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?
Many log home packages focus on the home’s structural shell. In other words, they provide you the main materials needed to get the home up and enclosed, often referred to a weather-tight shell.
That often includes:
- The 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
At Ward, the exact package depends on the home and design, but the goal stays the same. You’re getting the key structural pieces above that make up the home itself, plus these items below: You can find everything that is included and not included outlined in our log home materials package.
- Interior framing for partitions
- Interior T&G for partitions
- Interior 6 Panel Pine doors with Cedar trim
- Loft framing system, including subfloor
- Loft stairs and basement stairs
- Railing for any lofts per plan
This is one reason people like the package approach. It gives them a clearer starting point. Ward plans the materials in advance, and there is less guesswork than sourcing everything piece by piece.
What is not included in your 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 price along. A lower number may look better at first, however it leaves out key materials, quality of materials may be different, so it may not really be the better value.
Questions to ask
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?
The bottom line
A log home package provides you the main structural materials for a defined state of the build sometimes more depending on the company, but it does not usually include everything needed to take the home all the way to move-in.
This is not a bad thing. It just means you need clarity of what you are getting and what still needs to be planned for.
The more clarity, the easier it is to budget well, choose the right builder, and move into the project with confidence.
Want help making sense of it all?
If you are comparing log home packages and want a clearer idea of what is included, we are happy to walk you through it all. No pressure. Just straight answers so you can make the right decision for your log home.
You can contact us here or take a look at our floor plans to start getting a feel for what might fit you best.
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