Locate companies that build log homes

Living in log homes is an American tradition, made all the more desirable by the addition of modern conveniences. Additionally, because wood is a good insulator and the logs are precision cut to ensure a snug fit, log home construction is energy efficient.

I recommend: The Original Log Cabin Home Company strives to combine modern technology with traditional design. The company has a design team to help tailor your home to your needs and offers a planning guide to help you get started. Centennial Log Homes offers full log homes as well as log post and beam construction. The log post and beam option can give you greater design flexibility and save you money.

Locate companies that build timber frame homes

Timber frame construction companies can do it all for you. You provide the land, and they will do all the design and building work. In some cases, if you desire, you only need to be minimally involved with the project.

I recommend: Davis Frame has been building custom timber frame homes for more than 20 years. The company will help you from the design process right through construction. Davis Frame homes include modern features that can make the home comfortable, energy efficient and secure. Timberpeg is a national company that has completed more than 3,000 timber frame projects. The company focuses on making the building process as easy for the customer as possible.

Locate suppliers of products for timber construction

If you want to take a more active role in your timber frame construction project, you can do much of the design and building work yourself. However, you'll need a good supply of raw materials, and you'll probably want to run the design by a professional.

I recommend: American Pole & Timber has a complete line of timber construction products available to ship nationwide. The company's product line includes treated timber, poles, pilings, post, columns, trusses and beams. The company even offers free design help for your project when you buy its products. The American Institute of Timber Construction is a trade organization for the timber industry. The group represents most laminated timber manufacturers in the United States and lists these manufacturers on its website.