- Design features of house. The most dramatic log homes have roof lines that point in all directions, dormers that grace front, vaulted ceilings in great rooms. But remember that every new angle you add to roof adds exponentially to cost of project. If you need to keep costs down, think about a simple roof line with not too many angles. 

Also, old adage remains especially true with log homes: it's much cheaper to go up than go out. If you want a rambling one-story ranch house, you will have a bigger foundation cost, a bigger roof to consider, and lots more labor. If you build more stories and a smaller foundation, even though you will have to invest in a staircase savings are considerable.

So what is bottom line? A basic budgeting cost in Northeast US would be $140-$150 per square foot for a milled log home; this is about equivalent of a high-end custom stick-frame house. This does not include land, well, septic, driveway, etc. It does include basement, kitchen, plumbing, etc. This is turnkey budget for house only. You can certainly do less if you give up a lot of amenities, but I wouldn't advise a starting budget of any less than $130 per sq. ft. You may find yourself running out of money way too soon, and that would be a terrible shame.

5. What is your experience and background? Most home inspectors started out with a construction-based background. This is very useful in home inspections. Attending a University with emphasis on construction, or attending a Home Inspection School is almost a necessity in this trade. If an inspector tells you he was in retail (for an example) this may be a time to look elsewhere, or ask a follow-up question as to why he went into profession and what he has to offer that others inspectors don’t. 6. How much do you charge? This is a very important question. The question you really should be asking yourself “how much are you willing to spend on most important investment you’re ever going to make?” Think about this. Do you really want to price shop on something this important? Yes, you don’t want to pay too much, but you don’t want to scrimp either. You’re paying $100,000+ for your home and now is not time to go with lowest price. Inspectors have overhead costs like any company; Insurance, vehicle, gas, equipment training, professional organization dues, a home, etc. Regardless of what any might say, they don’t work every day of week, every week of year. An average inspection is between $250 and $400 or more depending on size, age and condition of home. Some inspectors base their fees from listing price. Based on what is uncovered in inspection, you will probably be able to save that much and maybe more. For example: A new water heater will cost you in neighborhood of $800, and if inspector finds that one in home is nearing end of its useful life, inspection just paid for itself and then some. Its money spent wisely.

Most good home inspectors encourage you to follow them on inspection, and I highly recommend it. It will give you a chance to see what he sees, and ask questions. Be sure to ask questions! The inspector will usually to be happy to answer them for you or if he doesn’t know answer right then, he should offer to look it up and call you with answer. This is also a time to find out where key components like shut-off valves or breaker panel is located in case of an emergency, or get tips on routine maintenance items.

A home inspection is a visual, non-destructive examination of a home. It is not technically exhaustive. Inspectors cannot see defects behind a wall, ceiling or furniture. He or she will just use their knowledge and experience in their visual examination. If a component doesn’t work by normal means of operation inspector won’t try to get it operating by any other means. He/she will only open those panels that are normally used to service a piece of equipment. If a danger exists to inspector, he/she will not inspect that piece of equipment. They will just defer to a professional more experienced in that type of application. They do not move furniture to inspect, so having home ready for inspector prior to inspection will not only speed process, but give you a more thorough inspection.

You will more than likely not get chance to meet your inspector before inspection, so asking these important questions will help make your decision easier. Having home inspected is best thing you can do to have a more informed decision on purchase or sale of your home. After all, this is probably biggest investment you will ever make.

For more information on regulations that govern home inspection industry, visit Wisconsin Department of Regulations website .