Don’t Do This!

Five common and costly log home construction pitfalls — and how to avoid them.

1. Lacking a Clear Vision
Not having a solid vision for your home can lead to confusion and overwhelm, especially during the design phase. With a dizzying number of options for layouts and finishes, it’s easy to fall into a “grass is greener” mentality, second-guessing your decisions. This lack of clarity can not only drag out the decision-making process on the front end but also lead to costly change orders further into the process. Having a carefully thought-out plan before you initiate the building process will result in a smoother experience and ensure your personal taste is reflected throughout all aspects of your log home, from the floor plan to the finishing touches.

2. Hiring Hastily
If you’ve been contemplating the idea of building for any amount of time, you’ve likely come across a story or two of a construction project gone south. As often as not, a general contractor or subcontractor who overpromised and underdelivered is the cause. To help ensure you have the best team in place before you begin your build, take the time to check the references of your potential team thoroughly, seeking insights from homeowners willing to share their real-life building experiences. If possible, visit projects in-person to inspect quality. This kind of boots-on-the-ground research requires extra time on the front end, but a carefully vetted team will pay dividends in the long run, leading to a quality, well-built home you are proud of.

3. Underestimating Costs
We have all heard about home building budgets gone awry. Keeping a close eye on your finances during building can help guard against this, but typically, extra expenses aren’t the result of extravagant upgrades, like fancier finishes, that you control. Instead, they are usually the result of necessary costs that arise during site prep or construction. Failing to factor in these unexpected and unavoidable expenses can be a major budget buster. The secret to staying on track with minimal stress is to include a contingency fund of anywhere from 10 to 20 percent of total estimated project costs into your budget. That way, when the inevitable changes arise, you’ll be able to adapt to the costs with ease knowing you’re still within the parameters of your financial goals.

4. Setting an Unrealistic Timeline
As with projected building costs, setting an overly optimistic building timeline can lead to unnecessary stress. Rome wasn’t built in a day and your log home won’t be either. As a general rule, plan to reach out to your log home company at least six months to a year before you want to begin building. This will give you time to make thoughtful, unhurried decisions concerning layout and finishes. Next, expect that site prep and construction may take around a year or even stretch into a couple of years, depending on the scope of your build. This buffer will allow you to work around unexpected factors, such as slow permitting approvals or weather disruptions. Having manageable expectations, including a realistic, well-planned timeline, will make your building experience the best it can be.

5. Forgetting Annual Maintenance
Once your project is finished, it is imperative to stay on top of maintenance. A homeowner who forgets to keep up with yearly care is compromising the integrity and beauty of their logs in the long run. It is essential to adhere to an annual maintenance schedule to keep your logs in prime shape. Plan to inspect the logs annually, adding sealant every 3-5 years, as needed, to deter premature aging and ensure your Ward home remains beautiful well into the future.

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