It is no more difficult to modify an existing plan than it is to create a custom design. Because of the extensive details we provide with all of our blueprint packages, changes often affect many different drawing sheets. However, with our state-of-the-art Computer Assisted Drafting (CAD) programs, an existing plan can usually be modified to suit your personal needs in just a few hours. Time and cost, of course, will vary depending on the complexity of the changes and the size of the home.
 
Yes, this is a very common way to start a custom design. Your sketches and ideas provide our skilled designers and drafters with the best starting point possible; your desires! Sketches, magazine clippings, and your ‘wish list’ help us to clearly understand the exact style and image you would like to achieve. Although our clients usually provide their rough design sketches on common drawing paper, we have also started with ideas that were originally created on restaurant napkins!
 
With the purchase of a Log Connection home your blueprints are included free of charge and includes any modification or a full custom plan if necessary.
 
Most building codes require a minimum footing of 8"x18", however for a log home we recommend a footing no less than 10" x 20". A note to remember: a little extra concrete the first time around is quite inexpensive when compared to the cost of repairs!

A log home can be built on a full basement, crawl space, or slab-on-grade. Local codes, soil conditions, and customer preferences and engineering requirements will inevitably determine the exact foundation style and details.
 
The walls of a log home will shrink, so we recommended that plumbing be installed in interior framed walls as much as possible. Buckling and clogs can be difficult to repair without cutting the logs if the plumbing is installed inside a log wall. The use of slip joints and flexible tubing alleviate common problems and help to make the installation relatively simple and trouble free.

Wiring is not a problem, and is often run through narrow holes concealed in the log walls. The holes are pre-drilled and allow for easy installation. With the assistance of a skilled log home designer, strategic placement of switches, power outlets and plumbing fixtures will significantly minimize the cost of the electrical and plumbing systems applied to the log home.
 
Log roof purlins, ceiling beams, and ridge beams are usually major visual highlights of a log home. However, it is not mandatory--any of the supporting log members can be replaced with a manufactured beam and/or truss system. Your designer will have stipulated the exact requirements for the structure as requested in accordance to the blueprints before construction of the roof system begins.