Ask Sir Walter: Home Building Questions
Q: If I want to add to my home later, is that feasible?
A: Absolutely! In fact, many customers have. It is best to work with Lindal for your addition as we are familiar with your home and its post and beam structure. Your Lindal dealer will be able to make sure your addition blends with the original structure and does not look like an afterthought.
Q: Do you provide mechanicals on your drawings such as HVAC (heat, ventilation, air conditioning) and electrical?
A: Because of local building codes it is best for you to take your completed plans to someone local. For example, the electrician you choose to contract with for your house would be able to best assist you with the electrical details. Of course, your dealer can assist in resourcing these services.
Q: Do you provide foundation drawings?
A: We provide foundation drawings that outline the walls and locate point loads. For an additional fee we can also size the pads and footings, with an engineered foundation if required. However, additional information on your building site, such as topography and soil conditions, would be required.
Q: What is included in the package I get from Lindal?
A: Your Lindal package includes:
- Design services
- The entire weather-tight shell (framing, connectors, fasteners, siding, windows, doors, trim)
- Any of our vast list of quality options and material upgrades
Freight and other local services as provided by your local dealer.
Q: Do you provide lateral engineering and shear wall analysis?
A: Yes, it is available at an additional cost to the basic package. However, your Lindal is designed and engineered stronger than conventional engineering, so most customers find this is not a necessary step in the planning process. We have association with engineering firms familiar with our system who have most state stamps available.
Q: Can I get the same components locally?
A: The quality of materials used in a Lindal home cannot be purchased at your local lumberyard. From the forest to the building site, our strict quality control standards and grading system begins where industry standards end. By kiln-drying the lumber to reduce and control moisture content, we also decrease the chance for twisting and warping that often occurs with green or air-dried lumber. Kiln-drying also reduces the weight, while increasing strength making your construction easier and freight costs lower. We also specify Select Structural grades that are typically not available in local lumberyards.
Q: Do you have a brochure that explains the unique building components I receive in my Lindal homes?
A: Our planbook set, Lindal Living and Lindal Planning, do an excellent job. In fact, Lindal Planning dedicates pages to specific topics such as how our materials are chosen and processed and options to the choices you can make for siding and other materials.
Q: If I order a home today, when will the package be delivered to my lot?
A: Once you approve the final drawings and sign the authorization to ship paperwork, we usually ship your home within four to five weeks. The development of the plans depends on many factors including the style and complexity of the home and the engineering requirements of the site. Consult your local dealer for real time estimates based on those factors and today's production process.
Q: Can you guarantee me a firm delivery date?
A: When you approve the final permit plans and sign the authorization to ship paperwork, we then can provide you with a delivery date, usually shipping your home within four to five weeks.
Q: How is the package delivered?
A: We ship via flatbed truck to areas in the western United States and Canada. Piggyback containers via railway take our homes to eastern North America and overseas.
Q: Who is responsible for being at the delivery?
A: Your local dealer will be at the delivery site to supervise and inventory the shipment. At that time, they will report any missing or broken pieces to Lindal for immediate reshipment. Your contractor should be there to off-load and place the materials on the site, as the truck driver does not provide this service. You should be there also to celebrate the event and enjoy the beginning of the construction process.
Q: What kind of equipment do I need to unload?
A: Your dealer will advise and work with you to get your new home properly and safely unloaded. The site and road requirements will dictate the type of off loading process to anticipate.
Q: If everything arrives on the truck, do I have to wait to put the subfloor down until the package arrives?
A: You will want to wait until your materials arrive, as the subfloor is part of your Lindal home package.
Q: How long do I have to unload the home?
A: Your dealer will work with you to get your home unloaded. Generally, it takes about four hours.
Q: What do I do if something arrives at the building site missing or broken?
A: Your dealer will be there to inventory and inspect the materials. They are responsible for communicating any replacement pieces to Lindal for immediate reshipment. Lindal sends a detailed parts list with the materials and every piece of lumber has a specific part number to verify. A digital photo can quickly help illustrate damage concerns to our Customer Relations Department.
Q: How can I be certain that you will ship the exact home ordered?
A: We guarantee it! In our 60 year history, the wrong home has never been shipped. If this ever happens, we will promptly reship the correct home.
Q: Do you have builders who will put this home up?
A: All Lindal home packages are sold through local dealers. Each local dealer can provide a list of several qualified builders in your area. Some dealerships have their own crew also, but it varies depending on the dealership.
Q: Can I deal direct with the factory?
A: We only sell through local independent dealers. They are more readily available to meet your needs, and are more knowledgeable about local conditions that affect the ability to complete your dream home. We have service teams dedicated to assisting the dealer on the local level as well as internal representatives available to assist your dealer with your dream home project. The success of your project is our top priority.
Q: How detailed a construction guide do you provide?
A: Prior to delivery, you will receive a very detailed new home construction guide to share with your general contractor. Each part of your package is also numbered to match the guide and make the building job more efficient. We do not sell a 'wood pile,' but rather a detailed plan that keys all the part numbered pieces into place.
Q: How can I choose a competent contractor?
A: When you are evaluating contractors to build your home, make sure they are bonded and insured. Ways to find more information on their abilities include:
- Ask for and check references
- Check with your local Better Business Bureau and ask other new homeowners about their experience
- Talk to your local Lindal dealer who will have a list to from which you can start the interview process
Q: Do you have customers "do-it-yourself" without a contractor?
A: Yes, but we don't recommend it. Building a house is a very specific, time-consuming project. A builder is trained and experienced to make sure you are happy with your new home.
Q: Does it take longer to construct a Lindal home than a conventional home?
A: The Lindal post and beam home takes about the same amount of time for a builder to complete as a custom conventional home. Although, more care is typically required due to the vaulted cathedral ceilings.
Q: Can I get the same materials locally?
A: The quality of materials used in a Lindal Home cannot be purchased at your local lumberyard. Here is why:
From the forest to the building site, our strict quality control standards and grading system begin where industry standards end. By kiln-drying the lumber to reduce and control moisture content, we also decrease the chance for twisting and warping that often occurs with green or air-dried lumber. Kiln-drying also reduces the weight, while increasing strength making your construction easier and freight costs lower.
Q: Will my dealer or someone from the company be at the delivery?
A: Your local dealer will be at the delivery site to supervise and inventory the shipment. At that time, your dealer will report any missing or broken pieces to Lindal for immediate reshipment.
Q: Do you have contractors who will build my home?
A: All Lindal home packages are sold through local dealers. Each local dealer can provide references to builders in your area.
Q: How do I choose a builder?
A: When you are evaluating contractors to build your home, make sure they are bonded and insured. Ways to find more information on their abilities include:
- Ask for and check references
- Check with your local Better Business Bureau and ask other new homeowners about their experience
- Talk to your local Lindal dealer who will have a list to from which you can start the interview process
Q: Can Lindal Cedar Homes have a ducted central heating and cooling system?
A: Yes! It is possible, and often is the case in our solid cedar option. Just make sure that you specify this request at the beginning of the design phase.
