How can I reduce the cost of my log home?
by
Jack Hutslar
Log Home Dealer since 2001
When we built our log home in 2004, we did it for $105 per square foot and that covered everything including the land, site prep and the pump back septic system. Today, that total turnkey cost figure can be $200 to over $300 per square foot.
Turnkey costs vary geographically across the USA and even within a state.
In recent times, the turnkey construction costs for your cabin or castle keeps going up and up. Here are a few suggestion for how to economize.
Consider this!
Today, some building materials fluctuate on a daily basis. This makes it extremely difficult for contractors, usually small businesses, to cover these added costs and stay in business. However, our material package prices have not escalated like the other conventional materials. That is where we are in our industry right now. We do not see any immediate relief any time soon according to the managers at Honest Abe Log Homes. They are my long time material provider. Will materials get more expensive as time moves on? We do not know.
Basically, contractors are accustomed to giving turnkey pricing with allowances for some items in their “quotes” like fire places, appliances and flooring. These are their estimates, not the actual costs. Then you, the buyer, can select items that fit the allowance or you can go over those allowances. Your preference in a metal roof or a fireplace might cost more than their allowance. You pay for the added price difference.
Here are examples of other cost savings, whether to your loan or saving account.
First, the material package options that you select can move your total cost cost up or down. For instance, 6x8 D logs are less expensive than 8x8 or 6x12 logs not to mention our 10 inch round Swedish cope logs.
A crawl space is less expensive than a basement. That also applies to a short or long driveway, rough gravel, crush and run, blacktop or cement.
Standard windows and doors are less expensive than the upgrade premium wood or clad versions.
A truss roof system is less expensive than our highly popular heavy timber exposed beam roof system.
Note that additional savings can be achieved when you buy appliances, toilets, sinks, fans and fixtures when you find themat good discounts. Then store them until needed. Free storage trumps paid storage.
This also applies to unfinished kitchen systems. In this instance, the kitchen can be laid out to fit the discounted materials that you may find. If you have a free storage place like a garage or barn, that is more savings.
Finally, other cost cutting options is to do some of the work yourself with the help of “handy” friends and relatives. Staining the inside and outside, putting down flooring and cabinets are good examples of this.
We are in unusual financial times right now. Plan ahead. Know what you are being sold. Shop wisely.
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