How Do I become a Gastineau Dealer? Answer: After total research and investigation and you decide that you definitely want to become a Gastineau Dealer, you should then fill out our Dealership Application and forward it with the necessary deposit check to Gastineau’s Home Office. This application will then be reviewed by the company’s officials. If approved, you will be notified by the company and a completed Dealer contract will be mailed to you. You will be asked to attend a “Dealer Training Seminar” in the Home Office for your original Dealership training. Prior to the training seminar, all contracts must be signed and all remaining Dealer fees must be paid and settled.     How long is the Dealer’s Seminar? Answer: Three Days or Four Days with an accompanying construction seminar.     When Must I make a Decision on choosing one of my four options? Answer: This should be decided by contract signing. However, you can change Options until the time of ordering your first log package.     When must I start construction on my log model? Answer: You will be expected to start construction within four to twelve months of the dealership contract date.     When I do build my first house, what type of package must I buy? Answer:  You must purchase a Deluxe Package so you can show the standard package materials in your model home.  It can be full log or a Therma Log package.     How much money should I spend on my first house? Answer: That is entirely at your discretion, as long as you build with a Deluxe Package. However, remember, Dealers typically sell what house they show. Therefore, the price of the home should be in your target market.     What size house is recommended? Answer: Again, it is your choice, however, the average American family resides in at least a 2000 sq. ft. home.     Once I become a Gastineau Dealer, how will I market my territory? Answer: There are many ways to make the public aware of your Gastineau Dealership. During construction of your first house, you will arrange for certain invitational parties. These events, such as “Log Raising Party,” Construction Party, Developers Party, Real Estate Agents Party, Media Get Together Party and Builders Party. Theses parties may be given by invitation only. Gastineau will assist you in advice on providing these events. You are also assisted by your personal Dealer ads in national log home magazines, local Yellow Pages, Direct Local Zip Code Brochure Mail-out etc. Plus, exterior Signage on your “Spec” or Display House or your Mobile Office. Other sources are provided by a booth in local Log Homes Shows, Builders Shows, Home Shows, Real Estate seminars and last but not least, the office “Walk In” trade alone can make a Dealership Successful. A major source of business potential will be derived from Gastineau’s extensive national advertising program. Every sales lead from your exclusive territory will be made available and forwarded to you as soon it is received by the Home office.     May I begin this Dealership on a part-time basis? Answer: Yes you may as long as you operate as a normal Gastineau Dealer accepting and servicing all customers professionally. Most importantly you must always service the customer after the sale as well as before.     What about health, dental etc. insurance coverage for Gastineau Dealers? Answer: At this time, there is no such coverage offered. Because Dealers are located in different States, it is difficult to underwrite. Also, Dealers are not employees of Gastineau Log Homes, Inc. but are independent business owners.     When I become a Gastineau Dealer, will I be restricted to building or selling only log homes? Answer: No. You will be able to build and sell any type of traditional frame construction. You cannot represent or sell for other log home manufacturers.     How many counties will I be allowed to service in my territory? Answer: In most cases, a Dealer is limited to three contiguous counties. Population enters into the factor also. The final decision is made by Gastineau’s Board of Directors. Your model home or display home must be located in one of your signed counties.     How many mandatory Home Office meeting must a Dealer attend? Answer: A dealer must attend one annual meeting in the Home office. This meeting can be missed without penalty as long as the cause for absenteeism is reasonable.     Does a new Dealer receive any information on how to operate his business? Answer: Yes. In addition to the Dealer Seminar each dealer will receive an extensive Dealers Manual which he can refer to for all operation procedures. Each Dealer will also be assigned a Home Office Representative (DCA) which will be available to the Dealer for any questions that need answering. You will be given a toll free phone number to be used for all Home office contacts.     Is the $1000 territory retainer deposit refundable if a potential Dealer decides against becoming a Dealer prior to signing the dealership contract? Answer: Yes.  The request needs to be in writing.     Am I entitled to talk to other Gastineau Dealers before I make a final decision to become a Dealer? Answer: Yes, of course. Just ask the Director of Dealerships for some names and phone numbers of Gastineau Dealers.     If I decided to become a Gastineau Dealer today, how long would it take to build a house to take up residence? Answer: Average operation would take six to eight weeks for a standard log home package to be delivered from date of order. It would take an additional three to six months to construct the house. This would depend on how small or large the house is. The best possible scenario would be about five months from date of order. Weather could also cause a delay in this time schedule.     Does Gastineau assist in the financing of Dealers customers log homes? Answer: Gastineau does not personally finance the house, however; they have provided for outside financial assistance by making available several mortgage companies. See the Financing page of the GLH web site for names and contact information.     What is the typical cost per sq. ft. to have a log home built? Not including land. Answer: All costs are relevant to local labor and sub-contractor costs, therefore, it is difficult to answer on a general basis. From our experience, depending upon the quality of finishing materials, in the Mid West our turn-key log home could be estimated to cost approximately $110 to $150 per square ft including the kit but not land and driveways. A good way to answer a customer who wants to know how much a log home will cost is: “ our log home construction will cost about he same as a well built custom traditional frame house in your area.”     When will I be eligible to sell my first Gastineau Log Home? Answer: As soon as your Dealership Contract has been signed.     What additional materials will I need to finish my home besides the original kit? Answer: You will need the foundation, the electrical, plumbing, heating, roof insulation, finish partition wall or ceiling material (if not purchased optionally), bath and kitchen cabinets, appliances, light fixtures, fireplace, carpet, door knobs, roof flashing and labor.