Secrets to a Successful Build

How to have a successful (and enjoyable!) log-home building journey.

As the saying goes, Rome wasn’t built in a day — and your log home won’t be either. Creating your Ward log home is a journey, and our goal is to make it one you enjoy, not just endure. While stories of custom-home builds gone awry are all too common, our 100-plus years of crafting log homes for happy clients have revealed a few key strategies to help ensure a smooth, successful, and satisfying home building journey. It’s our privilege to pass them on to you:

1. Define Your Vision

The first step towards building the log home of your dreams is to establish a clear plan. Sit down and map out your vision for the home, along with practical considerations, like your desired location and budget. It can be helpful to organize your priorities into categories, such as “must-haves” or “nice-to-haves” to ensure you stay true to your vision while also remaining flexible.

If you’re building with a spouse or partner, remember that differences in opinion are common and compromise is your friend. You are on the same team working towards a common goal. Lean into your shared vision, and you’ll find unity in your commonalities.

2. Do Your Research

Knowing what to expect throughout your home-building project is one of the best ways to set yourself up for a seamless, successful experience. Do your homework online, but don’t overlook more traditional avenues for learning, like magazines, local log home shows, and — one of the best resources — talking with other log-home owners. Hearing first-hand about others’ journeys can give you an inside glimpse into the process and help you know what to expect.

3. Start Early

While the actual construction process of a log home can be quicker than a traditional stick-frame build, there is plenty that goes into the process before your log walls ever go up. It is best to begin the journey about 18 months to two years before you’d like to move in. This timeline allows you to work through the design process stress-free, customizing your home to your exact specifications, as well as handle the more technical (and often time-consuming) parts of the process, like financing, permitting, and site prep.

4. Select the Right Team

Building your home with a team you can trust is crucial to the success of your project, especially if you are building remotely and won’t be able to visit your site often. Starting with Ward on your side puts you a step ahead. For nearly a century, we have been rooted in timeless values, like integrity, quality craftsmanship, and reliability, and we consistently demonstrate an unwavering commitment to our clients.

If you plan to hire a general contractor, we can provide you with a list of recommended professionals in your area. It’s important to vet each one, checking their references and considering how well your personalities align — after all, you’ll be spending a considerable amount of time communicating with them throughout your build.

5. Expect the Unexpected

In both life and home building, disappointment and frustration often arise when expectations aren’t met. Planning for the unknown can help you manage stress if challenges arise during construction. Potential setbacks might include permitting or supply chain delays, topographical site issues, or even storms. However, keeping a healthy margin around your timeline and budget — say, 10% to 15% percent — will allow you to adapt to changes more easily.

And rest assured, you can count on us to be with you every step of the way, ensuring that your building experience is as rewarding as the final product.

Get a Free Price Quote and begin your legacy by building with Ward.

Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram for inspiration, events, tips and more!