Find a Log Home Builder

Finding a log home builder is often somewhat difficult. Because log homes require different construction techniques than conventional homes, it is highly advisable that you find a contractor or contractor/builder who is familiar and experienced with log homes.

Log Home Builders and Contractors
What's the difference between a log home builder and a log home contractor. Not much. The two terms are used interchangeably. Technically, a builder may have his own construction employees while a contractor would not. A log home contractor uses sub-contractors ("subs") to do the work while he acts as a manager and coordinator. However, even a log home builder who has employees will usually have to use outside sub-contractors to do some of the work.

Where to Find Log Home Builders
Your log home company or dealer may be able to recommend contractors in the area where you plan to build. In fact, some log home dealers are actually builders or contractors and can play a dual role.

Other sources of contractor information might be a local lumber yard, the bulletin board at your local building supply store, your telephone yellow pages, real estate companies, county building departments, home inspectors, log home websites, a bank or mortgage company that handles log home loans, log home shows, log home magazines, and other local log home owners.

In home contracting, there are good players and bad players, just as in any business. It's your job to sort them out by getting referrals and references, doing research, and asking questions.

Get References
Get a list of some of the builder's or contractor's previous customers. Ask them how satisfied they were with his work. Were there delays? Did workers show up on time? Was workmanship as expected? How were problems handled? Did the contractor communicate and provide progress reports? Did he complete projects on time and within budget? Was he accessible when needed? Did he spend enough time at the job site?

Do Research
How long has the log home builder been in business? Is his company financially stable (will he be around for the duration of your project)? Is he licensed (if required) to do business in your area? How long have his sub-contractors been working with him? What do the subs think about the contractor? Visit home projects in progress if possible. What do local banks and suppliers think of this contractor? Any Better Business Bureau complaints? Is he properly insured, with documented proof? Any past legal actions against him?

Ask Questions
Are the contractor and his sub-contractors familiar with log home construction? Is he familiar with your log home company? If not, are they willing to get any training that might be offered by the log home company? Is he familiar with building codes, practices, and inspections in the area where you want to build? How does he plan to keep you updated on the project? Does he have other projects? Does he have backup sub-contractors if his primaries don't show up? What are his work ethics and principles? How will disputes be handled?

How Do Your Feel About the Log Home Builder?
Do you like him? Are you comfortable with him? Do you communicate well together? Do you trust him and have confidence in him? Do you feel that he will look out for your interests? Do you feel that he will be able to resolve problems efficiently and quickly?

How About Prices?
Obviously, you'll want to get quotes on your project from a number of qualified log home builders. For this you'll have to have detailed plans. The best contractor may not be the least expensive one. If you find a builder whose price is substantially lower than all the others, find out why. Look out for low quality materials and sub-standard workmanship. Price quotes are not final, so if you feel a quote is too high, ask him how you might be able to save money.