Timber Frame Builders Blog | Logangate

New Home Financing: A Complete Breakdown

New Home Financing: A Complete Breakdown

Building a custom timber home is more than just a typical construction project. It’s the actualization of a dream and the beginning of a new chapter in life. For many, the thought of financing this dream can be daunting, and few actually follow through with the decision. However, with the right knowledge and guidance, navigating the nuances of new home financing can be an enlightening and empowering experience. So, how does a construction loan work? Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you understand the process and what to expect along the way.

 

Introduction to Construction Loans

Building a new home is a multifaceted endeavor that involves various components and their associated costs. For example, you’ll need to finance the land on which your home will be built, budget for costs of materials, skilled labor, and many other services. These costs are usually covered with a unique type of loan known as a “Construction Loan.”

 

Construction loans differ from traditional mortgages in several ways. Primarily, they are short-term loans that can typically range from 12 to 18 months, and they are designed to cover the costs of the construction phase. Instead of receiving the entire loan amount upfront, funds from a construction loan are disbursed in stages as construction progresses, and costs are incurred. This is beneficial as interest is only charged on the amount drawn from the loan, not the total loan approved.

 

When considering new home financing during this process, what about the land? Financing new home construction can include the cost of acquiring the land if it hasn’t already been purchased. Furthermore, any personal funds used before the loan are considered a “down payment or cash in the deal” and contribute to your equity in the project. If you already own the land, or it has been gifted to you, its current market value will be considered as part of your equity contribution.  

 

New Home Financing Prequalification

Financing new home construction begins with the prequalification process. Prequalification is a preliminary evaluation of your creditworthiness that allows you and your chosen bank to determine how much you can afford to borrow. This process provides you with a clear understanding of your budget, making it easier to plan your project effectively.

 

The prequalification process typically starts with an online application and involves a soft pull of your credit, which won’t negatively impact your credit score. It also requires a review of your identification and income-related documents such as pay stubs, W-2s, and possibly tax returns. Once submitted, the prequalification process usually takes as little as 24-48 hours, depending on the bank. With a clear understanding of your borrowing capacity, you can then proceed to the next stage: Full Approval.

 

Understanding and Navigating the Full Approval Process

Securing Full Approval for your construction loan involves several steps, requiring close collaboration between you, your banker, and your construction partners.

 

Step 1: Builder Acceptance

The first step towards full approval involves your construction partners. Your construction partners are typically required to complete a short application, provide several references, and produce acceptable licensing and insurance documents as required by government regulators. This step ensures that your chosen partners are reputable, reliable, and have a proven track record. For reputable home builders like Logangate Timber Homes, this process is fairly straightforward. 

 

Step 2: Assembly of Construction Documents

Next comes the assembly of your construction documents. These include proposed contracts with your General Contractor or construction partners, all third-party bids for site work, floorplans, elevations, and a comprehensive list of the specifications for your future home. It’s crucial to be thorough and accurate during this stage as it can significantly impact the speed and efficiency of your project.

 

Step 3: Building an Initial Budget

Once your construction documents are assembled, your chosen bank will use them to create an initial budget. This budget is compiled from all the third-party estimates (known as “hard costs”), an estimate of the “soft costs” (such as closing costs and inspections), and a “contingency” which is an additional sum set aside to cover any unexpected costs or cost overruns. This comprehensive budget is one of the more important steps in financing new home construction because it provides a detailed projection of the project’s financial needs. The step offers you a clear picture of the money you need to bring to the closing table.

 

Step 4: Specs and Plans Appraisal

With the budget in place, the Lender will then submit a full set of plans, specifications, elevations, and the initial budget to an appraiser. This “Specs and Plans” appraisal is conducted to determine the market value of your new home. Depending on where you live, this step typically takes about two weeks.

 

Step 5: Obtaining Final Insurance Requirements

The final step involves securing the necessary insurance coverage. This includes Title Insurance and a Homeowners Policy. Once these are obtained, any adjustments to the budget are made, and the entire package is sent to Underwriting for Final Approval and a Clear to Close.

 

The Home Stretch: Construction Draws

Once the loan is closed, advances on the loan are disbursed through a mechanism known as a “Construction Draw”. As the Borrower, you’ll complete a draw request form, sign it, and submit it, along with an invoice and a “Lien Waiver” from the General Contractor. These documents are then reconciled against the final budget.

 

The funds are paid directly to the General Contractor via money wire. Each draw is measured against the line-item budget. If a line item exceeds the final budget, it may be paid out of the contingency line item, ensuring your project stays financially sound while progressing smoothly.

 

Conclusion

Building a timber home is an exciting journey, filled with choices, challenges, and accomplishments. By understanding the steps involved in new home financing, you can confidently navigate this journey and watch as your dream home comes to life. The road to owning a custom timber home or a custom post and beam home may seem intricate, but with thorough preparation, careful planning, and a clear understanding of the financial process, you’ll be on your way to crafting the home of your dreams. So now that we’ve learned how a construction loan works, the next step is up to you! Start planning, keep these points in mind, and embark on your journey by contacting Logangate Timber Homes today!

Designing A Timber Frame House

Designing A Timber Frame House

Planning and designing a new home from scratch can be a challenging task for the uninitiated. When it comes to planning and designing a timber frame house, common challenges can seem insurmountable if you’re not careful with what you’re doing. Today, we’ll be covering the nuances of designing a timber frame house, building a timber frame home, and common questions that may arise during a timber home construction project.

Start With a Strong Plan

Designing a timber frame house involves several important steps that focus on planning, preparation, and conceptualizing the design before the actual construction begins. The first step is the step that you’re actually completing now! Exploring resources to determine your needs and objectives is a necessary first step. Start by defining your needs and objectives for building a timber frame home that you’re going to live in. Consider factors such as the size, layout, number of rooms, functionality, and architectural style. Think about your lifestyle, family size, and any specific requirements or preferences you may have.

Once you’ve listed out your needs and wants, the next step is to establish a budget for the timber home construction project. Budgeting is important to understand where and how your hard-earned money will fit into the home. Let the budgeting process help guide your design decisions and ensure that your plans align with your financial resources. In the early stages of planning and budgeting, getting a general idea of costs will be enough. When you’re ready to contact a general contractor or a reliable timber frame home construction company, they will help with finalizing your plan. For now, having a loose budget will be okay! Here are some items to consider when building your initial budget:

  • Construction materials
  • Permits and regulatory fees
  • Utilities and services
  • Landscaping and outdoor features
  • Interior furnishings and fixtures

You can search for the local cost of these items in your area to find the cost of these items.

Planning and Designing

Once you’ve set your budget and gathered ideas about what you’re looking for in the home. It’s time to think about where you want to build your timber frame home. To select a suitable site, consider factors such as accessibility, orientation, views, proximity to amenities, and environmental conditions. For new homeowners who may want to build a modern mountain home away from major infrastructure, you’ll need to evaluate the site’s topography, soil conditions, and any legal or zoning restrictions that may impact the design.

Once you’ve done the preplanning and designing, it’s time to conceptualize the design. While most new homeowners will do this step with a professional, you can still do this step independently. This step involves creating floor plans, elevations, and models that capture your vision. Consider the flow between spaces, natural lighting, and the integration of the timber frame into the overall design aesthetic.

Consider the energy efficiency of the home; this element is often overlooked but can really impact your savings in the long term. Some strategies such as passive solar design, proper insulation, high-performance windows, and efficient heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are great ways to keep your home energy efficient to save on energy bills during the summer and winter months. This will help reduce energy consumption and minimize the environmental impact of your home long after the home is built.

Bring in Design Professionals

If you’ve gotten this far into the planning stages of building a timber frame home, then it’s time to bring in professionals. Seek the assistance of professionals who specialize in timber frame house design. This may include architects, structural engineers, timber frame designers, or general contractors. Their expertise can help you navigate the design process, ensure structural integrity, and address any technical considerations.

Additionally, working collaboratively with a timber frame design team to refine and finalize the detailed design of your timber frame house is important to get a second opinion on the work that you’ve done so far. Your design team should be able to advise and provide input on the wants and needs that you’ve outlined. Additionally, your design team should refine your plan by creating construction drawings, specifying materials, and addressing any technical or permitting considerations.

Choose Trusted Home Building Companies

Even with the right designers and architects, timber home construction can be tricky. That’s why Logangate Timber Homes offer an all-in-one solution to plan, design, and build your dream home. With a timber frame specially designed by a tenured professional, a lot of time can be saved during the planning process. Additionally, with companies like Logangate Timber Homes, the budgeting, designing, and other considerations that require expert help are included.

For example, understanding how to obtain necessary permits and approvals is not something that new homeowners can easily find or stay in compliance with. With a dedicated timber frame company, before proceeding with the construction of your timber frame house, your contractor will ensure that you have obtained all the necessary permits and approvals from local authorities. This may include building permits, environmental clearances, and compliance with relevant building codes and regulations.

Remember, designing a timber frame house is a complex process, and it’s crucial to work with experienced professionals to ensure a successful outcome. Professionals like us at Logangate Timber Homes have streamlined our home-buying process so our customers can save less time, stress, and money during this new chapter of their lives. Contact us today for more information at Logangate Timber Homes!

Why Logangate Prefers Building With Douglas Fir

Why Logangate Prefers Building With Douglas Fir

Whether you’re a professional home builder or a layperson unfamiliar with the nuances of building custom homes, Douglas fir is likely a tree species you’ve at least heard of. This impressive tree is native to North America and has been recorded as being used by Native Americans to build all types of tools, living structures, and even canoes. 

 

With such a significant presence in history, it’s no wonder that some modern companies still use this native tree species. Today, we’ll discuss why the professionals at Logangate Timber Homes have stuck to building with Douglas fir in our luxurious timber frame homes!

 

Why Doesn’t Everyone Use Douglas Fir as a Building Material?

Using Douglas fir as a building material is not the industry standard among home builders in America for several reasons, but it all eventually boils down to the overall cost of the finished project. While this species of wood is highly desirable, it can be difficult to acquire due to its native habitat in the Pacific Northwest and mountainous coastal regions. When the tree is harvested and processed, it is typically transported to a sawmill for processing into usable finished planks.

 

Transporting these trees out of mountainous regions can be costly when compared to local wood species that might be readily available. This is sometimes a driving factor in using Douglas fir for Timber Home building or a local species is used. Once the logs are debarked and sawed into planks, the planks are then dried. Douglas fir lumber is strong, with a Janka hardness score of 660. While this is not in the top-ranked hardness, building with Douglas fir is preferred because it is relatively inexpensive compared to its rank in hardness. In the hands of a professional timber frame company, Douglas fir can be used to build exceptionally high-quality homes.

 

Natural Pest and Decay Control

While a home that is built with Douglas fir lumber might not be insect or pest-free, it does possess some favorable qualities for homeowners who might worry about damage to their homes. Douglas fir lumber contains naturally occurring resin that resists fungi, insects, and other burrowing pests; without this resin, pests and other organisms could more easily infest the wood and cause the home to deteriorate. 

 

Another secret weapon against pest and fungal infestations of Douglas fir is its wood density. With an average density of 530 kg/m3, Douglas fir lumber density means that it increases the strength and durability of the wood and also makes it difficult for pests to penetrate the dense wood. Because of its difficulty in penetrating wood, pests are less likely to establish a colony and ruin the home. These qualities are why many homes built with Douglas fir can stand for hundreds of years with the proper care.

 

Other Considerations of Using Douglas Fir for Building

Another reason why home-building companies like Logangate prefer to use Douglas fir for building timber homes is that this tree species is bountiful in North America and thus can be sustainably harvested. As global climate changes and shifts occur at abnormal rates, it’s important to try to practice sustainable living so that future generations will have a place to live and thrive. Professionals at Logangate Timber Homes use green building practices to ensure Douglas fir populations are not exhausted or depleted. At Logangate, we partner with certified lumber suppliers that adhere to ethical harvesting practices. Finally, at Logangate, we use a 2×6 Douglas fir tongue and groove, unlike our competitors that use lower-quality materials. This joint design is a staple design with all of Logangate’s homes and standard to our tightly-fit premanufactured energy-efficient panels!

 

Choose a Post and Beam Professional Home Builder

At Logangate Timber Homes, we’re committed to providing ultra-luxury timber frame homes as well as modern post and beam homes. Our experts at Logangate Timber Homes have been building with Douglas fir for over 50 years, and the unique wood grain structure is preferred by many satisfied new homeowners. Simply put, we believe that Douglas fir looks beautiful in our spacious and high-ceiling timber frame homes. When paired with the right home builder, Douglas fir can be used to build truly remarkable homes. Contact Logangate Timber Homes to start the process and build your dream home today!

Best Mountainous Places to Live in the US

Best Mountainous Places to Live in the US

Living in a mountainous region of the US offers many advantages. For one, there are plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities like skiing, snowboarding, and hiking. You can also enjoy stunning views from your own home or venture out to explore the breathtaking scenery. Living in a mountain area also provides respite from hot summer days, as temperatures tend to remain cooler than in other parts of the country during the peak season. And with access to natural resources like clean air and water, you can be sure that you’ll experience healthier living conditions than in typical urban areas.

Many people who choose to live in these regions are drawn by the sense of community they find there; it’s not uncommon for neighbors to become close friends over time! So if you’ve been dreaming of leaving city life behind and settling down somewhere serene yet stimulating, then consider checking out some of the best mountainous places to live in the US listed below!

Where to Live in the Mountains

Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville is an increasingly popular mountain city located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina. It’s renowned for its stunning natural beauty and outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and rafting, making it among the best mountainous places to live in the US. The city also has a thriving art scene, with plenty of museums, galleries, and performance venues to explore. It may not be the cheapest place to live in the mountains, but in terms of the cost of living, Asheville is an attractive destination for those seeking affordability.

When it comes to community, there is no shortage of spirit in this welcoming town. The tight-knit community puts on many local events and festivals that bring people together. Asheville has also been known for its community activism, with initiatives in place to create more affordable housing, healthcare access, and environmental conservation.

Telluride, Colorado

Telluride, Colorado, is an incredibly picturesque mountain town known for its dramatic landscapes, historic charm, and numerous outdoor activities. Located in the San Juan Mountains of southwest Colorado, Telluride boasts some of the most breathtaking views in the country, with tall peaks towering over deep valleys. It’s no surprise that this small town has become a popular destination for adventurers looking to explore its many hiking trails, snowshoeing paths, ice-climbing spots, and more!

Despite being relatively small (the population sits at just over 2500 people), there is still plenty going on here year-round, making it an ideal place for those looking for both adventure and relaxation alike. Living expenses tend to remain fairly low compared to other towns, so you can enjoy all that Telluride has to offer without breaking the bank. They even have a sustainability initiative with a free gondola system that runs from Telluride to Mountain Village, so not only can you live more eco-friendly, but you don’t have to spend as much on gas!

Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is one of the best mountainous places to live in the US for anyone looking to settle down in a town with a vibrant cultural scene and outdoor recreational opportunities. Located just on the border of the Great Smokey Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg offers some of the best hiking trails and mountain living in the country, thanks to its diverse terrain and abundant wildlife. It also has a vibrant nightlife scene featuring award-winning restaurants as well as art galleries, independent film festivals, and live music venues; there’s never a shortage of things to do here.

Gatlinburg has also become increasingly popular over the past few years due to its close proximity to the Great Smokey Mountains, making it an excellent home base for outdoor enthusiasts and mountain-living lovers. Compared to many other mountainous areas in the US, Gatlinburg offers a relatively low cost of living. Housing, transportation, and other basic expenses are generally more affordable here than in other mountain towns, making it an attractive option for those seeking a more affordable mountain lifestyle!

Boone, North Carolina

Boone, North Carolina, is situated in the heart of Appalachia. With its charming small-town atmosphere and stunning views, it’s no secret that Boone is listed as one of the best mountainous places to live in the US. This quaint community offers plenty of outdoor activities, farm-to-table cafes, and other cultural attractions for everyone to enjoy.

From its hiking trails to lush forests as well as numerous ski resorts like Appalachian Ski Mountain, locals love that they can head outside all year round! You’ll also have access to some of North Carolina’s most beautiful national parks — such as Pisgah National Forest or Blue Ridge Parkway — which are home to jaw-dropping waterfalls that will take your breath away.

But what sets Boone apart from other towns is its sense of community; local art events and summer concerts at Jones Park have brought people together for years! And if you’re looking for the cheapest place to live in the mountains, Boone is an affordable option thanks to their reasonable prices in the real estate market.

Stowe, Vermont

You may know Stowe, Vermont, as home to the historic Gold Brook Covered Bridge, one of the most photographed bridges in the state. If you’re wondering where to live in the mountains, this charming small community is a great option for those looking for a small town with a population of under 1000. You can find the endearing town situated in the Green Mountains. If you’re searching for the cheapest place to live in the mountains, this town is also worth considering, as it offers a cost of living that’s below the national average.

What often draws locals to Stowe is that there are plenty of hiking trails that meander through lush forests —  in fact, the city is known for its bright and colorful fall foliage! Stowe Mountain Resort is right nearby, which offers an incredible skiing experience in your own backyard. You’ll also have plenty to explore thanks to Vermont’s stunning national parks, such as Camel’s Hump State Park or Underhill State Park.

Ellijay, Georgia

Ellijay, Georgia, is situated in the stunning North Georgia Mountains with rolling hills, meandering rivers, and dense forests. The town is surrounded by the Chattahoochee National Forest, which offers a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and camping.

This quaint city has a population of around 1,700 people, which gives it a small-town feel. The town has a close-knit community that values its history and culture, and residents take pride in their town and work to preserve its character. While Ellijay is a small town, it is conveniently located 90 minutes north of Atlanta, which provides easy access to the amenities and entertainment options of a larger city.

One of the greatest perks of living in this mountain town is the cost of living. The cost of living in Ellijay is lower than the national average, making it an attractive option for people looking to relocate to a mountainous area without breaking the bank!

Roanoke, Virginia

Roanoke, Virginia, is located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains and is one of the best mountainous places to live in the US for anyone looking for a great quality of life. This great mountain town is surrounded by mountains, forests, and rivers, making it an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. There are numerous hiking and biking trails, as well as opportunities for kayaking, fishing, and rock climbing. For someone looking for less adrenaline-charged hobbies, the nearby Blue Ridge Parkway provides access to some of the most scenic drives in the country.

In terms of cost of living, Roanoak is an affordable city, making it an attractive option for those who are deciding where to live in the mountains while on a budget. This includes both housing prices and groceries, which are fairly affordable compared to other cities around America. There are also several supermarkets located within walking distance from downtown, so you won’t have to go far when stocking up your pantry. If you’re drawn to a small-town feel with plenty of historic buildings, rodeos, and cowboy culture, then Roanoke is a great option for you!

Santa Fe, New Mexico

When deciding where to live in the mountains, Santa Fe is a great choice! With a history dating back to over 400 years ago, Santa Fe is a mountain town with panoramic views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in New Mexico. With the city’s adobe construction and earthy colors, along with its rich culture, it’s no wonder why so many people choose to call this place home. The cost of living here is quite reasonable compared to many other places around the US, making Santa Fe an attractive destination for those seeking the cheapest place to live in the mountains without sacrificing culture.

The local amenities in Santa Fe are plentiful, too; from cozy cafes serving up authentic Mexican cuisine and quaint shops selling handmade goods, you’ll find everything you need right within reach! Not only is the city a hub for the local art scene but there are also plenty of outdoor activities available, such as hiking trails and skiing opportunities nearby.

Ready to Build Your Own Mountainside Retreat?

So if you’re looking for one of the best mountainous places to live in the US, then be sure to consider one (or more!) of these wonderful towns listed above. Each offers plenty of outdoor activities and cultural attractions to keep you busy and an affordable way of life that will allow you the freedom to construct the home of your dreams.

No matter which one you choose, Logangate Timber Homes can help bring your vision of a dream mountain home into a reality. Our experienced team of designers is dedicated to creating custom-built homes that reflect your individual style — while incorporating sustainable materials like timber frames and green building methods throughout the process. With over 50 years of experience, Logangate has been helping people create beautiful homes in some of America’s most stunning locations – so why not let us help make your dreams come true? Visit our website today and request more information on how we can help you build your new home according to your budget, timeline, and lifestyle needs.

Contact Logangate Timber Homes now and begin planning to customize your very own mountain-side timber home today!

Post and Beam vs. Stick Built Cost

Post and Beam vs Stick Built Cost

 

The average cost of a home today can vary drastically. According to the US Census Bureau, the construction of new homes has fallen 18.4% in a comparison between February 2023 and 2022. Of course, there are several reasons contributing to the national housing shortage, but this information is helpful when deciding options when considering Post and Beam vs stick-built cost. Today, we will be discussing the differences between the two styles of homes, including the cost of Post and Beam vs stick built, the pros and cons of both, and expectations for the years to come.

 

Let’s dive into the costs associated with building Post and Beam homes versus traditional stick-built homes. We’ll explore the different factors that impact the cost of construction for each type of home, including materials, labor, and design considerations, as well as land and lot considerations.

 

Traditional Stick-Built Cost Considerations

When it comes to building a home, there are many options available. One common approach is the traditional stick-built method, where the home’s framing is constructed with 2×4 or 2×6 framing (sometimes referred to in the industry as “sticks”) lumber. When building a stick-built home, there are several costs to consider, including:

 

  • Materials: The cost of materials is the first major factor that most home buyers think of when considering a stick-built home. Materials include the cost of materials such as lumber, roofing, windows, doors, insulation, drywall, electrical wiring, and other materials needed to construct the home.
  • Labor: The cost of labor is another major factor in the cost of building a stick-built home. This includes the cost of hiring contractors, builders, and subcontractors to complete the work. Of course, this can vary depending on the contractors chosen and the level of workmanship and experience put into the home.
  • Foundation: The cost of the foundation is next on our list of costs, and this cost is not something to cut corners on when building a stick-built home. Depending on the type of foundation chosen, such as a basement or slab foundation, the cost can vary greatly, but the foundation is, well, the foundation of the home. When building a foundation, it’s important to have it done correctly for a long-lasting home.
  • Permits and fees: There are various permits and fees required when building a home, including building permits, zoning permits, and impact fees. These costs can vary depending on the location and size of the home. Additionally, any homes built on a steep grade or on a mountainside will need additional expertise and permits.

 

Overall, traditionally stick-built homes are costly no matter how you slice the pie. This cost can be compounded when building challenges arise, like foundations, permits, or the rising cost of materials. For this reason, Post and Beam vs stick-built cost is sometimes a hotly debated topic since both sides offer pros and cons to their respective methods.

 

Post and Beam Cost Considerations

The cost of building a Post and Beam house can be a much more competitive option compared to stick-built homes. Post and Beam homes have been growing in popularity in recent years as the construction process becomes steadily more efficient. 

 

Post and Beam homes feature a framework made of heavy timber posts and beams, with various materials such as logs, stone, or straw bales used to fill in the spaces between them. This classic type of construction creates a unique and rustic look and feel while also offering open space and natural light.

 

Post and Beam homes are generally more expensive due to the specialized labor required as well as the higher quality of Timbers and Tongue and Groove material needed to build the home.   That’s where Logangate Timber Homes is different.  Logangate offers a panelized Post & Beam house package.  Panelized means the walls are pre-framed and the posts of the “Post & Beam” are pre-built into the wall.  The time and cost savings vs. traditional Post &  Beam is why our cost of Post and Beam vs stick built will be about the same even though you are getting  superior quality and look.   

 

While the cost of building a Post and Beam house is generally more expensive, they are also classic and sturdy. For example, the Fairbanks House, located in Dedham, Massachusetts, was built in 1641! While the Fairbanks House is a timber frame home and not a Post and Beam, these two build styles are very similar and easily comparable.

 

Another factor to consider when comparing the cost of Post and Beam vs stick built is the use of modern building practices. High-quality builders can save on the overall cost of Post and Beam homes by using a panelized home-building kit process. At Logangate, this means building pieces of the home inside a climate-controlled warehouse and shipping the completed pieces to the site. Building inside of an enclosed warehouse means the lumber and raw home materials are minimally exposed to the elements while the home is being built. 

 

Using this style of building also means getting tighter-fit homes that reduce the draftiness inside of the finished home, which increases the home’s energy efficiency throughout the year. Finally, building inside of an enclosed warehouse means reduced overall wasted materials. Traditional stick-built homes where contractors cut lumber and materials down to size mean a lot of lumber goes to waste. Inside a facility, the lumber can be recycled and used elsewhere.

 

Build Post and Beam Homes With A Pro

 

In the Post and Beam vs stick-built cost debate, we recommend going with modern Post and Beam homes that are built to last. Building a Post and Beam home can be a wonderful investment by providing a beautiful and durable home that will stand the test of time. When it comes to choosing the right company to build a Post and Beam home, Logangate Timber Homes stands out as a top choice!

 

At Logangate, we work closely with our clients to understand their unique needs and preferences, and we use only the finest materials and craftsmanship to create a home that is truly one-of-a-kind. Contact Logangate today to build your dream home!

Quality Home Builders Make The Difference

Quality Home Builders Make The Difference

It sometimes seems that many new homeowners that come across a post-and-beam home or timber cabin often love the look of the timber frame but think it’s way out of their price range when it comes down to it. Perspective homeowners admire these homes when they see them on TV shows, but when it comes time to build, they settle. Many end up going with a more typical and standard flat drywall ceiling. The thinking behind this is that a custom timber frame style of home will break the bank, or finding quality home builders will be too difficult.

At Logangate Timber Homes, we are quality custom home builders that are dedicated to bringing unmatched beauty to a douglas fir home that will last for generations. Why have standard flat drywall ceilings when an expansive Timber frame-style home can be yours for about the same price? Quality home builders like Logangate Timber Homes are here to help. We are quality custom home builders that have lasted for over 50 years.

What Sets Logangate Apart: Building Materials and Experience

The professionals at Logangate have perfected post and beam construction and douglas fir homes. At Logangate, our homes feature vaulted wood ceilings supported by exposed Douglas Fir timbers to accentuate the cabin look at feel. The benefit of Douglas fir timbers is that they are stronger, more durable, and can handle higher impacts and weight loads. This means our douglas fir homes can withstand more extreme weather and are built to last longer than other wood types that may be of lower quality. There are few things that are more beautiful than a spacious timber home with expansive ceilings and drop-dead gorgeous outdoor views.

Post and Beam Professionals

The professional builders at Logangate have perfected the method of Post and Beam construction. What exactly is “post and beam” construction? This building style is often confused with timber framing in homes, but the two styling methods are very similar. Post and Beam construction refer to building home frames with large timbers that typically use steel plates to tie members together. The steel plates join the timbers rather than in a timber frame home, where wooden pegs are used to join the framing. This allows for a home to have much more clerestory space to enhance the beauty of wood. Since the natural feel of exposed wood sets the tone of your home, using premium and blemish-free Douglas Fir is important to create a perfect feel. At Logangate in our ceilings, we use a 2 x 6 T & G Douglas Fir, which is rare and, of course, matches the timbers perfectly!

Dedication To Quality

When it comes to finding quality home builders for modern post and beam homes, choosing the professionals at Logangate Timber Homes is the obvious choice! At Logangate Timber Homes, we source Douglas Fir timber materials that come from Oregon’s coast and the Cascade Mountains in the Pacific Northwest. Logangate’s partnered timber vendors are carefully selected to ensure the quality of timber is not diminished in any way, from the felling of the tree all the way to the end result of the home.

What does that mean for the homebuyers who built a home with Logangate? Our sourced materials lead in categories such as impact bending, crushing strength, and side hardness, all while featuring blemish-free beauty. To provide lasting quality, our timbers are treated with anti-stain and anti-mold treatment. After the timbers are treated, the materials are cleared and end-sealed. The result of these carefully selected and crafted timbers is a breathtaking home that is expected to last generations. Take a look at our home plan selections, and you’ll see why our homebuyers never want to leave.

Logangate’s Longstanding Legacy

At Logangate Timber Homes, we specialize in classic architecture, including mountain lodges, custom homes, lakeside retreats, and all types of timber frame structures. We design and build ground-up efficient and elegant timber frame homes. While catering to our client’s tastes, we pay special attention to specific details throughout the process. Logangate Timber Homes has been in business for over 50 years. We strive to provide our customers with beautiful, energy-efficient, affordable prefabricated homes. Manufactured responsibly and sustainably, you can feel good about purchasing a Logangate home. Contact Logangate Timber Homes today to start building your dream home! 

Why Go For Eco Friendly Cabin Designs and Cabin Kits

Why Go For Eco-Friendly Cabin Designs and Cabin Kits

 

Since the idea of “global warming” became the topic of everyday discussion in the early 2000s, environmentally friendly initiatives have begun sprouting up around the world. Today, the climate crisis has since been rebranded as “climate change,” but the problems remain the same: long-term changes in weather patterns that are a result of human activity and carbon emissions. It’s not all doom and gloom, though. There are hundreds of thousands of environmental, sustainable, and green initiatives that are being pitched every year.

 

Futuristic vertical farming initiatives, heavy investments in wind and solar, and electric vehicle initiatives are just a few of the many ways the world is combating climate change. At Logangate Timber Homes, we’ve joined the fight against climate change with our green building processes, eco-friendly cabins, and eco-friendly cabin designs

 

Rediscovery of Eco-Friendly Cabin Designs

 

With rising home prices, the talk of “van life” and tiny homes has been widely discussed in the past few years. Many Millenials and Generation Z have gone from outfitting Sprinter vans to completely rebuilding old school buses (often lovingly referred to as a“Skoolie”). While the van life, tiny home, and Skoolie fad have more or less worn off, the idea of small luxury living persists. As millennials settle down, the desire to be a homeowner free from the stress of urban living has become a common theme, and eco-friendly cabins have become a rediscovered trend. Modern eco-friendly cabin designs can vary widely, from single-unit eco-friendly cabin kits to modern cantilevered homes these styles are a few examples among many popular choices.

 

More recently, uniquely designed and unusually shaped homes have become very popular in the digital era of social media and influencer marketing. Modern-designed homes like converted airplanes, lighthouses, hobbit homes, and shipping container homes have taken social spaces by storm. What these unique homes have in common is that many of them are designed around the surrounding environment to complement the scenery, allowing them to be eco-friendly in the sense that they do not disturb the natural environment without serious alterations. Taking this concept into consideration, cabin designers like Logangate Timber Homes have entered the market with eco-friendly cabin kits that are less radical than a converted airplane but are still uniquely beautiful, environmentally friendly, and super-insulating to save on utility bills and costs.

 

Green Building Practices That Matter

 

Modern eco-friendly cabin designs focus on green building practices and sustainability. This means that the materials are ethically sourced, processed, and replacement trees are planted to give back to the environment. Once the materials are cut and sent to the manufacturers, they can either be traditionally stick-built or prefabricated in a manufacturing facility. There are pros and cons to both processes, but many modern home builders are opting for prefabrication because of the many benefits that come with premanufacturing homes.

 

On average, building a home using eco-friendly cabin designs will take less time than a traditional stick-built house, will last longer, and will be much more energy efficient. The energy efficiency comes from the taut fitting of the home panels. The compact fittings eliminate drafts in the end product of the cabin home, which ultimately saves the homeowner a considerable amount of money from lost heat and cooling.

 

Eco-Friendly Cabins and Designs

 

When people think of cabins, they typically envision something in mountainous regions or in forested areas. Eco-friendly cabin designs often include the natural environment around the home so that the home feels at one with nature instead of conquering it. Eco-friendly in this sense means having a sustainable low-carbon footprint in the home while also keeping the impact and presence of the home minimally invasive to the area.

“Unity, a Modern Cabin”

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pedestal homes are a great way to have a large home with good square footage while having a small foundation compared to the bulk of the structure. This is often done with smart cantilevering designs to allow the home to balance over steeply sloping lots without losing any structural integrity and giving the home a unique look as if it were floating over the landscape. The clever use of a smaller foundation has the added benefit of saving on the cost of the overall home price while also minimally impacting the environment. Compared to a traditional home with a standard foundation, pedestal homes require much less digging and leveling.

 

When outfitting an eco-friendly cabin or home, it’s important to remember that many small actions can culminate into a big difference. If possible, try using energy star appliances, lighting, insulation, windows, and systems. Keep unnecessary things unplugged and consider the use of solar panels if you’re interested in long-term investment. All of these things can add up to make a considerable difference in both the environment and your long-term budgets!

 

Sustainable Living for Future Generations

 

As global temperatures continue to rise and climate change causes extreme and unpredictable weather patterns, it’s important to collectively play our parts in helping to slow the rate of carbon emissions. For manufacturers like Logangate Timber Homes, we build eco-friendly homes that are sustainably built and designed to reduce the amount of energy required for heating and cooling. Logangate Timber Homes are also durable and will last for generations to come.

 

Contact us today at Logangate Timber Homes to learn more about green building and build your dream home!

Mountain Home Builders That Are Dedicated

Mountain Home Builders That Are Dedicated

You’ve probably seen or heard about old homes that are damaged, in a state of disrepair, or bought and flipped by independent contractors with less-than-pure intentions. Contractors who are looking to make a quick buck often find old homes that need repair and pay a significantly lower price for a greater profit margin. At Logangate Timber Homes, we have been mountain home builders for over 50 years.  We are dedicated to building long-lasting homes that increase in value instead of decreasing over time; this means you don’t have to be a victim to flippers when its time to sell twenty, thirty, or fifty years from now!

You might ask, how does building a timber frame home from the ground up with professional mountain home builders make a difference in the long term? Or, why are mountain house home builders an important factor in home design? We’re here to discuss how building a timber frame home with the right builders makes for a great investment in not just your lifestyle but also as a financial and generational investment.

Experience Is Key When Picking a Mountain House Home Builder

Finding mountain home builders when building a new home can be easily done by picking the first company that comes up on a search engine, but there’s no guarantee in quality when it comes to blindly choosing a mountain house home builder. Instead, choose an experienced builder that practices building with great attention to detail, honest pricing, efficient building methods, and resource sustainability. Factors to consider when choosing a builder:

Sources of Materials: Having access to and using high-quality materials when building a home is the cornerstone of any successful build. At Logangate Timber Homes, our timber materials are sourced from certified parties, and seedlings are planted to sustain future generations. Logangate’s timber materials are carefully selected, processed, and cut to standard sizes without compromising the quality of the materials. The end result is a home that is built to last for many generations.

Previous Customer Satisfaction: Customer satisfaction is a compelling indicator of home-building success. Building a home is a financially significant milestone in anyone’s life and having a list of previously satisfied customers is a symbol of a reliable home builder. At Logangate Timber Homes, our favorite parts of the job are working side by side with our amazing customers and building them their dream homes! 

Expert Experience: Experience is arguably the most important variable in this list of factors. Finding experienced professionals can be difficult in the home-building world because many home developers do not last more than a few years. Unlike other developers, at Logangate Timber Homes, we have not only survived for fifty years, but we have also thrived. Logangate has existed since the late 1960s, and we have built a reputation through our homes. Today, Logangate is one of the most trusted leaders in the home-building industry. 

Why Mountain Home Builders Prefer Panelized Construction

At Logangate Timber Homes, we use a premanufacturing process called panelized construction. The panels are premade in pieces, so they come together quickly and efficiently on-site instead of traditional stick-built homes. The advantage to building a wall panel by panel in a climate-controlled factory setting makes for an end-product that is ensured the highest quality construction and a precision fit once the pieces are delivered on-site. Precision-fit panels eliminate drafts and unnecessary gaps and increase the overall efficiency of the home. Over time, this build method helps our homeowners save a substantial amount on monthly energy bills. Our kit homes are pre-built homes, and our homebuyers can create customized floor plans to their preferences.

Logangate’s Partners in Quality Materials

At Logangate, we are dedicated to providing our homeowners with the highest quality materials and outstanding, detail-orientated customer service. We strive to provide eco-friendly homes at a price that our interested homebuyers can afford. From our sustainable manufacturing to our high-quality Douglas fir timbers, T&G, and extensive experience, our homebuyers enjoy the luxury of a less-stressful home-building experience.

Logangate’s Post and Beam construction provides vaulted wood ceilings supported by the strength of Douglas fir timbers. The benefit of Douglas fir timbers is that they are stronger, more durable, and can handle higher impacts and weight loads. This means Logangate’s timber homes can withstand more extreme weather and are built to last longer than other wood types.

Dedication to Our Homeowners and the Logangate Brand

Building a timber frame home can be an enormous challenge for uninitiated homeowners. When a shoddy home is built, fixing the mistakes can be discouraging and frustrating. Why expose your dream home to that risk when you can just have it done correctly on the first try? At Logangate Timber Homes, we are dedicated to our homeowners and to the Logangate brand. We built a reputation for ourselves as an outstanding home-build company with homes all across the continental United States. Contact us at Logangate to start your journey in building your dream home today! 

Why Choosing an Eco Friendly Home Building Company Makes a Difference

Why Choosing an Eco-Friendly Home Building Company Makes a Difference

We’re sure you’ve seen it everywhere, modern society seems to have placed a heavy emphasis on sustainability, environmental friendliness, and energy efficiency in the last twenty years. Environmental initiatives like the Energy Policy Act and Energy Independence and Security Act have incentivized and encouraged green alternatives. These initiatives, as well as the establishment of the Federal Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, make it easy to see that the rising average temperature on Earth is truly a hot topic. Today, you can find hybrid and electric vehicles, efficiently recycled products, and hyper-efficient homes just about anywhere you go. What do all of these initiatives and government agencies have to do with choosing an eco-friend home building company? We’re here to address the importance of sustainable living and why timber home companies like Logangate Timber Homes are dedicated to creating green homes. 

The Climate Change Problem

According to the scientific community, the human-caused climate change problem began in the early 1800s, around the time of the global industrial revolution. In the early 2000s, evidence of climate change began to surface in everyday conversations, and government policies changed to mitigate the rising issue. Timber frame home companies like Logangate Timber Homes began emphasizing the importance of green homes. According to the investment research platform Macrotrends, heating oil prices averaged around eighty-eight cents in the 2000s. Today, it averages around $3.54 USD. Of course, there is a multitude of variables that influence the price of heating oil and utilities, but this increase in oil prices has created a demand for homes that are both efficient and sustainable. For new homeowners, this means choosing an eco-friendly home-building company for future generations is both a rational and necessary choice.

Eco-Friendly Timber Frame Home Companies

Classic cabin home styles like Post and Beam homes and Timber Frame homes have become popular choices in combating climate change. Modern methods of building Post and Beam homes have become streamlined and can be prefabricated in a manufacturing facility. Essentially, a prefabricated home (also referred to as a prefab home) is a pre-built home. Many parts of the home are pre-built, such as the walls, gable panels, roof panels, etc.

What makes this particular home style such a smart choice is that an eco-friendly home-building company builds your prefabricated home in intentional stages in a controlled factory setting. Building these panels in a controlled environment ensures that the resulting home will be extremely energy efficient. This is because the factory environment enables timber home companies like Logangate Timber Homes to give the home an airtight seal free from drafts, leaks, and excess spacing. While these small nuances may be invisible to the naked eye, a tightly sealed home will be apparent with the homeowner gets their first utility bill.

Building With Eco-Friendly Timber Home Companies

An advantage to using the prefabricated method is that it allows panelized construction in nearly every aspect of the home build, including the roof. This is important because roofs contribute to an estimated 25% of energy loss in warm seasons. Unlike traditional SIP roof panels, Logangate Timber homes utilize Nailbase roof panels.  SIP panels, )Structural Insulated Panels) require 2×8’s/10’s inside the panels to achieve structural strength.   At Logangate, our beautiful 2×6 Doug Fir T&G Decking is our structural roof deck and therefore we do not need any 2x material in our panels.  Wood is a terrible insulation as it bridges heat from inside to outside. 

 

Our Roof panels are foam to foam, no wood at all.  We offer roof R-Values of R-33, R-40, or R-48. 

With an eco-friendly home-building company like Logangate, we use incredibly strong and beautiful Douglas Fir Timbers for more than just the roof. Our timbers are used for the bulk of the home build. The gorgeous Douglas Fir T&G is very rare east of Mississippi. Our design process includes full auto-CAD blueprints, which allow you to customize the size, and floor plans to see a virtual build before committing to any design.

Logangate: The Smart Choice When Choosing An Eco-Friendly Home Building Company

At Logangate, we’ve been building quality homes for fifty years. We build some of the highest quality homes in a manner that is extremely kind to the environment. Plus, we will only use the highest quality products and materials while keeping our overhead down to offer our homeowners fair and honest pricing. Logangate Timber Homes is one of the best timber frame home companies in the continental US, and we are committed to green building. We practice sustainable manufacturing, conserve electricity, use renewable energy and strive toward zero waste. Start building your dream home and contact the professionals at Logangate Timber Homes today!

Why Using Douglas Fir for Building Is a Solid Idea

Why Using Douglas Fir for Building Is a Solid Idea

The use of wood for building structures dates back longer than recorded history. Archeological evidence of woodworking in humans is estimated to be over a million years ago in Tanzania. Back then, wood was a bountiful resource that people could use to build things like ships, homes, and tools. Over time, humans perfected the practice of building structures and tools using wood. Today, we have more or less perfected the practice of building homes through the knowledge of wood characteristics like strength-to-weight ratios, hardness scales, textures of the grain, exceptional durability, and more! 

What does this have to do with Douglas Fir lumber? Douglas Fir trees, also known as Pseudotsuga taxifolia, are actually considered softwood that is more or less its own species. Douglas Fir may be called a “fir,” but it isn’t a true fir tree, and it can be found in North America. The characteristics of Douglas Fir wood and its wide availability are what make Douglas Fir for building so popular! In fact, Douglas fir lumber is considered to be one of the best woods for home building by many woodworking professionals. Let’s cover the wood characteristics before answering what is Douglas Fir used for and why are many homes built with this type of wood!

  • Strength to Weight Ratio and Durability: Douglas Fir has an average weight of 32 lbs per cubic foot with a crushing strength of 6900 lbs per square inch. This means that the wood is super durable and strong while also staying relatively lightweight; Douglas Fir is considered one of the strongest woods in the class of softwoods. Douglas Fir lumber has received the highest softwood lumber grades for its ability to bend, tension parallel-to-grain, horizontal shear, and compression. All these factors make Douglas fir lumber particularly adept at resisting harsh weather and also easy to nail and bond together. Strong and lightweight are qualities that make Douglas Fir for building a popular choice!
  • Not So Soft Wood: Douglas Fir has a Janka hardness rating of 660, which is a hardness scale used to determine the hardness of wood. This slightly bizarre method of measuring hardness involves embedding a steel ball into the tested wood until it reaches the widest diameter of the steel ball. For comparison, hard maple has a  Janka hardness rating of 1450, and red oak has a hardness rating of 1290. Douglas Fir may be lower on the hardness scale, but there are key differences in why Douglas Fir for building is chosen for construction instead of the two aforementioned hardwoods.
  • Cost Efficiency and Sustainability: Douglas Fir wood, on average, costs less than other wood that is used for building. Douglas Fir trees are also plentiful in North America, and custom builders like Logangate Timber Homes source lumber from mills that value sustainability.

What Is Douglas Fir Used For?

Douglas Fir is used for building homes, boats, aircraft, and other structures. Douglas Fir is also a popular wood for use in woodworking projects since it is durable, affordable, and readily available (depending on the region/country). Logangate Timber Homes uses Douglas Fir for building for all of the reasons listed above and then some!

At Logangate, we use Douglas Fir for building because Douglas Fir is a beautiful wood that has a mild resin and woody smell. These factors, coupled with vaulted ceilings and amazing views, make for an authentic timber frame cabin ambiance that other woods cannot compete with. At Logangate Timber Homes, our post and beam construction provides vaulted wood ceilings supported by the strength of Douglas Fir timbers. As stated earlier, the benefit of Douglas fir timbers is that they are stronger, more durable, and can handle higher impacts/weight loads. 

Post and beam construction is referring to the term for building home frames with large timbers. Typically steel plates often tie members together. This allows for a home to have much more clerestory space to enhance the beauty of wood. The construction style, coupled with the wood choice, equates to super durable homes that can withstand more extreme weather and is built to last longer than other wood types.

What Makes Logangate Timber Homes Different

So what is Douglas Fir used for, and why is Logangate the premier choice for a Douglas Fir timber home? At Logangate, we are proud of our reputation as one of the trusted leaders in the industry. We’ve earned our name because we build amazing dream homes at fair, honest prices, even in uncertain economic times. One aspect that sets Logangate apart from the slew of other builders out there is that we build unique houses that look and feel like forever homes our customers can be proud to live in. Our homes are gorgeous and offer a lot of flexibility to customize the size and floor plan. Many of our satisfied customers tell us that their new home makes them feel like they are on vacation all year long! 

Are you looking to build your Douglas Fir timber home from the ground up with Logangate? Contact Logangate Timber Homes to start your journey today!

Logangate Timber Homes

Logangate Timber Homes is custom home builder in Asheville, North Carolina, specializing in building beautiful Modern Post & Beam Homes, Pedestal Timber Homes, Chalet Timber Homes, and Timber Frame Cabins. We have over 50 years of experience building panelized Timber Frame Homes that can be found all over the nation and are particularly popular in Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. We are dedicated to designing beautifully crafted affordable Timber Frame Homes.

Get In Touch

Phone Number: 828-707-4383
Asheville, NC