Kevin and Debbie thought they were comparing identical log home packages, but a deeper look revealed hidden shortcuts, missing materials, and unexpected costs. Here’s how they avoided a costly mistake—and how you can, too.
Kevin and Debbie came to Hochstetler Log Homes with a sketch to get an approximate building cost for a log home. Hochstetler Log Homes quoted there standard high-quality material components, along with our guarantee that if there are shortages of any material estimated, we will provide at no additional cost.
After receiving the quote from us for $179,000, they went to another log home manufacturer and got a bid of the same sketch for $50,000 less, a 40% savings! As far as Kevin and Debbie knew, it was the exact same deal, only $50,000 less! After sharing a copy of the competitor’s estimate in order for us to review, we found that they were quoting air-dried logs, conventional roof system, cheaper windows and doors. Also, at the same time, they were missing 20% of the material that they would have needed to finish their home! After redoing our quote to their specs, we were more than $10,000 less than the competitor! Always compare apples-to-apples.
Unsuspecting homeowners can easily get taken advantage of by going with the lowest number. Had Kevin and Debbie gone with the lower cost package, they would have ended up paying more for a log home that didn’t have good quality, name brand materials that last a lifetime. The question is, “How can you protect yourself?” Fortunately for Kevin and Debbie, by the “luck of the draw,” they ended up with the better deal.
Here are a few guidelines in getting an apples-to-apples comparison:
We recommend taking a different approach other than going around and collecting estimates. To get a true apples-to-apples comparison you will need a professionally-drawn preliminary drawing. They usually cost from $2000 to $5000, depending on the complexity and size of your home. However, it may easily be the best investment that you make on your home.
After picking out a handful of viable companies that can produce what you want, visit their manufacturing facilities and see for yourself their quality or lack thereof. Then, choose the company that you feel you can work with and trust. Have them draw up your concept and preliminary plans that fit your turnkey building budget.
Make yourself a specification sheet listing, the size/shape of logs, timbered or conventional roof, type of doors, windows, door knobs and metal or shingle roof, etc. Next, get a price for the material from them and from several other second choice companies as well. When you get the bid, be sure to ask, “is there is anything else I will need to complete the home.” Make sure when they say the door is included that the door knobs go along. Any items that are missing, get a price from a seperate supplier and add it to the quote. Sometimes these items can add hundreds of dollars but may be included in some manufacturer’s packages.
When you have all the bids back you are now ready to compare. Keep in mind that each company may not have the same quality components. You can usually tell if a company is using subpar building components. When you want to build a dream log home you don’t want to always buy what’s cheapest. You want doors that work and windows that last. You are likely investing years of your hard-earned savings on one of the largest investments in your life. Why not spend it wisely on quality that last’s and pass your legacy to your children and grandchildren. What you want to look for is someone you can trust that supplies high quality at a reasonable price.
