Six Tips for Researching Log Cabin Companies
The best way to determine which log or timber frame manufacturer is best for designing and milling your log cabin or timber frame project is to conduct your own research. Here are six tips for researching companies before you make a decision of a lifetime.
- Surf with Purpose
- Meet the Makers
- Read all About It
- Scrapbook Your Dreams
- Chat with Homeowners and Builders
- Hit the Road
1. Surf with Purpose
There are so many places to get ideas and information, online. Some of the best are websites, blogs, online event calendars and social media sites operated by log home companies, wood home magazines and industry associations. Pinterest features thousands of ideas and photos. Many catalogs and magazines are free to read or download on issuu.com. YouTube videos show tours and more. Live webinars are usually free and offer real-time interaction with the speaker.
2. Meet the Makers
Log home companies operate model homes open for touring in many locations. Here’s where you can see the quality of their products, talk with their representatives and see if their company would be a good fit for your project. Be sure an ask if they offer tours of their manufacturing facility. Hint: Not all manufactures have strict quality standards, log grading programs, construction manuals and agree to a code of ethics. Always ensure a company you are considering is a member of the Log & Timber Homes Council of the NAHB and has a good BBB rating.
3. Read all About It
National log and timber magazines, like Log Home Living and Log Cabin Homes, individual manufacturers publications, like Honest Abe Living, and log home suppliers’ guides, like Perma-Chink Systems Wood Care Resource, provide product information, home features, industry news stories, floor plans, photos and trends.
4. Scrapbook Your Dreams
Keep an idea book, either a physical binder or an electronic file (or both), that you can use to show your home designer exactly what you want and discuss with your sales representative how your dreams can work with your current budget and with your long-range plan.
5. Chat with Homeowners and Builders
Open house events or construction site tours offer opportunities to experience homes being built or to go inside finished homes not usually open to the public and to ask the owners or builders to share their experiences and answer questions.
6. Hit the Road
Across the country, Log and Timber Home Shows are staged numerous times each year, offering plenty of chances to pick up information, talk with designers and sales reps, see examples of structures from dozens of companies, get ideas about finishing, decorating and landscaping and attend educational seminars.
You should also take advantage of local and regional events like log raisings and log home tours hosted by manufacturers or distributors in your area. We’re happy to have you join us for any of our free log raising events and home tours throughout the year.
