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Roofing Flooring
Electrical & Plumbing Countertops
Cabinetry Wall
Coverings HVAC Systems Windows
Additional Costs
Material & Costs
There is no magic number/formula to
determine the cost of a home. Many will throw out per square foot numbers
ranging from $100 - $200 per finished square foot. This is a very general number
and is very unreliable as how much you'll pay will depend on size, complexity of
the design, quality of building materials, finishes and fixtures that you
select. To get a better idea of these costs, consult with your local
builder/general contractor.
Roofing
The design and the kind of roofing
materials you choose will be a major factor in the bottom line of your budget.
If you are working on a limited budget, stay away from designs which include
hips and valleys, dormers and steep roof pitches as they will increase your
costs. If you live in an area where snowfall is a common occurrence, an
ice shield under the first several courses of shingles may be something to
consider. Although there is additional cost associated with this method,
the security it will bring you is well worth the investment.
Asphalt or Fiberglass Shingles
This material is the most common,
inexpensive option and will usually last 20 - 25+ years. some manufacturers even
have a lifetime transferable warranty. If you are searching for something with a
more detailed appearance, "architectural" shingles are now available
to help you achieve that look.
Approximate Cost: $50 - $150
per square (100 sq.ft.)
Metal Roofing
This material is becoming
increasingly popular as it is considered easy to install and usually comes with
a 25+ year warranty. Metal roofing is most commonly made of steel and
covered with a very durable paint. A high end option for metal roofing is copper
which can last upwards of 50 years.
Approximate Cost: $100 - $600
per square (100 sq.ft.)
Wood Shingles
Also known as shakes, flow nicely
with a log home. They typically last about 20 years but if properly maintained
can last up to 50 years. Keep in mind that wood shingles may not be permitted in
areas prone to forest fires.
Approximate Cost: $125 - $200
per square (100 sq.ft.)
Slate
Slate shingles have a look that is
perfect for log homes, they are also very durable, lasting more than 50 years.
The roofs framing may need to be reinforced in order to carry the additional
weight of a slate roof, often 700 - 800 lbs. per square (100 sq.ft.)
Approximate Cost: $300 - $1,000
per square (100 sq.ft.)
Flooring
Plywood or particleboard subfloor is
commonly included in a log package. The finished floor is then installed over
top of the subfloor. Keep in mind that trends come and go therefore, when
selecting a type of flooring, it is important to select colors and materials
that will remain timeless.
Carpet
Carpet feels nice under the foot and
creates a feel of warmth within the room. Another advantage of carpet is its
ability to act as a sound barrier. If allergies are a concern for you or your
family, stay away from wall-to-wall carpet as it harbors various allergens. It
is also not recommended if you are planning for a radiant-floor heating system
as it will hinder the effectiveness.
Approximate Cost: $2.50 - $4
per square foot
Hardwood
Nobody can argue the beauty of
hardwood floors, especially in a log home. Hardwood floor can be
prefinished or finished after installation. Regardless, it can be sanded and
refinished several times over its lifetime. It does have a couple of negative
aspects such as being prone to scratching and it can be slippery.
Approximate Cost: $6 - $15 per
square foot
Tile
Tile flooring is very durable. It can
also be very beautiful. Your options can range anywhere from plain quarry tile
to complex patterns and shapes. Tile is excellent for entry ways, bathrooms and
kitchens but standing on a such a hard surface can be hard on a persons legs or
back.
Approximate Cost: $5 - $15 per
square foot
Linoleum/Vinyl
This is one of the most common types
of flooring and can probably be found somewhere in every home. Linoleum is
relatively inexpensive, easy to clean and is available in many different colors
and patterns.
Approximate Cost: $2.50 - $4
per square foot.
Stone
Stone floors fit in nicely with the
natural look of a log home. Similar to tile they are very durable but
require special skills for installation.
Approximate Cost: $7.50 - $ 20
per square foot.
Electrical & Plumbing
Electrical and plumbing systems are
two of the most essential components of any home. When it comes to these
systems, every home is a unique job. In order to ensure an accurate price,
schedule consultations with the appropriate professionals - but for budgeting
purposes, consider those quotes ballpark estimates.
Electrical
Electrical work is made up of two
components: wiring and fixtures. The wiring includes the load center, the actual
wires, the switches and the receptacles. Wiring is generally straightforward and
easy to put a price on. Fixtures (lights, ceiling fans, etc) are available
in every price range so it can be difficult to assign a specific value to them.
We recommend making a list of what fixtures you need and then head down to your
local home improvement or lighting store to see what is affordable to you.
Approximate Cost: Wiring: $2.50
- $8 per square foot of living space
Plumbing
Similar to electrical work, plumbing
is made up of two components: piping and fixtures. Basic piping includes
everything from the tie-in to your water source to the point where the water
comes exits the wall (or the floor) as well as the drain lines leading away from
the fixtures. Piping is also quite easy to put a price on. Once
again, fixtures (tubs, toilets, faucets, etc) vary greatly in price, so we
recommend another visit to a home improvement or specialty store to price out
your options.
Approximate Cost: Piping:
$4,500 - $6,000 for your typical 2-˝-bathroom house
Fixtures
Consult with a dealer or visit a
local showroom
Countertops
Countertops are not usually included
with the cost of cabinetry. While many cabinetry companies also deal in
countertops, you are also able to contract with a shop that specializes in them.
Nowadays, there are so many great options for countertops that it can make for a
difficult decision. This is where your budget can be a major factor in your
final decision.
Wood
Once again, a fitting choice for a
log home, wood countertops are beautiful, durable and relatively easy to
maintain (ensure that they are sealed carefully around sinks in order to protect
them from standing water).
Approximate Cost: $25 - $100
per square foot, including installation
Tile
Tile countertops have their
advantages, they are heat and stain resistant and they are available in many
great design options. However, they are not without the some disadvantages, one
being the grout, which can be difficult to clean and does stain. Fancy
tiles and trim pieces can also increase your costs significantly.
Approximate Cost: $15 and up
per square foot, including installation
Solid-surface
Solid-surface materials make
excellent countertops. Scratches are considered easy to repair and sinks
made from the same material can be included as an essential part of the unit.
Generally, manufacturers require that fabricators and installers be specially
trained.
Approximate Cost: $50 - $100
per square foot, including installation
Stone
Stone countertops are very trendy
right now. They are very durable, heat resistant and they look fantastic,
however, if not sealed properly they could stain.
Approximate Cost: $50 - $100 per
square foot, including installation.
Plastic Laminate
This old faithful is still the most
popular choice. The fact that they offer a combination of value,
performance and endless color options makes it hard to beat. New edge treatments
are also available which adds to your design options but also to your budget as
well.
Approximate Cost: $8 - $20 per
square foot, including installation
Cabinetry
Most log homes have at least some
built-in cabinetry, most commonly in the kitchen and bathrooms. We are
also seeing the addition of built-ins in other areas of the house, everything
from bookcases to window seats, however, such special touches don’t come
cheap. To reduce your costs, choose a more common wood like oak or maple.
You could also opt for painted cabinets that can be made from less expensive
materials.
Stock
These are the cabinets that you buy
off the shelf at your local home improvement store. They are your least
expensive option, but there is little flexibility when it comes to design. If
you're looking to cut some costs we recommend using stock cabinets in the
bathroom and use those savings towards upgraded cabinetry in the kitchen.
Approximate Cost: $50 - $350
per linear foot, includes both upper and lower cabinets
Semi-custom
Over all, these cabinets offer the
most value for your dollar. While the styles are a little more limited than
custom cabinets, you will end up with cabinets that are designed to fit your
space perfectly.
Approximate Cost: $150 - $600
per linear foot, includes both upper and lower cabinets
Custom
Hands down, you will not find
anything more unique than custom-built cabinets but.they don't come cheap.
Approximate Cost: $300 and up
per linear foot
Wall Coverings
Most home owners try to incorporate
as many full-log walls as possible but many opt for a few non-wood walls in an
effort to save money and/or to provide contrast and color. In doing so, it
provides you with a few more décor options such as a smooth surface on which to
hang artwork or to place furniture.
Drywall
In terms of wall surface, dry wall is
the most common. It goes up quickly and it is easy to paint. That being
said, it is a rather fragile material and requires some skill and experience to
make those seams disappear. If your home has very high ceiling that will
increase your costs significantly.
Approximate Cost: .75˘ -$1 per
square foot
Plaster
Before drywall came along, plaster
was the popular wall covering but that doesn't mean that it is out of style.
Plaster is more expensive than drywall but it adds a beautiful texture to the
walls. There is a new one-coat system available now that is only about 25%
more expensive than drywall.
Approximate Cost: $1 - $1.50
per square foot
*Don't forget to consider your
exterior wall finish such as siding material, stucco and masonry work.
HVAC Systems
It's difficult to put an
"average" price on HVAC systems as there are so many different
variables involved including climate, as well as window size and layout. The
prices below are just rough estimates to assist you in planning your budget.
Talk to a local supplier to get a better perspective of the system that will
best suit your needs and the costs associated it.
Forced-air
Forced-air systems are a good choice
because they are usually the least expensive and they share the duct work for
both heating and air-conditioning. The negative aspects of these systems is that
they can provoke air-borne allergies and can be ineffective in rooms with
vaulted ceilings if not designed properly.
Approximate Cost: $2.50 - $3.50
per square foot of living space
Radiant Heating
These systems offer a more even heat
compared to forced-air systems but do not include air-conditioning. In-floor
systems are incredibly comfortable but on the high side in terms of cost.
Approximate Cost: $3.50 - $6
per square foot of living space
There are some other options
available such as heat pumps, solar, electric baseboard, wood stove and
fireplace with wood, gas or both.
Approximate Cost: Consult with
a dealer or visit a local showroom
Windows
This is another area in which the
cost depends of the design of your home. As a rough estimate you can approximate
that a typical home has a window area equal to about 15% to 20% of the floor
area (this figure would increase by about 30% is you have large glass in the
gable walls). The prices below are based on approx. 15% glass-to-floor ratio.
Aluminum
This is usually the cheapest option.
They are very durable but have low energy efficiency
Approximate Cost: $1.50 - $3
per square foot
Vinyl
Vinyl units are a tad more expensive
and have excellent durability, low maintenance, and fairly energy efficient.
Approximate Cost: $2 - $3 per
square foot
Wood
Wood-trimmed windows are more
visually appealing on the interior of your home but if left untreated on the
exterior they can become vulnerable to insects and decay. Very energy efficient
but can be high maintenance.
Approximate Cost: $3 - $4 per
square foot
Metal-clad wood
This is the most expensive option.
Metal on the exterior reduces maintenance while preserving the appeal of wood on
the interior. They are very durable but have less energy efficiency than wood.
Approximate Cost: $3.50-$5 per
square foot
Additional Costs to Consider
- Land or lot cost including
surveying and any inspection fees
- Insurance and taxes
- Building and soil engineers
- Percolation tests
- Building permits and all other
fees
- Temporary services (i.e.
electrical, water, toilets, etc)
- Concrete including footings and
forms, gravel and sump box, weeping tile and damp-proofing
- Site development (i.e. driveway
and sidewalks, well, septic, excavation, backfill and grading)
- Log Package including delivery,
reassembly and a crane if necessary
- Log finish (i.e. wood
preservatives, staining and fungicide)
- Soffit and fascia material
including gutters and downspouts
- Insulation for all walls and
ceilings as well as the roof
| 
"It's
unwise to pay too much, but is worse to pay too little. When you pay too much,
you lose a little - that is all. When you pay too little, you sometimes lose
everything, because the thing you bought was incapable of doing the thing it was
bought to do. The common law of business balance prohibits paying a little and
getting a lot - it can't be done!
