Ten basic stages of building a log house

Purchasing a site

1. Apply for outline planning permission
Consider to have a pre planning meeting with the local authority to see if you will be allowed to build a log house on the site, as not all areas allow log houses. Become familiar with local building regulations, requirements such as wind/snow load and possible restriction for log houses. Permission for full planning hangs only on legislation of local authorities.

2. Order first architectural drafts
Architectural drafts for your log house should be provided by experienced and qualified timber engineers to avoid unnecessary complications in stage of pricing and planning.

3. Pre-Price the following:
Log house kit
Delivery to site
Assembling
Foundation
Electrical wiring and plumbing
Heating system
Kitchen and bath furnishing
Other building materials and machinery

4. Organize the finance
Consult with your bank to find a best possible way to finance your building.

5. Order final architectural drafts and engineered construction project
Agree on final design and need, including foundation, roof finishing, heating system, electricity and plumbing, kitchen and bath furnish etc to get correct pricing. Be sure that engineered construction project would include all detailed plans for log wall, supporting structure, floors, ceiling, roof, terrace/balcony, doors/windows and staircase. Order also the structural calculation if required.

Planning approved

6. Order a house by signing an Agreement
Agree the final complexity of materials in specification that should be delivered with the house. Average delivery time after signing an Agreement is 6-8 weeks.

7. Prepare foundation and other building materials
Require for foundation plan from house producer to avoid any possible dissimilarities in time assembling of house should already begin. Get ready with all pre-arrangements like ordering electric/plumbing, insulation wool, roof tiles, tools, machinery, etc.

8. Delivery to site
Ensure access for truck or container to your site. Arrange unloading and secure packages against weather if necessary. Place the packages around according to your building order and content information from producer.

9. Assembling
If possible work only with qualified log house builders to assemble your house. There is always a warranty involved if you use a crew of your log house producer. Follow exactly to the detailed construction project and assembly instructions of the producer. Try to get under roof as quickly as possible. Finish your house with environmental friendly paintings.

Log house completed

10. Move inside and follow the rules of maintenance for log houses to keep your house last for centuries!