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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