Good morning!
We seem to have returned to the Maine winters the way I remember them as a child. Cold, snow, frozen lakes and rivers have been the feature this season. Mainers are a tough lot, though, and we certainly enjoy our winter activities almost as much as the summer ones.
One thing we do a lot of in the winter months is provide estimates. How we get to the bottom line price is a science that requires a great deal of knowledge about the construction of a log home, as well as understanding and interpreting what our customers desire. It’s the start of a process, and we try our best to educate our customers to feel comfortable with the pricing process. This month, we talk about the Katahdin side of pricing a log home package. In April, we’ll take the perspective of our customers and share some tips on making sure the budgeting process is crystal clear.
In this issue we take a look at the water treatments and filtration to deliver good quality drinking water from a well. In this month’s Green Tip we talk to a solar panel company owner about what to look for and how to price solar photovoltaic systems out. A quick primer on window and door bucks highlights the benefits of these pre-cut components. And finally, soapstone can provide a durable and beautiful alternative to the ubiquitous granite counters, and we explore the facts and benefits of this material.
We’re better than halfway through the Spring Log Home Show season, with three more shows on the books in March and April. Stay tuned for upcoming Katahdin Log Home Seminars as well!
We’re always looking for new article ideas to answer your questions! Drop us a line and we’ll try to include them in upcoming newsletters. Just click here to reach us.
Sincerely,
David Gordon
President
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Understanding the Bottom Line – Part 1:
How Katahdin Prices Packages
The question on most of our customers’ minds is “What will my dream home cost?” The answer to that can vary, based on square footage, design, roof lines, whether a basement will need open expanses, and a host of other factors. Sorting these questions out and developing a realistic price is both an art and a science. Learn more here.
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Private Well Tips: Water Treatment Options
Many Katahdin Cedar Log Homes are situated in rural settings and are serviced by private wells. Unlike municipal water systems, wells draw water direct from the ground and may require treatment to protect against contaminants as well as remove damaging concentrations of minerals. Check out your options here.
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Notes from the Construction Manual:
Window and Door Bucks
One of the aspects of Katahdin’s log home packages is the completeness of the materials included in the package. One essential “included” element are pre-cut window and door bucks. These bucks ensure the proper assembly of exterior log walls. Including pre-cut bucks based on the specifics of your design is an important time-saver in on-site labor. Learn more here.
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Soapstone Countertops – The New Granite?
Many homeowners are looking for new options for countertops and soapstone is a great choice, especially for counters in active homes where they may take a beating. Soapstone is durable and virtually maintenance free. What’s not to like? Click here to see more.
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Spring Update: Three More Log Home Shows!
We’re halfway through the March whirlwind and heading into our last three log home show venues. We travel to Indianapolis, Allentown, Pa., and Lakeland, Fla., before we’re done. Get the details here.
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Green Tip: Contracting for Photovoltaic Solar Panels
Many alternative energy enthusiasts believe that this may be the perfect time to invest in photovoltaic solar panels to reduce or eliminate your electrical bill. We talked to Phil Coupe, co-founder of ReVision Energy in Portland, Me., about the benefits of solar, and how to find a reliable contractor. Learn more.
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