Choosing a Log Home Manufacturer - Why Build a "Strongwood Log Home?"
I trust you read the section on "Why Build a Log Home?" If you are continuing to read and search, I trust you can see yourself building and living in your own log home. Your options are extensive. My job now is to share with you what Alabama Strongwood Log Homes can do for you. It will then be your job to see which company fits your needs and the proceed to the next step. If you want to see if you can spot the "issues" with some competitor's building practices, try our QUIZ. You will come out a lot more knowledgeable on log home construction does and don'ts. But first see why you should trust Strongwood to help you build your Log Home.
- Strongwood's Experience in the Log Home Business Back
- Strongwood's Professional Associations
- Strongwood's Logs, how they are processed
- Strongwood's Log Home Plans
- Strongwood's Building Options
- Strongwood's Difference
- Strongwood's Checklist and Some Competitor's Responses
- Strongwood's Guarantee
- Strongwood's Partners
- My Guarantee
- We DON't spend thousands of dollars on advertising so we can bring you a great product at a great price. Click here to see OUR national not for TV spot.
Strongwood's Experience in the Log Home Business
Back
Experience
Strongwood Log Home, L.L.C. started in Wisconsin many years ago. They have fifteen years of construction and development experience and eight years of log home sales and construction experience. Their main headquarters is in Waupaca, Wisconsin. They have their mill and kiln (one of the largest in the USA) are in Gladeville, Tennessee. They have dealerships in 19 states to include Alaska and Hawaii as well as a number of foreign countries to include Canada, the United Kingdom, Turkey, South Africa, Japan, Korea and Thailand.
What is the secret of their success? Why are they experiencing such dynamic growth? It is a combination of a great product, progressive innovative design, adherence to a strong code of ethics, and unmatched customer support.
Strongwood's Professional Associations Back
Association and Professional Memberships
If you go to a lawyer, you want them to a member of the State Bar. If you go to a doctor, do you want them to be licensed to practice medicine. If you go to an accountant, you want them to be certified. When you take your children to school in the morning, you want the teacher to be a certified professional.
After building your log home, you will have hundreds of thousands of dollars invested. Deciding on which dealer will help you build your new home maybe one of biggest investments decision you ever make. Alabama Strongwood Log Homes recommends that you check out the professional associations of all potential suppliers. If you click on the icons below, you will learn more about the council affiliations and what they demand of their members and provide for the log home building public.
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Strongwood Log Home, L.L.C. and is dealers subscribe to the Ethics Code of the Log Homes Council of the National Association of Home Builders. Out of 500 manufactures who build log homes, Strongwood Log Homes is one of only 60 manufactures who subscribe to the rigorous requirements that assure you a quality home. Isn't Strongwood Log Homes, L.L.C. the kind of company you want to be dealing with such a large
Strongwood's Logs, how they are processed Back
Logs
The logs and how they are put together to form your house are the keys in the log home building process. Strongwood Log Home, L.L.C. has spent the last 25 years researching and improving their system until they got it just right. They truly believe, that given today's level of technology the have, hands-down, the BEST log home system on the market today. Let's take a look at why and how I can make this claim.
- The logs are TPI Graded Eastern White, Western Red Cedar or Douglas Fir with Douglas Fir always being used for our beams.
- Each log is kiln dried for 27-34 days at temperature of up to 180 degrees F. Here is a picture of our kiln in Tennessee being loaded. (When other people tell you they kiln dry their logs ask them how long and at what temperature.)
- The logs are then inspected, and shaped to meet a variety of designs as well as cutting in the lounge and grove that allows us to give a "life-time" water-tight fit . Lastly they receive a final cut and are prepared for shipping.
- The finished logs come to your site in a wide range of sizes and styles.
Strongwood's Log Home Plans Back
| Log Home Plans |  |
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The reason one browses Log Home web sites, is to look and dream, with the eventual expectation of building your dream. Thing about this process a bit. If we consider the dream like a painted picture, then the logs are the rough material, and the lot you construct your house on is the canvas. Your Log Home will be final master piece.
With a Strongwood Log Home our "model home plans" are just the starting point. We will modify any model we normally produce or maybe one you have found in a log home magazine. We are here to make your dreams a reality. Browse some of our models and remember, they are just a jumping off place for your new log home.
Click on our logo to start browsing the Strongwood model line up.
Strongwood's Building Options Back
BUILDING OPTIONS
With Strongwood as your partner, we offer more than great design and building advice and the best log systems in the world, we offer several building options to choose from. We offer you three different building options depending on your construction experience and personal desires.
Turnkey Owner: This option is the easiest. We use our experience and contracts to do the lion's share of the work. Alabama Strongwood Log Homes will expertly manage every phase of the construction of a new home. There are dozens of decisions and choices to make regarding floor plan options, styles of windows and doors, exterior and interior colors, floor coverings, plumbing and electrical fixtures, counter tops, decks, fireplaces among others. We will guide you through every step of the process from start to finish. We will help you hire and manage all subcontractors and suppliers. This is the most expensive option but also assures you the smoothest and fastest means of getting your home built and built right. Top
Owner-Partner: Choosing this option will save you money and we provide enough help so that you do not need building experience. It would be good, of course, if you have had some previous home repair or do-it-yourself experience. An Owner-Partner may choose from a variety of levels of participation in their home building project. It may include such things as site clearing, getting permits, purchasing and/or installing cabinets, sinks, electrical fixtures, and plumbing fixtures, staining and painting, or purchasing and installing flooring materials. It may also include other phases of the home building project, too. You choose how much you would like to do according to your time and abilities. Owner-Partners can save some money by being involved in the process of building their home. Top
Owner-Builder: An Owner-Builder should have some building experience or hire a competent local building contractor. We are happy to assist you in locating a good local builder. An Owner-Builder or building contractor does not necessarily need log building experience. An owner-builder should expect to be involved in the building process on a daily basis. Top
Corporate Partnerships: Our philosophy includes corporate partnerships with the best in the business. Please click here for more information about our great partners such as Pella, Sikkens, and Timber Valley. Top
Strongwood's Difference Back
The Strongwood DifferenceFind out why |
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Finding
the 'right' dealer and manufacturer can be difficult. We have
put together a list of questions you may find helpful in evaluating
Strongwood and comparing us to other dealers and manufacturers.
It is our pledge that we will provide you with the very best log
package on the market using materials from one of the largest log
manufacturing facilities in North America coupled --- all with terrific
service. In the end, you will have exactly the home you wanted and
more! |
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STRONGWOOD |
Others |
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| Do
I have the choice of log package options? |
YES |
Varies - many manufacturers have limited choices. |
| How
many log styles do you offer? |
Over 70 | Varies widely. |
| Does
Strongwood offer log railings, log stairs, and hardwood flooring for log homes? |
YES | Some manufacturers do. However most do not. |
| Are
Strongwood homes energy efficient? |
YES - You might expect to save 15%-20% in energy costs | None are more energy efficient than the Strongwood full log. |
| How much do log homes cost? | Our experience is that totally complete turnkey Strongwood homes in the U.S. average between $120 and $160 per square foot | Varies. Some low grade materials may cost less. Handcrafted logs may range from $200 to $400 per square foot. |
| Is
only Eastern White Pine used for structural logs? |
YES - Plus we offer Western Red Cedar and Douglas Fir options | No - Varies. Some use lesser quality pine or dead standing logs. |
| Can
I use any cabinets or fixtures for my log home? |
YES We don't restrict you to low quality finishing options |
No - Some manufactures require you to source components from them |
| Are all logs kiln dried? | YES - Absolutely Our logs are dried to 15-19% or lower: an exacting process that takes 28-34 days. No company in North America has a more precise drying process to assure quality. |
No - while some mfg. say they kiln dry, it's best to ask questions. Some only dry enough to mill the outside of the log. Ask them if they have to account for settling or shrinkage. |
| Is
the Strongwood log building system really the best? |
YES - We want to prove it to you. We use screws, not spikes; and a 4-way seals Every package includes full blueprints & construction manual. | Varies - We feel that there are other very well engineered log systems on the market. However, even some of the largest companies have some poor systems. It's difficult to tell the difference sometimes. |
| Is
onsite log package building assistance included automatically? |
YES with every package worldwide |
No |
| Is
a construction manual included with every log package? |
YES | No - varies |
| Can
I get a ballpark price on floor plans with no cost and no obligation? |
YES |
No - varies |
| Are
in-house design services available? |
YES - Our own design department will turn your ideas & plans into a blueprint. | Varies |
| Can
I do some of the work myself? |
YES Check out our Owner-Builder & Builder-Partner programs |
Yes |
| Can
I build a Strongwood home even if I do not want to do any of the work myself? |
YES We have building options that include log stacking and project management anyplace in the United States. We will also assist you in locating a competent local general contractor to assure you of a quality job. |
No - varies |
| Is
the manufacturer or dealer an experienced contractor? |
YES - All our authorized Strongwood dealers are qualified builders. Our headquarters staff are licensed general contractors. | No - varies widely |
| Can
Strongwood provide a commercial log building? |
YES | Yes - varies |
| Is a life-time warranty offered? | YES | No - varies |
| Can
I purchase my log home from Strongwood or a Strongwood dealer & build anyplace? |
YES We offer worldwide building options |
Varies |
| Does
the manufacturer belong to the Log Homes Council? |
YES We are 1 of 60 current members out of 500 manufacturers who subscribe to the rigorous requirements that assure you of a quality home. |
Only 10% of the U.S. log home manufacturers qualify for membership |
| While log homes have proven to be one of the best home investments and enjoy the benefits energy efficiency, beauty, and flexibility of design, there is a considerable range of quality in the marketplace. Ask other dealers and compare where they stand in |
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Strongwood's Checklist and Some Competitor's Responses Back
Check List for a Quality Log Home |
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| Here are some questions to ask any log home manufacturer or dealer to determine the quality of their materials and building system. Click here for more information | ||
| QUESTION | STRONGWOOD |
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| Is there settling or shrinkage that must be accounted for in construction? See some Examples | Not now Not ever |
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| Does the builder leave spaces over the doors and windows to allow for settling? | Not now Not ever |
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| Are insect pests or mold and mildew a concern? | Not now Not ever |
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| Is it necessary to caulk between each log on the exterior? See some Examples | Not now Not ever |
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| Does the manufacturer use through-bolts, screw jacks, exterior caulk, or springs? | Not now Not ever |
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| Could there be sap oozing from the logs? | Not now Not ever |
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| Are their poisonous sprays and chemicals used on the logs? | Not now Not ever |
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| Is there a lifetime warranty? | YES |
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| Can cabinets be attached directly to walls without slots or another mechanism? | YES |
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| Does the manufacturer use quality Eastern White Pine logs? | YES |
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| Is there a tongue and groove as a seal between each log? | YES |
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| Are screws used to fasten logs together instead of spikes? | YES |
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| Is a foam gasket AND energy seal used between logs? | YES |
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| Can the home be stained immediately? | YES |
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| Is a company representative available onsite for consulting on every new home? | YES |
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Strongwood's Guarantee Back
Strongwood Guarantee
Strongwood guarantee that the logs it sends to your building site have been tested for moisture content and that upon leaving the mill 80% or more of the moisture has been removed. Strongwood guarantees that their logs, which have been kiln dried for 28-34 days, will given you a better building material that is easier to build with, assures you of no settling or shrinking, means you will have less checking, provides better stain absorption, and in the end a superior quality home. We guarantee that, given our kiln process, we do not spray or dip our logs in an type of harmful chemicals. We guarantee that, given our kiln drying process, you will need no special plumbing or HVAC construction to account for the movement of logs. We finally guarantee that we will do all in our power to be sure that you are 100% satisfied with our product.
Finally, we want to provide you with a grantee relative to the companies we have partnered with. We guarantee that we will work with our partners to assure you are 100% satisfied with any products you have purchased through us.
(Now, compare our Strongwood Guarantee with anyone else in the business. You will see why Strongwood is your best option, bar none.)
Strongwood's Partners Back
Strongwood Log Home Business Partners
While your Strongwood Log Home package is the key-stone in the building of your dream, you also need quality supporting materials like windows, doors, and flooring. These are not something we manufacture but we have gone to great lengths to find true QUALITY products at good prices. We have thoroughly evaluated, tested, and used these products and, as such, we are proud to share with you this list of our business partners. All of these companies will work with us and with you to make your dream a reality.
We are nationwide distributors for each of these companies and our dealers
and corporate staff are very knowledgeable regarding the recommendation
and use of every product we sell.
| Windows and Doors | |
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Pella Windows and Doors are the finest aluminum clad wood windows in the marketplace. |
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A gorgeous front door will perfectly finish off your new log home and we believe that Timber Valley makes the finish exterior and interior wood doors in the world. That is why we exclusively offer Timber Valley. |
| Wainscoting Interior Panels | |
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Apollo Hardwoods can provide wainscoting panels in dozens of styles and colors to finish off your new log home den, dining room, theater room, library, office or family room in perfect style. |
| Hardware and Iron | |
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We offer the full line of Emtek hardware in order to finish your new log home with the most beautiful and functional hardware in the world. |
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Moose Creek Ironworks is the nation's finest craftsmen in decorative wrought iron. They can design and manufacturer fabulous gates, railings, fencing, chandeliers, and decorative accessories. |
| Stains, Finishes, Caulking and Cleaners | |
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Perma-Chink stains, caulking, chinking, and cleaners are the ensure that your new log home will look great and be as maintenance free as possible. |
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We recommend, stock and sell Sikkens because it is simply the finest finish in the world for log homes, porches and railings. |
| Mortgages | |
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When financing a new log home, you need a lender who understands log homes. That is why one of our premier partners is American Log Mortgage. Talk to Dean Loux. |
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Through our partnership with Wells Fargo Home Mortgage we can offer our log home customers the best service and rates for their new log home, commercial project, or addition. Talk to Troy Kennedy. |
My Guarantee Back
My Guarantee
I have done a lot in my life and achieved high levels of responsibility and respect in all tasks I have undertaken. I was a decorated combat infantry officer having fought in Vietnam. I worked home construction in Wisconsin when I was younger. I am a teacher and past teacher union president. My opinions were respected enough that I was invited to speak on teacher issues before a Congressional House sub-committee. I have been responsible for keeping Department of Defense student records across a good part of Europe to include England, Iceland, Portugal, Bahrain, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany. I am highly educated and well traveled having been to over 25 foreign countries and having lived in four of them. I am giving you my personal pledge that I will do what it takes to move you into an Alabama Strongwood Log Home and keep you satisfied. I have done the research and decided that in this next phase of my life I want to help people achieve their log home dreams. I know enough to know you can't know everything so I am surrounding myself with experts. We have the right raw materials, and we will help link you up with the right people to construct your dream. I have learned that one of the few things hard to build is a reputation. I have done that and I plan to keep and extend the one I have. Let me help get you into a log home that is right for you.
Signed: Brian J. McGee, President of Alabama Strongwood Log Homes, LLC.