Sorry, I just couldn't resist!!!

Selecting a building contractor to build what is maybe your first or tenth new home is definitely one of the most important items on the list of "What to Do". When building a Log Home it is imperative that you get a contractor that has built log homes before and you must have available to you names of families they have built for. I am a little hesitant to say that you should select a builder that has only built one log home but that may just be the best company for you. My wife and I have built one Log Home and that was ours but I have consulted with many people on building and I done extensive research for 20 years. My advantage is that I built conventional homes, industrial buildings and barns for more than 40 years. I believe that I am qualified to advise and build if I chose to for anyone in any style. This is not to say that you should look for a long time builder or one that has only built log homes for a short time. You could expect to get a great home from either situation and if you do not do your homework you just may get a bad experience. PLAN, PLAN, AND PLAN SOME MORE. The builder you select must have insurance required for the locale you will be building in. That most likely will include Workman's Compensation, Unemployment Insurance and Liability. You must have insurance on the building as it progresses and yes, you need at least a million dollar liability policy. We live in a litigation society and nothing is sacred. Have everything in writing and it must be signed by all parties concerned. When you decide the window you thought was placed exactly right or that it isn't the size you thought it would be get ready to shell out some big bucks to change it. Some builders will not cut the openings in the outside walls until the entire home is built as a shell. There are many advantages to this and the main one is that you can see better how the home is going to look and the windows and doors can be moved around a little at this time, if they are cut as the logs are going up it is very difficult to change the openings from one spot or placement to another. You may be responsible for unloading the trucks when they arrive on the job and in most instances the builder of your log home will not be the same contractor that places your foundation and makes sure you have temporary electric available and a sound driveway for heavy machinery to work off of. You will need your sanitary and water taken care of also. I will address more on these subjects in another area.

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