How are Log Homes Imported and Exported?
British Columbia (B.C.) has some of the finest standing timber in North America and is known for its wealth of natural resources. Every year there are hundreds of beautiful log homes exported from B.C. to beautiful places all around the world.
It can seem like an overwhelming task when it’s your first time buying and shipping a home across the globe, but with the support of a company that understands the necessary steps it can be easy and affordable, depending on the location and designs.
Let’s break down some of the considerations for log home exporting processes and requirements for different locations:
- Exporting your log home overview
- How are log homes transported?
- What you will need to provide on site
- Transporting log homes throughout Canada
- Exporting log homes to the U.S.
- Exporting log homes to Europe
- Exporting log homes to Asia
Overview—Planning to Have Your Log Home Exported
It’s exciting to start planning and building your dream log home, but one of the first things to consider is how to get your log home from our log yard to your property. It’s important to discuss this first before any planning and development begins so there are no surprises or unforeseen costs later.
Some countries have restrictions, additional taxes and costs associated with importing a log home. We at Artisan Log Homes feel it is important for you to understand and incorporate any of these additional factors before we start building.
We have exported homes to many parts of the world and will walk you through every step of this process to make sure your log home arrives on time and on budget.
Assembling and Disassembling Your Log Home
Once all of the details for transporting your log home are finalized, and the design of your custom log home is decided, we will begin building your log home at our log yard. We will build your entire home to scale selecting each log and making sure everything fits perfectly. This is a really exciting time as you will have an opportunity to come by the log yard and see it first-hand or we can send you photo and video updates.
Once the log home is fully assembled and all of the final details have been made, the house is disassembled log by log and placed into sea containers for shipping. Each log is marked and placed in specific containers so that it is transported without any damage and can be reassembled accurately at your property.
How are Log Homes transported?
We are frequently asked how we transport log homes. The method of transportation depends largely on where you live. As we disassemble your log home each log is put into shipping containers or onto flatbed trucks. These containers and trailers may travel by truck, train, boat or barge to arrive at the final destination—your property.
During this process we will either travel with the home or follow behind so we arrive at the same time it does. We have tracking numbers in place for each container or trailer so that we can see exactly where your home is throughout the entire journey.
What You Will Need to Provide on Site
Because it would be too costly and time-consuming for us to transport all of our tools and cranes with your log home, there are a few items that we will need your help with to ensure they are on site when your log home arrives. Don’t worry; we will help you every step of the way.
- Crane – Once the log home arrives at your location we will need to have a crane on site to help us unload and assemble your log home. We will provide you with detailed crane requirements so you can source a crane.
- Tools – Artisan will provide you with a detailed tool list for you and your general contractor. Don’t worry; you won’t need any special log home tools except for a chainsaw.
Transporting Your Log Home Within Canada
Shipping your log home from B.C. to the rest of Canada is easy and inexpensive. We can handle all of the required paper work and documentation. We will also arrange shipping and supply you with the crane requirements for reassembly. There are no additional provincial sales taxes for building and shipping a home within Canada.
How Much Does It Cost To Transport A Log Home Within Canada?
The cost of shipping is directly related to the location of your property. All of our homes in Canada are transported by flatbed truck. Our shipping costs include the layover time for the flatbed truck during which we are unloading and reassembling your house—this way there are no surprise expenses tacked on at the end.
How Long Does It Take To Transport a Log Home Within Canada?
The easiest way to calculate this is by using a great distance calculator. Each 100 kilometres or 62 miles will take a loaded truck about 1.5 hours to cover.
Exporting Log Homes to the U.S.
Shipping from British Columbia to the U.S. is easy and inexpensive. There is some paperwork and documentation that is required, which we will handle for you. Because of NAFTA, there are no taxes to be paid when your log home crosses the border, this means no sales tax on your new log home package. The cost for all of the paperwork and documentation including brokerage fees will total around $500 USD.
Shipping into the U.S. depends on the location but will typically be by truck. We will arrange all of the details for you. Our log yard is only 1/2 hour north of the border at Sumas, Washington which makes it easy for us to handle all requirements. Two of our expert B.C. log home builders will arrive with the log home to help supervise the reassembly and oversee the beginning of lock-up.
How Long Does It Take To Export a Log Home To The U.S.?
As mentioned above, the easiest way to calculate this is by using a great distance calculator. Each 100 kilometres or 62 miles will take a loaded truck about 1.5 hours to cover.
You can use this calculator tool to estimate the time and distance.
Exporting Log Homes to Europe
Having your new handcrafted log homes shipped from our log yard in Mission, B.C. to your site overseas is not a problem! For customers belonging to the European Union, we are required to work closely with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency in regards to the species of wood we can use to build log homes.
To export a log home to Europe there is some paperwork due upon arrival of the home. All necessary customs paperwork and phytosanitary inspection will cost around $1200 USD.
A Value Added Tax (VAT tax) will be due upon arrival of the sea containers. The VAT tax is based on the invoiced amount of your log house and any additional wood materials. Please consult your local import agency to determine your country’s VAT.
In all E.U. countries, Western Red Cedar is the only non-kiln dried species of wood we are allowed to export. To use another species of wood like Engelmann Spruce or Lodgepole Pine, the wood must be sent out for kiln drying. All cedar logs are also required to go through phytosanitary inspection before shipping; this ensures that only non-contaminated logs will be entering the EU. (video of log house in Italy being reassembled)
How Long Does It Take To Export a Log Home Into Europe?
From Vancouver, B.C. to a popular destination such as Hamburg, Germany will take approximately 25 days. Then you must add on the time it will take to transport from the local port to your property.
Exporting Log Homes To Asia
Artisan log home construction has sent over 50 complete log shells to Japan in the past 25 years. Whether the luxury log cabins or log homes are located high up in the mountains or down in a lush rain forest, we can help you pick the appropriate timber and design that will ensure your log house will be enjoyed for generations to come.
To export a log home to Asia there is some paperwork due upon arrival of the home. All necessary customs paperwork, phytosanitary inspection and fumigation will cost around $1500 USD. Countries like Korea need very minimal paperwork and no inspection during loading in Canada, so the costs will be less, around $500.
Please consult your local export and import specialists to ensure you have the most current regulations.
How Long Does It Take To Export a Log Home Into Asia?
From Vancouver, B.C. to a popular destination such as Tokyo, Japan will take approximately 18 days. Then you must add on the time it will take to transport from the local port to your property.
The above information is an estimate and a guide to help you plan with as little surprise costs as possible. We highly recommend that you contact us directly and work with your local regulation office to ensure you have the most current and up-to-date information.