A Great October

Here in Minnesota we are having a run of outstanding weather this week. We have been around 70 each day with even 80 predicted for today. Our recent construction start is seeing great progress with weather like this. Now that 2010 isn't all that far from being done and gone that means the '11 building season really isn't that far away. I'm already getting calls and emails with inquiries about building next spring and early summer.

Now is the time to get the planning stages kicked into high gear if you are thinking of an early '11 start. Make an appointment or two to view some models, start reviewing and fine tuning your plans and check out the log home show schedules. By the time you complete the researching, plan reviewing, breaking down log home packages and touring a few models it will soon be time to start narrowing down your choices. It takes time to get plans drawn and bids gathered so the more time allowed the easier it is on everyone.

Some of you may be in the very early stages of researching log homes while others may be nearing a decision on who to build with. The early stages are fun but can get overwhelming. Go at your own pace and make a list of questions you will want to ask later on. Some of you already have decided on half log or full log construction while others are very new at it and aren't sure of the difference. Keeping a list and asking us will make it easier for us to help you out with the process. One question to avoid asking right away is "how much are your log homes?", especially if you are just starting out and unsure of the plan you may want to build. I can give a range of square footage costs that we see at that time to help you out on determining your budget but it is too early to fine tune an estimate. As your research progresses you will start to make decisions on loft or no loft, square footage, full log or half log construction as well as other budget related items such as interior wall finishes of interior log, T&G knotty pine and drywall. The more information you can give us the more accurate of a ballpark estimate we can give you. If you have land already that is a plus, that eliminates many variables already. Keep in mind that the log home package is only part of the equation. There is also build costs involved along with the driveway, utilities, permits, well and septic to name a few. Too many get caught up on just the log home package and almost forget about the big picture. As things progress and your plans start coming together, a local log home dealer or log home company will be able to give you an accurate turnkey estimate based on the information you have provided them. As we work with you we are helping you establish your plan that hopefully matches your budget.

Thanks for checking in and have a great weekend.