“How Much Do Log Homes Cost?” “I heard that if you just multiply the log shell cost times 2 or 3 that you can come up with the finish cost” …………………..oh really!!!



Certainly we have to start somewhere when we analyze our projects cost. After all for many of us a handcrafted log home project could be one of the largest expenditures that we make in our lives and we need to know a number. For some a general statement such as the one above is enough to qualify either positively or negatively. The following is my attempt to list what is involved. By spending the time one can come up with a budget based on individual estimates not merely a generalized statement.

Getting started:
Land Cost: This should include surveying, percolation tests for septic, engineering if needed for septic system, liability insurance…………………………$____________
Drafting, architecture and copies for all involved…………………….$____________
Structural engineering and soil engineering and permits (building, septic, electrical, plumbing)………………………………………………………………$____________
Well and pump or water hook up, electrical and phone service, portable toilet service
and other……………………………………………………………… $____________

Excavation, gravel, ect…
Rough in access road, rough grade site, tree/ brush removal…………. $____________
Excavation for foundation, trenching for supply lines, backfill………..$____________
Septic System……………………………………………………………$____________
Gravel for road and sub grade for slabs…………………………………$____________
Water, gas and electrical line materials…………………………………$____________

Foundation:
Footings, walls, piers for decks and slabs if applicable for basement, patios, and garage floors…………………………………………………………………….$____________
Drain tile, water proofing, lift stations and sump pumps………………..$____________

Framing and sheeting:
Exterior walls on daylight basements, basement walls(structural and non), floor framing on main and second floors, frame walls main floor and second floors (settlement allowances need to be accounted for), deck framing, railing and decking.………….$____________

Log Work
Log Shell(what’s included and what’s not) the difference can equate to thousands in the
finishing. This will be a topic in subsequent posts…………………………$___________
Trucking/Crane costs/reassembly at site……………………………………$___________
Staining or Wood finish……………………………………………………..$___________

Dry In
Roofing includes rafters, insulation, sheathing, ext. finish………………….$___________
Doors and window installation and trim (are openings cut and keyed by log provider and
Profiles provided around openings to facilitate finish?)…………………….$___________
Gable end frame, sheet and finish if not log.………………………………..$___________
Masonry fireplace and other…………………………………………………$___________
Fascia, Soffits, gutters and downspouts………………………………………$___________

Mechanical
Plumbing rough in and fixtures………………………………………………$___________
Service installation of gas and water…………………………………………$___________
Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning…………………………………..$___________
Electrical rough in and fixtures………………………………………………$___________

Interior Finish
Drywall hang, finish and paint, 1x if being used for walls and ceiling finish(clear finish and install), door and window trim…………………………………………..$___________
Cabinets, vanities, interior doors and countertops……………………………$___________
Flooring: carpet, linoleum, tile, wood ect……………………………………$___________
Sinks, Tubs, toilets, faucets, towel bars ect…………………………………..$___________
Basement finish: furring off walls, insulation, drywall ect……………………$___________

Other Items
Sidewalks, steps, driveway finish, retaining walls……………………………$___________
Appliances: stove, refrigerator, washer/dryer…………………………………$___________
Curtains/Blinds/Mirrors……………………………………………………….$___________
Tools and tool rentals………………………………………………………….$___________
Landscaping: finish grading, sod or seeding, irrigation system, trees and foundation plantings, fencing…………………………………………………………… $__________
Mortgage application/Appraisal……………………………………………….$__________
Overruns and extras (not uncommon to see +10%)……………………………$__________

Total……………………………………………………………………………………$__________

This breakdown could easily be twice this long. My point is that there is a lot to a handcrafted log home project or to any residential project for that matter. Underestimating the cost and the amount of work that goes into a project usually leads to frustration. Trying to come up with a realistic budget before starting will pay dividends down the road.