A Testimonial from Sue & Tom - Wisconsin Log Homes

Written by: Sue & Tom

Wisconsin Log Homeowners in Georgia

June 2009

I think my love for log homes began as a small child when we’d go to visit my Great Aunt and Uncle. They lived in a full log cottage on a lake in Northern Wisconsin. When I was there I always felt safe and secure while looking at the log walls and the warm fire glowing in the living room fireplace. After meeting my husband I’d take him to visit my family in the log cottage and he grew to love it as much as I did.

During our early years of marriage the thought of one day owning a log home never came to mind as we were too busy with our children and never really even thought we would be able to afford it.

Later on we began to once again think about a log home and how beautiful they were. We slowly saved and did some initial investigating. I subscribed to log home magazines for years, we received log home books as gifts from friends and we attended log home building seminars. Every few years we’d give the idea more thought and even go look at land and visit log home companies, but something always got in the way of making our dream come true.

Tucked away in the closet were our many magazines and books on log homes. Hundreds of floor plans and one always stuck in my mind and came back to me from a place called Wisconsin Log Homes. Being from Wisconsin my husband and I thought we’d give this place a try and see what they could offer us. In August 2007 I emailed Ehren Graf who sent us his business card when we ordered the planning book and before we knew it we had a reply and were on our way!

From day one Ehren was always eager to assist us and to make sure we understood everything. Many times we made changes to the Aurora plan and not once did Ehren ever say “that can’t be done or it will cost you extra to make a modification” like other log home companies told us. Instead his reply was “that’s not a problem we can handle it”! We met Ehren, Nate and Stephanie in Atlanta, October 2007, when they were at a log home seminar and picked up our house plans. So, we found our log home company, we had our plan pretty much figured out and we had no land.

We began our search in Tennessee (thinking we’d move closer to my husband’s brother and wife) but in a round about way the Lord told us we needed to stay closer to home in Georgia. I found some property the weekend after Thanksgiving 2007 in lovely Pine Mountain, GA (just 40 minutes north from where we lived in Columbus). We went to look at the property on a Saturday; we met with the realtor the next day and made an offer that was accepted!

Now we faced the dilemma “who would be get to build our dream home”. Once again Ehren made that task simple and easy…he referred us to Dave Lipovsky and said Dave could do the job. I called Dave (who lives in Michigan) and spoke to him over the phone. He sounded young and I wondered “can this guy really build this home for us” and when he told me his business was family owned and was started by his Grandfather I knew this was the person to build our log home because family is very important to us.

Dave and Ehren flew down to Georgia one day in mid-January 2008 to meet us and look at our property. We all agreed the land we found was perfect for our home and we could not wait to get started later in fall.

As luck would have it we got a phone call from Dave in March asking us if we’d like to start our home earlier due to another home that was ahead of ours not being able to secure financing. We told Dave we were ready and the ball was rolling!!!

My first worry was “will Wisconsin Log Homes be able to move our dates up for everything…will they have the lumber we need and will they be able to deliver sooner”. Again, my fears were unnecessary because Ehren said “Sue that is not a problem we are ready whenever you are”!

Throughout the whole building process everyone at Wisconsin Log Homes has been so very helpful and willing to go the extra mile to ensure our home is truly spectacular. From Dave and Kathy, the owners, to the guys who work so hard out in the lumber yard, each person played a very important part of our log home process and for that we are very grateful.

Dave Janczak made our one-of-a-kind dining room table and our fireplace mantels. Dave and Kathy welcomed us to visit them at their beautiful home two times (both at the spur of the moment) as did Nate and Stephanie. They are truly a family that cares about their business and their customers!

Stephanie Gauthier is priceless in her job of home décor (not to mention this service is free)! She has an eye for log home furnishings and was great when it came time to have everything crated and shipped to us.

Each time I changed my mind or needed something else I simply called Ehren. He said he’d get right on it and meant it (always reminding me that we had not planned to start construction for another year and here we were getting ready to move in)!

Several times we were asked the same question “why did you choose a log company located in Wisconsin and a contractor from Michigan to build your home in Georgia”. The answer was quite simple…after doing years of research we knew the only way to get a log home that will last for years, be well built, as well as beautiful, was to go with these two companies. The quality of materials from Wisconsin Log Homes is superior to all others and the skilled craftsmanship our contractor and his family possess is so hard to find. The two companies are a team that is unbeatable in our opinion and we will always refer anyone interested in a log home to go nowhere else!!!

Many lasting friendships have been formed between the Wisconsin Log Home family and our family. Thanks to Wisconsin Log Homes and Lipovsky Building Company…thirty two years later here we are living our log home dream and loving it!!!

Sue & Tom OKray

Personalized Interior Design Services - Wisconsin Log Homes

Written by: David Janczak (founder/owner)

Wisconsin Log Homes, Inc.

www.wisconsinloghomes.com

As anyone who’s built a custom home knows, the design and decorating process can sometimes be overwhelming considering all the different choices you are faced with. Our goal has always been to make our clients’ lives as easy and stress-free as possible during the design and build process, and we’ve built our services around that priority. We implemented our in-house interior design services and hired a professional interior design team in 1998 to assist our clients every step of the way and to maximize the enjoyment that designing and building a log or timber home can bring.

Available to assist you with as much or as little design assistance you need throughout your project, your personal interior designer will help you make comfortable decisions while keeping your project organized and bringing fresh and creative ideas to your attention. At Wisconsin Log Homes, working with an interior designer does not stop inside the home. You’ll receive personalized guidance when selecting colors that are included with your home such as stain, window and door cladding, soffits, roofing, hardware, etc.

In addition to assisting with coordinating home components, your interior designer will also generate a furniture layout customized for your floor plan to give you a better sense of proportion and to make sure each room will live up to your expectations before the home is built. Important facets of space planning include furniture and lighting placement (including floor and mantel outlets), walkways around furniture, islands and posts, and even where to place treasured pieces.

Your interior designer will also work with you on custom furniture design and specifications, cabinetry, decorative lighting and consultative-type services such as choosing paint colors, flooring, accessories and more. An extensive resource library makes finding that unique look almost effortless on the homeowner’s end. And if a truly custom piece cannot be found or is requested, it can often be handmade for you by either myself or another artist.

Being in business for 33 years, we’ve had customers come back to us for interior design updates, remodel projects and major additions. And I’m most proud to say we’ve had customers come back to build their second or even third Wisconsin Log Home. Building dream homes is about building long lasting relationships with consistently satisfied homeowners who refer their family and friends because they know we care and they know we’ll go above and beyond what’s expected to give each client the best possible experience.

To learn more about our interior design services, or to receive our quarterly Designer Ideas E-newsletter, go to our website.

“Your interior designer was very receptive to our ideas, and worked hard to help us find the unique pieces that suited our decorating style. She was most helpful and gave us the sense that we were always in control of how our home was going to look. Instead of taking over the project, she was our guide, sharing her interior design skills with us so we got just the look we were after.” –S & J Hennigan

What are Luxury Services? - Wisconsin Log Homes

Written by: David Janczak (founder/owner)

Wisconsin Log Homes, Inc.

www.wisconsinloghomes.com

Building our first log home over 39 years ago, my wife, Kathy, and I learned first-hand that the quality of your experience is just as important as the quality of your home.

In fact, we founded Wisconsin Log Homes in 1976 with an idea to offer a complete package and complete services. “Putting it all together” is our specialty. And making your design and building experience efficient and enjoyable is our priority.

Having been customers many times ourselves, we understand that it takes more than just great products and services to please customers; it takes great people and great relationships. When you decide that Wisconsin Log Homes is the right fit for you, you’ll be surrounded with friendly, knowledgeable, and trustworthy people who are here to meet your personalized needs and guide you through the entire process. And naturally, they’ll help you create wonderful memories along the way.

From our saw mill to our design artists and craftsman, our team will make sure all the details are addressed. Here are some of the people who will surround you…

Personal Home Consultant:
From your first contact with Wisconsin Log Homes, your personal home consultant will provide honest answers, guidance, support, and the assistance you need. They are not here to “sell” you a home…they are here to guide you in a direction that’s right for you. Your home consultant will be your primary contact and resource throughout the process. Clients tell us how their relationship with our consultants often grows into lifelong friendships, which is the ultimate compliment.

In fact, just yesterday I received a letter from the Arbours’ saying the following about their consultant –
“Over the last year and a half or so I had the pleasure of getting to know our home consultant, Clay Veldt. Clay has been an invaluable resource to us. Clay was always available to us and always had answers to our many questions. He was very knowledgeable not only about the Wisconsin Log Homes product, but also about log homes in general, as well as the industry. Throughout this process Clay became not only our consultant, but also our friend. I think that speaks volumes for Clay and his level of service. I not only relied on Clay for answers to my questions, but looked forward to our conversations just because I enjoyed talking with him. My husband and I even enjoyed him as our dinner guest when he was here for a log home show. It is my belief that people tend to be very quick to complain when they feel that customer service has been less than what they expected, but not so quick to let management know when just the opposite occurs and someone like Clay goes way above what is expected.”

Architectural Designers:
Our designers are noted as the best in the industry. For starters their designs are brilliant; however they are most respected for their consideration of individual lifestyle requirements, their attention to detail, and their ability to really listen to your needs and visions. They will work with you and your home consultant to incorporate all your ideas and needs into the plan of your dreams, and give you helpful advice and input based on their knowledge and experience. Your visions will always be respected when working with our team.

Project Managers & Builders:
Finding a builder you trust to construct your home with attention to quality and detail is an important step in building a custom wood home. You don’t have to worry about finding a builder you trust when working with Wisconsin Log Homes, as we have our own project manager and National Builder Network filled with qualified contractors throughout the world. If you already have a builder in mind, we’ll help you qualify them.

Interior Designers:
Imagine working with an interior designer who sets aside all egos and truly listens to your desires and helps you achieve the style you envision, not the style she or he prefers. Imagine the comfort and reassurance you’ll receive with personalized assistance throughout the entire design and build process. Working with one of the top interior designers in the industry, you’ll get expert guidance with room arrangement, furniture selection, lighting, rugs, accessories, cabinetry, paint and stain to achieve your specific design style.

Custom Work Shop:
As some of you may already know, my passion aside from log homes is designing and building mantels, furniture, and tables. Because so many of our clients come to us for unique rustic pieces, we decided to offer our homeowners custom crafted doors, mantels, trusses, stairs, railings, unique trim, furniture, lighting, cabinets, hardware, tables, bar tops, root flared logs, hand-scraped woods, carvings, taxidermy, antler artwork and paintings.

We are proud to offer these services to you and hope you’ll give us the opportunity to prove our decades of knowledge, experience, innovation and dedication in your custom wood home. Log on to our website at http://www.wisconsinloghomes.com/ to learn more about Wisconsin Log Homes.

Top Reasons Thermal-Log is Smarter than Solid-Log

Written by: David Janczak (founder/owner)

Wisconsin Log Homes, Inc.

www.wisconsinloghomes.com

My work as a builder combines craftsmanship, quality, and art, and I refused to settle for less. I pioneered our Thermal-Log™ Building System in the 1970’s knowing that log homes could be both beautiful and smart, and homeowners shouldn’t have to settle with the many flaws that come along with solid-log construction. Homes are meant to keep you and your family comfortable for years to come, and I realized first-hand that living in a solid-log home made that very difficult.

The following points show why our Thermal-Log may be better suited for your needs than solid-log construction.

1. Energy Efficiency – To ensure that every Wisconsin Log Home achieves the energy rating the owner chooses, our Thermal-Log Building System utilizes a 2x6 core wall to employ innovative insulation options and is 3 to 4 times more energy efficient than a solid-log wall.

2. High R-Values – Thermal resistance (or resistance to heat flow) is measured in R-value; the higher the R-value, the more thermal resistance. The average R-value for softwoods is 1.30 per inch and 0.71 for most hardwoods. An average 10-inch thick solid-log wall provides an R-7.9 (R-13 across its full diameter, dropping to R-5.2 at each horizontal joint). Our Thermal-Log wall system with the same 10-inch log can provide you with up to an R-47+. Higher R-values result in a more comfortable home and substantially reduced energy costs in every type of climate.

3. Energy Code Compliance – Our Thermal-Log Building System meets national building codes and all current energy standards. Solid-log homes, however, often cannot satisfy most building codes or Energy Star standards. Some states have exempted solid-log homes from normal energy compliance while others require additional insulation in the home’s roof to make up for the low R-value of the solid-log walls.

4. No Settling Adjustments – Unlike solid-log construction, our Thermal-Log is structurally maintenance free. Sure you’ll need to stain and caulk your home every few years, but there are virtually no settling problems due to exterior log wall shrinkage. You won’t have to worry about adjusting interior walls to accommodate for log settling around fireplaces, doors, windows, and support beams. I can’t tell you the number of horror stories I’ve heard over the years about the problems solid-log homeowners have had with their roof if they weren’t adjusted properly over the first 3-4 years and if subtrades are not knowledgeable or experienced, and use shortcuts during construction.

5. No Air Infiltration – Thermal-Log uses an energy smart insulated core wall wrapped in Tyvek, the most advanced air and water resistance house wrap in the industry, to ensure higher energy-efficiency by stopping air leaks, resulting in an extremely air-tight home. As a result, the Thermal-Log home’s temperature is much more consistent, and the cold and costly drafts typical with solid-log construction are completely eliminated.

Since wood naturally absorbs moisture and expands in high humidity, it also releases moisture and contracts in low humidity. A traditional solid-log home is much more vulnerable to developing air leaks as the log walls expand or contract. Often during contraction or expansion, small ‘gaps’ will open between the logs, creating air leaks, which cause drafts and costly heating or cooling bills. If not properly maintained with seasonal caulking, natural settling throughout climate changes with most solid-log homes are inevitable.

6. Ease of Electrical Installation – With our Thermal-Log, all wiring can be done conventionally. Wiring is installed in the wall cavity and ceilings prior to interior finish materials or custom log work. Outlets, lights, and even security and sound systems can all easily be mounted on any wall you need without sacrificing beauty.

Wiring a solid-log home is very time consuming and costly because of the notching, chiseling, and drilling required to hide the wires. Wire installation can only be done along doorway trim or behind additional required baseboard so the wiring can be hid. This method requires outlets to be installed much closer to the floor than normal, which can make plugging things in a chore.

7. Trouble Free Construction – Our Thermal-Log Building System has overcome the natural inadequacies of solid-log construction. Professional builders find that our building system, detailed home plans, and our knowledgeable support team brings certainty and simplicity to the job site. Because of all these advantages, the average Thermal-Log home can be built in approximately 1/3 less time than a solid-log home, saving you time and money.

Since solid-log construction often requires longer lead times and takes a longer time to build, your labor costs will always be more.

8. Design Flexibility – The flexibility of our Thermal-Log system permits an extensive range of architectural styles and the freedom to select and combine unique building materials of your choice. Both the interior and exterior of the home can be finished with an endless possibility of distinctive products. Log and timber accents are easily applied where the owner chooses without being overwhelmed by wood.

Solid-log structures consist of log exterior walls throughout the entire perimeter of the interior of the home. Besides the stain color, usually the only choice owners have is a round or flat log wall, and whether they want chinking or not.

9. Ease of HVAC Installation – Thermal-Log allows all HVAC applications to be installed conventionally and more efficiently in the core wall, or where needed without re-routing it to other walls within the house. Air ducts, diffusers, boots, etc can be installed with ease.

The exterior walls of a solid-log wall can not be used for cold air returns or any type of duct work. All duct work must be re-routed, boxed out, or hid in closets or interior framed walls. This process requires more materials and more labor, dramatically increasing cost.

10. Ease of Plumbing – Thermal-Log permits conventional plumbing work to be installed and hid within the core wall or floor system, saving the owners time and money.

Seeing that all exterior walls are solid wood in a solid-log home, they can not be used for plumbing (not even vent piping for sinks can be installed on the outer exterior walls).

11. Ease of Cabinet Installation – Thermal-Log allows for different types of wall finishes, which saves on installation costs and makes fastening cabinets and vanities to the core wall easy and fast.

Because solid-log walls aren’t typically flat and shrink in height, problems arise when cabinets are directly mounted to them. To account for movement, the installer attaches cabinets to a sub-frame wall that’s built against the log wall. In solid-log construction when cabinets are anchored directly to solid log walls, problems inherently accrue in time if the log wall settles or moves.

12. Ease of Onsite Changes – During construction when homeowners actually walk through and see their walls up; they occasionally realize that the location of a window or door would better serve their needs if it was moved. This adjustment is easily done with our Thermal-Log because the core wall can easily be disassembled or rebuilt as needed.

However, once a solid-log wall is up it is extremely expensive to relocate a window or door because the logs are all stacked on top of one another. Sadly, homeowners realize it’s something they’ll just have to live with.

13. Ease of Future Additions or Remodeling – The structural integrity of our Thermal-Log Building System gives owners total design freedom; they’re limited only by their creativity, property lines and budget when considering remodeling.

Solid-log wall additions are susceptible to developing air leaks. It is very important that the builder constructs and correctly installs slotted anchors or spline boards to allow for movement between the existing structure and the new addition. These joints must be re-caulked as the movement will continue to break the seal.

14. Unlimited Artistic Architectural Styles – Thermal-Log Building System allows for a wide range of styles from Western Mountain, Pacific Northwest, Adirondack, Chalet, Appalachian, and Craftsman to French Country. Whether your style is elegant, rustic or contemporary, your design possibilities are infinite.

Some people feel that many of the solid-log homes built today are more frontier style, rather bland, and free of artistic details other than the log and stone materials used on them.

We are proud to offer our homeowners a building system that is eco-friendly, cost-effective, low maintenance, comfortable, and beautiful. Log on to our website to learn more about our innovative system.

In Harmony with Nature - Wisconsin Log Homes

Written by: Kathy Janczak (co-founder/owner)

Wisconsin Log Homes, Inc.

www.wisconsinloghomes.com

We periodically hear concerns from people about the trees we use and how we harvest our logs in harmony with nature. I’d like to share a few personal reasons why this subject is very dear to me and Dave. I grew up on a dairy farm in Wisconsin and learned to live with the land and nature in my early years. As a family, we tried to rely exclusively on gardening, farming and the land for most of our needs. Our heat was generated from the dead trees we cut on our land. We grew and canned all of our own vegetables and fruits. All of our milk products came from our dairy herd, and our meat was also home grown or from hunting and fishing.

Dave’s dad and grandfather owned a 1200-acre pine plantation in Wisconsin; early on he recognized trees as a crop – with a long growing cycle. He also learned the importance and responsibility of managing – planting, growing, and harvesting – a forest. Both of us have a deep appreciation for nature because it sustained our livelihood, and we’ve always taught our family to value and enjoy the earth’s natural resources.

Today, it’s important for everyone to know that Wisconsin Log Homes takes proper forest management very seriously. The log and timber suppliers we partner with follow conscientious harvesting and reforesting practices, ensuring a continuous supply of quality trees. Innovative, ecologically sound silviculture programs have been implemented to replant and maintain harvested areas, planting about three trees for every one harvested. The latest technologies in road building and harvesting are used to ensure that the environment is impacted minimally.

We believe that it is possible to live in harmony with nature by using our natural resources properly. You can be sure that by building a Wisconsin Log Home, you will be respecting and honoring the environment.

Geothermal Systems - Wisconsin Log Homes

Written by: David Janczak (founder/owner)

Wisconsin Log Homes, Inc.

www.wisconsinloghomes.com

Since Wisconsin Log Homes’ focus has always been on energy-efficiency, it’s very important to us that each of our homes are heated and cooled in the most efficient, economical way possible. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, geothermal systems are “the most energy-efficient, environmentally clean, and cost-effective space conditioning systems available today.” Geothermal is 3 – 5 times as efficient as the most efficient fossil fuel furnace.

Extremely high levels of efficiency are possible because a geothermal heat pump only uses electricity to move heat, not produce it. A geothermal system supplies 4-5 kilowatts of heat for every kilowatt of electricity used. 3-4 of these kilowatts of heat come directly from the earth, meaning that they are naturally clean, renewable, and best of all - free.

Geothermal heat pumps also take advantage of the mild ground temperature for high efficiency cooling. The earth has the ability to absorb and store heat energy. To use that stored energy, heat is extracted from the earth through a liquid medium (either water or anti-freeze solution) and is pumped to the heat pump heat exchanger, where the heat is used to heat your home. In summer, the process is reversed and indoor heat is extracted from your home and transferred to the earth through the liquid. Most systems also include a hot water generator, which diverts a portion of the supplied heat to the domestic water heater. This provides a substantial portion of a family’s hot water needs at a very low cost. So essentially, geothermal systems transfer heat from your home to the earth in the cooling mode, and from the earth to your home in the heating mode.

A geothermal system installed in an already efficient Wisconsin Log Home will substantially reduce heating and cooling costs for years to come. So even though you are spending a little more upfront, you’ll be saving money before you know it. Payback for most geothermal systems run about three to five years. Some states also offer tax credits for installing this system, check with your local utility company for details.

For more information about geothermal, go to http://www.geoexchange.org/, or contact us today to talk with our independent geothermal specialist.

Hybrid Log Homes - Wisconsin Log Homes, Inc.

Written by: David Janczak (founder/owner)

Wisconsin Log Homes, Inc.

www.wisconsinloghomes.com

After visiting their parent’s home land in the late 1970’s, a couple wanted us to build them a European stone style cottage. Knowing that they wanted to incorporate log, the couple eagerly took advantage of Wisconsin Log Homes Thermal-Log™ Building System since solid log home providers would not have the necessary design options available to them. By integrating our handcrafted wood products (including both log and thick timbers) with stunning natural stone work, we were able to achieve the timeless architectural style the owners desired.

It didn’t take long for custom homebuyer’s to understand that our versatile, innovative building system gave them the ability to create a true hybrid home to accommodate their personal style and needs. The flexibility of our Thermal-Log system allows our clients to enjoy an extensive range of architectural styles. But most importantly, they have the freedom to select and combine the unique building products they want to create their very own dream home.

Today, the industry calls these homes that combine various materials and design styles “hybrid,” but we’ve always called it “design freedom” that allows us to better service each and every one of our homeowners. Kathy and I never wanted to limit our homeowners to just one product like log. Product selection and integration - whether log, timber, stone, glass, shakes, drywall, or any other building materials imaginable - is a normal step in our custom design process… and a step that clients really enjoy and take advantage of.

When you decide to build with us, you’ll be amazed with the creativity of our experienced architectural team and the flexibility you’ll have in designing a home that’s just right for you, both inside and out.

With all the current attention and appreciation for hybrid homes in the log and timber industry, it’s very rewarding to look back and know that our Thermal-Log™ Building System, pioneered by our team in the 1970’s, revolutionized the industry to this day and truly made “dream” homes possible for everyone.

To learn more about our hybrid log and timber homes, log on to our website at http://www.wisconsinloghomes.com/

Turn-Key Pricing - Wisconsin Log Homes

Written by: David Janczak (founder/owner)

Wisconsin Log Homes, Inc.

www.wisconsinloghomes.com

Staying within your determined budget throughout the entire home building process is not only important to you and your banker, but it’s also a priority for the team at Wisconsin Log Homes.

Having a team of experienced professionals you can trust to guide you from beginning to end is the key to successfully building your dream home. Working with a reputable, honest company who will provide you with accurate insight right from the start will make all the difference in your experience and will eliminate any disappointing surprises along the way.

Since 1976, Wisconsin Log Homes overall focus has been to make the entire building process smooth and enjoyable for each and every customer, which is why we implemented a complete design and build approach. By having our design and consulting experts work hand-in-hand with you, the customer, we’re able to successfully confirm that each modification is tracked electronically and that our homeowners are frequently informed of all structural or additional design and engineering changes and costs throughout the design and build process.

Our team prides itself in being the best in the log home industry for all the right reasons. From day one, our home consultants and designers are trained to give truthful cost ranges based on recently completed projects of comparable size and complexity; we will never exaggerate the truth or jeopardize our reputation just to make a sale. As the customer, you will know exactly what to expect before construction begins. It’s our job to keep you safe and satisfied.

Having been a customer several times before myself, I understand how important it is to know what to expect before you even get started on your home design. To help prepare and educate you on the many factors that can influence your plan’s turn-key cost before you begin designing your home, Wisconsin Log Homes and I have created a guide to help you understand how every aspect of your home – from your site to the level of finishes – will affect its turn-key cost. View this Turn-Key Pricing Guide on our website.
It is so important to us that you know exactly what to expect before construction begins so there are absolutely no unexpected costs or surprises along the way. We hope you find this information to be helpful and informative. Please contact us with any additional questions or log on to our website to learn more about us.

Costs Last Forever - by Wisconsin Log Homes, Inc.

Written by David Janczak (Founder/Owner)

Wisconsin Log Homes, Inc.

www.wisconsinloghomes.com

Like most of us, I learned at an early age that ‘you get what you pay for.’ I remember trying to save a few bucks on my first car; it sure looked good, but it spent most of its time in the mechanic shop getting repaired. After having it fixed and putting more and more money into it, I probably could have just bought a brand new car and not had all the headaches and repair costs.

It’s a given that most people will “shop” companies and talk about price ranges before choosing a log or timber home company. I encourage people to do this, but it’s very important to keep in mind that each company is very different in the products and services they provide. Actually, each company is very different, period.

A home is an investment. It’s something that will be with you for a lifetime to come, or something you’ll want to sell for profit in the future. So carefully evaluate what’s included in each company’s price rather than just looking at an inaccurate per square foot guesstimate.

Identify what’s most important to you before you start shopping. Is it price, quality, the type of services, reputation, workmanship, warranty, structural materials, the people, or a little bit of everything? Remember, the least expensive company is able to be the lowest-priced because they aren’t providing the same things as a higher-priced company. If a company comes in noticeably lower than others, you should find out why… what are they or aren’t they providing? Carefully evaluate everything the price includes and determine if that company will be the best fit for your needs.

Wisconsin Log Homes is not the lowest-priced company in the industry… we’re not out of line with our prices, but we’re not cheap either. We can’t be. Each of our home plans are very custom and require a great deal of attention and creativity from our designers. Our products have always been of the highest quality and each log for your home is hand-peeled in our own state-of-the-art mill. Our Thermal-Log Building System benefits our customers and their homes in many different ways. We offer complete design and build services, including in-house construction and interior design & cabinetry services, a full-time customer service representative available for you or your builder at all times, a 25-year warranty, a complete package of structural materials, and a team of friendly experts that are as passionate about your home as you are.

The bottom line is that you truly get what you pay for - whether it’s cars or houses. As they say, “price happens one time, but cost lasts forever.”

Not every company is perfect for every person, so it’s your job to find a company that’s the right fit for you and your future home.

Learn more about Wisconsin Log Homes by logging on to our website.

Finding A Log Home Builder You Trust

Written by: David Janczak (Founder/Owner)

Wisconsin Log Homes, Inc.

http://www.wisconsinloghomes.com/

The search for a qualified contractor should begin as soon as you have a building site and preliminary drawings, even if you don’t plan to break ground for several months. It may take time to find a contractor who suits your requirements, and once you find the right one, you’ll have to be worked into the contractor’s schedule. Those who are good and in-demand, and those in areas with a short building season, often schedule projects up to a year in advance.

Reputation, experience, references, crew size and the builder's willingness to provide excellent customer service are all important considerations in making your decision. Once you have several qualified names in hand, obtain references and interview each builder. Only ask for bids from the contractors you feel comfortable with. Remember, the bids will only be as good as the plans you submit. You should use the same drawings you submitted to get your building permit. Any changes to the plans should have been made by this time. Do your homework and make as many decisions as possible before you ask for bids. Give each contractor exactly the same information so you’ll be able to obtain a fair comparison, and be certain you ask for the same level of detail from each bidder.

One of the biggest mistakes people make is to base their decision on price alone. Even though builders are getting the same plans and information, they can build with varying degrees of quality and service. You should not only feel comfortable with the price, but with the quality of workmanship, organization, the schedule and contract, and the person in general. He/she will be your new business partner for the next few months. If you seek the same level of workmanship, organization, and can trust one another, the construction process will flow much smoother and you’ll be able to relax.

Since the 1970’s, Wisconsin Log Homes has understood the need for complete design and build services. Finding a qualified builder to construct their log or timber home has always been a big concern of our clients, and one we’ve addressed right from the start. Wisconsin Log Homes has its own building crews and National Builder Network full of qualified builders around the world who we work very closely with and trust to provide “rough up and log” and “turn-key” construction services for our customers.

Each of our clients are assisted with the construction of their home in one form or another during their experience with us. Some may decide to use our in-house construction services, while others want help qualifying or selecting a builder in their area. Whatever the client chooses to do, we stay involved throughout the design and build process to ensure high quality and satisfaction. Learn more about construction and other exclusive services on our website.