Friday, February 06, 2004
How to Shop For A Log Or Cedar Home - Part 2
Let's face it - buying a home is a huge investment of time, energy and financial resources. Future cedar / log home buyers spend considerable time selecting the right property, planning the design of their home, lining up financing, etc. I submit that there would be fewer "surprises" along the way (be they financial, emotional or otherwise), if people would spend some of their time talking with previous cedar / log home buyers.
Here are some tips to help you check company references:
1) First and formost - be sure to ask for a list of references. (You'd be surprised at how many people never do this.)
2) After you've received a list of names -- ask for a second list of references. It stands to reason that the company is going to offer up their best and most satisfied homeowners first. It makes good sense to dig a little deeper.
3) Prepare a list of questions - but be respectful that not all homeowners will have time to spend hours on the phone.
4) Include questions like: A) Did you have any problems with your home? If so, how were they resolved? B) What would you do differently?
It has been my experience that every cedar or log home will have some kind of "glitch." After all, they're designed, manufactured and built by humans. We make mistakes. It may mean that a beam is cut too short or a window was broken during shipment. The real issue here is - how are problems resolved? Did the homeowner receive prompt attention and were they satisfied? Or, were concerns ignored and downplayed?
If I were shopping for a cedar or log home today, I would take advantage of Open House opportunities. This allows future homeowners to talk face-to-face with previous buyers. It's also a great opportunity to get free design ideas for things like: interior finishes, trims / moldings, lighting issues, room dimensions, etc.
Lastly, it never hurts to check with the Better Business Bureau, Dunn & Bradstreet or the Attorney General's office - to confirm the financial stability of the company you may want to work with. After all, it's your money and your home we're talking about!
Here are some tips to help you check company references:
1) First and formost - be sure to ask for a list of references. (You'd be surprised at how many people never do this.)
2) After you've received a list of names -- ask for a second list of references. It stands to reason that the company is going to offer up their best and most satisfied homeowners first. It makes good sense to dig a little deeper.
3) Prepare a list of questions - but be respectful that not all homeowners will have time to spend hours on the phone.
4) Include questions like: A) Did you have any problems with your home? If so, how were they resolved? B) What would you do differently?
It has been my experience that every cedar or log home will have some kind of "glitch." After all, they're designed, manufactured and built by humans. We make mistakes. It may mean that a beam is cut too short or a window was broken during shipment. The real issue here is - how are problems resolved? Did the homeowner receive prompt attention and were they satisfied? Or, were concerns ignored and downplayed?
If I were shopping for a cedar or log home today, I would take advantage of Open House opportunities. This allows future homeowners to talk face-to-face with previous buyers. It's also a great opportunity to get free design ideas for things like: interior finishes, trims / moldings, lighting issues, room dimensions, etc.
Lastly, it never hurts to check with the Better Business Bureau, Dunn & Bradstreet or the Attorney General's office - to confirm the financial stability of the company you may want to work with. After all, it's your money and your home we're talking about!
