Distinctly Montana Magazine

d i s t i n c t ly m o n ta n a • s U m m E R 2 0 1 4 62 IS thErE a CoMMon MISConCEPtIon PEoPlE haVE about thE hoME-buIlDIng ProCESS? MIllS: In many cases the cost of building and the time required to pro- vide the craftsmanship they are entitled to proves to be something they are unfamiliar with. MIllEr: Speaking from the standpoint of the Log Home Industry, most people think all log homes are the same, and that simply is not the case. There are many Log Home companies touting their own log packages, but does the average consumer actually know what they are getting for their hard earned money? Some companies will offer stick-built fram- ing clad in log siding and call it a log home. Others will try to sell you a panelized system, a foam core sandwiched in between log siding, and call it a log home. I'm not sure how they get to say that, but when we build a log home, we use full logs. People really need to do their re- search, whether it be a conventional build or a log home, as it will save time, money, and heartache down the road. grangE: Home building should be enjoyable; however, it does take a lot of time and attention from both parties. Pick a builder you work well with and you will both benefit from mutual respect and honesty. gIulIanI: We think a common misperception is that people aren't aware of certain alternative building products that may be available. hoW WoulD you rECoMMEnD that PEoPlE buIlDIng nEW hoMES balanCE PrICE anD qualIty? WhErE IS thE bESt gIVE-anD-takE for thE MonEy? MIllS: It is always better to spend money on parts of the project that are unlikely to be changed in the future. For example, it is unlikely that windows, insulation, and efficient heating systems will be upgraded at a future date. Our suggestion is not to cut back on these items as they will save money in the "long haul" and increase the home's value. Items, such as floor coverings, counter tops, and fixtures can easily be upgrad- ed in the future. With this in mind, where the budget is an issue, these finishes can be items of more modest cost while still contributing to the overall craftsmanship of the home. MIllEr: People today seem to believe that bigger is always better, and that is not always the case. A lot of potential buyers looking for a log home see the magazine pictures of these beautiful homes, usually built on a high budget, and think that is what they need. The average buyer has a bottom line. Spending money on square footage they will never practi- cally use eats up their budgets, and then they find themselves without the money to finish off the home the way they had envisioned. The best advice I can offer to a potential client is build only the space that you need, and with the money saved, invest it in the areas of the home that you will use most. Quality finishes in the kitchen and bathrooms will bring the best return on your investment. Flooring is also a very important area to address during your build. Invest in durable, quality materials for years of service. grangE: The lowest priced bid should not be the only consideration but one of many when building a quality home. Reputation, references, quality of work, honesty, and professionalism, along with other factors, should be considered. gIulIanI: Often, homeowners have an unrealistic expectation of what they can get for their money and are found in a position where they're forced to compromise on certain product selections midway through construction to meet budget goals. As it relates to our product category (siding, timbers, and interiors), thorough research into all products "when planning to build a new home, an open floor plan with lots of natural lighting creates an inviting atmosphere without adding much expense." Matt GranGE

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