Posted on 08/24/2005 9:11:44 AM PDT by SoDak
I'm nearly finished remodeling the old house I bought a few years ago, will be done in three months or so, and I'm planning to build a new house on an acreage next year as soon as I get the current one sold. I'm seriously considering building a log home if I stay in South Dakota, and wonder if anyone out here has had any negative experiences in building, living in, insuring, or financing a log house. Banks seem a little skittish about them, although I've never gotten a reason why. I've created a design and had the design approved by an architect at a log home builder. I would appreciate anyone's input.
I've been going on for about 2 years now. My place wasn't from scratch, but the majority of my time has been spent tearing out misguided changes from the past 100 years. You've done a great job.
Check their record in the courts and with local and state regulatory authorities, using both individual and corporate names, including any prior corporate names and d/b/a names. Get some help from someone who knows or be ready to ask lots of questions of clerks to make sure you have run everything down of consequence. That may take a day or two or more of effort, but considering the cost and nature of a home, it seems worthwhile.
All very good points, and very worthwhile. I plan also to check with some of my Montana bankers to see if they've run into collateral financial damage from dealings with the company.
As one w/a bit of expertise, I'd recommend them.
I've heard that remodeling is MUCH worse than starting from scratch...so I do feel for ya hun.
Good luck!
He further suggested that you see what exists in your market now and ask some appraisers and real estate agents for their thoughts as to creating max value.
In some areas (rustic, mountainous and woodsy), log homes (if built right) command top dollar. But of course in other areas (such as suburban neighborhoods with manicured lawns), they are white elephants.
Good luck...log homes are my favorites.
I have litigated home construction cases and damn near get the shivers to even think of building a home without doing a lot of background checking. My brother -- an experienced and capable lawyer no less -- declined to have me check his builder out and relied instead on a recommendation from a friend and his own gut feel. After delays and other problems, my brother learned that the builder was capable but had various personal problems and was poorly organized. Fortunately, my brother and his wife ended up with a fine home, but they had to be patient, grit their teeth, and keep exceedingly close watch over the project and develop good relations with the subs.
Some very cool designs there. I plan to give it a closer look tonight. The "loyalsock' design is very close to what I have come up with only I want all the rooms larger, and want a fireplace in the master bedroom. Thanks for posting it.
The building site is on 19 acres overlooking a river valley, and will be at least 4 miles from the nearest existing house.
Wow! That sounds perfect...build one for me.
My parents have one. They had to get it re-stained a couple years ago (it was about eight years old, I think) and the carpenter bees like making holes in it. Otherwise, it's wonderful.
It's split-log, which means the outside is one thing and the inside something else, with insulation in the middle. Really gorgeous.
I'd love to take piece of land that and move it to Connecticut.
I plan to do my due diligence. I've developed a "trust nobody" philosophy in life.
I'm planning the 'whole log' approach.
Ok, keep in mind that a dark log will make the place really dreary inside. Lovely, but dreary. See if you can tour a cabin built of the sort of wood you plan to use.
Log homes are beautiful! I wish you joy of yours!
There will be a ton of windows, so I'm thinking it will overcome a darkness problem.
Lincoln Logs ???
Looks good, thanks again for another great link.
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