Question & Answer

Table of Contents:

1. What type of roof and foundation are required to build a Centennial Log Home?
2. Does Centennial Log Homes offer packages that include erection of the building?
3. How are our logs dried?
4. Does Centennial Log Homes offer a financing program?
5. Does Centennial Log Homes prices include delivery?
6. Can changes be made on the standard models without a major increase in price?
7. Does Centennial Log Homes offer a custom design service?
8. How much lead time is required to get delivery of the log home package?
9. Does Centennial Log Homes offer Dealerships?
10. Can I have an Earth Sheltered log home?
11. What type of wood is used in Centennial Log Homes?
12. Do you supply a Material List?
13. Are Centennial Log Homes FHA or VA financible?
14. How do Centennial Log Homes compare with other log companies?
15. How is heating and plumbing equipment installed in Centennial Log Homes?
16. Could I build a Centennial Log Home myself?
17. Is a construction manual available?
18. How much will my Centennial Log Home cost?
19. How long does it take to build a log home?
20. Does a log home have to sit on acres and acres of park-like land?
21. What kind of design options are available?
22. What are the different log construction styles?
23. Why a log home vs. a conventional home?
24. Aren't log homes drafty and uncomfortable?
25. How much does a log home generally cost?
26. Should I pick a building site or a house design first?
27. I like your (??) model, but there are some changes I would like to make to it -- can you do that?  I have a design (or plans) for the house I want to build -- can you work with that?  I want to build a log home with   (??) features, but I don't see any plans for it -- can you help me?
28. Where should I build?

• What type of roof and foundation are required to build a Centennial Log Home? Any standard foundation can be used to support a log structure (some building commissions require the footings to be 2" wider). Gable and gambrel roof systems are the most popular among log home owners. The Centennial Log Home design staff can provide details on these or any other construction subject.
  
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• Does Centennial Log Homes offer packages that include erection of the building? No. Centennial Log Homes Kits include materials only.  However, we do a lot more than sell materials!  The most important part of the package is the service we provide at NO extra charge!  Centennial Log Homes' representatives are always very helpful in locating the services of a reliable builder for their customers, can advise and guide you in working with a builder, or provide step by step procedures if you plan to build your home yourself.
  
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• How are our logs dried? Centennial Log Homes kiln dry their logs to regional requirements of 19% moisture content.
  
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• Does Centennial Log Homes offer a financing program? Our Financing consultant can be very helpful in assisting you in obtaining your permanent loan and construction loan at competitive rates.
  
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• Does Centennial Log Homes prices include delivery? Yes. Centennial Log Homes has 300 mile Free Delivery, and nominal prices for longer distances..
  
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• Can changes be made on the standard models without a major increase in price? Yes, minor changes may not even involve any adjustment in price.  Major revisions in design can be made and price adjusted upward or downward, accordingly.
  
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• Does Centennial Log Homes offer a custom design service? Yes, we can design any type of residential building, vacation home or commercial building compatible with the Centennial Log Home's type of construction. We will design from the customer's plans, from specification, or both. We have available at no extra charge complete architectural and engineering services.
  
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• How much lead time is required to get delivery of the log home package? Normally 7 to 10 days are needed after the foundation is in.
  
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• Does Centennial Log Homes offer Dealerships?  Yes, your Centennial Log Home can be your  model home and a Centennial Log Home can be a great source of income. If you are interested, your Centennial Log Home consultant can give you the details.
  
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• Can I have an Earth Sheltered log home? Yes, Centennial Log Homes can design Earth Sheltered and Passive Solar log homes for you.
  
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• What type of wood is used in Centennial Log Homes? Native Missouri Pine -- long recognized as reliable timber products from which dimensional lumber is cut. In addition Eastern Red Cedar is now available at a premium.
  
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• Do you supply a Material List? Yes. A complete material list accompanies each delivery.
  
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• Are Centennial Log Homes FHA or VA financible? Centennial Log Homes meet the standards of FHA, VA, and all other government insured loans. Fully detailed blueprints point out to conventional lending agencies the value of a Centennial Log Home. These items combined with the past history of high resale value make the Centennial Log Home the easiest log  home to be financed. Our representatives have worked with many financial institutions. They are knowledgeable and can assist in obtaining a loan.
  
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• How do Centennial Log Homes compare with other log companies? We feel that Centennial Log Homes are superior to all other manufactured log products for many reasons. 
    *  Ease of Construction
    *  Centennial Log Homes are grooved top and bottom to allow
         intrical spline sealing system.
    *  Centennial Log Homes has the Most Complete Log home
         Package in the Midwest! See package page for all inclusions.
    *  Wiring and Plumbing Procedures are easier than full log
         construction.
  
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• How is heating and plumbing equipment installed in Centennial Log Homes? Because Centennial Log Homes uses a conventional flooring system and studded partitions, this equipment is installed in the floors and interior partitions in the  same manner as in a conventional frame building.
  
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• Could I build a Centennial Log Home myself?  Many homeowners do erect their homes themselves.  Special attention must always be paid to the Centennial Log Homes construction manual on every step of construction by all parties involved.
  
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• Is a construction manual available?  Yes, a detailed construction manual is available to assist the home builder or contractor with construction. These documents (plans) provide sufficient detail to your contractor to properly construct your Centennial Log Home and insure that all individuals involved in the building of your log home have thorough knowledge of the Centennial Log Homes Construction Manual.
  
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• How much will my Centennial Log Home cost? Like any new home, the cost of a new log home depends on many things; size, style, excavation required, septic tank or sewer, choice of carpet, plumbing fixtures, etc. The total cost of each individual home can vary greatly due to these factors, however, as a general rule the total cost for a Centennial Log Home will be about the same as a similar conventional type home. Of course, due to the relative simplicity of log home construction, an individual can greatly reduce his out-of-pocket cost by doing part or all of the construction himself.
  
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• How long does it take to build a log home?  From start until you move in normally takes from 4 to 8 months.
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• Does a log home have to sit on acres and acres of park-like land?   Not at all.  In fact, you'll find that even if your property doesn't resemble a national park, you can situate a log home practically anywhere.
  
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• What kind of design options are available?  Chances are, if you can imagine it, you can find it.  Today, most companies offer dozens of floor plan options, including us.  Your personal representative can even help you customize these designs with your own individual ideas, or create a home "from scratch".
  
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• What are the different log construction styles?   You'll discover there are two types of logs:  full or insulated.  Full logs are just what the name implies -- one solid log inside and out.  Insulated logs are split, with an insulated wall system.  While wood is a natural insulator, you may opt for the economy and added energy efficiency of our insulated double wall construction.   We offer both styles.
  
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• Why a log home vs. a conventional home? Aside from their obviously different appearance, log homes are much stronger and more durable than their conventional counterparts.  Legends have been told about log homes surviving hurricanes and earthquakes.  From a "livability" standpoint, log home owners routinely talk about how the logs "wrap around you".  Most hate to leave their homes and can't wait to come home again.  Still others say living in a log home is "like being on vacation".
  
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• Aren't log homes drafty and uncomfortable?  We imagine some people's perceptions of log homes are based on those built many years ago.   Modern construction has made today's log home every bit as super-snug and livable as conventional homes, in fact, our exclusive R-30 double wall system is more energy efficient than most homes.  First-time shoppers are invariably surprised at the level of comfort and amenities currently available.
  
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• How much does a log home generally cost? This is a question that depends on too many outside factors to offer a useful answer.  Square footage, features such as a porch or deck, upgrades and other design considerations all may impact the price.  In addition, building costs can vary greatly from one part of the country to the next.  When the time comes to put together your budget, your personal representative can help you To get a quick average on the completed cost of a Centennial Log Home, with no improvements to the property, take the cost of the Log Home Package (Ex: $75,000) double it (Ex: $150,000) and add 10% ($15,000) for a total of $165,000..
  
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• Should I pick a building site or a house design first?   Many people select or adapt their house design to fit the special features of their property.  However, it's also common to fall in love with a log home first, and then find your special site.
  
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• I like your (??) model, but there are some changes I would like to make to it -- can you do that?  I have a design (or plans) for the house I want to build -- can you work with that?  I want to build a log home with  (??) features, but I don't see any plans for it -- can you help me?  Definitely -- our design and engineering staff have worked with thousands of home buyers who have had the same questions and concerns that you have.  We make modifications to our own plans, work with existing plans form other sources, and design many homes completely from new ideas.  There isn't much that cannot be done in adapting your ideas to our building system.  We prepare custom blueprints for each customer's own home, so that you can build your home the way you want it.  Your personal representative will work with you to make your dream home a reality.
  
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• Where Should I Build?
       Land cost varies more than any other item when building your home.  A small lot can cost $1,500 or $150,000.  An acre (43,560 square feet) can cost as little as $1,000 or as much as $300,000 or even more.  The more popular an area, the higher demand for its lots, which in turn sets the price.
  
       You can buy a lot in a variety of price ranges.  How much you spend is really up to you.  Usually the more expensive the land, the more expensive the homes in that area are (this is not always the case).  Some lots demand a higher price because all of the utilities are there, others because of location.   Let's review some areas of importance when looking for a lot.
  
  
  1. Location
     a.  Is the property conveniently located to work,
          schools and highways?
     b.  Attractive location.
     c.  Quality of schools, church and neighborhood.
     
     
  2. Zoning Restrictions
     a.  Single family - multi-family
     b.  Set back lines
     c.  Building Restrictions
     d.  Subdivision Dues (how much, what does it cover)
     
     
  3. Utilities
     a.  Does lot have access to county water?
     b.  Does lot have access to sewers (if you need to put in
          Septic System, most counties will require a perc test).
     c.  Are electric and phones readily available.
     
     
  4. Ground Conditions
     a.  Does it slope enough or too much?
     b.  Does the lot have any trees?
     c.  Is the land in rocky area (if it is it may require blasting).
     
     
  5. Lot Size
     a.  Does it meet your requirements?
     b.  How close-far will your neighbors be?
     c.  How deep-wide is your lot?  (Does your house plan fit?)
     
     
  6. Price
     a.  Is it competitive with the surrounding area?
     b.  Counter offer (counter offer, up to 25% below
          asking price are usually accepted).
     c.  Will you need to add utilities?
          (This will increase the value of your lot).

  These are just a few areas to be aware of...most of all, find the lot that you are most comfortable with and start Building Your Dream Today!

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