Q. Can Cedar Log of Montana design and build custom homes?

A. Absolutely! Our plan book (available for $15.00 by sending a check or money order to Cedar Log of Montana, 5 Latigo Lane, Butte, MT 59701) is filled with suggestions and ideas. You can see a few of these suggested plans by visiting our Floorplans area on this site. A Cedar Log of Montana representative can help you modify any of these designs or develop a custom plan all your own.

Q. Are these plans designed only for your Western Red Cedar log system?

A. These plans are drawn in the style of our "Classic" cedar log, but they can be built with any of the products that we offer. We try to make that choice simple by helping you find the product that best achieves the look and function that you desire.

Q. Do I need to have an architect or draftsperson draw up plans, or can you draft the plans for me?

A. Even if you pay an architect or a draftsperson to draft your plans, we will redraw them for you. To proceed with log coding and material calculations, we need to enter your plans into our integrated Power Draw system. So save yourself some time and money and bring us your ideas or a sketch. Third party drafting services are not necessary.

Q. Do I need someone special to build my log home?

A. Having a skilled construction supervisor will speed up the process. If you would like, we have skilled construction supervisors prepared to travel anywhere in the world to help you. They can help set the logs, or the entire shell package. We can even offer to serve as your building contractor to build your home for you from start to finish.

Q. Do I need a special foundation for my Cedar Log of Montana home?

A. Any commonly used foundation method will work. Basements, crawl spaces, and even grade beam systems are used in Cedar Log of Montana homes. Your blueprints will specify how your foundation should be built.

Q. What type of roof system comes with a Cedar Log of Montana home?

A. Based on the design and function of your home, we supply regular flat trusses, scissor trusses, vented joists or Structural lnsulated Panels. Each achieves a different look, function, and level of performance.

Q. What type of roof covering comes with a Cedar Log of Montana home?

A. It is your decision -- we can supply your choice of various styles and colors of asphalt shingles or metal roofing, pressure treated pine shakes or cedar shakes.

Q. How do I handle electrical and plumbing?

A. Electrical work is not complicated. As the logs go up, the builder drills through the first two logs. A hole is drilled in the second log from the floor. Wires for light switches are run behind casings. Horizontal holes are drilled to the light switch box, which is cut like the outlet for the floor plug. This work can be done by the builder without the need for an electrician on the site. With plumbing, all pipes are run with slip joints. A qualified plumber will understand what you will need.

Q. Is log settling an issue?

A. All logs will settle to some degree during the first two heating seasons. Our drying process minimizes this settling. To compensate for settlement, minor adjustments to posts, stairs, and tie down rods are needed.

Q. What is the best heating system for a log home?

A. All heating systems will meet your needs for comfort. In any home, radiant in-floor systems or fireplaces are the most cozy, comfortable and quiet.

Q. How do I finish the exterior of my log home?

A. For the exterior, we have had best results using an alkyd-based stain. This type of stain is the most resilient to the temperature extremes of northern climates. Each stain manufacturer promotes a different application process and this can vary from area to area. Check with your design consultant or dealer for the best approach for your home. For the interior finish, we have environmentally friendly products that give a furniture-like finish.

Q. Will I have any problems getting a building permit with a log home?

A. The simple answer is no, you should have no problems. However, because in many areas of North America, building code officials do not regularly see applications for log homes, you may need our technical support. If necessary, we can deal directly with local building code officials for your log home.

Q. Is financing available for a log home?

A. Yes. In most parts of North America, local lenders will provide loans for log homes. However, if you have any complications with local lenders, we can identify financial institutions that would be willing to support your project.

Q. How much does a Cedar Log of Montana house package cost?

A. The price depends on the specifications and the design you choose. A Cedar Log of Montana representative will help you set those specifications and will prepare a quote for your standard or custom plan. For more details, see the area that describes Our Process or give us a call.

Q. How much does it cost to build a Cedar Log of Montana home?

A. Local contracting prices will vary from area to area. To determine how much your house will cost to build, we recommend that you select a design you can discuss in detail with our design consultant. Together, you can select specifications that fit your budget.

Q. Once I decide to go ahead, how long does it take to build my log home?

A. It depends on location, how big the home is, and the time of year your home is constructed.

Q. How do I proceed from here?

A. Give us a call at (406) 494-5024, or send an email to arrange for a free consultation with a Cedar Log of Montana representative. During that free first meeting we can help to develop a design and provide an estimate for your home. If you decide to proceed past that point, a drafting deposit will get you a set of preliminary house plans. Once these drawings have been fine-tuned and approved by you, you will be ready for the purchase of your new custom home package.