Ridge Log Homes
A Division of Ridge Woodworks, Inc.
Your Independent Honest Abe Log Home Dealer
Licensed North Carolina General Contractor
Build Your Log Home
Ready to build your Log Home? Q: How much does it cost to build a log home per foot ? A: This is a VERY hard question to answer with a pinpointed figure. It is all about your choices. Do you want a $89.00 Delta faucet or a $650.00 Grohe faucet...Do you want an $8,500 less expensive kitchen or is the kitchen the HEART of your home and would make use of a more custom $15,000-$20,000 kitchen? ( I do Custom! I have a cool wood shop where we build kitchens and furniture) I will sit with you and do a true cost picture -I work on a fixed contractor’s fee, not an open 15 or 20 % fee. But a good ballpark range (and I mean ballpark) is $110 to $175 per foot, plus my fee. Turn Key. Q: How long will it take to build my log home? A: Not at all. Its not hard to acheive that charming “woodsy” mountian look with a log home. Bring the outdoors in and play up the exposed wood or we can certainly do some drywall on the interior walls to give you somewhere to paint and decorate. Q: Are you qualified to build my home? A: I have been building all my life - since I was 15. The Stoneciphers come from a long line of builders, loggers, and millworkers since 1800 in Oak Ridge, Tenn. A: A log wall is solid thermal mass which works better than conventional wall framing. With Honest Abe, ALL "Butt and Pass" corners are sealed with spray foam. Caulk and foam gaskets are installed on each log to block drafts. A: NO—Paul and Denise Stonecipher AND Honest Abe will give you what you want! You can pick a standard model OR we can modify a model OR we can sit down with coffee and design your log home on a pile of napkins. Customize your log home...It’s What You’ve Always Wanted. Q: What other services do you offer? A: I love building things—it is the only thing that comes naturally to me. If you want to buy a log home package only, I will sell you a package. BUT I have a local woodworking shop. If you would like a custom kitchen with an apple green wash….We can do that! Need a worming oak farm table and hutch for your cabin? We can do that! Want a phone call when your cabin is done? We can do that (turn-key services). I can provide paint discounts at our paint store in Banner Elk (Mountain Paint Centers Inc.). Need help moving in? We can do that! Get the picture? WE are a FULL service kinda place. I can’t sing or cook, but WE will do what needs to be done, period. Q: Over budget? A: Since we moved here from Florida 12 years ago, I have seen grown men cry and women throw fits. I have built homes, kitchens, additions, houses, condo’s for 30 years. I have only met a handful of builders that do REAL quotes. Most of the time a low bid is given to the customer —to get the job. The contractor is working for 18% fee (who cares if it runs over budget) then the fun begins...Talk about stress!Denise and I DO NOT work like that! I WANT TO HELP YOU GET INTO THE HOME OF YOUR DREAMS!
Frequently asked questions to help...
Q: What about log shrinkage—I have heard that shrinkage is a big problem with log homes??
A: With Honest Abe’s engineered system, what little settling that will occur, should go unnoticed by the home owner—NO need for jacks, springs. etc. The logs have been stabilized through our KILN DRYING PROCESS.
On a 1600 sq.ft. home—figure $110 per ft= $176,000.00,plus my fee . What amenities do YOU Want???
A: Up here in the mountains —weather is the unknown factor—but a fair allowance of time for a turn-key project would be 6 to 9 months.
Q: Are log homes hard to decorate??
I am a licensed North Carolina Genral Contractor. With 30 years experience...homes, condos, remodeling, custom cabinetry and furniture. I can supply an expansive list of happy clients.
I decided on Honest Abe because I feel their quality and people make THE difference. And I want to be completely fair with a FIXED fee—I do not like open ended deals.
Q: What about insulation?
Q: Do I have to buy a standard layout or design?
HOMEWORK—HOMEWORK—HOMEWORK—YOU AND I HAVE TO DO HOMEWORK! DON'T WORRY, I WILL DO 99%.
WE HAVE TO HAVE A ROAD MAP OF WHERE YOUR PROJECT IS GOING !! I WANT TO SLEEP AT NIGHT!!
I DO NOT WANT ALL OF YOUR MONEY—JUST A LITTLE.
