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There’s nothing quite like building your own log home. The chance to choose every detail, from the layout to the lighting, makes it feel completely personal. But before the first log is delivered or the foundation is poured, there’s a lot to think through.

At Ward Cedar Log Homes, we’ve worked with homeowners for over a century, and we’ve learned that a bit of planning goes a long way. Here’s a practical checklist to help you feel more confident and prepared as you begin your home-building journey.
 

Building a log home or timber hybrid may be one of the most significant undertakings — and adventures! — you ever embrace. The process involves taking a deep, personal dive into your preferences and lifestyle, navigating the technical parts of design and planning, and then tackling the nuts-and-bolts process of construction. It may sound like a daunting task, but knowing what to expect will allow you to navigate the ins and outs of the process with confidence. Being well-prepared for what lies ahead will not only make the process easier, but it will also allow you to enjoy the journey.

As the saying goes, Rome wasn’t built in a day — and your log home won’t be either. Creating your Ward log home is a journey, and our goal is to make it one you enjoy, not just endure. While stories of custom-home builds gone awry are all too common, our 90-plus years of crafting log homes for happy clients have revealed a few key strategies to help ensure a smooth, successful, and satisfying home building journey. It’s our privilege to pass them on to you:

With all the planning and prepping of your dream home accomplished, it’s time to move into the building stage of your dream home journey. Here is a timeline of what you can expect:
 

Before you begin building your dream log home, understanding exactly how the vision in your mind will transform into a real-life structure can feel like a bit of a mystery. We’re here to lift the veil from the home-building process. We want you to be prepared for every part of the journey. After all, you’re never just along for the ride when you build with Ward Cedar Log Homes — you’re in the driver’s seat. Whether you’re building a log cabin, a timber home or a hybrid, our goal is for you to feel confident and comfortable from the starting point to the finish line.
 
In this two-part guide, we’re mapping out the entire process, from planning to construction. Keep reading to see what to expect from the beginning of your journey up until delivery day of your materials. Then, stay tuned for “Part 2,” which carries you all the way to move-in day and beyond.