Log Homes - Build or Buy?

It's a common dilemma, "Should I build a new log home, or buy an existing log home?" The answer to this question will depend on a number of factors, many of which are very individual.

Benefits of Buying

No need to visualize - An advantage of buying an existing log home is that you don't have to try to imagine what it's going to be like when it's finished. You can see exactly, and quickly determine if you like it or not.

Shorter time to move in - Unless other factors are at play, you can purchase and move into an existing log home faster than you can build a new home. If time is an important factor, buying may be your best choice.

Fewer decisions to make - Building a custom log house means making a thousand decisions, which can be overwhelming to some people. Buying an existing home significantly reduces the number of decisions to be made.

Easy to make changes - Because log homes have an open architecture and fewer load-bearing walls than conventional "stick-built" homes, making interior changes, even major changes, to an existing log home is relatively easy and inexpensive.

Cost is more predictable - An existing for-sale home has a known asking price; a not-yet-built home doesn't have a known price until it's completed. Information about other costs, such as for heating, insurance, utilities, and taxes are also known for an existing home — from the previous owner.

Better location selection - In many parts of the country, it may be easier to find a an existing home in a great location than to find a great location for a new home. Many of the top spots for log homes are already built on and buildable property has been picked over.

Less stress and strain - It is well known that building a new house is a complex, time consuming, and a generally stressful process, even if you have a contractor handling the details. If you're not up to the task, buying an existing home will typically be simpler and less straining.

Benefits of Building

Greater control - You get to build exactly the home you want rather than accept any compromises that may come with a pre-owned home. If your requirements are very specific and unique, building may be the best way to go.

More choices - When building, you have choices of floor plans, log styles, log species, corner styles, stain color, roof styles, appliances, fixtures, colors, and a thousand other options. Many people love choices and decision-making — others don't.

Being involved - When building new, you get a chance to be intimately involved and put a part of yourself into your new home. You can even participate the construction. You can monitor every step of the process to make sure the job is being done correctly. This can be very satisfying.

Opportunity to save money - If you act as your own contractor or do some of the construction work yourself, you may be able to build a new home for less money than to buy an existing home. If your budget is tight, you have options for compromising to save money.

Location independence - When buying an existing home, you may be caught in a situation in which you've found the perfect house on a not-so-perfect location, or vice versa. Building a new home may give you the chance to have both the perfect house and the perfect location.

New is great - Some people simply like the idea of having something new that is uniquely and exclusively theirs. Moving into a brand new log home can be an exciting experience. Having the latest gadgets, appliances, conveniences, and styles may also be important to you.

Summary

There is no right answer to whether it's better to buy or to build. Your decision will be based on your own personal preferences, priorities, and individual circumstances. In general, if you are flexible, have the time to look, want to live in an already developed area, and prefer a home that is already "broken in", then you may prefer to buy an existing home. On the other hand, if you want total control, have specific needs, are flexible on cost and time, and don't mind a little stress, then building a new home may better meet your needs.

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