Are you exploring options for building a new log home or cabin? Building log homes in Canada has always been a big draw for not only people living in Canada, but around the world. Regardless of where you live, there are many advantages to consider when purchasing a log home from Canada. You may be wondering what the benefits are for purchasing a log home in Canada compared to buying one locally—great question!
We know that you can find great log home builders anywhere in the world but here are some of the advantages to choosing Canadian log homes.
#1 Cost and Exchange Rate for Building Log Homes in Canada
Building your dream log home can be quite costly so it becomes a balancing act between building the home of your dreams and not breaking the bank.
Today, the US and Canadian exchange rate is still one of the lowest it’s been in years Approximately, every $1.00 USD is worth $1.34 CND.
To build one of our most popular log cabin kits, the Sasquatch Cabin would cost approximately $196,600 CND, it would cost approximately $146,400.00 USD—that is equivalent to over a 25% discount ($50,200)!
The US and Canadian exchange rates could allow you to afford those little additions to your home and truly build the home you’ve always wanted. If you don’t live in the US, you can still take advantage of our low Canadian dollar and receive a substantial discount for building a log home in Canada compared to some other alternatives.
*Please note that the USD and CND exchange rate is constantly changing. The above is just an estimate. Please refer to the National Bank of Canada for the latest rates.
#2 Taxes and Duty Charges for the United States
Depending on where you live you may be exempt from paying sales tax and import duties. Whether you do or don’t is regulated by the government. Currently, when US clients purchase a log package from Canada there is no sales tax or import duties. This can have huge cost benefits.
Here is an example of the potential savings using the US price for our Sasquatch Cabin Kit and using the average sales tax in the United States which is around 6%.
- Cabin kit price in US Dollars $146,400 USD
- State and local sales tax 6% = $8,784 USD
- Savings based on 6% sales tax exemption = $8,784 USD.
- Plus, no import duties
#3 Building a Canadian Log Home with Western Red Cedar
One of the main reasons people initially consider building their log home in Canada is for Western red cedar. Found primarily on the Pacific West Coast of British Columbia, Western Red Cedar is the “official” tree of British Columbia; it is sought after by homeowners and builders around the world. Western red cedar is naturally resistant to moisture, wood rot, and decay, which will ensure the longevity of your home. The cinnamon-red and deep amber color tones give the wood a warm and cozy feeling. This helps you achieve any style for your home from natural to rustic and simple to contemporary, making it one of the most desired types of timber.
We tend to use this species of wood also because of its unique flared butt characteristic, giving it that “artisan” feel. British Columbia is one of only a handful of places in the world you can find Western Red Cedar like this.
# 4 Quality of Lumber Used in Canadian Log Homes
As mentioned above, Canada, BC specifically, is home to some of the highest quality wood species including fir, pine, spruce and cedar. With a variety of log species to choose from, you are able to find the right species of wood that is best for your project.
Canada supports a vast amount of industries that rely on timber. From logging and farming to construction and furniture building, from traditional carving and arts to pulp and paper, the forests play a huge role in the BC culture and economy. For this and many other reasons, Canada and BC has regulations in place to help ensure that future generations continue to have a wide selection of timber—both new and old growth.
Artisan Log Homes is proud to have been helping families build homes around the world for over 40 years. We understand that there are numerous decisions that come with building a log home so we have put together a Log Home Building 101 section that will walk you through the most common questions asked when building a home including:
- How much do log homes cost?
- How are log homes imported and exported?
- What are the Differences between a Full Scribe Log Home, Post & Beam, Timber Frame and Hybrid log home?
We also encourage you to check out and spend some time exploring our log home plans and galleries to help you decide what styles you like and don’t like.
- Post and beam log home gallery
- Full scribe log home gallery
- Timber frame log home gallery
- Log cabin kit gallery
At any point, we are here if you have additional questions about building a log home in Canada or want to consider a quote send us an email or give us a call.
We are grateful to be part of your log home journey!