Great questions from our friends
Why should I buy a certified and graded kiln dried home with a guaranteed moisture content?
Kiln drying will substantially minimize checking
Kiln drying will allow you to build without provisions for shrinkage
Kiln drying will crystallize sap and pitch so they do not weep out
Kiln drying will remove an average of 12,000 pounds of water from a 2000 square foot home
Kiln drying will make the wood more stable and easier to lift, finish , drill and notch
Kiln drying will kill all eggs bugs and larvae in the wood, impossible with air drying
Kiln drying allows you to weatherproof your home immediately, not a year or two later
Will you sell me an air dried home?
No, with roots deep into the logging and lumber trades, Kuhns Bros. Log Homes realized the value and necessity of kiln dried lumber decades ago. We have also set the industry standards for kiln drying of heavy timber and logs. We do not now, nor will we in the future be air drying your home.
What makes Tranquil Log Homes a good choice?
Can I see some construction details now?
How does the price compare to conventional homes?
If the two homes have the same footprint and the same features, the price will be virtually the same, of course you seldom see a heavy timber roof, wood covered walls, cathedral ceilings and lofts in a conventional home.
If you think about it, building either home requires land, septic, permits, well, foundation, labor, electrical, plumbing, finishing, cabinets, floors, driveways, roofs, heating......a log home will add wood and a fireplace perhaps.........you can plan on the log walls costing a few dollars more in material, but there is a savings in labor, so you end up very close.
If cost is a big issue, then design the home like a conventional home, low ceilings, carpeting, maximize the cubic area and you will certainly save a few dollars.
When I purchase the "No-Shop" package of building materials from Kuhns Bros. Log Homes, besides the sales tax, are there any other fees or charges I will need to be aware of before I decide?
Everything is already figured into the quote for you, including delivery.
From the start, we figure your home with the best windows and doors on the market, and all the interior materials that are included in the "NO-Shop" Package, are top of the line.
After you purchase the package, the items remaining to build the home will need to be figured. Even though Kuhns Bros. Log Homes will provide the most complete package of building materials, you will need to figure a budget for Labor, Masonry, Cabinets, Plumbing, Heating, Electrical and floor coverings.
How come different companies disagree so much, how do I know who to believe?
One of the main reasons we entered into the industry was to try to add some legitimacy to the industry.
You are an intelligent person with access to the internet, research the manufacturer, the drying process, the components such as window brands. You will be amazed what you will find out.
You can also visit the lumber yard, pick up an air dried 2x4 and a kiln dried 2x4, look at the difference in shape and trueness.
Do you use any name brand components?
Absolutely, Andersen Windows®, Therma-tru doors®, Tamko Shingles®, Solid 6 panel solid wood doors inside and so on and so on
What is the price difference between Eastern white pine and Western red cedar and do I need cedar?
Typically for quality cedar it will run about 40% on average more than pine.
Pinus cedrus is the Latin name for cedar.....yes it is a pine tree
All cedar today is called new growth sap wood, offering very little if any benefit over pine
All wood must be treated, after it is treated both will offer the same protection
Remember, we only use certified and graded kiln dried lumber, certainly you could buy the lumber we reject for less somewhere else.
Please also keep in mind, most Red Cedar is clear cut (not replanted)
Honestly, what will my finished cost be?
We say 2-2.5 times the cost of the "no-shop" package, but I have heard that from companies only selling logs and using the same multipliers.
Always go by the square foot figures.
Do you build or have builders?
Tranquil Log Homes holds a General Contractors License, but prefer to allow you to choose your own builder so we may better inspect our other customers homes under construction.
Absolutely, we can provide a list builders, instruct a builder or even instruct you on the basics of log home building, never a problem.
Will you meet with us?
Of course, we meet with people 363 days a year, most prefer nights and weekends so this is the way it is structured now. We will of course accommodate your needs if you have a different idea.
We also will meet with the competition on neutral soil to discuss the differences face to face to smooth out any confusion there may be.
What is the "No-Shop" Package?
The No-Shop is the single most complete package in the industry today, making your finish costs very easy to figure.
We will guarantee the quantity of the components in the package, you will not run out of material if used in a common sense fashion, guaranteed!!