Get smart from the start to build log dream home

By Dan MacArthur
North Forty News

Nothing has quite the allure of log homes.

From somewhere deep in our American psyche, they evoke images of living a simpler existence away from the world's worries.

Even today that's a possible dream, providing it's blended with a healthy dose of reality about building with logs.

The first thing to remember in log home construction, as well as life, is that you get what you pay for. While basic log homes can be relatively economical, the costs can increase dramatically in direct relation to the greater size, complexity and quality of materials--no different than conventional homes.

For example, Richard Clopper of Uncle Jack's Log Homes notes that his supplier markets an 800-square-foot home kit for only $10,000. "That's a heck of a price," he said, providing it suits your needs.

The price goes up from there. Clopper said he paid $24,500 for the kit he is now constructing as a show home in Crystal Lakes. When completed it will total 720 square feet with a 200 square foot loft and full basement.

At the upper end, Jonnie Hamdan estimates that she spent about $500,000 building her elegant 2,400-square-foot custom log home on 35 acres in the high plains north of Wellington. Now, she said, it's been valued at half again as much. "Log homes appraise very well," she said.

"A lot of people have misconceptions of the cost to put up a log house," said B.J. Sage of Sage Log Homes. "You can see a lot of stars in their eyes."

But those stars often fall from their eyes when reality sets in. Typically, Sage said, he'll ask potential customers what they want to spend and he "usually blows that out of the water." He multiplies their figure by as much as four times to arrive at the turn-key cost for a log home on the Front Range. The more costly the land, the greater the multiplier.

In addition to having a grasp on the cost, those planning a log home need to allow a lot of lead time and have a realistic understanding of what they're getting into when it comes to construction.

Other than the quality of the materials, the single most important decision is the choice of a general contractor. Most companies deliver only the kits and let the purchasers take it from there. Some sellers like Sage have a list of recommended builders, but buyers typically are on their own. They need to beware and take great care in hiring a qualified, reliable contractor.

Those who harbor fantasies of building their own log home should make a realistic assessment of their construction abilities and willingness to devote long hours to what can be a physically demanding project.

Given even this admittedly brief overview, it becomes apparent that early and intense planning is the key to successful log home construction. Log home builders need to seriously evaluate their needs and balance them against the costs. They should relentlessly study floor plans and research the companies, materials and different log-joining methods.

Yes, log home dreams can come true; they can happen to you if you're smart from the start.