Cost To Build a Log Cabin in North Carolina
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Step 1: Budget & Concept Meeting

Scope of Project (Cabin style, Land, Construction Costs, Utilities, Site Work, overall budget, etc.) Whenever you are building a home, there are many details to be figured in. The purpose of the budgeting meeting is more of a discovery for both us and the customer. This will reveal an overall vision of the customer’s expectation and building allowance to build your dream.

You can always visit our Financing page an use the mortgage calculator if you require financing. We do work with several local lenders that specialize in Log Cabin home type loans. To get started, we recommend that you contact our office to schedule an appointment or use the form here.

Step 2: Design & Style For Custom Log Homes

Once we understand what your vision and expectations are, we can move to the design and particular style cabin you are looking to build. There are a few options here with regards to the log type, interior type, porches, lofts, open bean style, just to mention a few. Your consultant will sit with you and run through a series of discovery design questions and review any ideas you may have on paper to discuss. Things such as, the total square footage, single story or two story, number of bath rooms, basement options, etc.

We will talk about the two primary log types we offer, D logs and Square logs. The square logs have the chinking and the D log do not.

Step 3: Formal Builders Quote

Following the Design meet, your consultant will build your Formal Quote from top to bottom for show you the cost to build a custom cabin. Depending on our work load, this may take several business days. We will get you to quote or you may elect to come back to our office to sit down and go over it in person, whichever you prefer.

After the quote is agreed upon with or without any revisions, the next step would be for us to be a engineering deposit for the plans to be drawn. We will need these in order to submit for the building permit prior to the start of the construction portion of the project.

Your quote will include a detailed break down of the construction cost complete for your new log cabin home. This includes any customize request to the build site, plans, or other special needs.

Your quote will be complete unless any additional change request has be verbalize or submitted to us. The customer shall be responsible for any and all additional charges for any revisions outside the scope of the Formal Quote.

Step 4: Select Build Site

When you are considering a build site for you new log cabin project, location is extremely important. There is nothing worst than settling for a piece of property because of other factors like process, close to certain things, etc. and not being happy overall once you are there. Try to envision what it is that will complete you on a certain piece of property. The thing we would say, is take your time in finding what you really want. If you already have land, you are way ahead of the game. As the land search is a process within itself.

Easy access to the property is always a good thing. Several build sites gives you other options. Once the property passes the county Perc test, they will tell outline your build site options. The Perc test permit fee usually covers your well permit as well.

Primary Things to Consider

Selecting the right site for your log cabin is one of the most critical steps you’ll take to enjoying your new log cabin home.

Build Site Access

The more remote or has difficult access this will increase the building cost. Being that time is money, if our crews and other services have a difficult time getting to your property this will take more to to construction. Besides the the access for the construction aspect, you have to get there yourself for many years to come.

Utilities Available

Do your research to find out what all utilities are available to the property (electricity, water, sewer, cable, internet, phone, etc.) It is also a good ideas to inquire about any cost associated to bring the utilities to the build site. If you do have to bring the utilities to the property, this will obviously increase the cost the project.

The Importance of Location

When doing your property search, make sure you take into account that you will be there for many years, and maybe even generations. Just use common sense when considering the property. We all want what we want, but, we also need to be practical as well. But, by all means get the right piece for you. Everyone has different tastes and needs.

Step 5: Payment Options For Packages

Building a log cabin home is no different than a conventional type house when it comes to funding the project. Whether you are using your bank or paying cash, the process is pretty much the same.

The only real difference is that our business office will deal directly with your bank if you are getting a mortgage loan, and deal directly with the customer if they are paying cash. The draw schedule is fairly the same. In the case of bank financing, we may have to adjust our draw schedule to meet the bank’s guidelines, but we do that all the time.

Draw Schedule
Whether you are using financing or paying cash, there is a draw schedule. For cash paying customers, we ask that you use our Escrow Agent to control disbursements. As the construction process progresses and inspections are passed, the Escrow Agent and the customer will be notified to release the next scheduled draw payment. This takes the draw burden out of the hands of the customer. There are many benefits and reasons we do it this way. The draws are direct deposited into our bank. You will notice that we have a built in safeguard once the project passes final building inspection with the 10% reserve. This reserve is designed to protect the customer and is not released until the customer does the final walk through and the punch list has been completed by the contractor.

Sample Draw Schedule
20% Initial down payment required to begin the project (also paid through the Escrow Agent
at closing. Covers any site work, foundation, footers, and/or sub-floor.)
20% Side walls (main logs).
10% Dried in (roof, doors, and windows).
10% Framing inspection.
10% Mechanical (A/C, Electrical, Plumbing, etc.).
20% Upon passing final building inspection and obtaining the occupancy certificate.
10% Upon passing final customer inspections (held in reserve to protect the customer).

Lead Time
Since we mill each project on an as needed basis, our typical lead time for new log homes is typically 30 to 45 days, depending on our mill schedule. Early Spring seems to be our busiest season. It is recommend to get your order in prior to April first to avoid delays for Fall move in completion time frame.

Log Home Financing
We work with several local banks and lenders that specialize in Log Cabin Home financing. You can use our mortgage calculator to get an idea of your monthly mortgage payment. You can even wrap the land into your mortgage. If you already own your land, then you can use the equity as your down payment. This is referred to as a land home package. See our Financing page for a list of lenders.

Engineered Drawings
After we have received your down payment we will get to work on the engineered drawings for your building. These drawings are state certified, state sealed documents that will be approved by an engineer to conform to all codes in your state. Engineered drawings are included in the price of your log home.

Step 6: Construction Phase

We work in segments or phases. We are very organized and have several systems in place over the years or experience to make the process as smooth as possible. Like anything in life, things do happen along the way, but we try to minimize any delays and or redirection. Changes are a set back at times, but at the end of the day, we are working for the customer and want to deliver and meet the customer’s expectations.

It is highly recommend that you contact the local town or county permits department as soon as possible prior to committing to building your log home. Ask questions such as, zoning, structure type, get a Perc test to ensure you are able to drill a well and install a septic system.

Obtaining Building Permits
We will pull all necessary building permits. It is the customer responsibility to make sure that the property passes the Perc test. The Perc test should be done well in advance to breaking ground for the new home build. Keep in mind that you will need a certified copy of your engineered drawings to apply for a building permit and other permits as required by the local building permit office. We will work with our engineering department to obtain these drawings, or if you already have them we will need a certified copy.

Onsite Building Inspections
All onsite building inspections are initially completed by our General Contractor, then the building permit office is notified to schedule the onsite building inspection by the local permit office. Once inspection is passes by the local permit office, the inspection report is sent to the Escrow agent for draw release.

Step 7: Final Interior and Exterior Inspection

The final inspection is a very exciting time and nerve racking all at the same time. This is where it all comes together. The General Contractor and the Project Manager meet onsite, and in some cases the customer, to do a detailed pre-inspection prior to calling in for the final permit office inspection. In the event there is a fail in any area, we quickly rectify the fail so we can pass as soon as possible. Once the project is passed, we send the final inspection report to the Escrow Agent and the customer. Final draw is then made from the Escrow Agent.

Step 8: Wrap Up

A final walk through is scheduled with the customer to document any last minute detail requests. Once the punch list is completed and signed off by the customer, this report is submitted to the Escrow Agent to release the final balance of the 10% reserve and the project is then officially closed. All smiles!