Planning to build a log home is a dream for many. And to avoid your experience from turning into a nightmare, it’s important to take the time to survey your options and to find a log home contractor who can help you to pinpoint your needs, draw up plans and estimates, build the shell and create a unique home: your own.
Tips for finding your log home contractor:
1. DETERMINE WHAT YOU’RE LOOKING FOR :
Scandinavian log home or a traditional carpentry (Timber Frame) home? Do you want it built from factory-processed logs or a home made from natural, hand-sculpted logs that’s unique and custom-built? Do you want something turn-key (or almost) or a shell that you’ll complete? It’s important to think about these things, as you’ll have to discuss once the contractors come into play.
2. APPROACH EACH CONTRACTOR AND PAY ATTENTION TO THE ANSWERS YOU RECEIVE:
La communication est au centre de tous les projets de construction de maison en bois rond. Lorsque vous commencez vos démarches, portez attention aux points suivants :
- Le style de communication de l’équipe (vague ou précis)
- Le fit ou non avec votre style de communication (vous sentez-vous à l’aise et compris ?)
- La capacité à vulgariser les concepts plus complexes, mais importants à saisir.
3. VERIFY THE CONTRACTOR’S REPUTATION:
In Quebec, any contractor (whether it be for new homes, solid wood homes, log homes, or even renovations) must hold an RBQ license. You can verify the status of this license on the RBQ website, and ensure the contractor conforms. There are other things to check on too:
- Are they able to provide references for similar projects. It could be helpful to speak to collaborators or to one or two clients who had a similar project!
- Have you seen some of their projects (either at the factory, on the worksite, or even in photos)? By making an appointment, you can see the assembly or disassembly at Harkins’ main worksite. This will help you to see the quality of work.
- Have you seen clients recommend this company on Google or Facebook? It could be helpful to read what people have to say!
4. ENSURE THAT THE CONTRACTOR IS A MEMBER OF A PROFESSIONAL WOOD ASSOCIATION
You have a vision, a dream for your home or cabin and it will be built with logs or with solid wood. So, take the time to verify if the company is a member of a professional association, but also if they’re considered serious players in this group. While it’s good to check if they’re members of the business association in their area, what you really want to know is that they know their stuff better than the competition!
Harkins is a member of the International Log Builders’ Association/Association Internationale
des fustiers : https://logassociation.org/
5. PRICE CHECK AND BE WARY OF WHAT SEEMS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE:
Once you have your plan in hand, you’ll be able to create a submission for your project and compare similar products. At Harkins, we can offer you our architecture and planning services. We invite you to read our practical guide to help you better understand our approach.
Ensure to establish a clear and detailed list of your expectations for the company. If a competitor provides an estimate that is exceptionally low, ask questions. On the other hand, if an estimate comes back with a price that’s exceptionally high, ask questions. In any case, ask questions about the price, the extras, what’s included or excluded, warranties, and the hourly rate for additional tasks. Never forget that you’ll end up with the product you accept to pay for. There are things that aren’t recommended you skimp on and your contractor should be able to guide you.
