Protecting Your Log Home Investment
In all economic conditions, it's a good idea to protect your investments and your new log home is certainly one of them. While many people don't look much beyond the cost of their monthly mortgage, it's a good idea to think long term and take the correct steps to protect your investment.
Quality isn't just a sales pitch...
Every log home company is going to tell you that their product is the best. The facts are important, and the USDA Wood Handbook states that Northern White Cedar is ranked as a premier wood with which to build your log home. Along with the USDA, the University of Maine has well documented their experimental findings, showing that Northern White Cedar has a longer life span, a lower moisture content and is impervious to wood boring insects, rot and decay. This is valuable information when it comes to taking that important step and signing a contract. Being in the log home industry for 24 years, we have heard the horror stories from home owners that built with pines and oaks. Invest in Northern White Cedar, an economic, energy efficient and quality material that will last a lifetime.
Start from the ground up...
When it comes to your log home there are 3 very important components that can make or break your investment. The log package, the glass and the basement are the 'foundation' of your new home and you want to be sure to use quality materials to help protect your long term investment. All of our customers are more than welcome to use any basement system or any window they would like, however, we have a few suggestions when it comes to making the right decisions.
Using a Superior Wall style, poured concrete basement system can save you thousands of dollars in maintenance and headaches down the road. Superior Wall systems come prepped, waterproofed and insulated to code.
Use a window that is durable, Energy Star rated and reputable. An aluminum clad window with a wood interior gives you low maintenance, energy efficient protection from the elements.
By implementing great quality products like Northern White Cedar, Pella Windows and Superior Walls you are creating a barrier against the elements and protecting your wallet.
All the other stuff...
Staining the exterior of your home can be a fun family project or a weekend job you hire a buddy for, either way, the materials you use are extremely important. Mountain Creations Log Homes uses only Sikkens Stain for the exterior of their log homes to enhance and protect the beauty of your new investment. Sikkens stain can be costly compared to other stains you might find at big box stores, but that's exactly why we include it in our log home package. The Sikkens stain typically has to be reapplied every 4-6 years depending on your UV exposure and the amount of pigment in the color you choose.
While the quality of materials you are using is extremely important, it's not the only thing to consider. Choosing the right company and quality construction can go hand in hand. Mountain Creations offers our customers the flexibility to use their own contractor or use one of ours. All our our builders have been trained and offer you the assurance you need that the job is being done right.
Beyond Insurance...
Everyone asks...are log homes hard to insure? Don't worry, log home insurance is the same cost and just as easy to obtain as in a conventional home. This is a large misconception of the log home industry. Many of our customers use large insurance companies such as Nationwide, Chubb & State Farm.
Insurance can be much more than a policy, it can mean the piece of mind you have from building a log home that can actually make you money. Many of our customers have over $25,000 in equity the day they move in their new home because cedar appraises so well. We also offer our customers referral fees and the opportunity to make money by showing their new home.
If you are just starting your research or ready to break ground, there's a lot to think about and Mountain Creations Log Homes can help. Build a home that you can proudly pass down for generations to come. Call us today at 800.661.5647 to schedule a visit to our showroom or attend an upcoming Open House.