Contact: Dick Pirozzolo at 781-235-9911 or dick@pirozzolo.com

THE TRADITIONAL HOME SERIES BY NORTHEASTERN KEEPS THE AMERICAN GOAL OF HOME OWNERSHIP ALIVE FOR FIRST-TIME BUYERS

Even with historically low interest rates, many young families are being left out in the cold when it comes to fulfilling the American dream of owning their own home.

Look around - houses are getting bigger and more lavish, increasing the pressure on young families who are trying to afford their first home. Anecdotal evidence is backed by National Association of Homebuilders statistics showing that, in l987 the average new house was 1,900 square feet and today the average is over 2,300. There are more two car garages, baths, fireplaces and other amenities too. What's more, NAHB housing experts observe that more people demand individuality, open space and classic styling that will stand the test of time — ho-hum cookie cutter houses with boxy rooms are becoming extinct.

This in mind, Northeastern Log Homes of Kenduskeag, Maine developed The Traditional Home Series. The series features eight, distinctively styled models that can be built for around $100,000 to $150,000, about anywhere in the US. "Young families, as well as homebuyers with grown children who want to downsize, have fewer new house options to choose from today," says Jonathan French, president of Northeastern Log Homes, adding, "Our new log home series offers the distinctiveness and beauty of solid wood construction, attractive designs and livable floorplans." The homes may also be customized to individual taste - all at a lower cost than renting or owning a condominium.

The Traditional Home Series is available in two and three-bedroom models. Prices range from $28,895-$39,165 for complete home packages with up to1,300 square feet of living space. Traditional Home Series ranches may be up to 26 by 52 feet, Cape style homes may be as large as 26 by 40 feet. Multiply the kit prices by three to four times to estimate the total cost. First floor living space may reach 1,300 square feet in one-story ranches and up to 1,000 square feet on the first floor of story-and-a-half homes.

Costs can be reduced if the homeowner handles some of the general contracting or building tasks.

Technical Details

To control costs, these homes are made with Traditional Logs which are graded for structural soundness but contain blemishes, larger knots or other imperfections not found in Northeastern Log Homes premier Series of homes.

The roof system in the Cape Style Traditional Series uses 2" x 8" or 2" x 10" rafters with an exposed-wood V-match knotty pine ceiling. The roofs are engineered for solid foam core insulation and air space for ventilation that extends the life of the shingles and keeps the house cooler in summer.

Other quality components include Andersen™ Builder Select windows, Owens Corning Roofing Materials, and Therma-Tru Exterior Doors with Schlage Locksets.

Click here to view our Traditional Models