Process-Overview

Basic Breakdown

What it takes to build a log or timber home from start to finish.

Building a house — whether it’s a log home, timber home or a hybrid— can seem like a daunting task. And while we admit it is a complex process with a lot of moving pieces, it is more than doable, even if you have no previous construction experience. What is the secret to embracing a potentially overwhelming project? Breaking it down into manageable pieces.

We’re big believers in this magic; that’s why we’ll equip you with a 100-plus page construction guide to walk you (or your builder) through the building process, step by step. But, while we’re all about sharing the nitty-gritty details, we also believe a high-level overview is in order at times. We don’t want you to miss the forest for the trees, after all. (Especially when it’s a forest of our sustainably sourced cedar.)

So, to help take the mystery out of the building process, here’s a high-level overview of a few stops you’ll make on your dream home journey.

- To kick off the process of creating your new home, you’ll begin by determining your budget. If you’ll be financing to build your log or timber home, keep in mind that you likely will need a traditional 15-30 year mortgage loan, in addition to a shorter term construction loan.

- Select a property for your new cedar log or timber home and prep the site. In addition to obvious considerations, like location, proximity to amenities and views, consider the site’s topography and setbacks. Also, when choosing a property, beyond the price of the land, you’ll want to plan for necessary site-prepping costs, such as tree removal, septic and/or well installation and foundation costs.

- Choose your design. This is where the real fun begins, and you get to put all of those log home ideas you have been collecting into action. Remember, you’ve got options. You can select a tried-and-true Ward Cedar Log Home floor plan for your new home and modify it to suite your lifestyle and style preferences. Or, you can create a new home from the ground up, with the layout and finishing materials perfectly suited to you. Once you have a design in mind, we’ll arm you with a log home plan, creating an estimate for a log cabin kit based on your preferences and budget.

- Select a general contractor who will help bring your Ward Cedar home to life, (unless you’re going the “DIY” route). Whichever way you choose to build, we offer support every step of the way. We will send an on-site representative to ensure your home is started off right and finishes the same way.

- Once your home is complete, landscaping and decorating are next up on the agenda — but only after a well-deserved celebration, of course.

Contact us today to begin your log home journey.

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