Michigan Custom Log Homes: November 2007 Newsletter

Welcome to The Leelanau Log Home Company E-NEWSLETTER. Our free electronic newsletter offers helpful tips and suggestions on buying, building and owning a log home.

The Leelanau Log Home Company welcomes your suggestions for topics you wish to see in future newsletters. 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 subscriber list.

About The Leelanau Log Home Company LLC
The Leelanau Log Home Company LLC is an authorized independent dealer for The Original Lincoln Logs LTD serving the Great State of Michigan. In addition, we offer complete construction and general contracting services, site evaluation/planning, custom design service plus much more. Let our experience, craftsmanship and professional customer service go to work for you!

=========================================================================
November 2007 (Volume 2, Issue 5):

Visit Us at Our Next Show!
The Leelanau Log Home Company team will be in Novi at the Rock Financial Center for the Cottage & Lakefront Living Show from February 28 through March 2, 2008. Stop by our booth #1610/1612. For more information go to: www.showspan.com. We hope to see you at the show!

Tip of the Month: How to Find a Qualified Log Home Builder *
I covered this subject a few years ago and thought it might be a nice to revisit this important topic, especially for our new subscribers.

Selecting a qualified log home builder is certainly a critical decision. That decision needs to be made with the same care and consideration as your choice for log home producer and financial institution. Taking the time to do the effective research followed by performance investigation/due diligence will help you identify the log home builder that's right for you. Here are some suggested tips:

Sources for Log Home Builders:

Your log home dealer, in most cases, can offer you a list of recommended log home builders. TIP: We recommend that you still follow the steps outlined below for these builders. Ultimately the builder you choose is YOUR decision.
Check with your local Home Builders Association.
Check the local Yellow Pages.
Search the Internet.
In some cases, your log home dealer may also offer construction services, like The Leelanau Log Home Company LLC.

Research & Performance Investigation:

From your sources narrow it down to 3-4 builders that you are interested in speaking with. TIP: Don't over shop. Once you enter into this process, you'll quickly become overwhelmed if you are dealing with too many potential builders.
Your best bet is to find a log home builder who has built the log home producer's product. Having said that, there are log home builders with significant experience where this won't be an issue. TIP: Having a builder learn on the job with your log home is probably not the best idea.
Interview your list of builders over the phone. Prepare your list of questions in advance so you can compare responses. TIP: Don't know what questions to ask? Contact me and I'll be happy to provide you with a list of suggested questions.
If you like what you hear, schedule a face-to-face interview to continue your investigation. Don't be bashful about asking the tough questions.
Ask for a list of references. Contact previous customers and get their opinion about the builder, quality of the construction, etc. Again, prepare your list of questions in advance so you can compare the responses. Ask to visit their home so you can evaluate the home for yourself, ask additional questions, etc. Many log home owners will be more than happy to show you their home and talk about their experience.
Look for affiliations. Being a member of the local Home Builders Association, Better Business Bureau, etc., may suggest a higher level of commitment.
Ask the builder to provide you a copy of their Michigan State Builders license. Research to find complaints or fines, if any that has been levied against a builder. Go to Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth Licensing Division to search at www2.dleg.state.mi.us/colaLicVerify.
Your builder of record should provide you with proof of liability insurance and/or workman's compensation insurance.
Check with the local building department, county clerk office to see if there have been any complaints or law suits against the builder.
How's the rapport with the builder you've selected? If it's questionable, keep in mind that you'll be working with that individual for 6-12 months, so it's critical that there's a connection or it could be a very frustrating experience for both of you.

Get It in Writing & Cost:

Request a detailed itemized written proposal for the scope of your project from each builder that's under consideration.
Once you have the proposals, you'll need to evaluate and compare them. Always request the builder present you their proposal in person. This will allow you to ask questions and allow for discussion. Remember, you are comparing a variety of factors not just cost -- scope of each phase, quality of materials specified, added value freebies, timetables, etc. -- when considering a proposal. TIP: The cheapest proposal is not always the best choice.
Once you have selected your builder of record, they should provide you with a valid contract that specifies the scope of work and the work that is to be completed, timetables or work schedules, method of payment/payment terms/payment schedules, specified contract documents, change orders defined, etc. TIP: It's always a good idea to have an attorney that specializes in the construction or contracts review before you sign.

Other Helpful Tips:

Allow plenty of time in your planning schedule to research, conduct interviews and select a qualified builder. TIP: This process should be started once you've selected a log home producer. Allow up to 1-2 months of time.
How does the builders work load compare with your build schedule? TIP: Ask about current work load and how it will affect your project and timetable.
Learn the builder's language. There are specific and unique language/terms/phrases that are specific to the construction industry. Do your homework to learn the lingo to reduce the chance of miscommunication or misunderstanding. TIP: It's always a good policy to ask questions if you don't understand. Go to our website and click on Glossary of Terms.
The builder and the dealer should work together as a team with your best interest in mind. Make sure there is rapport between all of you long before the project begins. TIP: Folks that get along usually work better together and have higher levels of communication.
Ask the builder how long have they been in business and make sure they have a permanent address.
How will the builder communicate with you? Through what means? How frequently? TIP: Good idea to work this out before the project begins, so there is an understood expectation of communication. You may want to include this in the contract.
Find a builder that is a good business person; you want more than a great carpenter. They should understand the importance of a contract and be able work with one. 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.
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 the chainsaw.

*These suggested tips are for full log home. Our Thermo Home Log Home package is 2x6 stick framed with log siding. Typically any experienced builder will be able to construct this product. Questions? Please contact us at 231-275-5647 or email sales@leelanauloghomes.com.

Our passion is building Lincoln Log homes.
Contact The Leelanau Log Home Company to discuss your log home project:
231-275-5647 or email us at: sales@leelanauloghomes.com

Featured Floorplan: Swan Valley

3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms
Single level: 1,680 sq. ft.
With three bedrooms, two baths and an open living and dining area, the single-story Swan Valley is ideal as a primary residence or a getaway retreat. This flexible floor plan can be placed on a walkout basement and can accommodate a loft. The Swan Valley also offers front and back porches; an invitation to enjoy the outdoors.

Click for more information or to download a PDF of this floorplan!

For more floorplans access our floorplans database.

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

The Lincoln Logs Advantage click here to find out why!