Construction Costs

[newtoyurts]

I'm exploring purchasing a wooden yurt as my county absolutely will not permit a soft-sided yurt and I'm trying to calculate my budget. I'm considering a 30' Smiling Woods yurt. I know that all of the interior costs are going to vary depending on the type of materials that I select, my interior layout, etc. I'm just trying to calculate the average cost of hiring a contractor to build my platform (level ground) and to assemble the yurt kit. Any information would be helpful and appreciated.

[HawaiiYurts]

We are getting ready to assist a client in building a Smiling Woods Yurt. They are not cheap... We just sat down and crunched some serious numbers last week. A $60k kit needs another $60k in materials because the kit doesn't include foundations, flooring, deck walls or rafters, ceiling, or interior walls. I'm guessing that shipping to Hawaii is going to be about $14,000. Plumbing and electric estimated at $20k total. For labor figure you'll double the cost of materials at least, so add another $120k. Site prep, waste water, water source, fixtures, appliances, we're over $300,000. Then for contractor involvement,

insurance

for everyone, taxes... It's upwards of $400,000 all said and done. It's cheaper if you can do the work yourself, but before committing to drafting and such, do a very realistic price chart including everything from drafting, permitting, site prep, wastewater, water source, electric source, interior walls, everything they don't include in the kit, foundations, fixtures and appliances... Then you'll be at your starting point of making a decision. Best of luck! Melissa

[Melissa]

My husband and I also want to build a yurt - we are still looking for land, but in order to decide how much we can spend on the land, we decided it was best to get a realistic estimate of how much the yurt would cost. I have contacted 5 architects/draftspeople/builders who specialise in environmental/passive energy designs. They all offer free consultations. It might serve you well to see if you can get free consults as well, and figure out exactly what you need.

[Delores]

We worked with a group and build a slant wall wooden yurt (20') in Idaho a few years back. Total cost was around $20k for materials. We provided the labor and the windows still needed to be purchased. Check out Bill Coperthwaite's designs.

[HawaiiYurts]

For wooden yurts, The Yurt Foundation that is carrying on Bill Coperthwaite's work is an amazing group to work with. You'll get not only a hands on training while you help, but a whole new and paradigm shifting view on life. Here's the site where they're continuing his work. Truly a great group of people. The Search for Simplicity inspired by Bill Coperthwaite - Home