A lot of people nowadays are interested in non-traditional living for various reasons. Some find it exciting, and others are looking for more environmentally friendly ways of living. Irrespective of your reasons, yurts have become a top choice for many people. They are unique, eco-friendly, and slightly easier to build than conventional homes. If you are interested in living in a yurt, the cost is one of the main things running through your mind.
This article will look at the overall cost of a yurt, whether you want a custom-built or premade yacht. With the figures below, you can determine whether it’s time to move to a yurt.
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What is the Average Cost of a Premade Yurt?
When it comes to yurts, premade ones offer a better price advantage. The average cost of a premade yurt is about $15,000. You can get a premade yurt for as less as $6,000, with some even going below the $5k price point. We would advise you to beware of cheap yurts because they are made using low-quality materials and may not serve you for long.
On the higher side, if you want a bigger and better quality yurt, you can get one for around $25,000. Some will cost more than that and will have much better features. It would help if you did some market research before buying a yurt. When you compare the prices of different sellers, you will know which features to look out for and the price range your yurt should go for.
What About Yurt Kits?
If you have been shopping for yurts, chances are, you have come across yurt kits. These kits comprise all the materials you may need to build a yurt. As yurts become popular, various companies have emerged, selling yurt kits. Yurt kits are a fancy name for premade yurts since they have everything you may need to erect one.
Yurt kits are a great choice for soon-to-be yurt homeowners interested in taking a shorter, cheaper, and more convenient path. Yurt kits, since they are premade yurts, fall under the same price range of $6,000 to $25,000. They may cost more or less, and the ideal one for you depends on your preferences and budget.
Yurt kits offer a more convenient way of building a yurt than buying all materials separately. This is an excellent option if you have no prior experience with yurts. Another benefit of yurt kits that is often overlooked is that they adhere to building and zoning regulations. You won’t have to brush shoulders with authorities for not following certain regulations in the future. But similar to building a yurt from scratch, the price rises when the size increases. The bigger the diameter, the more the cost.
What is the Cost of Building a Custom Yurt?
Building a Yurt from scratch will cost more. And you can pay as much as $50,000 and as little as $10,000 depending on the size and materials you are working with. Several costs have to be factored in when building a yurt;
Labor fees can be about $3,000.
The cost of materials is always the highest. If you choose low-quality materials, it can cost around $5,000. For those of you who prefer a durable yurt made with quality materials, you can pay up to $30,000 for materials.
Before we can move further from materials, there are delivery costs involved which can range from $500 to $2,000. This depends on how far the materials have to be taken to.
The final cost that you need to add to this list is that of the platform. This is what will place the yurt on. Yurt platforms go for $2,000 to $7,000.
Additional Costs of Building a Yurt
For your yurt to be habitable, it must contain all the necessary structures needed. We have listed some of the things your yurt ought to have and their cost:
1. Yurt Platform
We already mentioned yurt platforms above. However, allow us to emphasize this point. A yurt platform is a structure where your yurt sits on. You can either choose wood or a composite deck. The latter is more expensive but requires minimal maintenance. A yurt platform is a must-have, and it will cost you $3,000 to $10,000.
2. Insulation
Since you will be spending a lot of time in your yurt, you must insulate it. Insulation will ensure the temperatures in your yurt remain neutral. The size of your yurt determines the cost of insulation. On average, you can expect to pay around $2,000.
3. Structural Reinforcement
Yurts do not have a solid foundation; therefore, you may have to improvise with structural reinforcements. This may include ring-to-rafter brackets that will securely hold the structure in place. Materials to hold your structure can cost an extra $2,000. Have a chat with your architecture and determine whether your yurt needs reinforcement.
4. Stove Flashing
If you will be doing any cooking in your yurt, you should install a stove. Though not mandatory, flashing ensures the connection between the roof and chimney is water-tight. This prevents leaking and, at the same time, promotes ventilation. Stove flashing isn’t as expensive as other yurt costs. You can expect to spend at least $300 on stove flashing.
5. Stronger Roofing
If you decide to go with yurt kits, you may want a slightly stronger roof. Go for weather-resistant roofs that cost $1,000 or less.
6. Windows
You can choose two types of windows for your yurt, plastic or glass. Plastic windows are cheaper and cost $1000, whereas glass windows cost $3,000.
7. Doors
Adding a door to your yurt is crucial as it promotes safety and improves aesthetics. A door for your yurt goes for $500.
8. Rain Catchments
If you want to be self-sufficient, harvesting water is a great idea. You will need a rain catchment system such as gutters and drums to facilitate this.
DIY vs. Professional Yurt Construction
There are two options when it comes to building a yurt. You can either do it yourself or contract a professional architect. Folks who have an adventurous spirit can give the DIY option a try. Also, if you have some background in construction, you can build a yurt by yourself. It is way cheaper than contracting an expert builder.
Be as it may, both these options have their pros and cons. With a professional construction company, you are assured of a solid structure complying with zoning laws. The costs may be higher, but you will get a durable yurt that withstands the harshest conditions.
DIY yurts aren’t usually very stable. They may be affordable, but if you lack experience, the building process may take longer, and you will face several challenges. As you compare the costs of DIY vs. professional yurt construction, you must weigh other benefits as well.
Tips on Building a Yurt on a Budget
Do you desire to spend your days and nights on a yurt, but are restricted by your finances? Well, it is possible to build a yurt on a budget. Now you know the various costs involved, here are tips on how you can stick to a low budget.
Compare the cost of premade vs. custom-built yurts. The debate on which is cheaper between these two options has always been a hot topic among yurt enthusiasts. Some people say that building is more affordable and vice versa. To know which choice is best for you, research. You can approach a local building company and request a free quote for a yurt. Then head over to yurt companies and see the prices of premade yurts.
Go for a small-sized yurt. The bigger the yurt, the more expensive it will be since you will need more materials and labor. A small yurt should be an affordable option.
Opt for inexpensive materials. You don’t need glass windows on your yurt if you are on a budget. Plastic ones should work just fine. Also, with the platform, instead of composite, you can go with wood.
Instead of outsourcing labor to other people, you can build the yurt by yourself. Yurts aren’t as complicated as modern homes, and with the right guidance, you can build it by yourself and save on labor costs.
While we are still on yurt budgets, you should know that living on a yurt is quite affordable once you are done, especially if you utilize natural sources such as solar energy and rainwater. You can expect to spend $100 to $500 per month.
Even though building a yurt on a budget is possible, you will have to invest a lot of time, effort, and dedication into this project. You may also be forced to sacrifice on quality. In the long run, this can affect the durability of your structure. You must ensure your structure is safely built to avoid problems in the future. It should also be compliant with local zoning laws. A well-built yurt can last for up to 15 years. If you buy a kit, the materials should come with a warranty. This is something you need to check.
