Log Homes >> Architects

Hire an Architect or Not?

Hiring a professional architect is probably the simplest way to get your log home designed. However, it may not be necessary, especially if you're considering a log home kit. If you desire an individual style custom-built to your specifications, an architect may be necessary. An outside architect will be an additional budget cost, however.

You'll want to consult the log home company you're considering working with before hiring an architect. Log home companies typically have their own design staffs. It may be more cost efficient for you to work with someone on the inside.

If you decide to hire an architect, here are a couple things you should know:

In general, architect space the cost of their service on the square footage of your log home. They may also take the projected budget of the home into consideration when quoting their price.

Prices will vary a great deal depending on whether you just want a set of blueprints or you want an architect who oversee the entire project.

Designing log homes is not the same as designing a house. Find out if your potential architect has experience with log construction.

Advantages of hiring an architect over working with a log home company in-house designer:

An outside architect is more likely to have time to sit down with you and give you undivided attention, whereas you'll probably have to work around the schedule of a design department within your log home company.

In general, architects provide more detail than in-house designers. Remember, log homes offer greater variety of trim options (i.e. loft railings, intersections between logs, beam attachment points, custom-made stairs, etc.) than say a typical house which usually only worries about trim around doors and windows.

Basically, an architect is a luxury. It is not a necessity to building a quality log home, but if you can afford it, you might get a home that more closely matches your dream through the use of an outside architect.

Source: Log Homes Made Easy