Hello

[Cokbr]

Ok Im sure this has been beat to death before but I searched and couldnt find exactly what I was wanting. Im looking at building a log home in the next year or so just east of Columbus, Ohio. Got some land....3+ acres and got some questions. Am looking at Lazurus Log Homes. (Good?)

1) I can finish all interior work
2) What should I expect to pay for just a "dry-in" package. Just logs set on basement and everything framing wise done. (site says house goes up fast and very efficient to build. Also says 60-70 bucks /sqft turnkey...which I find hard to believe)
3) Is it safe to say that the interior can be done with 30-40K with middle grade materials and myself doing the work (I do get contractor discounts)

Any info would be great and thanks in advance.


- Chris -

[StressMan79]

I don't live anywhere near you, but I know something about kit builders. They get their markup. I had a log home builder quote me 9.25/linear foot for raw logs. I had a landowner quote me $2/ft for comparable logs. You have stumbled across a DIY site for building YOUR OWN REAL log home. See http://www.loghomebuilders.org/why-you-shouldnt-buy-log-cabin-kits for more info, but just know that any time you buy from someone else, you will be paying a markup.

The more work you do yourself, the less you have to pay. Figure ~$50/hr for building work.

Maybe other members have more experience with this particular company, but I doubt it, as we generally try to build cheap and good ourselves. We generally regard "kits" as "bad" or at least not as good as you can do if you build yourself.

Sorry if I can't answer your question!

-Peter

[Timber]

I know those guys claim equity when finished--they like those blue stained AKA beetle kill logs out of Montana --I would not use them blue logs-find your own trees-I am only guessing but would say fire kill is by far better!

[WillandHelen]

I would recommend going to see a kit show house. All the builders have them around the country. Then you can see up close and personal why you don't want one....or maybe why you do. They just aren't near the product of a hand made log home in looks or function in my opinion. Check them out and see if you find the rot and finish issues. I know I did.