Real Log Style’s Top New Year’s Resolution: Plan Ahead

There are a lot of lists out there of the top five or ten New Year’s resolutions, but we here at Real Log Style think there’s one resolution that trumps them all – Plan Ahead.

As many of you may have experienced during the holidays, poor planning can lead to stress, and according to a Scientific American article we just read, stress could possibly lead to more gray hairs.  So dodge the grays this year and get a plan!  From planning for visitors, to planning your dream log home, don’t leave anything to the last minute.

Here are three situations that the log home lover should plan ahead for:

1)  Having guests over to your home (this may be fresh on the minds of many)

1. If you live in a log home, then you’re going to want to show it off to friends and family!
2. Decide ahead of time who is staying in what room and make all the beds 1 day ahead of time (set the clean towels for guests in their respective rooms so there is no confusion as to what towels are for them).
3. Plan any necessary menus and get your groceries the day before, or morning of your guest’s arrival (make sure to order any specialty items like large roasts so you’ll be sure they are available for you).
4. Know what serving-ware, stemware and table linens you’ll be using ahead of time and make sure they are clean and ready a day ahead of time (nobody wants to be ironing a tablecloth instead of greeting guests).

2) Maintaining your log home

1. It’s difficult to perform maintenance in the winter, but the spring is a great time for staining logs and caulking any large checks.  Schedule any log home maintenance now so you won’t have to worry come spring time.
2. When fall comes again in 2012, make sure you clear away debris, leaves and branches from around your home’s foundation before they get buried by snow.

3) Planning to build a new log home or addition

1. The planning process can take a fair amount of time as you work back and forth with our design department to customize every aspect of your log home.  So if you are hoping to build a log home in 2012, plan ahead and start the design process now. (In 2012 design deposits start as low as $1,000)
2. Start the design process early and keep the experience enjoyable and stress free.  You should never let yourself feel rushed into making compromises on your dream log home.  After all, a Real Log Home is built to last a lifetime – so plan ahead to make sure it’s built just the way you want it.
3. Get your permits, financing and building partner lined up well in advance of when you’d like to break ground.  Real Log Homes can help you find a local partner who is familiar with permits and financing in your area – just call them at 1-800-REAL LOG (732-5564) or email them at [email protected]

So while it may seem like a simple and straightforward resolution, planning ahead takes energy and commitment, but it is so worth it.  Fight the procrastinator within, and free yourself from the unwanted stress (and gray hairs) that come from poor planning!  Happy New Year!