Our experience in selling cedar homes for 22years has taught us that clients are often confused about the various types of products, pricing and services that are available. They have a tendency to ask for the "price per square foot" - but then neglect to ask what that price includes. The idea of purchasing a "kit home" is so new to them, they don't know what questions to ask. This article lists helpful information for "kit home buyers." It stands to reason that buyers will make better choices if they know what questions to ask and how to interpret the answers.

"What is the Price Per Square Foot?" Be sure to ask for two prices. Ask for the "kit price" (for the unassembled materials package) and for an average "turn key price" (for the completed home including labor). Be sure to ask for a general specification sheet of what is included in the kit price. The only way to compare prices from various companies is to see what each company is providing in their package. At this point, it also doesn't hurt to ask ask what (if any) services are included in the kit price. Be aware that some companies are happy to sell you wall material (i.e. just the logs or timbers) - whereas other kits will include everything from the subfloor to the finished roofing.

The lowest priced home package is not necessarily the best deal - especially if you have to pay for the rest of the necessary components. The only way to really understand the value of a kit home package is to compare specification sheets side-by-side. Don't forget to compare services as well. Some providers offer a materials only package and others include site visits, permitting assistance, design consultation, project management programs, etc.

With regard to turn key costs - be aware that this figure will vary depending on: 1) if it is a contractor built home or an owner/builder home, 2) the time of year (contractors charge more money during peak building season), 3) the quality and quantity of amenities you include in your home.

It is not unusual for a contractor to charge 15-20% of the total cost of the home. A large percentage of this can be saved if the homeowner wants to project manage the home - or build it themselves.

Another variable in estimating turn key costs depends on your tastes in floor coverings, countertops, cabinets, fixtures, etc. Obviously, if you choose to have several fireplaces, in-floor radiant heat and granite countertops - your turn key costs will be greater than someone building an "average" home.

The good news is that you CAN estimate your costs (both package costs and turn key costs) by using a set of preliminary blueprints. Preliminary blueprints allow you to get estimates from the contractor or subcontractors and help you to stay within your building budget. Our motto has always been "no surprises" and blueprints are a means to anticipate finished costs.

Let's face it - buying a home is a huge investment of time, energy and financial resources. Future cedar / log home buyers spend considerable time selecting the right property, planning the design of their home, lining up financing, etc. There would be fewer "surprises" along the way (be they financial, emotional or otherwise), if people would spend some of their time talking with previous cedar / log home buyers.

Here are some tips to help you check company references:
1) First and formost - be sure to ask for a list of references. (You'd be surprised at how many people never do this.)
2) After you've received a list of names -- ask for a second list of references. It stands to reason that the company is going to offer up their best and most satisfied homeowners first. It makes good sense to dig a little deeper.
3) Prepare a list of questions - but be respectful that not all homeowners will have time to spend hours on the phone.
4) Include questions like: A) Did you have any problems with your home? If so, how were they resolved? B) What would you do differently?

It has been our experience that every cedar or log home will have some kind of "glitch." After all, they're designed, manufactured and built by humans. We make mistakes. It may mean that a beam is cut too short or a window was broken during shipment. The real issue here is - how are problems resolved? Did the homeowner receive prompt attention and were they satisfied? Or, were concerns ignored and downplayed?

Be sure to take advantage of Open House opportunities. This allows future homeowners to talk face-to-face with previous buyers. It's also a great opportunity to get free design ideas for things like: interior finishes, trims / moldings, lighting issues, room dimensions, etc.

Lastly, it never hurts to check with the Better Business Bureau, Dunn & Bradstreet or the Attorney General's office - to confirm the financial stability of the company you may want to work with. After all, it's your money and your home we're talking about!

Advantages of a Laminated Wall System vs. Traditional Log

Phoenix 5-Lam Timber Corner Section

One of the first questions people often ask us is, "How do your cedar homes compare to log homes?" If you've seen our model home or had a chance to look through our literature you can see that our homes are built with decorative grade cedar or pine. Chances are slim that you'll come across another log home manufacturer that uses decorative grade materials. However, some of the biggest differences in our timbers are not in how they look, but in how they are made.

Unlike traditional log producers, our manufacturers use laminated timbers in the design of our wall systems. The next time you're inside a large, open beam building take a closer look at the glue lam beams that support the roof. These beams were chosen for their stability and for their strength to span large distances. Strength and stability are just two of the reasons why we use laminated timbers in our homes. As a homeowner, these are significant features to consider - but there's more!

D-Log Laminated Timber Corner Section

• Our kiln-dried, glue laminated wall timbers do not shrink, settle, twist or warp like a traditional log. You do not have to allow 6"- 8" of space above doors and windows to anticipate future settling in our homes.
• The laminating process prevents knots from falling out. It also means that when a timber checks (or gets a crack as is the nature of wood), it can only penetrate the first inch of the timber. A crack in a log home can easily extend through the log to allow air penetration and heat loss.
• Lighter, kiln dried timbers are easier to erect at the construction site. Each design is pre-cut to precision tolerances and is assembled without cranes or heavy equipment. Kiln drying reduces the weight of the timbers and also reduces shipping costs.
• A laminated timber home requires no chinking maintenance. Due to precision cutting, fitting and minimal shrinkage, our homes to not require chinking. This means less maintenance for our homeowners!

Classic Cedar Corner Section

• Kiln drying eliminates bugs which may be present in the wood. (Air dried lumber may have bugs present but dormant for up to 7 years without detection.)
• Laminating increases the strength of the timbers by 70%. Pound for pound, a laminated cedar timber is stronger than steel!
• Kiln dried lumber has industry standards of no more than 15-19% moisture content. Our laminated wall material is kiln dried to 12% moisture content. For comparison's sake, air dried lumber has no industry standard.
• Laminating allows the use of second growth materials, thereby sparing old growth trees. These also ensures us a constant supply of wood versus the dwindling supply of old growth needed for big timbers.
• No spiking or sledge-hammering are required on a laminated timber home.
• Unlike other manufacturers, we provide a complete weathertight shell. Our home packages include more than just walls and a roof. We also provide, windows, doors, interior walls, stairs, insulation, moldings, trims, window screens, floor system and all structural fasteners.

Preparation For Building:

Note: This timeline represents only a suggested path. Each homeowner may approach their project differently and have special building or land development considerations. Cedar Homes of Washington will assist the homeowner to organize their own building project and timeline.

• Development of preliminary blueprints
• Pre-qualify for financing & bank selection
• Water - (hook ups or well drilling)
• Septic - (drainfield design apprvd. by Health Dept.)
• Check for:
  • Building covenants
  • Wetlands
  • Easements
  • Setbacks
  • Critical Area designation
  • Road or school mitigation fees (paid in addition to permit fee)
  • Fire code building requirements
  
   
• Determine construction method (owner/bldr., project mgr. or contractor)
• Blueprint revisions
• Stake out home at jobsite
• Review slope for basement
• Preliminary plans to subcontractors for bids
  
   
• Final plans complete with Engineer stamp (if required)
• Submit forms required by bank for financing approval
• Develop plot plan
• Submit plans & paperwork to county for permit
  
   
• Approval of permit
• Approval of financing with letter of commitment from lender
• Sign final blueprints & give cutting approval
  
   
• Excavation of site
• Foundation & plumbing (basement)
• Temporary power pole at jobsite
  
   
• Forklift or boom truck arrives at site
• Home package arrives at site
• Inventory by Cedar Homes of Washington  
• Construction Begins

Whether you choose a stock design from our "Custom Planning Guide," modify a stock plan or go totally custom, we can design a home that is uniquely your own - and truly beautiful! Free price estimates are given on any modifications you make to our stock designs or for any design you bring to us. Your home will be designed according to the energy code, glazing, seismic and snow load requirements for your area.

Design ideas, building suggestions and experience are part of our dealer service to you. We can help you make your dream home a reality - every step of the way. Our drafting department designs small vacation cabins, large family homes, commercial buildings and multiple unit structures.

We've also designed homes to be built in phases - to accommodate the homeowner's budget. Due to the dimensional stability of our wall system, adding on to an existing cedar home is easy. We've done it ourselves as have many of our customers.

Blueprints are free with the purchase price of your home. We do not charge additional blueprint fees for custom designs. On average, our blueprint fees are $3,800 to draw preliminary blueprints and this amount is applied to the purchase price of your home at the time of order. Final blueprints are drawn on a computer aided drafting (CAD) system and contain all relevant information for complete construction of the home. Note: Depending on the design and location of your home, engineering fees may apply. Blueprint fees are non-refundable.