Who Should Build Your Log Siding Cabin?

You want a new log siding cabin but the daunting question is who should build it? Contractors range from excellent to average to scammers. You should carefully research available builders

before deciding to sign a contract for the project. 

Once you select the lot, the style of cabin you want, and the budget, find a builder with experience who understands your plans. If you have some woodworking experience and would like to do some of the projects yourself, make it known upfront.

Do not rush into your plans because you are making a long-term commitment. Here are the things you must consider in choosing a quality log siding cabin builder.

Generate a List of Potential Log Siding Cabin Builders

Spend some time brainstorming with those who will live with you. You never know where you will find the right contractor, so go through these sources and some of your own:

• Architects
• Building material suppliers
• Contractors you know
• Family and friends
• Local home builder’s association
• Online research
• Radio and TV ads
• Real estate agents

Spend enough time compiling this list so you will not overlook prominent contractors. Most people prefer doing business with a local company: however, you may need to look outside your city, the county, or even state to find a contractor you feel good about. Remember – once the contract is signed and the work begins, you cannot change builders without an exceptional legal reason.

Narrow Down the List for a Log Siding Cabin Builder

At this point, you must decide which of two or three contractors should build your cabin. Meet face-to-face with them individually for an interview. You have probably reached this point by pointing out those you feel most comfortable with. Ask the following questions that should give you a better idea of who to select:

• How long have you been building cabins and homes?
• Are you and your crew insured, licensed, and bonded?
• Will you provide 3 references for me?
• How many cabins and houses do you build in a year?
• How do I contact you and how long does it take to respond?
• What is the project’s timeline and when can you start?
• How will you protect my building site through each phase of construction?

Be sure to visit a few of the homes the builders have completed and ask the owners if they would recommend the builders – why or why not. Next, discuss the upfront pricing and contract details.

Discuss Upfront Pricing and Contract Details  

As the contractor’s client, you don’t want any surprises to pop up with costs and contract details. Failure to be specific upfront can result in a major loss of money, construction errors, or even a lawsuit. Consider these essentials of a contract between you and the builder:                                                                                                                               

• Add contractor’s contact information and license number as well as your contact info.
• Record the address where the cabin will be built and state you own the property lot.
• Describe the property in legal terms on the deed and list any attachments to the contract necessary.
• State the cost and how the cabin owner will pay the contractor. Describe actions to take if a client cannot obtain financing, and how a cabin owner can cancel the contract.
• Provide a description of the work and the completion date. List any rights to stop the project or withhold any payments.
• Include remedies for breach of contract by either party, unforeseen circumstances, or acts of God. Include rights of the client to access and inspect the project at any point.
• Tell how to change contract, warranties included, damages on site, limits of liability, disposal of materials, and signed acceptance by both parties.

You can find a standard builder/client contract for your state online or obtain one from an attorney. Read every word carefully before signing it and make any changes necessary upfront.

Run Through the Final Inspection of the Cabin and Landscaping

The final walk-through inspection should be conducted together by you and the builder. It is important to mark any items that may need attention. Doing so helps the contractor eliminate as many issues as possible and estimate the time needed for correcting any issues.

As you walk through each room of the cabin together, use a piece of painter’s tape to point out anything that needs correcting, such as:

• A cracked piece of tile
• Part of a trim board not painted or stained
• A flaw in a window’s glass
• A spill that was not cleaned up
• An electric outlet cover that is missing
• An electric outlet that does not work

It is easy to overlook a few flaws during this final walk-through inspection. After you move into the cabin, make a list of any other issues and let the contractor know.

We hope this information helps you choose the right contractor for your log siding cabin. Let us know when you need log siding, a corner system, and trim.