Frequently Asked Questions about Log Homes and Log Cabins

  • What packages are available from River to River Log Homes?

    Our typical package includes a Log Wall, Second Floor System, and Timber Roof Package. Other companies may try to sell you everything to build you home including appliances and the kitchen sink. Guess what? Most put a steep mark-up on those items adding tens of thousands or more to your log home. We have local sources for these items to save you money and allow you to customize your home to your exact specifications.

  • What about financing?

    We have contacts with many financial institutions. Please call us at 208.881.8564 or contact us for more help with your financing.

  • Can designs be modified or can I build a custom home?

    Absolutely! Any of our Popular Designs can be modified to your needs or we can start from scratch. We have built homes from customers drawing their future home on a piece of paper. Our design department will do the rest to create complete construction drawings for your new home.

  • How many log homes has River to River Log Homes help build?

    Since 2005, we have built many homes throughout the US. Check out some of our latest homes on the Recent Work page.

  • Are your logs dry? Are they kiln-dried?

    Our logs are dried to 19% moisture or less. We have comparable shrinkage to a conventional home. Other companies leave up to 10,000 lbs of water in their logs in an average home. We have no screw-jacks to adjust or springs to account for the shrinkage. We build a quality home you can enjoy for generations to come.

  • Why should I choose River to River Log Homes instead of a national company?

    Local knowledge of the building trades and subcontractors in your area, personalized service, and an interest in building an airtight, energy-efficient home are a few of the many reasons to choose us. We live near our customers. We’re not out of state.

  • What sets River to River Log Homes apart from other log home representatives?

    Most log home representatives’ top priority is to get a deposit and sell you a log home. We want to gain a satisfied customer, a friend, and a reputation for building quality log homes at competitive prices.

  • How much does it cost to build a log home?

    Typically, in this area we see log homes built for a little more than a conventional house, about 10 to 20% more for a turn-key. This is a home with nice finishes, but not over the top. How you finish the home (flooring, counter tops, light fixtures, plumbing fixtures, cabinets, etc.) will impact your total cost. This estimate does not include land related costs such as excavation, putting in a road, well, septic, etc. as this can vary significantly depending on where you are building.

  • Do you build or construct log homes?

    Depending on your location, we typically have builder or dry-in contacts. We can offer to come out with the log package delivery to provide your builder technical assistance on the job on day one. If additional technical assistance is needed, we will work together to find the best course of action.

  • Do you supply any framing material?

    We do not supply any of the dimensional framing material. This material is readily available at any building materials store. You/your builder can purchase the material less than what it would cost for us to provide it since we would have transportations costs.

  • How long does it take to build a log home?

    Highly dependent on the weather and complexity of the home, you are probably looking at 6-9 months.

  • What species of wood do you use?

    We use many different species. Call us at 208.881.8564 and we will be happy to discuss.

  • Do you accept changes to your floor plans? Custom Plans?

    Absolutely! Nearly half of our clients have a custom design, the other half start with a standard plan and modify it to what they want.

  • What is a heavy timber roof system?

    Our typical heavy timber roof system consists of Douglas Fir Rafters, white pine tongue and groove, 7 1/4″ polystyrene R-38 insulation panels laminated to OSB (followed by your house wrap and roofing cover). Your building location dictates the size rafters and tongue and groove needed.