Vast difference of cost between two log home providers

8 Comments

Comment by Donald Parsons on June 24, 2008 at 11:00am

Larry: Welcome to the world of DETAILS. As most people have heard the "devil is in the details". It's hard to do an "apples to apples" comparison but in order to make sure you are getting what you are expecting you HAVE TO READ AND UNDERSTAND EXACTLY what materials you are getting in each package. If there is 40k difference in what is percieved as the "same" package, something is way off. It's best to step back, take some time to determine if both manufactures are using the SAME floor plan and are quoting the SAME IDENTICAL items in each material package. Just because both companies may be including windows, DON'T assume they are the same QUALITY windows. This goes for any of the items in each of the packages (timber frame roof vs. convention frame, etc). I understand it is difficult to wade thru this process but in order to make sure you are getting what you are expecting, ASK QUESTIONS BEFORE you place an order. Don't find out afterwards that the "price" you bought was not what you expected! Remember the old saying "you get what you pay for"? Keep this saying in mind, do your homework and ask LOTS of questions - you'll be glad you did.

Comment by Rob Romine on June 24, 2008 at 11:58am

I can't add any additional comments to what Donald already mentioned. Very good info. Caveat Emptor (Buyer Beware)

Comment by Ted on June 24, 2008 at 6:35pm

I agree with what both Rob and Donald said. I have looked at many different log home manufacturers packages over these last couple of years and find the challenge daunting. You have to be a lawyer to be able to understand the differences. I guess the only option any of us has is to personally sit down with the different manufactures and show them, while you are there, what someone else is offering you ... and I mean item by item. Write it down. Don't expect to remember what they say. Once you have all the information in hand go back to the original quoted package. Let them tell you why they are different than the other package quotes you have gotten. Write it down. Go home, make a list of what you get from each manufacturer and see how they compare. I know this is expensive and time consuming but it's better then making a 40k mistake.

I've done this and I know it's not easy but I can't figure out an easier way of getting at the information.

Ted

Comment by Larry on June 25, 2008 at 10:59am

Many thanks for your suggestions.
Larry

Comment by Cheryl on July 2, 2008 at 6:59am

We used Southland Log Homes. We love our home. However, the comment about the windows and doors is SO true. We did not question what they were giving us - we ended up with doors and windows that we are going to have to replace soon - windows that leak, seals that are falling out, doors that do not open correctly and fog up. Do your comparison shopping as was suggested and unfortunately you should do an item to item comparison. If you know what you want, then present it as such to all companies. Southland makes a good log home package. We searched for a long time and even went to visit. We were very happy with their logs - However, what we thought we were getting, plan wise, we didn't. Please put it all down in writing - item by item. Question, question, question and keep questioning until you are satisfied with what you have proposed. Write it down - make copious notes that you can understand; and it does not hurt to use an architect and not necessarily theirs, to finalize your plans . It really is not that expensive and well, well worth it. Something else we learned we should have done. To end up with what you want will take alot of searching and questioning, but if you do your homework, in the end, you will have something unlike anyone else has. Each log home is unique -as are it's owners - it becomes a part of your heart and soul!!!

Comment by Sheila on July 16, 2008 at 10:18pm

Hi Larry, I am a dealer for another company, so I won't start my sales pitch. :-) But, here is something I think folks should know. Southland is owned by Arcapita. Check it out on the web. Arcapita is a Bahrain-based investment firm.

Comment by Larry on July 17, 2008 at 8:15am

Thanks for the information Sheila. I also found out that our Church's Chicken is another one of the Arcapita holdings as well as Caribou Coffee. http://www.boycottwatch.org/caribou/caribou02.htm
Larry

Comment by Karen on July 21, 2008 at 9:48pm

We considered a log home package and just discovered there are many builders out there experienced in putting together log homes. AND we found a building supply co. just 1 mile from our property. So just look around, ask lots of people, see if they were happy with their builder, and avoid those big companies who sell a kit. Local lumber will keep your costs way down, save on your carbon footprint, and any mistakes...you can just run to the local supply and get more wood. We won't use a log home package. We are near Cherokee, NC. Just keep searching and you'll save money. :)

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