Mountain Construction Enterprises, Inc. has provided these tips on getting started on your way to building your home.  We hope that you will consider us when deciding on a Log/Timber Frame company.

We are a residential general contractor / custom builder and a Hearthstone Homes representative specializing in Log and Heavy Timber product and Service delivery catering to individuals, architects, builders, realtors and developers.

BUYING THE LAND
Select Your Real Estate Agent (We do have recommendations for local Realtors that we have long been associated with.) Location of land Lay of the land	Deed restriction Utilities - Electric/Septic/Water Grading / Site Work / Driveway For recommendations, email us with your interests
SELECTING A CONTRACTOR
While we often act as general contractor on the Hearthstone Log and Timber Frame homes we sell locally, this is not always the case. We can work with another owner-selected General Contractor, or in an Owner/Contractor situation. When we work to sell a Commercial Hearthstone Timber Frame or Log Project (for a bank, clubhouse or other timber frame project) we always work with another commercially licensed contractor.
Are they licensed? Ask for their references Look at their work Check with building suppliers Check with banks Check with Local Chamber of Commerce	How long have they been in business? Compare / Review Products, Services & Quality Cost plus estimates -vs- Contracted price For recommendations, email us with your interests
SELECTING YOUR PLANS
Selecting an Architect We do have relationships with local and regional architects if you would like recommendations. How large of a home? Space Savers Plumbing and Electrical considerations	Do they offer local design assistance Crawlspace -vs- Basement What is included in the plans? For recommendations, email us with your interests
Selecting an Architect: Mountain Construction Enterprises now offers full design services available in-house by Farris Designs. You can reach designer Dave Hall by calling 828-963-8084 or emailing to: farrisdesigns@mountainconstruction.com.
SELECTING A TIMBER FRAME LOG COMPANY
What organizations do they belong to? Check references Type of material used What does the package include?	Check for quality. Do the logs have a through-bolt system? Delivery date and charges How long have they been in business
BUILDING COSTS FACTORS
Due to extreme weather conditions and building site conditions, as well as additional building code requirements, the costs involved with building in the mountains may be higher than building in other locations. Some factors that affect costs to keep in mind:
Length of driveway and general Grading Requirements Slope of property/Possible Fill Requirements, Foundation, Engineering Overhead vs. Underground Power Basement vs. Crawl Space Foundation Open Vaulted and Cathedral Ceilings Size and Style of Timber Frame, Log or Conventional Frame with Rustic Accents Style, Brand and Quantity of Windows and Doors Shingle or Shake Roof vs. Metal Roof Siding Options and Accents such as Poplar Bark, Cedar Shake Stone Options and Accents on Exterior, Fireplaces, Interior Accents Number or Fireplaces, Possible Exterior Fireplaces Floor Covering Options such as Tile, Hardwood, Carpeting Number and Size of Decks, Porches and Patios Number of Corners, Dormers, Roof Valleys and other features

We invite you to visit our office or call us at (828) 963-8090, email us or use our ONLINE INFORMATION REQUEST form to let us know how we can serve you!