Having a firm idea of your budget is critical. Enlisting the aid of a designer or architect will make the process of narrowing choices easier and help ensure you get the most for your money. Logs aside, some of the other big-ticket items in your build include windows, doors, flooring, roofing and stone masonry. Here’s a look at some of the factors that determine costs of these materials, what you get for the money and how to make smart choices.
Roofing
When you choose a roofing material, you must consider both style and substance, because the material you choose will affect your home’s looks and your comfort. Materials alone won’t dictate the cost of your roof. The complexity of your design also impacts cost. For instance, the same materials on a simple roof with a moderate slope will be easier and less expensive to install than they will be on a roof with a steep pitch, hips and valleys and multiple chimneys or skylights. As you look at photos of log homes, pay attention to what types of roofing look “right” to you.
Value Asphalt shingle roofing
Pros:
- Wide variety of styles, can be made to resemble tile, wood, shakes or slate
- Easy to install, keeping labor costs lower
- Fairly lightweight
Cons:
- 20 to 30-year lifespan
- Lower-quality asphalt shingles cost less, but don’t last as long
Splurge Natural slate roofing
Pros:
- Unique beauty
- 75+ year lifespan
- Durable
- Mold and mildew resistant
Cons:
- Expert installation required
- Limited colors available
- Very heavy, may require structural reinforcement
Cost of ownership: “Today’s Homeowner” gives high-end asphalt shingles a cost to own of $4 to $10 per year, and slate a cost to own of $10 to $20 per year.
Dutch Oven
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