Word of mouth recommendations are the best recommendations, and you can search  these out too.  In the home community of the log supplier or general contractor; ask the  lumber yards, ask the realtors, ask the banks, ask the Chamber of Commerce or tourist  bureau, and ask other contractors about the person you are interested in. This will give you  some good information on choosing your builder and log supplier.  You will be searching out and receiving word of mouth recommendations.

It takes some time, especially  if you do not live in the area where you will build, or if you do not live in the area of  the log supplier, but it will insure your project will be built by reliable tradesmen and  businessmen.

Obviously, look at their work (the INSIDE of log buildings that are a minimum of 2 years old, preferably 3 to 5 years old). Look for tight log joints along both the laterals and in the saddles.  Can you slip a credit card in between the logs?  Try it!  Look  at the fit and finish of the trim to the windows and look for any signs of settling problems around interior frame walls, stairs, railings, and vertical posts.  Also, does the house  look like it is professionally built?  Finally, is the builder a nice person?

It seems  like a lot of work, but by spending only one day in the home community of your log supplier and  your general contractor, you will learn about their reputation. 

Mike Senty