What is a kit?

When speaking with distributors like myself and home buyers who are familiar with the log home industry, they will refer to the kit or package or material package. What is this kit?

Let me begin my explanation of the material package in this way. Each company that sells log homes puts a different set of log home materials in their kit or package. So, the cost for the kit can vary considerably from one company to another. On top of that, it can be a challenge to compare one company with another. But wait, there is more. The quality of materials that go in these kits can range from high, to standard, to below grade.

With that in mind, let us continue. The material package sold is somewhat unique in our industry. It contains ALL of the materials needed to dry-in the home. This dry-in package completes the shell. The shell is done when the walls are up, the exterior doors and windows are in place, and the roof system is complete, including shingles or other roofing options.

How much does a material package cost? In general terms, it represents about 1/3 of the cost of a log home. This estimate can be used in some places like Smith Mountain Lake but not all geographic areas. Another 1/3 of the cost will finish the inside and another 1/3 is for construction. Please keep in mind that these are ESTIMATES. Cost can vary considerably based on construction costs as well as the types of windows, roof material, fire places, decks, exposed beams not to mention sink and tub fixtures, garden tubs, a finished basement, garage and other niceties.

The cost of a log home can be ESTIMATED to cost between $100 and $125 a square foot on a crawl space. Among the items not included in this figure are the land, site preparation, driveways, well, septic system, fire places, garages, finished basements, foundation covering, stairs and decks.