Wednesday, June 11, 2008

So You've Decided to Build Your Dream Home

You may have been getting those glossy log home magazines for years and glanced at the advertisements from the various log home manufactures. But the question is, “How do you research all those companies and where do you start?!” This is a big question, as there are over 400 log home companies in North America and there just isn’t a “Log Home Consumer Reports” to help you with sorting them all out.

The recommendation that I like to give is to start with those companies who are members of the “Log Home Council.” To qualify for and maintain membership status, a log home manufacturer must:
  • Conduct or participate in a certified log grading program. This insures that customers will get only graded logs when purchasing from a council member. The Log Homes Council recognizes three third-party certified log grading programs: One administered by the Council, Timber Products Inspection and VTT.
  • Subscribe to a rigid Code of Ethics developed to ensure well- constructed, code-complying structures and fair business dealings.
  • Agree to provide interested persons with truthful and accurate information and educational materials about log home building systems.
  • Follow the recommendations provided in the "Log Homes Council construction manual guideline" designed to address issues unique to log home construction as they relate to their individual system.
  • Participate in and sponsor research, training and marketing programs committed to raising log home industry standards.
  • Make a continuing commitment to professionalism and customer service. Be an active member of their local NAHB chapter.

Remember, companies that do not belong to the Log Home Council do not necessarily follow these standards. When you keep your research list narrowed to only council members you have the reassurance that those companies are committed to the above. For your first research assignment, visit the Log Home Council’s website at http://www.loghomes.org/.

-Frank Myka, Beaver Mountain Sales Consultant

2 comments:

Shelley said...

Good advice! - that was our criteria in choosing our log home provider. We recently finished our log home (with the exception of staining.)
Come visit if you have the chance - www.logcabininmichigan.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

Hi,

Wonderful post, thanks a tonne for sharing this log home design resource...