Home-Building-Process-Part-I

What to Expect From the Log Home Planning Process, from Dream Stage to Delivery Day

Before you begin building your dream log home, understanding exactly how the vision in your mind will transform into a real-life structure can feel like a bit of a mystery. We’re here to lift the veil from the home-building process. We want you to be prepared for every part of the journey. After all, you’re never just along for the ride when you build with Ward Cedar Log Homes — you’re in the driver’s seat. Whether you’re building a log cabin, a timber home or a hybrid, our goal is for you to feel confident and comfortable from the starting point to the finish line.

In this two-part guide, we’re mapping out the entire process, from planning to construction. Keep reading to see what to expect from the beginning of your journey up until delivery day of your materials. Then, stay tuned for “Part 2,” which carries you all the way to move-in day and beyond.

1. Select a Log or Timber Home Company

Once you have purchased a property for your new home, teaming up with the right log or timber frame company is the next step in turning your dream into reality. It’s also arguably the most important. After all, the success of your new build and your satisfaction through the process can rise and fall as a result of this one decision. The pressure is on! But — take heart — you’re already in the right place. When you choose Ward Cedar, you’re getting 99 years of time-tested experience using the same quality materials, high-level craftsmanship and a commitment to customer care before, during and after your build.

2. Make a Financial Plan

If you’re financing the purchase of your log home, now is the time to find a lender. Securing a mortgage for a log home is different than a conventional mortgage for a pre-existing home, as you will need not one loan but two: a short-term construction loan that will cover the labor and materials used to build your home, as well as a more traditional, long-term mortgage loan for the cost of the home itself. (This is in addition to any financing for your home’s building site.) For more information and resources on this topic, check out our post: “Financing for Your Log or Timber Home”.

3.  Create Your Dream Design

It’s finally time to turn all of your dreams and ideas into a buildable design! Personalize one of our tried-and-tested floor plans or go totally custom. The choice is up to you! Our in-house design team will discuss every detail of your ideal home then customize a plan with your unique lifestyle, lot and budget in mind. To get a head start on creating your dream design, check out our posts on picking the perfect plan and modifying that plan for your family.

4. Prepare the Site, Assemble the Team

Getting your property and team ready for your new home is where the bulk of your time and attention will go before your logs and other building materials are delivered. You will select a general contractor, or if acting as your own, line up your subcontractors. (If you need assistance in this area, we can point you in the right direction.) During this phase, you will also need to secure permitting from your local building department, complete any site-prep work (such as clearing the land, excavating, cutting a driveway, squaring away your utilities, installing a septic system or digging a well) and construct a foundation and subfloor.

5. Gather the Materials

While you are busy getting your site prepped and building team lined up, we will be hard at work assembling your building package — including milling, cutting and numbering the northern white cedar logs for your new home and running them through a multi-point quality inspection. During this stage, we’ll also be putting together the materials for the floor, wall and roof system, along with your windows and doors. Once everything is ready to go, we’ll schedule your delivery day. (More on that here.) Construction of your dream log home is about to begin!

Stay tuned for part two of this planning guide: “What to Expect From the Log Home Building Process, From Delivery Day to Move-in Day.”

Start discussing your ideas for your log home or cabin, and reach out to our team today. We are ready to help you live your best life in a log or hybird/timber home today … and long into the future.

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