The log cabin from American history started out as basic shelter. Log homes today look nothing like the ones from years gone by. These homes have the feeling of withstanding the test of time with large wooden trusses, solid stone fireplaces, while providing a cozy warmth.There are generally three phases to get you through the building permit process.

Concept Phase I:

This phase consists of taking your wants and likes in various formats. Such as newspaper clippings, hand sketches, pictures, ect. This information will be translated into rough floor plans, and elevations.

At completion of the concept phase, drawings generally provided are:

• Basic floor plans
• Basic elevations
• Basic building sections

Preliminary Phase II:

This phase consists of confirming space locations from the concept phase, adding dimensions, window and door sizes, exterior accents, trims, siding options. We now are creating what the building will look like from the outside. As for the interior we will be adding size to the spaces. Now the remaining two elevations will be drawn, building sections will be more defined.

At the completion of the preliminary phase, drawings generally provided are:

• Floor plans dimensioned
• Remaining two elevations
• Additional and more defined building sections

Final Phase III:

This phase consists of completing the plans for the building permit from the approved preliminary plans. The floor plans will be completely be dimensioned, elevations noted with general notes, buildings sections dimensioned and noted

At the completion of the final phase, drawings generally provided are:

• Floor plans dimensioned and noted
• Elevations dimensioned and noted
• Foundation plan dimensioned and noted with details
• Building sections dimensioned and noted
• Floor framing plans dimensioned and noted
• Roof framing plans dimensioned and notes
• Log purlin floor framing plans dimensioned and noted
• Log trusses dimensioned and noted
• Log connection details dimensioned and noted
• Steel plate plans dimensioned and noted for log connections

There are different types of log home construction:

• Conventional framed with log siding and vertical corners, scribed corners, butt and pass corners
• Full scribed log with full scribed corners, or vertical corners
• Machined “D” log stacked wall logs, with dovetail corners, vertical corners, butt and pass corners.

There are others, these are the basic and well known types.

Each project will be reviewed and quoted individually. Some projects require more detail than others and will be quoted accordingly. Projects 3,500 sf and over require a professional seal by a registered Architect or Engineer in the State of Michigan, or the build state for a building permit. There are times when the building official may require a seal if the project is under 3,500 sf. depending on complexity. Every project is unique to its build location, and the building official may require both. We work with both professionals and can get you through the building permit phase.