Information about log cabin shells.

 

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers about Log Shells

 Log Cabin Shell Information

Question: What is a log cabin shell package?

Answer: A log cabin shell is exactly that- it is the exterior log walls or "shell" of a log cabin.  It may also include any interior log walls that are load bearing walls.  The log shell is constructed or "pre-built" on our site because each log has to be expertly hand fit  which is labour intensive and time consuming.  If we were to do the log fitting on your site it would cost you approximately 25% more for labour and 30% more for materials, not to mention it would create a huge mess of sawdust and bark for you to clean up.   A log shell usually takes 4-8 weeks to build and 3-5 days to re-assemble on your site.   

Question: What does a Log Shell Package include?

Answer: The log shell package typically includes:

1. log floor joists

2. log roof beam system

3. log stairs.  

4. The log shell is built to plan with all window and door openings cut in

5. any posts and levelers needed

6. all electrical boxes roughed in.

7. all wall slots are cut

8. Re-assembly assistance

Question: What is NOT included with a log shell package? (READ BELOW CAREFULLY!)

Answer: The following items are NOT INCLUDED in a log shell package:

1. foundation and sub floor

2. the roof - ( 2 X 10 rafters, strapping, metal, shingles, insulation, paneling)

3. plumbing

4. electrical

5. lumber

6. paneling

7. insulation

8. staining of the logs

9. Doors and windows

10. flooring

11. decks

12. any and all framing (gables, interior partition walls, basement)

13. cabinets

14. excavation, sewer, water

15. HVAC

16. finishing carpentry

17. Shipping (estimates here)

18. Any materials other than the logs.

Question: Why do you not offer the above services?

Answer:  We are log smiths who specialize in the craft of log building.  We are experts in building beautiful log cabin shells using the specialized techniques and tools necessary.   We are not experts in any other facet of house construction any more than the others are experts at log building.  We leave the other aspects of constructing a home to the experts in those given trades.  This way you are ensured that you are getting the best value and highest quality from each individual trade that is necessary to complete your home because they are experts in those trades and know all the best practices.  Keep in mind that our craft is a very specialized one and that it is very labour intensive and requires very specialized equipment.  We also need access to high grade timber to insure a quality product.  These combined have led us to set up our operation in British Columbia, Canada; the last place in North America with the quality timber and skilled labour needed to offer you a quality product. 

Question: WillLog Cabins Canada be the general contractor?

Answer:  NO- for two reasons.  First, if were were to get licensed for every state and Province in North America it would cost us thousands and thousands of dollars and consume endless hours of our time just managing the paper work.  Also, there is no way for us to know what the market for labour or materials is for each and every town in th USA.  Again, a local contractor would know these things and have the relationships necessary to bring the home in on budget and on time.  Second, again we are log smiths, that is what we do best.  A general contractor is best at organizing the necessary trades to build a home- we should be thought of as one of those trades.

Question:  I saw on the internet a log cabin package from "Company X" for $xx,xxx and included the doors, windows and deck. Why is your price higher and doesn't include the same things?

Answer:  "Company X" is selling you a "log package" not a log shell.  Our products are the same only in name.  We provide real, authentic handcrafted log cabin shells that are built by real craftsmen, using real logs.  We build only a limited number of homes each year because of the time involved in building a log shell.  Our products differs in the following ways:

 

Canadian Log Cabins Shell	Company X Log Cabin Kit
Full sized "Real" high-grade" logs- minimum 12 "	milled logs using lower quality logs maximum 12"
Hand hewn logs for hand peeled smooth finish	rough machined finish
Home has character- each home is unique; a reflection of the owner	no character, "cookie-cutter" mass produced homes
Builder direct- saves you money direct customer service	Multiple levels of middle-men- adds to cost
Relationship with customer is important	No relationship- logs come from factory- high pressure sales
Log shell is pre-assembled to ensure everything is perfect - Log shell doesn't leave until you approve  it Our price includes the labour costs to notch and pre-assemble the entire log shell structure.	Logs come from mill- can take weeks to get replacements if mistake Price is for logs and materials only- you will have to hire someone to notch and stack the logs on your site plus pay for clean-up.

We look at log cabins differently-  we don't look at each customer as another sale but instead we look at it as a chance to develop relationships with people and help them achieve their goals and in doing so we are leaving our mark on this world.  We take pride in what we do and we love it when people appreciate the hard work and dedication that we put into their home.