. These quotes will give you an idea of the total price you will need to spend on your log home.
You can then work with the log home company to make any adjustments to the plans, at no additional charge, to ensure that your home will be within your budget. This helps to avoid unexpected surprises once the builder begins working on your project.
As part of their design service, Southland will provide you with a materials package that is based on the prices for which the log home manufacturer charges to build your log home. These prices are a good guideline for what an independent builder will charge to construct your home.
It is best to select a builder who specializes in log homes. This will ensure that you have a quality product built to your specifications, and that your building experience will be smooth. It will also help to make sure that the builder is reputable and has a track record of doing the job right.