A common question in the log home world is if the log home comes with engineered drawings. So let me explain a little about what the question is really asking and what the term ‘engineered drawings’ actually means. Any time someone purchases a log home they of course want to be sure that they are of the up most quality and are built suitable for their area in regards to things such as snow load. We have access to designers and engineers. All of our log or timber homes come with construction drawings. Some states, cities, and counties do require the drawings to be engineered.
If the shipping destination of a log home is in a place the requires engineered drawings then we contact an engineer that is certified to handle homes in that area. For instance, California and Colorado are known for difficult building codes. We have an engineering firm in California that is licensed in 12 or more states. So when needed we submit our drawings to them and receive the needed engineering approval.
The first step of the drawings process is to make a set of preliminary drawings. These show a floor plan for each level of the home, outside elevations, and cross sections. We also can supply a door and window schedule which corresponds with the drawings. From this point we work back and forth with you to make any changes to the preliminary drawings that you would like to see. Once you are satisfied then we take your designs and make the final construction drawings. If an engineering stamp is required we submit it to the engineer at this stage.
Especially for handcrafted log homes, it is very important to have accurate and precise drawings to work from. It is never a ‘savings’ when an owner tries to short cut the blueprint stage. Instead, we strongly encourage you to take your time, weigh out exactly how you want your home, and have all of the details reflected in the log home construction drawings for you house.