Log Home Budgets

The log home budget! No matter how small or big of a log home you are planning, you have a budget that you want to stay within. The log home package is part of it as is the build, land, permits, well, septic and many other items. In your information gathering process you have been making a list of wants, don't wants, things you "have to have" as well as saving photos and probably even drawing up a sketch or two. As you have been talking to log home companies and dealers you should be getting an idea of rough costs. None of us can give you firm numbers without seeing the plan and getting more details but we can give you some ballpark cost ranges of what we see in your area. Recently I had a client call and inquire about a plan he saw on our website. It just so happened it was very similar to one we were bidding out at the time to start this fall. I was able to give him rather accurate estimates on package and build costs of $350,000 not including well and septic (they were already and up to code for cabin that got torn down last week). The client said they were at a budget of around $250,000 total costs, including well and septic. For him to tell me that right away I was able to email him a few sample plans that would fit their budget a bit better. It is very helpful with us to know your budget and what needs to be included in it. Everyone has a different situation. Some own their land free and clear while others still have it financed. Lot costs, site prep, driveways, well, septic, permit, culverts, surveys, power and phone are just some of the budget items that are beyond the log home package and build costs. A log home dealer in your area will have a pretty good handle on these associated costs. Most log home companies talk budget as just the log home package and construction costs. It is a huge time saver for everyone if budgets are talked about. I've seen too many log home enthusiasts lead down the wrong road chasing a dream that is out of their budget because they never talked accurate budget with their log home company. If you are to the point of making a decision on who you are going to go with and are proceeding to spend some money on getting plans drawn up you should have already talked budget with your sales rep. The log home company I'm with charges $1.00/square foot to draw preliminary plans. For a 3000 sq. ft. home that is $3,000 of NON-refundable money. Before I take money from anyone for a plan service I have seen the site, figured out what needs to be included and ran some build estimates so everyone knows what they are getting into before spending the money. We do allow plan modifications as long as we aren't redrawing the whole house. We need to be close for a starting point! To draw and price a house that is way over budget is a waste of your time as well as the drafters, pricing department as well as the builder who is out gathering hard numbers based on that plan. Believe it or not, sometimes the actual numbers come in below estimates! Now you can look at the "wish list" that may include granite countertops, spray foam insulation, maybe a bigger garage, upgrade some floor covers and other fun add-ons. It all comes down to budget and when you are close, either too high or too low, sit down and go over it line by line with your sales rep. For more tips, check out my website www.loghomepackagesandprices.com for more information.

Thanks for checking in and have a great weekend!