The prospect of making your dream log home a reality is an unparalleled joy. But it’s likely you have some anxieties, as well.
You can begin designing your new home once you locate land and determine your budget. We encourage you to devote much time and careful thought to this process, as you will have to balance your lifestyle needs and desires with your budget.
“Do your planning and take your time choosing someone to build,” says James Barrett, HBAGC member and owner of James Barrett Construction. “Research your product, how long have the logs been dried out, and choose the best company to meet your needs.”
Digital scrapbook of ideas
Pictures, as the saying goes, are worth a thousand words. Visit the photo galleries of the companies that belong to the Log and Timber Homes Council and start collecting photos of the features you like for each room in your floor plan.
This research will help clearly convey your dream home to your builder.
Dreaming is free
Before you dive into the nitty-gritty details of your project, take some time to daydream about its design. Peruse floor plans and design catalogs offered by Log and Timber Homes Council members.
Home design is a fascinating subject, and one can spend hours absorbing the subtle nuances in each floor plan. Plus, a plan that has been built before can be an excellent jumping-off point for creating a custom design.
Are designs copyrighted?
Although dreaming is free, home designs might not be. Floor plans might be copyrighted.
Any restrictions on duplicating plans are usually stated with the plans, on the website or at the beginning of the printed publication in which the plans appear.
Tour model homes, factories
Many log home manufacturers market their homes through independent builders and dealers across the U.S. who might have model homes or live in a log and timber home themselves.
Investigating these display homes will give you an idea of what you like in log and timber home design and construction.
Questions to ask yourself
As you peruse designs, ask yourself these basic questions:
• What kind of design will fit with the topography of your building site?
• What type of design do you want: single-story ranch, split-level or two-story?
• Will your new home have a basement or crawl space? Or will it be built on piers or a slab?
• How many square feet will you need?
• How many bedrooms and baths do you want?
• Do you need any special areas for hobbies, a home theater, a custom kitchen or an exercise room?
• How much storage space will you need?
To find trustworthy architects, designers, builders and home professionals for your dream log home, visit the Home Builders Association of Greater Chattanooga’s membership directory at www.HBAGC.net.