As we all know, building a new home can get expensive if you are unaware of ways to keep your costs down. First-time home buyers, along with high-end luxury home buyers, all want to know how they can get the most home for their money.
To educate our customers about the many cost-effective options available to them when designing and building their dream home, the Wisconsin Log Homes team came up with a report, 52 Ways to Save Money.
The first 10 ways to save money are as follows. Click Here to view our complete report.
Select a reputable company. A respectable company will help you design a home within your budget, and suggest money-saving design ideas and construction techniques that can save you money.
Watch the budget. Determine how much you can spend and stick to that figure. Be honest and upfront about the bottom line. Tell your Home Consultant how much you can afford before plans are drawn, and agree on important design issues.
Ask for feedback. Ask about the pros and cons of different elements of your design and how each will affect your budget.
Educate yourself. The more you know about the building process, the easier it is to control the bottom line.
Compare apples to apples. Get everything in writing and be sure it is the same quality and quantity of materials and services when making a comparison between companies. Saving $4,000 on a home package may look good on the bottom line, but not when you find its missing $6,000 worth of materials.
Build only what you need. Analyze your family’s needs and living patterns and how they translate into physical space. Sometimes restraint is essential if your dream is to become an affordable reality, but be sure your scaled-down plan meets your basic needs.
Shop for an affordable site. Developed land is easier to build on and more expensive. Try to keep the ratio of land to house 1 to 4 or more.
A small site saves on land and landscaping costs. You can also save on future landscaping costs if naturally occurring trees and bushes are left in place.
Cooperate with your site. It will cost less to fit your home design to your site than try to find a site to fit your home design.
Walkout basements can add extra living space at very little cost. A lot with a slight grade may allow for a walkout basement. Plan for a 9-foot ceiling so that pipes, wires and air ducts can be hidden when the space is finished.
Click Here for more ways to save when building a new home.
Showing posts with label homes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label homes. Show all posts
Friday, February 13, 2009
Outdoor Living Spaces by Wisconsin Log Homes
Increasingly popular, outdoor living spaces can offer additional usable exterior square footage, protection from the heat, cold and precipitation, and even help manage heating and cooling on the interior of your home. And of course, they are a natural fit for rustic homes, typically blending the architecture of the home with natural elements and the topography of the lot.
The choices available today can seem overwhelming, however, by narrowing them down and really designing these spaces to tailor your needs and location will result in spaces that are individualized and efficient.
While in the design phase of your home, consider whether these spaces will be incorporated during the build, or at a later date. Share your ideas with your designer, builder, landscaper and electrician, etc. Many of these spaces are developed over a period of time, but by “roughing in” water, electricity and covered and/or roofed areas early, you can save time and money over the long haul and stay on the designed plan.
So how do you know what’s right for your home? Think budget, demographics and your got-to-have wish lists. Many outdoor living spaces combine various elements together, and may be both public and private spaces, much like the interior of your home. Consider your favorite vacation spots and family get-together memories, and for sure you will end up with a space that’s true to your lifestyle. A space that looks good that you don’t use is really just a waste of money, so take some time here and think.
Decks:
Decks are typically the least expensive way to extend your outdoor living spaces. They can be made of wood, vinyl, and the current trend, composite decking. Composite decking often contains a 50/50 balance of recycled wood products and synthetic materials and does not require re-staining and is slip resistant.
Can’t live without wood? Pressure-treated lumber is the least expensive and can be stained nearly any color. Other popular wood choices include cedar, redwood and sometimes cypress.
On decks, deep overhangs can provide some shade, and also assist with passive solar gain/loss on interior rooms. Multi levels, built-in seating and planters are all excellent ways to build some architecture into these flat uncovered spaces and designate areas for relaxing, cooking and dining. Enter the deck through both public and private rooms via French or sliding glass doors as well as from the yard beyond.
Patios:
These hardscape areas are often floored with stamped, colored and textured concrete, pavers, brick, natural stone and even mulch and pea gravel. They can be married to retaining walls, water features like fountains and small ponds, fireplaces and pits. Hedges, trees and potted plants make excellent natural dividers, and multi levels that flow with the grade of your lot are the epitome of natural landscaping. Landscape lighting is crucial here, adding drama and ambiance, as well as a safe guided path over uneven surfaces.
Porches:
Who can resist the romance of relaxing on a covered porch? This high priority must-have is essentially a covered deck or balcony. They act as effective sun, wind and precipitation barriers depending on factors such as sun orientation, adjacent open fields or water versus treed areas. In cooler climates, a west and south facing porch will warm in the winter months, but may be too hot in the summer ones. In warmer climates, a north-facing porch has a cooling effect on its occupants.
Three Season Rooms:
These rooms are essentially part of the home and are completely covered with windows and/or screens. These spaces are so versatile and can be used for cooking, dining, relaxing, or even sleeping. They provide insect and animal protection and increased privacy. Keep in mind that those welcoming wide windows can seem like a black abyss at night, so also consider flexible window coverings like shades or blinds in natural, weather resistant materials. Add a ceiling fan for air circulation and don’t forget lighting.
Gazebos, Pergolas and Loggias.
These covered and semi-covered spaces add architecture and delineate a specific task. A loggia is a semi-covered passage way between one space and another. They are usually framed out in wood or metal, and lush greenery and florals make the stroll a true experience. A wooden pergola offers filtered shade and the ceiling slats can be angled to either maximize or minimize morning or afternoon sun. Plan for when you will use the space the most. Gazebos can be free-standing or attached via loggia or directly to the house. These are excellent areas for popular outdoor kitchens and spas.
Outdoor Kitchens:
Cooking and dining al fresco is hot-hot-hot today! Whether it be a full working kitchen with cook tops, coolers, grills and sinks to simple grilling and prep stations, outdoor kitchens can add a lot of value and versatility to your home. Fantastic for entertaining, they keep traffic and people out of the home in a pleasing environment. Design a public half bath accessible from this space and the backyard barbecue or reception is literally self-serving.
Furnishings, greenery, sound and ambiance should not be neglected here. Without these, your space may feel cold, unwelcoming, and even uncomfortable.
Furnishings:
Keep it comfortable and practical. Outdoor fabrics that are fade and weather resistant are ideal for covered or semi-covered areas. This is a great way to add color and softness to otherwise hard surfaces. Don’t forget occasional and coffee tables in wood or iron. A watertight trunk or storage bench-type seating can house warm blankets for chilly nights or a good book or two. Keep in mind that lighter weight umbrellas, tables and chairs can get caught up in the wind and blow into the side of your home or get damaged. Sling back chairs and loungers work great on uncovered spaces, dry quickly and have no cushions to store and set up. Wood furniture is a viable choice, but may need to be re-stained or painted from time to time. Place furniture carefully, making sure there are ample walkways and clearance to doors and stairs.
Greenery:
Plant life, whether live or faux is the perfect outdoor accessory. Urns, planters and rock gardens can set the style of the space, and act as dividers. Carefully planned plant life like citronella grass, basil, tansy and black cohosh can effectively manage pests while adding fresh oxygen and life to your outdoor spaces. A potted herb garden is a great conversation piece, and if near the kitchen can be quite handy.
Sound and Power:
Don’t forget the speakers! Exterior sound systems play an important role in the whole outdoor living lifestyle. They carry the experience away from the main home, and can set either a romantic or party mode. Add outdoor electrical outlets to plug in outdoor appliances, portable outdoor lamps, and even your laptop computer. Take the home office outdoors for the day and really create a fresh outlook on working at home.
Ambiance:
Ah, the crackle of the fire or a candlelit path to the lake…these are the heart of outdoor living spaces. Whether your style calls for a fireplace, fire pit, portable chiminea, or all three, a warm fire just feels like home. Fire offers sound, heat, color, drama, fragrance and light to outdoor spaces. Plant-life, candles, even lanterns and torches provide scents and soothing sounds. Tea-light chandeliers and string lights add a festive or romantic flair. Outdoor rugs create mini rooms and fabric panels in warmer climates whisper softly to linger longer. Without these added touches, an outdoor living space seems impersonal.
Have questions regarding your outdoor living space or other log and timber home design needs? Log on to Wisconsin Log Homes website or e-mail our resident interior designer, Stephanie, at sgauthier@wislog.com.
The choices available today can seem overwhelming, however, by narrowing them down and really designing these spaces to tailor your needs and location will result in spaces that are individualized and efficient.
While in the design phase of your home, consider whether these spaces will be incorporated during the build, or at a later date. Share your ideas with your designer, builder, landscaper and electrician, etc. Many of these spaces are developed over a period of time, but by “roughing in” water, electricity and covered and/or roofed areas early, you can save time and money over the long haul and stay on the designed plan.
So how do you know what’s right for your home? Think budget, demographics and your got-to-have wish lists. Many outdoor living spaces combine various elements together, and may be both public and private spaces, much like the interior of your home. Consider your favorite vacation spots and family get-together memories, and for sure you will end up with a space that’s true to your lifestyle. A space that looks good that you don’t use is really just a waste of money, so take some time here and think.
Decks:
Decks are typically the least expensive way to extend your outdoor living spaces. They can be made of wood, vinyl, and the current trend, composite decking. Composite decking often contains a 50/50 balance of recycled wood products and synthetic materials and does not require re-staining and is slip resistant.
Can’t live without wood? Pressure-treated lumber is the least expensive and can be stained nearly any color. Other popular wood choices include cedar, redwood and sometimes cypress.
On decks, deep overhangs can provide some shade, and also assist with passive solar gain/loss on interior rooms. Multi levels, built-in seating and planters are all excellent ways to build some architecture into these flat uncovered spaces and designate areas for relaxing, cooking and dining. Enter the deck through both public and private rooms via French or sliding glass doors as well as from the yard beyond.
Patios:
These hardscape areas are often floored with stamped, colored and textured concrete, pavers, brick, natural stone and even mulch and pea gravel. They can be married to retaining walls, water features like fountains and small ponds, fireplaces and pits. Hedges, trees and potted plants make excellent natural dividers, and multi levels that flow with the grade of your lot are the epitome of natural landscaping. Landscape lighting is crucial here, adding drama and ambiance, as well as a safe guided path over uneven surfaces.
Porches:
Who can resist the romance of relaxing on a covered porch? This high priority must-have is essentially a covered deck or balcony. They act as effective sun, wind and precipitation barriers depending on factors such as sun orientation, adjacent open fields or water versus treed areas. In cooler climates, a west and south facing porch will warm in the winter months, but may be too hot in the summer ones. In warmer climates, a north-facing porch has a cooling effect on its occupants.
Three Season Rooms:
These rooms are essentially part of the home and are completely covered with windows and/or screens. These spaces are so versatile and can be used for cooking, dining, relaxing, or even sleeping. They provide insect and animal protection and increased privacy. Keep in mind that those welcoming wide windows can seem like a black abyss at night, so also consider flexible window coverings like shades or blinds in natural, weather resistant materials. Add a ceiling fan for air circulation and don’t forget lighting.
Gazebos, Pergolas and Loggias.
These covered and semi-covered spaces add architecture and delineate a specific task. A loggia is a semi-covered passage way between one space and another. They are usually framed out in wood or metal, and lush greenery and florals make the stroll a true experience. A wooden pergola offers filtered shade and the ceiling slats can be angled to either maximize or minimize morning or afternoon sun. Plan for when you will use the space the most. Gazebos can be free-standing or attached via loggia or directly to the house. These are excellent areas for popular outdoor kitchens and spas.
Outdoor Kitchens:
Cooking and dining al fresco is hot-hot-hot today! Whether it be a full working kitchen with cook tops, coolers, grills and sinks to simple grilling and prep stations, outdoor kitchens can add a lot of value and versatility to your home. Fantastic for entertaining, they keep traffic and people out of the home in a pleasing environment. Design a public half bath accessible from this space and the backyard barbecue or reception is literally self-serving.
Furnishings, greenery, sound and ambiance should not be neglected here. Without these, your space may feel cold, unwelcoming, and even uncomfortable.
Furnishings:
Keep it comfortable and practical. Outdoor fabrics that are fade and weather resistant are ideal for covered or semi-covered areas. This is a great way to add color and softness to otherwise hard surfaces. Don’t forget occasional and coffee tables in wood or iron. A watertight trunk or storage bench-type seating can house warm blankets for chilly nights or a good book or two. Keep in mind that lighter weight umbrellas, tables and chairs can get caught up in the wind and blow into the side of your home or get damaged. Sling back chairs and loungers work great on uncovered spaces, dry quickly and have no cushions to store and set up. Wood furniture is a viable choice, but may need to be re-stained or painted from time to time. Place furniture carefully, making sure there are ample walkways and clearance to doors and stairs.
Greenery:
Plant life, whether live or faux is the perfect outdoor accessory. Urns, planters and rock gardens can set the style of the space, and act as dividers. Carefully planned plant life like citronella grass, basil, tansy and black cohosh can effectively manage pests while adding fresh oxygen and life to your outdoor spaces. A potted herb garden is a great conversation piece, and if near the kitchen can be quite handy.
Sound and Power:
Don’t forget the speakers! Exterior sound systems play an important role in the whole outdoor living lifestyle. They carry the experience away from the main home, and can set either a romantic or party mode. Add outdoor electrical outlets to plug in outdoor appliances, portable outdoor lamps, and even your laptop computer. Take the home office outdoors for the day and really create a fresh outlook on working at home.
Ambiance:
Ah, the crackle of the fire or a candlelit path to the lake…these are the heart of outdoor living spaces. Whether your style calls for a fireplace, fire pit, portable chiminea, or all three, a warm fire just feels like home. Fire offers sound, heat, color, drama, fragrance and light to outdoor spaces. Plant-life, candles, even lanterns and torches provide scents and soothing sounds. Tea-light chandeliers and string lights add a festive or romantic flair. Outdoor rugs create mini rooms and fabric panels in warmer climates whisper softly to linger longer. Without these added touches, an outdoor living space seems impersonal.
Have questions regarding your outdoor living space or other log and timber home design needs? Log on to Wisconsin Log Homes website or e-mail our resident interior designer, Stephanie, at sgauthier@wislog.com.
Geothermal Systems by David Janczak (Founder/Owner of Wisconsin Log Homes, Inc)
Since Wisconsin Log Homes’ focus has always been on energy-efficiency, it’s very important to us that each of our homes are heated and cooled in the most efficient, economical way possible. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, geothermal systems are “the most energy-efficient, environmentally clean, and cost-effective space conditioning systems available today.” Geothermal is 3 – 5 times as efficient as the most efficient fossil fuel furnace.
Extremely high levels of efficiency are possible because a geothermal heat pump only uses electricity to move heat, not produce it. A geothermal system supplies 4-5 kilowatts of heat for every kilowatt of electricity used. 3-4 of these kilowatts of heat come directly from the earth, meaning that they are naturally clean, renewable, and best of all - free.
Geothermal heat pumps also take advantage of the mild ground temperature for high efficiency cooling. The earth has the ability to absorb and store heat energy. To use that stored energy, heat is extracted from the earth through a liquid medium (either water or anti-freeze solution) and is pumped to the heat pump heat exchanger, where the heat is used to heat your home. In summer, the process is reversed and indoor heat is extracted from your home and transferred to the earth through the liquid. Most systems also include a hot water generator, which diverts a portion of the supplied heat to the domestic water heater. This provides a substantial portion of a family’s hot water needs at a very low cost. So essentially, geothermal systems transfer heat from your home to the earth in the cooling mode, and from the earth to your home in the heating mode.
A geothermal system installed in an already efficient Wisconsin Log Home will substantially reduce heating and cooling costs for years to come. So even though you are spending a little more upfront, you’ll be saving money before you know it. Payback for most geothermal systems run about three to five years. Some states also offer tax credits for installing this system, check with your local utility company for details.
For more information about geothermal, go to http://www.geoexchange.org/, or contact Wisconsin Log Homes today to talk with our independent geothermal specialist.
Extremely high levels of efficiency are possible because a geothermal heat pump only uses electricity to move heat, not produce it. A geothermal system supplies 4-5 kilowatts of heat for every kilowatt of electricity used. 3-4 of these kilowatts of heat come directly from the earth, meaning that they are naturally clean, renewable, and best of all - free.
Geothermal heat pumps also take advantage of the mild ground temperature for high efficiency cooling. The earth has the ability to absorb and store heat energy. To use that stored energy, heat is extracted from the earth through a liquid medium (either water or anti-freeze solution) and is pumped to the heat pump heat exchanger, where the heat is used to heat your home. In summer, the process is reversed and indoor heat is extracted from your home and transferred to the earth through the liquid. Most systems also include a hot water generator, which diverts a portion of the supplied heat to the domestic water heater. This provides a substantial portion of a family’s hot water needs at a very low cost. So essentially, geothermal systems transfer heat from your home to the earth in the cooling mode, and from the earth to your home in the heating mode.
A geothermal system installed in an already efficient Wisconsin Log Home will substantially reduce heating and cooling costs for years to come. So even though you are spending a little more upfront, you’ll be saving money before you know it. Payback for most geothermal systems run about three to five years. Some states also offer tax credits for installing this system, check with your local utility company for details.
For more information about geothermal, go to http://www.geoexchange.org/, or contact Wisconsin Log Homes today to talk with our independent geothermal specialist.
Costs Last Forever by David Janczak (Founder/Owner of Wisconsin Log Homes, Inc)
Like most of us, I learned at an early age that ‘you get what you pay for.’ I remember trying to save a few bucks on my first car; it sure looked good, but it spent most of its time in the mechanic shop getting repaired. After having it fixed and putting more and more money into it, I probably could have just bought a brand new car and not had all the headaches and repair costs.
It’s a given that most people will “shop” companies and talk about price ranges before choosing a log or timber home company. I encourage people to do this, but it’s very important to keep in mind that each company is very different in the products and services they provide. Actually, each company is very different, period.
A home is an investment. It’s something that will be with you for a lifetime to come, or something you’ll want to sell for profit in the future. So carefully evaluate what’s included in each company’s price rather than just looking at an inaccurate per square foot guesstimate.
Identify what’s most important to you before you start shopping. Is it price, quality, the type of services, reputation, workmanship, warranty, structural materials, the people, or a little bit of everything? Remember, the least expensive company is able to be the lowest-priced because they aren’t providing the same things as a higher-priced company. If a company comes in noticeably lower than others, you should find out why… what are they, or aren’t they, providing? Carefully evaluate everything the package price includes and determine if that company will be the best fit for your needs.
Wisconsin Log Homes is not the lowest-priced company in the industry… we’re not out of line with our prices, but we’re not cheap either. We can’t be. Each of our home plans are very custom and require a great deal of attention and creativity from our designers. Our products have always been of the highest quality and each log for your home is hand-peeled in our own state-of-the-art mill. Our Thermal-Log Building System benefits our customers and their homes in many different ways. We offer in-house construction and interior design & cabinetry services, a full-time customer service representative available for you or your builder at all times, a 25-year warranty, a complete package of structural materials, and a team of friendly experts that are as passionate about your home as you are.
The bottom line is that you truly get what you pay for - whether it’s cars or houses. As they say, “price happens one time, but cost lasts forever.”
Not every company is perfect for every person, so it’s your job to find a company that’s the right fit for you and your future home.
It’s a given that most people will “shop” companies and talk about price ranges before choosing a log or timber home company. I encourage people to do this, but it’s very important to keep in mind that each company is very different in the products and services they provide. Actually, each company is very different, period.
A home is an investment. It’s something that will be with you for a lifetime to come, or something you’ll want to sell for profit in the future. So carefully evaluate what’s included in each company’s price rather than just looking at an inaccurate per square foot guesstimate.
Identify what’s most important to you before you start shopping. Is it price, quality, the type of services, reputation, workmanship, warranty, structural materials, the people, or a little bit of everything? Remember, the least expensive company is able to be the lowest-priced because they aren’t providing the same things as a higher-priced company. If a company comes in noticeably lower than others, you should find out why… what are they, or aren’t they, providing? Carefully evaluate everything the package price includes and determine if that company will be the best fit for your needs.
Wisconsin Log Homes is not the lowest-priced company in the industry… we’re not out of line with our prices, but we’re not cheap either. We can’t be. Each of our home plans are very custom and require a great deal of attention and creativity from our designers. Our products have always been of the highest quality and each log for your home is hand-peeled in our own state-of-the-art mill. Our Thermal-Log Building System benefits our customers and their homes in many different ways. We offer in-house construction and interior design & cabinetry services, a full-time customer service representative available for you or your builder at all times, a 25-year warranty, a complete package of structural materials, and a team of friendly experts that are as passionate about your home as you are.
The bottom line is that you truly get what you pay for - whether it’s cars or houses. As they say, “price happens one time, but cost lasts forever.”
Not every company is perfect for every person, so it’s your job to find a company that’s the right fit for you and your future home.
Hybrid Log Homes by David Janczak (Founder/Owner of Wisconsin Log Homes, Inc)
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After visiting their parent’s home land in the late 1970’s, a couple wanted Wisconsin Log Homes to build them a European stone style cottage. Knowing that they wanted to incorporate log, the couple eagerly took advantage of Wisconsin Log Homes Thermal-Log™ Building System since solid log home providers would not have the necessary design options available to them. By integrating our handcrafted wood products (including both log and thick timbers) with stunning natural stone work, we were able to achieve the timeless architectural style the owners desired.
It didn’t take long for custom homebuyer’s to understand that our versatile, innovative building system gave them the ability to create a true hybrid home to accommodate their personal style and needs. The flexibility of our Thermal-Log system allows our clients to enjoy an extensive range of architectural styles. But most importantly, they have the freedom to select and combine the unique building products they want to create their very own dream home.
Today, the industry calls these homes that combine various materials and design styles “hybrid,” but we’ve always called it “design freedom” that allows us to better service each and every one of our homeowners. We never wanted to limit our homeowners to just one product like log. Product selection and integration - whether log, timber, stone, glass, shakes, drywall, or any other building materials imaginable - is a normal step in our custom design process… and a step that clients really enjoy and take advantage of.
When you decide to build with us, you’ll be amazed with the creativity of our experienced architectural team and the flexibility you’ll have in designing a home that’s just right for you, both inside and out.
With all the current attention and appreciation for hybrid homes in the log and timber industry, it’s very rewarding to look back and know that our Thermal-Log™ Building System, pioneered by Wisconsin Log Homes in the 1970’s, revolutionized the industry to this day and truly made “dream” homes possible for everyone.
It didn’t take long for custom homebuyer’s to understand that our versatile, innovative building system gave them the ability to create a true hybrid home to accommodate their personal style and needs. The flexibility of our Thermal-Log system allows our clients to enjoy an extensive range of architectural styles. But most importantly, they have the freedom to select and combine the unique building products they want to create their very own dream home.
Today, the industry calls these homes that combine various materials and design styles “hybrid,” but we’ve always called it “design freedom” that allows us to better service each and every one of our homeowners. We never wanted to limit our homeowners to just one product like log. Product selection and integration - whether log, timber, stone, glass, shakes, drywall, or any other building materials imaginable - is a normal step in our custom design process… and a step that clients really enjoy and take advantage of.
When you decide to build with us, you’ll be amazed with the creativity of our experienced architectural team and the flexibility you’ll have in designing a home that’s just right for you, both inside and out.
With all the current attention and appreciation for hybrid homes in the log and timber industry, it’s very rewarding to look back and know that our Thermal-Log™ Building System, pioneered by Wisconsin Log Homes in the 1970’s, revolutionized the industry to this day and truly made “dream” homes possible for everyone.
Read Featured Article about Hybrid Log Homes in Custom Wood Homes magazine: Click Here.
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