Welcome to The Leelanau Log Home Company E-Newsletter. This is a free monthly electronic newsletter that offers helpful tips and suggestions about log homes in general and specifically The Original Lincoln Logs LTD system. We'll cover a variety of topics from planning, buying, constructing, owning and maintaining a log home.

The Leelanau Log Home Company welcomes your feedback, including topics you may wish to see in future issues. If, at any time, you decide you would rather not receive our E-newsletter, please visit http://www.leelanauloghomes.com to remove yourself from our electronic mailing list.

Thank you for subscribing to our E-Newsletter. Enjoy!

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August 2005 (Volume 1, Issue 1):

1. Announcements
2. How to select a quality builder
3. Model Home News
4. Featured Floorplan

1. Announcements

Visit us at Northern Michigan's Log & Timber Home Show in Petoskey

Stop by our booth (#75 & #82) at this year's Northern Michigan's Log & Timber Show in Petoskey, Michigan.

Dates:
Saturday, October 8, 2005, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday, October 9, 2005, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Location:
North Central Michigan College
Petoskey, Michigan 49770

Admission:
$5.00 per person, age 17 and under free

Directions:
From the intersection of US-31 and US-131, continue on US-31 until you reach the 2nd traffic light, where you will turn right into Mitchell Street. Turn right at the second light, Howard Street, and proceed on Howard until you reach the campus on NCMC.

For more information go to www.traversemagazine.com

2. How to select a quality builder

After you have selected the log home manufacturer who will supply you with the log home weather-tight package, it is equally important to do your homework to find a qualified builder. If you are designing and building your custom log home, you want everything to be perfect, right? To make that happen, you'll need a builder that can take your vision and make it a reality through a quality construction job. Here are some suggested tips to follow when selecting a builder to construct your dream log home.

• Your log home dealer, in most cases, can offer you a list of log home builders. You can also find log home builders by contacting the local Home Builders Association for a list of qualified builders in your area.
• Look for a builder who builds custom homes. The small builder is often the best. You'll need someone who understands quality finishing work.
• Ask for references. Contact previous customers and get their opinion about the builder. Prepare questions in advance so you can compare the responses. Don't be bashful about asking the tough questions.
• Request to see previous construction jobs if possible.
• Try to find a builder who understands log construction. If they don't, have your log home dealer explain to them about it. If they don't understand log homes, they will probably overprice it right from the beginning.
• This sounds rather academic, but make sure the builder can and does read blueprints. They should understand what it is they are going to build before they pick up a hammer.
• Find a builder that is a good business person; you want more than a carpenter. They should understand the importance of, and work with a contract. Changes should be made with a written change order. A written contract and supporting paperwork is good business for all parties to the building process.
• Interview at least two builders, three is better. Do the interviews in person so you can get that "gut check" level experience. Remember, you are comparing building quality and price (value). Don't pick the cheapest one. If one is considerable less than another, ask why!
• The builder and the dealer should work together as a team with your best interest in mind. Make sure there is a rapport between all of you long before the project begins. Folks that get along usually work better together and usually can iron-out issues or conflicts that arise.
• Consider being your own general contractor if you have the time and experience to manage the project. Consult with your banker before making this decision, some banks will not fund a project without an experienced general contractor.

The Leelanau Log Home Company offers a range of construction services from shell-in to full turn-key log homes. Plus we also offer custom home planning, budget planning, building site evaluation, property search assistance, financing advice and much more. We deliver outstanding professional customer service through the entire process, from "conception to completion."

Talk to The Leelanau Log Home Company to make your dream of living in a beautiful log home come true. Contact us at 231-275-5647 or sales@leelanauloghomes.com.

3. Model Home News

The Leelanau Log Home Company model home which began construction in early July 2005 is off to a great start. After a few months of clearing the land and some very challenging site excavation, the log home is really starting to take shape. We just completed the log walls (14 courses for 9 foot ceiling height) and will soon begin building the second floor. We'll update our progress each month in the E-newsletter.

Here are some recent photos. For more photos please go to our website and click "Construction Photos."

The building site is located on top of a hill with views of Lake Leelanau below. As you can see from this photo, the driveway is very steep.

A concrete pump truck was used to pour the footings.

This photo shows the log home with 14 log courses installed.

If you are interested in taking a tour of our model home during the construction phase, please contact us.

4. Featured Floorplan: Valcour Island

Valcour Island: 3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms with 1,358 sq. ft.

Efficient use of space and a dramatic cathedral ceiling give this chalet the feel of a much larger home. The main level has two bedrooms, and an optional 2nd floor dormer and bath make for a private master suite with its own sitting loft.

For more floorplans access our floorplans database.

Thank you for subscribing to our E-Newsletter. We hope you find the content informative and useful as you pursue your dream to build a beautiful log home. Please contact us if you have any questions or wish to learn more about pricing a Lincoln Logs System Package. We would be happy to schedule a one-on-one planning session to discuss your dream.

Note: The information in this newsletter represents the opinions of The Leelanau Log Home Company LLC based on their knowledge and experience. Because every home and every homeowner is unique, we cannot guarantee that your experience will be the same. By signing up for this newsletter, you acknowledge your understanding of this representation.

The Leelanau Log Home Company LLC
Brad Karikomi & Jim Coyle
Model home address:
1310 S. Lakeshore Drive, Lake Leelanau, Michigan 49653
Business mailing address:
PO Box 309, Interlochen, Michigan 49643
Office: 231-275-5647
Mobile: 231-668-1465
Fax: 231-275-0400