Thinking not only for today, but also for tomorrow, homebuyers need to provide for their own ease of living.
In any successful relationship, open and honest dialogue is a requirement. Without the free and open exchange of ideas and information, mutual understanding is elusive.
There may be no better example of the need for close cooperation, seamless communication, and proper perspective than in the completion of a log or timber home construction project. Every log or timber home built in the past or considered for the future, has begun with an idea. Discussing the prospects for the realization of the dream home with key stakeholders is the beginning, and then the engagement of professionals helps to flesh out the framework.
“Conversations typically begin with asking questions to understand what is most important to the client and how those priorities fit within their budget,” says Robert Lockerby, owner and chief executive officer of Summit Handcrafted Log & Timber Homes (Boise, ID). “As for the design work, we always try to understand which areas of the home the client values most. Then we can do our best to incorporate the interesting log or timber features in those areas. You want the great solid wood features to be in the most visible areas of the home, things like truss work, bent or curved logs or timbers, character posts, carvings, and other things.”
The robust discussion centered on the desires of the client and sanity checked against the realities of the budgeting process sets the stage for further development in the construction plan. Probing questions and thought-provoking comments elicit the valuable conclusions that guide the progress step by step. A comprehensive approach is essential to completeness of the plan.
“First, we try to determine the type of home our client is interested in,” says Brad Mercer, sales manager with Timberhaven Log & Timber Homes (Middleburg, PA). “Is it a log, log hybrid, timber frame, timber hybrid, barndominium or combination thereof? Next, we try to determine how this will be utilized. Will this be a primary residence, a vacation or second home, Airbnb, or something else? We try to determine who and how many people will be living there and how they envision these spaces being utilized. How do they live? What spaces are important to them? Then we create a design criteria outline of ‘must have’ spaces or amenities and those that would be nice to have if possible.”
Attention to the basics, gaining a sense of confidence in moving ahead, and relying on the expertise of professionals makes the building process less stressful. True enough, those who have been down the road many times should be trusted to provide essential guidance to those who typically make the journey once or twice in a lifetime.
“It’s really incumbent upon the log and timber company’s design team to make sure things are not overlooked,” Robert says. “They also need to help the client keep the home design within the desired budget and make sure there are no structural issues. We use a comprehensive questionnaire to determine what the client wants and needs from the home design.”
Along with the aesthetic element, the practical approach is always working in tandem. Brad frequently asks about the client’s future plans. “For instance, do they like to entertain large gatherings of family and friends? Do they need a large kitchen, dining room, great room area to accommodate these large groups? If so, we need to design this space so it works effectively. In terms of amenities, are outdoor entertaining areas an important item on their ‘must have’ or ‘would be nice to have’ list? Do they want a fireplace? Will this be a full masonry or an insert? A full masonry fireplace will require additional support and may affect or necessitate reinforcing the floor framing layout.
To accomplish the necessary design and structural configuration, the personnel at Timberhaven provide a cost-effective and user-friendly approach. “We do a fair amount of double flue fireplaces,” Brad says, “so there is one in the great room and one on the porch or deck, and they may want to use two different fuels, for instance, propane or natural gas on the inside and a true wood burning unit outside so you can keep the firewood and ashes outdoors. In addition, some amenities such as pool tables, hot tubs, and others, typically require structural consideration. If our client is interested in incorporating these amenities, based on weight, we design accordingly.”
Flexibility adds a dimension to livability, while envisioning the prospects for the finished components, indoor or outdoor, broadens perspective. Homeowners may find new possibilities during consultations with their log or timber home provider.
“Most clients come to us wanting our signature handcrafted log and timber home look,” Robert says. “They want to see heavy logs and timbers in the roof and second floor system. They also like to see root-base or flared ends at the bottom of posts or the log ends at the corners. Our clients want to preserve and feature the natural beauty of the trees as much as possible.”
Once the basics are established, then the creative comes in. Giving a nod to personal aesthetic in context with the necessities of function can produce the desired result. Thinking not only for today, but also for tomorrow, clients need to allow for their own ease of living.
“Are there any access issues for anyone?” asks Brad. “Always inquire about any special needs or wheelchair accessibility requirements. For anyone who has friends or family members who may be wheelchair bound, or just to plan for the future, I recommend making all first-floor doors to bedrooms, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and more a minimum of 30-inch wide doors so in the event a situation changes in the future these doors and openings will not need to be retro fitted to accommodate this. We also may need to incorporate an elevator or lift into their design, which will allow access to all floors of the home. We can also design and incorporate in-law suites with kitchen and private quarters if needed.”
At Timberhaven, clients most often ask for structural considerations that maximize the beauty, comfort, and easy living aspects of their proposed new home. “A gable wall of windows to take advantage of a beautiful view, or just a lot of windows in general to bring in lots of natural light are popular,” Brad says. “Lofts tend to be a common request or must have item. In many cases, first-floor primary suites are on the top of a client’s must-have list as well, especially if this will be their forever home. They want to design this home so they can age gracefully and live in this home for many years to come.”
Attached garages, large laundry and mud rooms incorporating dog washes, home offices, and spaces dedicated to the pursuit of hobbies also top the list for prospective log or timber homeowners.
The bottom line for the log and timber home construction adventure is to frame the basics—budget, wants and desires, and fundamental requirements—to set the stage for imagination and ultimately the best in living experiences.