A  log home perched high on a mountain top overlooking majestic valleys is an enviable vision. Before you choose your mountain on which to build, know that you will have substantial additional costs to achieve that altitude.  Site access, utilities and water can double the cost of such a project.

In the mountains, especially in the west, elevations of 500 – 1000+ feet may provide spectacular views, but you could be looking at drilling a well 500′ or 2000′ to reach a reliable supply of fresh water. The cost to drill a well is determined by the size and depth of the well and also the drilling conditions of the site (can you say rock?). Not including irrigation, swimming pools, etc., an average household requires 75 gallons per day – per person. A family of four would need approximately 300 gallons in a 24 hour period. Your lending institution will probably require that your water well pump 5 gallons per minute.

Trenching utilities and building a safe road access are also huge costs that one does not always consider when envisioning their dream house.  You may be getting a great cost-per-square-foot price on erecting your log home, but getting that home to the site could be cost prohibitive.  When planning, take your time and get all the costs on paper before you start digging a hole!