The Log Home Buying Process - From Dreaming To Planning
 

Millions of people every year dream of owning a log home or an Apartments Kochi . In fact, the popularity of log homes has been increasing over the past several years. However, the reality of it is that only a small percentage of people actually make the full transition from dreaming about owning a log home to actually owning one. Thirty years of experience in the log home industry tells me there are several primary reasons why there are roughly only 30,000 new log homes built each year (over the past several years). The first piece of advice I offer is to do your homework upfront to get a good understanding of what is available, what you want, what you need, what you can afford and if necessary, what compromises you are willing to make.

There is a plethora of resources available for anyone who is serious about wanting to go from dreaming to planning. The Internet offers a wealth of information, ranging from species of logs to styles of logs, from planning checklists to information on hundreds of log home manufacturers, dealers, designers and builders. Subscribe to one or more of the leading log home industry publications; they too provide potential log home buyers with tips and ideas on how to make the process as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Attend a log home show and sit in on some of the educational classes offered by leading industry experts. Talk to the various log home company reps to find out what they specialize in and what they recommend. Take advantage of the first-hand opportunity to look at, feel and smell the different types and styles of logs and log home construction. Learn as much as you can about what your options are and then it's time to sit down and begin putting your wants and needs, likes and dislikes on paper.

Sketch out a rough plan of what you envision your perfect log home to be based on how you plan to use it. How many bedrooms do you want? How many bathrooms? One floor or two? How important are cooking and eating spaces? Porch or deck? What is the rough total living space (square footage) you need and want? For many people, looking at existing log home plans can provide ideas. Once you have a rough floor plan concept, think about how you would like your log home appointed. Is rustic living more important than marble counter tops, a Hi-Fi, High Def entertainment room or wireless internet? Will a wood stove work or do you just have to have a field stone fireplace centerpiece? It is okay to dream big, but it is as important to be realistic as there is a cost associated with everything.