You have read magazines and researched countless companies. Finally, you have made the decision to embark on the journey towards building a log or timber home. It is not a secret that homes are not built overnight. The average log or timber home can take anywhere from 1-5 years to complete from design to move-in.
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So, when exactly do you need to get serious about the plan to build your future log home? Several factors come into play when determining how long it will take for your dream home to come to life. Below are a few common milestones to help you determine an estimated time frame for your home building process.
If you plan to build in 5+ years
Giving yourself five or more years to complete your log home allows you time to find a suitable piece of land and gives you time to research. Looking through photos of homes as well as floor plans can help you determine what fits your style. Research companies to see what styles and services they provide. While it is always tempting, do not get caught up in the details or exact costs of your project at this time. Here are some questions to ask yourself as you go through the process:
- What kind of home do I want?
- Where do I want it?
- How does the log home building process work?
Asking these questions will help you narrow down the style of home. The questions will also help you become familiar with the designing and building processes.
If you plan to build in 3-5 years
Several factors regarding your home can attribute to the estimated time span for your log home’s construction. The complexity of your project has some bearing on when you need to enter the design process. For instance, choosing to build a handcrafted log home typically takes longer than a timber frame home. Choosing a stock plan rather than creating a custom plan is another way to affect the duration of your project.
Finally, the climate where you plan to build is also a consideration. While log homes are built in most weather conditions, snowy weather can add time and costs to the building process. During this time period, you will want to start calling companies to learn more about their processes and how they fit with your needs.
If you plan to build in less than 3 years
You should own your land by this point. In addition, you should have a clear idea of the complexity of the log or timber home you wish to build. The final step is to gain an understanding of your financial situation and project budget. By starting the conversation with lenders early, you will have an accurate budget prior to starting the design process. This will help your architectural team accurately design to your budget’s parameters. Once you fully understand your needs, wants, and budget for your future log home, then you can pick a company to work with who can fulfill those needs and move forward.
Whether you plan to build in the distant future or next year, doing your research, understanding your needs, and discovering what is possible for your budget and location will help you plan more efficiently and have a smoother experience from the design of your home until it is finished.
