What’s Included and What Isn’t Included
A log home package from Ward Cedar Log Homes includes the core materials needed to build the log home’s main structure and some interior components. It does not include everything needed to for a turnkey build (move-in ready).
That’s the part that can lead to misunderstandings.
Many people hear the word “package” and think it means the entire house is covered. In reality, what’s included depends on the log home company, the package level, and how that company defines it. Some packages are more basic. Some are much more complete. Asking good questions early on helps.
Here’s a breakdown of what’s included, what is not, and what to watch for as you compare options.
What’s included in a Ward log home package?
When you choose a Ward log home package, you get the main materials you need to build your home’s structure, plus a number of interior pieces to help keep your project on track. The details can vary depending on your home and design, but our aim is always the same: to ensure you and your builder have the right materials ready from the start.
A Ward log home package often includes:
- Log wall system
- Floor system materials
- Roof system materials
- Exterior doors and windows
- Fasteners and hardware for the logs and wall support posts
- Construction drawings
- Porch and deck materials, if they are part of the design
- Interior framing for partitions
- Interior tongue-and-groove for partitions
- Interior 6-panel pine doors with cedar trim
- Loft framing system, including subfloor
- Loft stairs and basement stairs
- Loft railings per plan
That’s one reason so many homeowners appreciate the package approach. By planning out the materials ahead of time, Ward helps you and your builder avoid the hassle of tracking down each major piece on your own. It makes the building process a lot smoother.
You can also review Ward’s log home materials package for a more detailed look at what is included and what is not.
What is not included in a log home package?
This is just as important.
A log home package is not the same as a fully finished home. There are still major parts of the project that you will need to budget for separately.
Those often include:
- Site prep and excavation
- Foundation
- Fireplaces and all masonry materials
- Insulation for floors, basements, and roofs
- Floor underlayment and coverings
- House wrap
- Kitchen cabinets and counters
- Drywall
- Roof vents
- Plumbing and plumbing fixtures
- Wiring and Heating
- Appliances
- Paints and varnishes (However, Ward can provide stain for your log home)
- Miscellaneous nails and fasteners
- Garage overhead doors
- Construction and sales tax
This is where homeowners sometimes get caught off guard if they are only looking at the package number. The materials package is a big part of the project (typically 1/3 of the cost) but is not the whole project.
That’s why it also helps to read articles like The Hidden Costs of Building a Log Home. It gives a fuller picture of what the full build can involve.
Why do package levels vary so much?
Because not every log home company builds the same way.
One company might offer a very basic shell package. Another may include more framing, windows, or porch materials. Some may call it a kit. Others call it a package. Some may offer options that can be added on. That is why it’s hard to compare one price to another without knowing exactly what’s behind the number.
This is also why homeowners should be careful about comparing package prices alone. A lower number may look better at first, it leaves out key materials, and the quality of materials may be different, so it may not really be the better value.
Questions to ask before comparing log home packages
Before you get too far into pricing, it helps to ask some simple, direct questions.
Here are a few worth asking:
- Are windows and exterior doors included?
- Is the roof system included?
- Does the package include plans or engineering?
- What labor is not included?
- What will I still need to purchase locally?
- Are porches, decks, or loft framing part of the package?
- Are any interior components included?
Know what you’re really buying
A log home package provides the main materials for a certain stage of your build. Some companies might include more than just the basic shell, but most packages don’t cover everything you’ll need to finish your home.
That’s not a drawback. It just means you’ll want to be clear on what’s included before you start comparing prices or putting together your budget.
The more you know about what’s included, the easier it is to choose the right log home company, have good conversations with your builder, and move forward with confidence.
If you are still narrowing down the size and layout of your home, our log home floor plans can give you a helpful place to start.
Want a clearer look at what’s included?
When you’re looking at log home packages, it’s important to look beyond the price tag. Take some time to see what each company actually includes, what you’ll need to add on your own, and how the package fits with the way you want to build your home.
We’re happy to walk you through our materials package, explain what’s included, and talk about what you’ll still need to plan for. This way, you’ll have a much clearer idea of what you’re getting, not just a number on a page.
Take a look at our log home materials package, or reach out to our team to chat about the home you have in mind.
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