Your Guide To Getting Started

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

The steps listed below will guide you from contacting us to the delivery of your log home package. We will work with you through this entire process.

1. Begin by contacting us, Eastern Sierra Log Homes, by phone or e-mail.  At this time you may want to request our Deluxe Planning Kit. It contains our Masterpieces Catalog featuring an extensive collection of designs.  Full-color Brochures provide more details.

2. During our first visit (by phone, e-mail or in my office) 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 or send us 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 electronically to our estimating department.

3. When we receive the price estimate, usually in three to five business days from the date TimberHaven receives the Estimate Request, we will forward the estimate to you for your review.  If the estimate meets your approval a $3,000 deposit will lock in the price for one year and will authorize our engineering department to proceed with the preliminary drawings.

4. When you receive your preliminary drawings look them over carefully.  You may make changes if you wish.  (This is also the time to select your shingle, log and window colors, door hardware, exterior door finishes, style of windows and exterior doors, etc.)  Your signature on the prelims along with a $4,000 deposit will authorize our Design Engineering Department to proceed with the construction drawings.  If the changes are significant they will draw a second set of preliminary blueprints, but if the changes are minor they will proceed with the construction drawings.

5. Most states require engineering and heat calculations (Title 24).  As you might expect, California is not an exception.  When you receive your construction drawings they should be submitted to a structural Engineer.  The engineer may also take care of the calculations for Title 24.  When completed, the drawings (they must be stamped by the engineer) are ready to be submitted to your local Planning Department for permits.  The Engineer may make changes to the drawings.  This requires another review by TimberHaven to insure the changes are reflected in the drawings and that any additional material requirements are included in the package before it is shipped.  This should be done before they are stamped by the Engineer and submitted for the permit.

6. Site preparation and the foundation can be completed after the construction permit has been approved and signed off by your local Planning Department.

7. A 20% deposit is required when your materials package is ordered eight weeks prior to the expected delivery date.  If your home is financed you should contact your finance company and inform them of your progress.  You or your lender should wire the remaining balance to TimberHaven when it is due.  The lender may also send to TimberHaven the 20% down payment.

8. Your big day – your dream log home has arrived.  Please remember, we will work with you through the entire process.