Online vs. In-Person Assessments: What’s Right for Your Log Home?

by Mar 20, 2025Blog, Log Homeowner Education

When your log home needs restoration or repair services, the first step is getting an estimate. But should you start with an online assessment or schedule an in-person visit? At Log Masters Restorations, we offer both because every home and every homeowner are different.

Here’s how each option works and how to decide which is right for your situation.

Online Estimate: Convenient & Fast

Details About Why to Choose an Online Estimate With Log Masters Restorations

Our online assessments are a great starting point for many log homeowners, especially if you’re in the early stages or need a quick quote. Our online estimates are free, and we will provide a preliminary proposal based on your information.

What We’ll Need From You:

  • Photos or videos of the problem areas (we’ll guide you)
  • Description of your home’s history and recent maintenance
  • Your location and access details

Best For:

  • Getting a fast, ballpark estimate
  • Obvious surface-level issues (e.g., peeling stain, visible rot)
  • Homes in remote areas where travel is a challenge

What to Expect: You’ll receive a preliminary proposal based on what we see in the photos. If additional info is needed, we may request more images or videos. Also, we may determine additional work is needed beyond the original estimate once we arrive on-site if we find additional issues that were not documented during the online assessment.

In-Person Evaluation: Thorough & Detailed

Explainer on Why to Choose In-Person Estimates With Log Masters Restorations

If your home has more extensive damage or unclear issues, an in-person evaluation is the best way to get a comprehensive plan.

What It Includes:

  • A site visit from one of our expert log home specialists
  • Hands-on inspection of your logs, joints, stain condition, and structural elements
  • On-the-spot insights and recommendations

Best For:

  • Hidden damage or water intrusion
  • Uncertain repair needs
  • Full restoration or multiple services (staining, chinking, rot repair, etc.)

What to Expect: When we come to do an in-person assessment, we do charge based on the location of the log home and the size of the log home. After the evaluation, we’ll send you a detailed project plan with estimated costs, materials, and a timeline. Typically, we are able to provide a more thorough assessment in-person, but there may be an extended wait time depending on the time of year and our current workload.

Online vs. In-Person Estimates: Which Should You Choose?

Still unsure which option is best for you? Here’s a quick guide to help you decide based on your situation.

SituationRecommendation
You just need a rough idea of costStart with an Online Estimate
You’re facing serious or hidden damageBook an In-Person Evaluation
You’re getting quotes from multiple companiesOnline is a fast, no-pressure way to start
You’re ready to schedule work soonIn-person ensures total accuracy

Whether you choose an online or in-person assessment, you’re getting expert insight backed by 20+ years of experience in log home restoration. We’ll help you understand what your home needs, what it’ll cost, and how to protect your investment.

Ready to Get Started?

Whether you decide on an online or in-person estimate, our team is ready to help. Call a Log Master today or request your free estimate online. Let’s protect your log home together.