CNW Log Homes of America

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Featured Log Home Floor Plan Northwoods

noreply@blogger.com (CNW Log Homes of America) — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 19:00:00 +0000

The Northwoods ll offers comfortable living with well-designed separation of space. The first floor includes an open living/dining/kitchen area that makes entertaining simple. The master bedroom is located on the main floor as well, including an ensuite bathroom and walk-in closet. A generously sized utility room can also serve as a mudroom with backyard access. The second story has two more bedroom, another bathroom and a bonus loft area for a reading nook, entertainment center, computer area or library. Go to the floor plan tab to see the layouts for all of our homes.

Spring forward with your Log Home!

noreply@blogger.com (CNW Log Homes of America) — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 21:15:00 +0000

With Spring fast approaching now is a good time to think about your log home plans Things are beginning to move again and we are seeing more people moving forward with their dreams.

Whether you plan to build a small getaway cabin or a permanant home, there is still the same amount of preparation needed..selecting your floor plan, getting permits, contractors etc.

Get in touch with the CNW dealer nearest to you to visit their model home, discuss your options in detail and get the process started.

New Year - New Home

noreply@blogger.com (CNW Log Homes of America) — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 19:41:00 +0000

Now that the New Year is upon us, it is time to start thinking about that log home you have always dreamt about. You have been doing your research, and now is the time to put that research to work. We at CNW Log Homes are able to help you with your planning from 'Conception to Completion.'

The show season is starting again, and CNW will be in Atlanta, Georgia, and Birch Run, Michigan, on January 22-24th. followed by Sportsman shows in Washington and Oregon, Festival of the West in Arizona, Log Home Show in Boise, Idaho, and many more. Click here for a complete list of shows and the dealers who will be in attendance. Call the dealer in your area to set up an appointment with them at the show.

We currently offer dealership opportunities nationwide, so click here for dealership opportunities information or call us direct on our toll free number: 1-877-393-LOGS (5647).

We look forward to a great year and helping you to achieve your log home dreams. As always, don't hesitate to contact us if we can be of help in any way.

Happy New Year 2010!

CNW Log Homes

Toll Free 877-393-LOGS (5647)

Log & Timber Home Shows

noreply@blogger.com (CNW Log Homes of America) — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 18:01:00 +0000

CNW Log & Timber Homes has recently participated in four Log Home and Timber Frame shows across the West. They included shows in Dallas Texas, Denver Colorado, Portland Oregon and Spokane Washington. We enjoyed meeting with very interested and motivated people looking to design and build their dream log home!
We are gearing up and looking forward to the 2010 show season. Our first show begins in Atlanta, Georgia on January 22-24 at the Georgia International Convention Center. The CNW corporate staff and veteran dealers Helen and Peter Schultze of Blue Ridge View Homes Inc. (E-mail info@blueridgeviewhomes.com , 706-745-9171) will be in attendance.

During the same weekend, January 22-24 in Birch Run Michigan, Jim Coyle and Brad Karikomi of The Leelanau Log Home Company LLC (www.leelanauloghomes.com, 231-275-5647) will be participating in the Great Lakes Log Home Show.

For more information about locations, show times, tickets and more for the Atlanta and Birch Run shows, please visit us at:

www.cnwloghomes.com

If you are planning to attend either show, we encourage you to contact our participating dealers and schedule an appointment during the show to discuss your log home dreams.
Log on to our web site http://www.cnwloghomes.com/ to find more upcoming log home & timber frame shows in your area.
See you at the show!

For dealership oppotunities log on to http://www.cnwloghomes.com or call 530-906-3170

Thermal Mass – Benefits Recognized

noreply@blogger.com (CNW Log Homes of America) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 16:33:00 +0000

The Tahoe model

One of the first questions we are asked when someone visits us at a show is “what’s the 'R' value of your logs?" We then spend many minutes explaining the method by which the energy of the log is measured in thermal mass and not 'R' values per say. I would like to share some of this information and give you references that you can delve deeper into the subject with.

' R' value measures a material’s resistance to the transfer of heat from one side to the other. Logs have a relatively low resistance to heat transfer, and they actually absorb and store heat in their cellular structure. Thus taking a longer period of time to transfer through the material.
Thermal Mass is a material’s capacity to absorb, store and slowly release heat over time.

Back in the early 90’s the Log Home Council (LHC) set out to prove two things. First, logs have a thermal mass because of their cellular structure, bulk and thickness. Second, this thermal mass provides significant energy saving benefits because it releases heat back into the house when temperatures drop. The first study focused on heat loss through the log wall compared to a conventional framed wall. The finding was that leakage occurred in the same places as a framed house, at peak of cathedral ceilings, around window door frames and at tops of walls. It concluded that the leakage was not due to the log walls. The second study concluded that the thermal mass of log walls does significantly reduce energy use for heating in cold climates.

Therefore after 13 years the Nation’s Model Energy Code finally recognized the energy conservation benefits of thermal mass. The recognition was the goal of the LHC a part of the Building Systems Councils of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).
The above is a summary of the studies carried out as interpreted by CNW Log Homes Inc; more information is available on the Internet or the NAHB’s research center.

For dealership opportunities go to www.cnwloghomes.com for more information.

Gold Valley Log Homes Delivers First Big Foot Log Home in the United States

noreply@blogger.com (CNW Log Homes of America) — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 20:08:00 +0000

Tom Kakuda (President, Big Foot Manufacturing), Hank Schaffeld (Owner, Gold Valley Log Homes) and Wayne Brown (VP Production, Big Foot Manufacturing)

Gold Valley Log Homes recently received an award from Big Foot Manufacturing, Inc., in honor of Gold Valley's delivery of the first log home from Big Foot in the United States. Big Foot Manufacturing has a long history of providing quality log homes to markets in Canada, Asia and Europe. Big Foot's dealer sales network is expanding, and Big Foot is offering log home dealership opportunities in Canada, Europe and Asia. Big Foot products are proudly sold in the United States solely through CNW Log Homes of America Inc.’s national network of independent log home dealers. Dealer opportunities also are available in the United States through CNW Log Homes of America Inc. Visit us at http://www.cnwloghomes.com/.

Choosing the Right Log Home Contractor

noreply@blogger.com (CNW Log Homes of America) — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 18:01:00 +0000

Selecting the log home manufacturer who will supply your home is one thing; however, a good quality product is only as good as the team who will build it. Research prospects thoroughly to find the skilled team who will handle the job to complete your 'Dream Home' Here are a few tips to guide you along the way:

Your log home dealer will offer you a list of General Contractors (GC) who they have used before.
Make sure that those recommended are familiar with the log profile you have chosen. Someone who only does handcrafted log homes may not be familiar with the milled log or vice versa.
Get references from their previous customers, they will tell you how the job was handled and express any concerns/praise they experienced. Ask if there were any 'hidden costs'
Visit contractors current job sites, remember 'A tidy job site is a safe job site'
Ask your GC for details of Workman's compensation insurance, including that of any sub contractors he will use. Your local building authority will advise on local licenses that are required.
Consider being your own GC - although ask yourself these questions first:

" Do I have enough time, knowledge and experience to manage the project?"

Be aware though that some banks may not fund a project without a formal GC.
Choose and interview at least 2 GC's and make sure that these are people that you will be able to communicate and work with for the coming months. The cheapest is not necessarily the best if you can't communicate!
Finally, timing is of the essence, if you go to the effort of organising your home supplier months before delivery, don't wait until the last minute to lock in a GC!

I hope this will help you on the road to your 'Dream Home'

For dealership opportunities please go to http://www.cnwloghomes.com/

What is Included in Our Log Home Packages?

noreply@blogger.com (CNW Log Homes of America) — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 17:15:00 +0000

This is our Standard log home package to take your home to a 'Weather tight' finish, explained in the 'cut away' house above:

Standard Log Home Package

Log walls, log corners, hardware & gasket materials

Interior framed wall material

Deck framing with log post, log headers, cedar railing & decking

Second floor framing

Gable end walls can be framed with log siding (5a) or solid log (5b)

Dormers framed with log siding (6a) or solid log (6b)

Roof framing with log ridges & 1x6 pine soffits

Porch roof framing with 1x6 pine ceilings

Pella Clad wood window and exterior doors

Site Specific Engineered plans included

Pine for vaulted ceilings and / or second floor ceilings

Options

A. Log railings for lofts, stairs decks & porches

B. Log Stair systems

C. Log girder & joists for second floor structural or decorative

D. Matching Tongue & Groove or Log siding for interior framed walls

E. Log Roof Rafters structural or decorative

F. Milled Logs ranging from 6x8” to 8x10”

G. Swedish Cope Logs ranging from 8-14”

H. Double Round, Timber Frame & Handcrafted also available

I. Log and Timber Species available are Pine, Fir, Cedar of Spruce

We have been asked why we do not supply the subfloor with our packages. The answer is that we can, but prefer not to so that your builder can have that completed before the logs arrive, thus allowing the log stacking to be started straight away rather than having logs laying around whilst the subfloor is being constructed.

For dealership opportinities with CNW Log Homes of America, Inc., please click here.

Creating a Log Home Budget.

noreply@blogger.com (CNW Log Homes of America) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 17:36:00 +0000

Let's briefly cover the estimated costs associated with construction of your custom home and how to manage the budget:

The first question is "How much to build my dream home?" The response to that question is as varied as the types of log profiles and home styles available to you. A good rule of thumb for an average 'turn-key' construction cost varies throughout the country but here in the West it currently ranges from $140 to $165 per square foot for the popular 'D' log profile to $200 plus for the Swedish Cope log, depending on the size of log used. However, these figures can change depending on many factors.

Location - remote locations will typically cost more both in getting materials to the site and in construction labour costs.

The log profile you use - CNW Log Homes of America offers many from the popular 'D' log, Swedish Cope and Hand Crafted.

The way you are going to finish your home - Wood floors, Granite, and a lot of rock work will add to your costs.

Your involvement in the project.

Log Interior/exterior additional accents - gable trusses and log porches.

Foundation type - crawl space, enclosed basement or daylight (walkout) basement. Are you using poured concrete or an ICF block poured wall? These choices are major factors, and while basements may be very inexpensive square footage, it also may take you out of your budget.

You can control your costs. Depending on your budget, you choose the items to finish your home. Often if your budget is tight it may be best to use standard grade materials now and plan to upgrade them in the future. For instance, install laminate counter tops instead of granite, vinyl floor covering instead of tile. The choice is completely yours. It is important to realize that it is easy to get caught up in the excitement of building your home. This is a trap that many fall in to. We all have our dream of what we want in our home. Often our dream and our budget are not the same, so you must make careful choices. It is recommended to get the home's shell built to the look/level you require because changes here down line can be very costly; you can always upgrade the interior at a later date.

Join the CNW Log Homes of America Inc dealership network, for more information log on to http://www.cnwloghomes.com/

Go Green

noreply@blogger.com (CNW Log Homes of America) — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 18:35:00 +0000

Go Green!

At CNW Log Homes of America we are committed to helping you to achieve your Green building goals. Whether your goal is to save energy, create a healthy home environment, be eco-friendly or all of the above, our experienced dealer network can guide you through the Green design and building options to meet your individual Green build requirements. By selecting a log or timber frame home you're already on the path to Green building. Today's engineered log or timber home already uses timbers from a renewable resource with many manufacturers using trees from sustainably managed forests. Green design and building has many more facets than just the logs. Here are some of the elements we use when working with our clients to develop a Green building agenda:

Green building goals. We'll work with you to help define your Green building goals and offer recommendations from home design to material selections and more while keeping your budget in mind.
Design with Green building in mind. It all starts with the design of your custom home. Incorporating your Green goals into your custom floor plan we'll offer recommendations for site placement, window size and location, HVAC options, ceiling heights, lighting and much more.
Site planning. We'll offer recommendations to help you create a design that not only takes advantage of your site, but keeps the surrounding environments in mind through a detailed site plan.
We'll work with you and your builder to review eco-friendly building material choices, building waste disposal methods, lighting systems, in-door quality, water efficiency and much more.
Develop an energy efficiency plan. We'll suggest options to help you create an energy efficient custom home. From positioning your home to take advantage of passive solar to working with your mechanical contractor to select an energy efficient HVAC system to selecting ENERGY STAR appliances. We'll help you design an energy efficient plan that fits your Green building goals and budget.

To learn more about Green design and building contact a CNW Log Homes of America dealer and let's 'Go Green.'

Click here for more Green building ideas!

For dealership opportunities click on to our link http://www.cnwloghome.com/

Customizing a Floor Plan

noreply@blogger.com (CNW Log Homes of America) — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 21:01:00 +0000

"Duncanwoods," the name of our log home, started as a basic chalet plan, and from there we customized it with a 22 ft shed dormer in the loft at the back to accommodate an extra bedroom and the master bathroom. We also added a 10ft gable dormer in the master bedroom.

We then modified the floor plan on the main floor to give us a laundry room and a pantry. In addition we added a sun room on to the east side of the house giving us a view of wonderful sunrises on a summer morning and a warm and inviting place to relax in the winter

Any of CNW's standard log home and log cabin floor plans can be customized in this same way. For example, if you were to build on a walkout basement and add dormers as we did, then you can double your square footage without having to increase the size of your footprint. You can take a virtual tour of Duncanwoods by going to the Duncanwoods International Log and Timber Homes Inc. web site.

Any of our CNW log home dealers are happy to work with you to customize any of our log home and log cabin floor plans to meet your requirements.
http://www.cnwloghomes.com/

The Right Time to Build a Log Home

noreply@blogger.com (CNW Log Homes of America) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 21:12:00 +0000

With the U.S. real estate market and banking industry in its present state of flux, many are wondering if this is the right time to build your log home. There are concerns about:

Global credit crunch
If money is still available
Will I be able to secure a loan
Personal losses in the stock/financial markets
Security in the workplace

Many articles have been published over past months in various national home publications; all provided excellent reasons why right now will for many be the best opportunity to put their plans into action. The following is a summary that applies to all construction whilst at the same time identifying the specialty requirements of the log home niche:

If a custom log home is your requirement remember that they are a specialized niche and are not always subject to the volatility of other housing markets.
Securing a mortgage or construction loan for a log home has always been a niche within the lending world. In the main due to finding appropriate comps (comparable home values). Nothing has changed from that perspective.
The effect of the current situation varies widely by locale, and your area may not be affected in the same way as big cities with big developers who are selling large tracts of suburban homes.
Most log home owners are in it for the long haul, as a log home is their dream home. Long-term real estate investments have performed extremely well in any period since the last great Depression.
Large portfolio banks, usually the best sources for construction loans for custom homes, are weathering the credit crisis well, and they are ready for business.
Interest rates are perhaps as low as one will ever see with the Federal Reserve adjusting rates as it tries to keep the economy moving.
For consumers in the market for raw land great deals are to be had dependent on your area one can easily save 10-25% off the asking price and you may well be able to get more acreage for your money than previously thought.
The slowdown in construction means that labor and materials are more readily available and typically savings can be made as a result.

For the consumer who has the financial wherewithal (in particular those already owning land), the timing does not really get any better than this. Staying focused on your eventual goal and doing your research will help you move forward. Be wary of dramatic media stories and concentrate on what you know is the right investment for you.

http://www.cnwloghomes.com/

Dealership Opportunities. If you dream about living in a log home and want to start a home-based business, consider becoming a dealer for CNW Log Homes of America Inc.

Log Home Dealer Spotlight

noreply@blogger.com (CNW Log Homes of America) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 20:49:00 +0000

Dealer Spotlight: The Leelanau Log Home Company LLC

Brad Karikomi and Jim Coyle

Our dealers in Michigan are Brad Karikomi and Jim Coyle. They established The Leelanau Log Home Company in 2004 and have since become valued dealers and friends. As individuals they offer different skills and experience. That diversity is one of their strengths which allow them to offer complete log home services…from design to construction. Brad held several positions in a media corporation with 24 years successful experience in sales, marketing and customer care. Jim, an army veteran, has been a builder for the past 26 years and has established a reputation for quality craftsmanship. “Our different experiences and skill set allow us to serve our customers better by offering a wider range of services. Our customers find comfort in the one-stop shopping aspect since we’re able to serve our customer through the entire build process.” said Jim.

In addition to their log home business, they also operate a rustic décor web based retail operation called Rustic Cabin Accessories. They craft rustic furniture and accessories in their Traverse City, Michigan workshop, plus have carefully selected local artisans to offer a variety of rustic products for the log home, cottage or business.

We asked Brad, how do you juggle both businesses? “Sometimes it’s a challenge, it made us more efficient in our scheduling and so far it’s working out well. Juggling both is easier when you're passionate about what you do,” he stated. “Whether creating and crafting rustic decor or working with a client to design and build their dream log home, we take pride in our craftsmanship and continually strive to earn our customers trust.”

Over the years they have helped customers realize their dream of building a custom log home by carefully listening to their ideas and developing a custom design that fits their lifestyle and budget. If you’re considering building a custom home in Michigan or the Midwest, we highly recommend you give Brad and Jim a call.

The Leelanau Log Home Company LLC
Brad Karikomi and Jim Coyle
Phone: 231-275-5647
http://www.leelanauloghomes.com/
http://www.rusticcabinaccessories.com/

Dealership Opportunities. If you dream about living in a log home and want to start a home-based business, consider becoming a dealer for CNW Log Homes of America Inc.

Featured Log Home Floor Plan

noreply@blogger.com (CNW Log Homes of America) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 17:25:00 +0000

Sequoia I Floor Plan Spotlight

Bedrooms: 2, Bathrooms: 1, Stories: 1 Total Square Footage: 1200.

We created this floor plan to offer simple elegance in a classic ranch-style log home. The open kitchen, dining and living rooms create a wonderful place for family gatherings. I often hear comments like "How come we always end up in the kitchen?” or “It’s great to be able to cook and still be a part of the party” The optional deck is also a great place to entertain with BBQ parties or to relax and read a good book!

Whether you want Swedish Cope, Hand Crafted or the popular D log profile, each has it’s own charm and will be a wonderful place to create memories to cherish forever. Click to download this floorplan.

CNW Log Homes of America Partners with Big Foot Manufacturing

noreply@blogger.com (CNW Log Homes of America) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 16:36:00 +0000

CNW Log Homes has partnered with Big Foot Manufacturing (http://www.bigfootloghomes.com/) located in British Columbia, Canada to offer milled log, handcrafted and timber frame home packages. For more than 20 years Big Foot Manufacturing has sold quality homes in Canada, United States, Europe and Asia. “We are excited about the alliance with Big Foot Manufacturing and honored to be the exclusive dealer representative for the United States of America,” said Chuck Clark, President of CNW. We are impressed with Big Foot’s commitment to excellence and their product quality, which is demonstrated by their ISO 9001 and 14001 certified mill operations.

“A tidy work place is a safe work place” a phrase you will often hear, the mill at Big Foot is just that and as such creates a clean and tidy environment in which to mill their logs. After visiting the Big Foot mill we found people who work there from the management to the mill workers clearly enjoy what they do, nothing was too much trouble and no question went unanswered.

CNW Log Homes of America Launches Web Site

noreply@blogger.com (CNW Log Homes of America) — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 18:33:00 +0000

CNW Log Home of America is pleased to launched its new Web site at http://www.cnwloghomes.com.

CNW Log Homes of America is an experienced group of veteran dealers who have worked with major log home companies across the United States. With more than 33 years of combined experience in the log home business, CNW Log Homes is a new company that provides all of those things that are important to our customers. Our research has proven that CNW Log Homes can provide the best cost to value in the business.

Diversified Products, Experienced People

CNW Log Homes of America provides highly skilled designers, drafts people, and engineers to provide site-specific plans for your log home package. Our 100% pre-cut packages are easier to construct than random length logs, which saves our customers money in construction costs.

We offer milled, Swedish cope and handcrafted log homes as well as timber frame, hybrid, and panelized homes.

Our commitment to you is to support you throughout the project.

Mission Statement

To provide the most comprehensive package in the log home industry that combines the highest quality products, the best cost to value, and one of the most knowledgeable support teams in the industry providing over 33 years of experience. Our commitment of ethics and integrity are the corner stone and passion that will set us apart in the fulfillment of our client’s dreams.

CNW: Committed, National, Winning team