River Valley Log Homes - Kuhns Bros. Log Homes Representative

Your Guide To Getting Started

You may have sketches, or you may have found a design in a catalog that is close to what you want. The steps for planning your log home to delivery aren't as complicated as it may seem.

The steps listed below will guide you through the process from the first step of contacting us to the delivery of your log home package.

1. Begin by contacting us by phone or e-mail. At this time you may want to request our Portfolio Package. In the package you will learn about package options, types of wood and kiln drying. A catalog with over 60 floor plans along with a specifications and price list is included. A video completes the package. After you have had time to review the material we will contact you or you may call us, or send an e-mail if you prefer, and we can arrange a date and time to begin the process of planning you new log home. We will meet with you as often as is necessary.

2. During our first visit we will help you determine how much home you can afford to build. We can also talk about financing, package options, custom design, and more. Bring along your wish list, sketches, magazine pictures, etc. When you are pleased with the design we will prepare a request for a cost estimate and submit it to our estimating department for a free price estimate.

3. At this point you should contact the finance company of your choice (see page on finances) to qualify for the purchase of your log home. Ask the finance company about construction loans and how they work. This can usually be done over the phone.

4. We should receive the price estimate in about one week following our first meeting. When we receive the estimate we will contact you and arrange another meeting. We will review the estimate in detail and if you wish, you can make changes (i.e. adjust the design or make changes to the package). You can do this as often as is necessary.

5. When the design is exactly what you want we will ask you for a deposit of $2,000, which will enable our drafting department to start the preliminary blueprints of your home. Or you can submit a $1,000 deposit for a 12-Month Price Freeze. This will take about three weeks. This may be the time to submit a loan application to your financial institution.

6. When we receive the preliminary plans we will go over them again with you. You may make additional changes if you wish. If the changes are significant the drafting department will draw a second set of preliminary blueprints. This will take 2 or 3 weeks. If the changes are minor we can skip the second set of blueprints.

7. If the changes are minor and a second set of blueprints is not required, you may sign the preliminary blueprints. Your signature will indicate to the drafting department that this is the log home you want. Final construction plans are usually available in five to six weeks.

8. A 20% deposit is required eight weeks prior to the expected delivery date. You should also contact your finance company and inform them of your progress. They will inform you of the required closing date of your financing - usually a minimum of two weeks prior to delivery.

9. Site preparation and the foundation can be completed after the construction permit has been approved and signed off by your local county planning department. We can also notify KBLH to prepare your log home package for delivery.

10. Your big day - your dream log home has arrived. You will need a certified check from your log home lender for the remaining balance before the trucks can be unloaded.

	Colchester, Illinois - 217-357-3924 - E-MAIL