A builder can make or break your log-home project, both in terms of the quality of construction and in your enjoyment of the process. You also need to make sure that you have a builder who can be approved by your lender.

Selecting the right builder for the job is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when buying your log home. This is a time to do your homework, be thorough and take every step necessary to ensure that you’ll be working with a qualified, reputable builder who is licensed and insured.

If you’ve had a previous positive experience with a builder in the area where you’re building, then that’s obviously a great place to start looking for candidates. Your area Association of Home Builders or Chamber of Commerce can be a good sources of information. Your Local Design Center Representative may very well be a builder, and if not, they are certainly knowledgeable about building in the area. Always check to make sure that a contractor is licensed and insured within the state where you’re building.

We recommend meeting personally with no fewer than three different builders so you can get a sense of how well you might work together and how well each one communicates with you. Show them your plans and ask for an estimate of what they would charge to complete the job.

Make sure the builder understands that their job will entail site prep, foundation work, mechanicals and finishes, in addition to the actual log-assembly process. You’ll need to agree on starting dates for both the site prep and construction phases of the project. This is crucial since site prep and foundation instalation must be completed before product delivery since manufacturing and delivery dates are calculated relative to the start of the log and timber assembly.

Also be sure to ask plenty of questions about the builder's professional background.

Here are a few suggestions:

• Has the builder had previous experience building log homes? If so, will he provide references from previous customers?
• Who are the subcontractorsthat will be used and what are their professional reputations?
• When would they be able to start the job?
• Who will be responsible for paying suppliers—the owner or the builder?
• What type of contract will we agree to—cost plus percentage, turnkey price or something else?

If you have questions about this or any other aspect of Heritage Log Homes, click here to send us a question.