FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS....

Q:  Why should I purchase my log home from Jeremiah Johnson Log Homes and Anderson Custom Homes?

A: As both a log home manufacturer and builder, we not only have the expertise, but also years of experience behind us.  By emphasizing the beauty of the natural wood and using each piece in the area of the house that best suits it, we offer the most attractive and structurally sound product on the market today.The uniqueness of our logs and the artistry of our craftsmen are what we are most proud of.

Q:  What is the difference between your Handcrafted Log Homes and your competitor's Milled Log Homes?

A:  The logs in our Handcrafted line are completely hand peeled and hand scribed to fit together.  Each log is individually unique and we try to incorporate logs into our homes with unique features such as burls.  Milled logs are peeled by machine giving each log in the home a standardized look.

EXAMPLES OF HANDCRAFTED LOGS

EXAMPLES OF MILLED OR MANUFACTURED LOGS

Q:  What styles of homes do you offer?  Do they require chinking?

A:  We build in both a Chinked and a Swedish Cope style.  Our Swedish Cope homes do not require chinking because each log is hand carved to fit together tightly.

                                                                   Chinked Style                                                              Swedish Cope Style



Q:  Is it normal for the logs to crack?

A:  Yes, small cracks can occur in all log homes.These cracks are typically on the exterior of the log and do not go through its entire diameter.  The cracks in no way endanger the structural strength of the home.  Cracking results from the natural seasoning or drying process of the logs.  Most of our customers believe that these cracks add character and beauty to the logs; however they can also be filled with a quality wood filler.

Q:  Do you have standard floor plans?  Can they be modified?  Do you Build Custom Homes?

A:  Yes, Yes and Yes!!  We have over 100 standard floor plans and have constructed homes from 300 sq. ft and up.  The sky is the limit!  All of our plans can be customized.  By utilizing our incredible design team, clients can adjust and make changes to suit their needs.  We can also work with you one-on-one to develop a custom floor plan for your dream log home. We pride ourselves in constructing only quality custom log homes, with personalized, signature details.

Q:  Do you set up the log shell or do I need to do this myself?

A:  Unlike other log home companies, our package price always includes the log set.  Once your foundation is complete, our experienced crew travels to your building site and sets your new log shell.  Depending on the size of your new home, this usually takes 1-5 days.

Q: What do your log packages cost per square foot?

A:  In general, our log package prices start at $33 per square foot.  However, it is very difficult to quote a per square foot price since there are so many variables which affect the cost of a handcrafted log home.  Some of these factors include log species and size, plan detail, the number of corners, the intricacy of the floor and roof system, and any special features you might want to incorporate into your log home.  If you have an idea of the size or a rough plan, we would be happy to provide you with an estimate.

Q:  Do you Build Turn-Key?  Do you perform Dry-In services?

A:  Definitely Yes.  Anderson Custom Homes, LLC is a third generation builder and has been in business for 18 years.  About 80% of the log packages we sell we also build turn-key for our customers.  Our turn-key construction prices start at $130 per square foot plus the log package cost and include everything except well and septic or public utility taps.

Our convenient, economical dry-in services are perfect for customers wishing to finish out their own log home.  Dry-In pricing start at $53 per square foot plus the price of the log package and includes basic driveway and building pad excavations, concrete slab or walk out foundation, lower level framing, windows and doors, stairs from the main floor to the loft, exterior stain and exterior chinking (if required) and roof with ice and water shield.

The total construction cost to build a log home varies greatly depending on several factors.  These include but are not limited to:  Log size and species, Complexity of the home's design, Log components used, Optional items such as carvings and character posts, Topography of the building site and Job location.

We offer FREE site visits and consultations and would be happy to provide you with a detailed estimate.

Q:  Where do you build? Where will you deliver log packages?

A:  We sell and deliver log kits throughout the country and the world.  As part of our log package price, we will travel to your building site anywhere in the country and set your log shell.

Q: What is included in your log packages?

A:  Generally, we only provide the log shell.  This includes the log walls, log beams and posts to support the roof structure, log floor joists to support the upstairs floor, a log staircase if required, and related hardware.  We can also assist with arranging for additional materials you may require in the finishing of your home such as:  dimensional lumber, stain, windows, doors and cabinets.  By purchasing additional finishing materials locally, you save any markup and shipping costs

Q: What species of logs do you use to build your log homes?

A:  We use two log species in the construction of our log homes - Standing Dead Blue Stain Lodgepole Pine and Western Red Cedar.  Our Lodgepole Pine logs are typically harvested in the State of Colorado and offer wonderful color and character.  Lodgepole Pine log homes are available in a variety of sizes typically ranging between 10" - 15" in diameter and can be constructed in both a Chink or Swedish Cope style. 

Our Western Red Cedar logs are imported from Canada and average between 15" - 18" in diameter.  Homes constructed with this size and species are typically in a Swedish Cope style.  Determining which timber to build with is based on personal preference and budget.  Whichever log species you choose, your home will be a beautiful heirloom lasting for generations.

Q: Is freight included in the price of the log shell package?

A:  Shipping is included within a 60 mile radius of our Dumont, Colorado office.  The cost of shipping varies depending on the destination and fuel prices.  However, this is generally a very small part of your log home budget.  Feel free to contact us for a shipping quote.

Q:How is the electrical wiring run in the log walls?

A:  An electrician has the ability to drill through the base log into the floor system to obtain perimeter wall outlets.  Electrical wiring is also typically run through the sub floors and stub walls of your home.

Q: How long does it take to build a log home?

A:  There are basically four stages in the construction of a log home.  First we work with you to plan and design your new home. After a full set of architectural plans are completed, log shell construction begins.  Timing varies depending on the size and complexity of your home.  However, a typical 2,500 square foot log home package will take approximately 12 to 14 weeks to handcraft.  Our third stage is when we set the logs on your foundation.  This usually takes 1-5 days. 

The last stage is the complete turn-key finish of your new log home.  Again, the time to finish your new home will vary depending on size, finishes, complexity and location.  However, on average a 2,500 square foot home will take approximately 7 months to complete.  For customers beginning the construction process in spring, it is very possible to move into your completed home by mid-fall.

Q: Is financing a log home different than a "regular" home?

A:  Financing a log home is no different than a conventional stick frame home. We work with several banks and mortgage companies that can assist you with your financing.


Q:  Do you allow for settling and shrinking?


A:  Most definitely! To ensure the least amount of shrinkage, we have all our logs rough peeled and air dried on-site for approximately one year before we use them in construction.  Our Standing Dead Lodgepole Pine homes only have an approximate 15% water content when constructed and will minimally shrink between 1/4" - 1/2".  Our Western Red Cedar homes have a slightly higher moisture content. 

No matter which species of log you choose, all of our construction methods allow for the shrinkage of the logs as well as the settling of the home itself. We have specialized methods of construction to allow for shrinkage over the doors, windows and support posts in your home. We go over all of these procedures and methods with you during the planning and design phase

BUILT-IN SETTLING BRACKETS

Q:  What is the insulation value of your log homes?

A:  Our log homes are some of the most thermally and energy efficient structures being built today. The two factors that determine the Insulation Value or "R-value" of the logs we use are the diameter and the species. The greater the diameter of the logs used to construct your home the higher the R-value and thermal mass it provides. As a rule,  the logs that we use in our log homes are more energy efficient to heat and cool than a conventional stick frame home built with 2x6 studs and R19 insulation.

Q:  Do you sell land or land / home packages?

A:  Absolutely!  Anderson Custom Homes, LLC owns a variety of building sites in Evergreen, Colorado that we sell specifically in land/home packages.  By selling directly, we can pass our savings onto you.  Looking for something different?  Owner, Anne-Marie Anderson is a licensed Realtor with Evergreen Mountain Homes, LLC and would be happy to assist you in finding the perfect site for your new dream home.

For More Information or a free consultation, Contact Us Today At 303-567-2202

If Not Now…..When???