Choosing a Log Home
Company - Part 2
by Al Hearn, LogHomeAdvisor.com
 Package
pricing and contents
This is an area in which log home companies have
the greatest differences. Kits can vary considerably
in both content and price.
Some companies offer a basic logs-only packages
and, as a result, offer very attractive prices.
This can be deceiving however. Often, the logs
are random lengths and must be cut and notched
at the job site, creating material waste and increased
labor cost. However, the cost and flexibility
of this approach may meet the needs of some log
home builders.
Other companies offer "all-in-one"
packages that include pre-cut logs along with
every bolt, screw, two-by-four, window, door,
and trim piece that you'll need to complete your
home.
Then there are all kinds of variations in between.
Many companies offer choices in package content
— and price. This is why it is often very
difficult to compare packages from different companies.
Remember, a log kit with an attractive price
that doesn't include all the materials of another
more expensive kit, doesn't make it a better deal.
Missing materials still have to be purchased somewhere,
if not from the log home company then from a local
supplier. There is no clear answer to the question
of whether it's better or less expensive to buy
your non-log materials locally, or from the log
company. There are valid arguments for either
way.
If you want to compare log packages, it's best
to make a detailed side-by-side list of the components
in each one. Be aware that even though two companies
may include the same components, there may be
quality differences in the materials that affect
price. Some log home companies provide very detailed
lists of package contents; others are not so detailed.
If there are any questions about what's included,
contact the log home company for answers.
In our article, What's
It Going To Cost Me?, we explain that the
cost of your log kit is only a part (typically
less than half) of the overall cost of your finished
home. Therefore, when choosing a log home company,
don't let small differences in package prices
unnecessarily influence your decision.
Log drying method
This is a topic that is a source of much confusion
when attempting to choose a log home company.
Some companies use standing dead logs (primarily
for handcrafted homes) that are already dry. Others
use air drying,
kiln oven drying,
or a combination of these methods. Some even use
new-cut "green" wood which is not dried
at all. Each company touts their method as being
superior to all others. So, which method is really
best?
In our opinion, logs should be dried to help
stabilize the dimensional dynamics that occur
naturally in any log after it's been cut and removed
from the forest. These dynamics include shrinking,
warping, twisting, and checking. Conventional
building lumber is all kiln-dried for this reason.
If it's the industry standard for lumber used
in conventional homes, we believe that it's also
good for log homes.
Theoretically, air drying and kiln drying accomplish
the same results. One is natural and the other
is artificially induced in an environmentally
controlled oven (actually a large metal building).
However, there are differences between techniques
and their results. See our article, Log
Drying Methods Explained, for more details.
We consider log drying as important in reducing
potential problems associated with log shrinkage
and settling. Therefore, we suggest you go beyond
the sales hype and take the time and effort to
completely understand how your log home company
dries its logs.
Log Grading
Many log home companies participate in independent
log grading programs. A log grade sets the maximum
allowable defects permitted in the log after
manufacture. Grading limits those characteristics
that can affect the strength and use of the log.
It is is a way of being certain that the log will
do the job it is intended to do. It provides a
layer of protection for both the log home company
and the home buyer by establishing a standard
level of quality for log products.
Log home companies who are members of the National
Association of Home Builders' Log Home Council
participate in a certified log grading program.
Other companies may also have such programs even
though they are not Log Home Council members.
Timber
Products Inspection (TPI) standards are
commonly used.
We suggest that you strongly consider companies
who participate in independent log grading programs.
This is not to suggest that companies who do not
participate should not be considered, but make
sure you learn about their in-house log inspection
and quality control process before you make a
decision.
Business territory
Some log home companies serve only a relatively
small local or regional territory, while others
serve customers nationally or internationally.
Before selecting a company, find out if they do
business in the area where you'll build your home.
Even though log home companies have their headquarters
in a particular location, they may have independent
commissioned dealers or company sales representatives
in various locations around the country or world.
Customers will be directed to work with their
closest representative.
Be aware that it is sometimes desirable, or necessary,
to visit directly with the log home company headquarters
location for such things as seminars, construction
training (if you plan to be your own builder),
architectural design consultations, or plant tours.
Factor this into your decision-making process
when choosing a company.
Customer service
Most log home company customers would
place customer service at the top of their priority
list when asked what's important about the company
they want to do business with.
Buying and building a log home from a kit is
something that many people feel is fraught with
uncertainty and potential problems — because
it's unfamiliar and they've never done it before.
Good log home companies spend extra effort to
say and do the things that relieve customer's
fears and concerns. A good log home company will
take extra steps to educate their customers.
Of course, the proof is in the doing. Some companies
will do a better job than others. As a general
rule of thumb, it should be safe to assume that
any company that has been in business for at least
ten years, and has demonstrated obvious signs
of growth and success, has probably treated its
customers well.
Better Business Bureau
Most log home companies will be members of their
local Better Business Bureau. We recommend
that you check with the BBB for any significant
complaint actions or lawsuits against the companies
you are considering. If you should discover any
such actions, you'll have to use your own good
judgment to determine whether the actions are
significant enough to affect your choosing the
company. Just because someone has launched a law
suit or filed a complaint against a company doesn't
ncecessarily mean the company was at fault. A
large number of actions, however, may be a red
flag.
Log Home Council membership
The Log Homes Council (www.loghomes.org)
is a national organization with membership comprised
of manufacturers of log homes. The LHC is part
of the Building Systems Councils, a council
of the National Association of Home Builders.
Established in the mid-1970's, it currently has
about 60 members.
Council members are log home manufacturers and
producers who have united to develop and promote
quality building systems and ethical business
practices by participation in both mandatory and
voluntary council programs designed to benefit
log home customers. Three important membership
requirements are:
- Participation in a third-party log grading
program to guarantee quality standards.
- Provide a detailed manual of construction
specifications to ensure that their products
are built to the highest standards.
- Agree to conduct business according to the
Log Home Council Code of Ethics and
cooperate with the LHC in resolving customer
complaints.
Although we suggest that you consider LHC membership
as one of the factors in choosing a log home company
(you can check at www.loghomes.org),
don't exclude other equally good or better companies
who have chosen not to be members, or who are
not yet members.
Support services
In addition to supplying home packages, many log
home companies also provide other services such
as design assistance, on-site technical consulting,
builder training, log wall erection, dry-in building,
and even full construction contracting. If these
services are important to you, make sure the company
you choose can provide them. Don't forget to ask
about cost because none of these services are
free.
Dealers
Many log home companies have independent sales
and support representatives, or dealers, who are
tasked with being the "face" of the
company when dealing with customers or potential
customers. Typically, dealers are in locations
that are convenient to customers who will be building
in those areas. Ask your company if a dealer is
in your area.
A good dealer can be a valuable resource as you
plan and build your log home.
Dealers are often builders or contractors who
can not only help you with the selection and purchase
of your log home, but can also help you build
it. This doesn't mean, however, that you must
use the dealer for this purpose if you prefer
not to, although it may be comforting to you to
know that he or she is familiar with that company's
product and building methods.
Web Sites
Nearly all log home companies have Internet web
sites. We list some of them in our Log
Home Company Directory. The most common use
of such web sites is to present company information
and portfolios of home plans. Some companies'
sites offer only the basics; others provide useful
educational and planning tools, including cost
estimators in some cases.
Shipping fees
Log home companies ship their log kits as bundles
on flat-bed trucks. Shipping is not free. Some
companies charge separately for shipping, based
on distance and load. Others have "no additional
cost" shipping, in which the cost is already
in the price of the kit. If you live only a short
distance from the company production facilities,
you may prefer a company that charges separately.
If you live a long distance, the "no additional
cost" method may be less expensive. This
is something to consider when choosing a company.
Warranty
In our article, About
Log Home Warranties, we explain that most
warranties offered by log home companies cover
only manufacturing defects — not the logs
or the home itself. Many buyers mistakenly believe
that these are whole-home warranties. Some companies
do offer whole-home warranties that are provided
by third-party firms. The extra cost of these
warranties may be included in the company's package
prices.
Therefore, when choosing a log home company,
make sure you understand the type of warranty
offered, exactly what it covers, and for how long.
Also ask if it is transferable in case you sell
your house.
Since most log home warranties are limited, and
the possibility of included problems so rare,
we suggest that you not place undue importance
on this factor in making your choice of company.
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