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Frequently Asked Questions
Is AR Homes, Inc. a Licensed contractor?
Yes, we are a licensed General Contractor in Arkansas -- #0185530508
Will you build my home to a dry-in stage?
Yes, we will. We will build to whatever stage you wish.
How much do your log homes cost to build per square foot?
There is no quick answer to this question. Do you want the $5,000 Subzero Refrigerator or the Sears model for $1,200? That aside ... we can typically build a quality log home/cabin starting around $105 a square ft. exclusive of your land, well and septic. We can generally build you to a dry-in stage for between $50 to $75 a square foot.
What is the R-factor of your log walls?
This is one of the reasons we only use Logs with exceptionally low moisture. In other words, if you don't have a nice tight wall, it really doesn't matter what the R-factor of your wals are. The 8x6 logs have an R-factor of approximately 18.
What do you use to treat the exterior of your log homes/cabins?
There are many products that can be used to treat, stain and clear coat your log home/cabin. AR Homes recommeds the Sashco products. This involves 2 coats of a perservative, 2 costs or stain and 2 coats of clear coat. Obviously chualking is very important. You will want to protect your investment with these fine products. You can do it or we can do it for you.
What about termites?
Termites and other wood eating insects are no home's friend -- whether brick or log. This is the reason that we take a number of steps to proactively build/treat your log home/cabin. We incorporate physical barriers all through out the construction of your home. We also highly recommend that you use the appropraite Sashco products on your home's exterior. Additionally we will come out and inspection your home on an annual basis to treat and chalk for a small fee.
Is homeowner's insurance, in particular fire protection, more expensive for log homes?
Homeowner's insurance is no more expensive for a log home than for any other type of wood or wood framed home (that includes brick homes). The cost of homeowner's insurance will be more a function of the history of your area, what sort of fire protection service is available and how far away from your house it is and, of course, your own claim history. According to the Fire Marshall in Fayetteville, Arkansas, you could put a torch to a log and it would catch fire. Log homes, when they do burn, typically burn much more slowly than conventionally framed homes and, as a result, damage can be substantially less than to a stick built home by the time the fire is discovered and extinguished. The reason for this is due primarily to the size of the logs (if you've tried to start a campfire without kindling, you know what we mean) and the fact that no cavities exist in the walls. In stick built homes, the space between each stud can act like a fireplace flue when there's a fire, creating a draft that sucks the fire upward.
Do you warrant your work?
We build only quality homes/cabins. AR Homes, Inc. warrants it work to be free of defects for 2 years. It is important to note that there are steps that must be taken with the care and maitnence of your home/cabin. We will be sure to make you aware of the steps you need to take to keep your home in great condition.
What about the log walls shrinking and settling?
This isn't a probelm with low moisture logs like we use. We typically either use the Anthony Log Home Power log or the standing dead timber (spruce) from Satterwhite. When we use one of these two products , we don't have to make allowances for shrinkage and settling when we build your home/cabin. With proper care and maintenance your home/cabin should be as solid and tight for years and years. Don't hesitate to talk to us if you would like to consider another log type however.
Can I have exposed beams in my house/cabin?
You betcha!!! We love beams. They are great for insuring structual integrity of your home/cabin, although we do install what we call Grandma beams too. Grandma beams are those that are there for their looks and are not neccessary for holding your home/cabin together. As you might expect, beams can be expensive, so ... you'll want to match your budget to your desire for beams.
What about meeting my community's building codes?
AR Homes, Inc. builds its homes/cabins to a strict set of codes that almost always exceed most communities'. In the unusual event that your community has specific codes, we will make sure that your log home/cabin meets those as well.
What type of log styles do you have?
We have a variety of log styles to select from including the popular d-style.
There are a lot of log home companies and all of them tell me about their quality. Why should I buy from you?
It's really very simple. We have the best products that are less expensive than most of our competitors. And ... when it comes to the actualy construction of your homes/cabin, you can sure that it will be of the upmost quality. Check out some of our testimonials.
Aren't log homes more expensive than conventional stick houses?
Not at all. When you look at the saving you get from not having to add exterior siding (brick), insulation and sheetrock to your exterior log homes, you'll find that on a per square foot basis, log homes are just as afforable as other more conventional homes.
My site is pretty much on top of a mountain. Will your trucks have any problem getting to it?
Obviously this can be an issue. We will inspect your site (and your foundation) prior to shipment so that if we have to make special arrangement we can.
What are your payment terms?
We require 30% of your costs for logs, beams and (at least initial order) lumber upon placement of your order. The remainder is due prior to the unloading of the truck(s). Payments for labor and other expensives are due every Thursday that we work.
Can I build my own log/cabin homes?
You can. However, it is probably more work than you might expect. At the very least we recommend that you hire one of our crews for the first day to be sure that we get you on your way properly.
Do your logs come precut?
No. We do not sell kits. We cut them on site with BIG saws.
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When you think of log homes ... think of Ar Homes, Inc. |
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Serving Northwest Arkansas, Southwest Missouri, and Northeast Oklahoma. Don't Hesitate. Call Us Today.
479-521-9301
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