Yurts are known for being eco-friendly and quick to build, but how long does it take to set up a yurt?
Depending on the size of yurt you want to build, and whether you buy a kit or work off plans, will determine just how long it takes to build your yurt.
If you are familiar with building regulations and have experience with concrete construction, then putting the foundation in and building a platform on which the yurt will stand, should not take more than a week at most.
The platform on which you plan to build needs to be flat. So, if the ground slopes, you will have to ensure that the foundations take that into account.
Clearing the site you plan to build on can also take a bit of time, especially if you are building in a rural area or on ground that is overgrown or has large boulders.
Here are some of the things you should consider when planning to build a yurt:
Location
Planning permission and provision of services can be a big hurdle when planning any building. But when it comes to yurts, you could be in for a long process as not all states consider yurts as suitable permanent housing.
Most people who want to build yurts locate them in rural or wilderness areas. This can be a problem if access to the building site only allows smaller vehicles, as bringing in the yurt kit and other materials needed can be a challenge.
Overgrown building sites take time to clear and can take longer to prepare than you expect.
Weather
Although the time it takes to erect a yurt can be short, bad weather can hold up construction. Starting your project in summer ensures that you have enough time to finish the basic structure before rain and snow arrive and slow down the building process.
High winds will also make construction difficult as the fabric used in construction becomes unmanageable when the wind picks up.
The Size of Your Yurt
Yurts come in a variety of sizes, from 20 feet up to 40 feet in diameter. Once you have the platform ready, it can take as little as 2 days to erect the smallest yurt and up to a week for a larger 40-foot yurt.
However, once the structure is in place, fitting out the interior can take many weeks depending on how luxurious you wish to make your new home.
That being said, a couple can build an average-sized yurt with very little additional help within a couple of weeks.
Larger yurts will require more help and if you have a group of people willing to assist, it makes the build a lot easier.
Once you exceed 30 feet in diameter, pulling the fabric over your yurt will require lifting machinery and scaffolding.
The Platform
The round platform on which your yurt will stand can be as simple as gravel or bark on the ground to a complicated concrete foundation.
If the yurt is only being used as a temporary structure, then it can be placed on the ground. But for permanent structures, a proper foundation and wooden platform are necessary.
Unless you have experience building concrete foundations, it is recommended that you engage a contractor familiar with the local building regulations. You will save yourself a huge amount of time as contractors have the tools and machinery to prepare a site and build your foundation and platform.
The carpentry skills necessary to construct a deck can be learned, but if you want the job done quickly then a specialist will be able to complete the project in the shortest time.
The platform ensures that your yurt is safe from groundwater runoff as well as preventing animals and insects from entering your home.
Should You Buy a Yurt Kit?
While it is quite possible to build a yurt from scratch, a quicker method is to purchase a kit from a reputable manufacturer.
Yurts of America have been manufacturing yurts for many years and have earned a reputation for high-quality products. Their furniture-grade wooden components are long-lasting and structurally sound with innovative designs and exceptional after-sales service.
Yurts kits can cost between $20,000 and $30,000 with everything that you need included in the package. The only thing not included, is the platform, as every site is different. They do, however, provide detailed plans of what is required and are available to offer support and advice throughout the build process.
Added Extras
Depending on where you plan to build, you may require additional structural components for your yurt.
If you are planning to build in high snowfall areas, a stronger roof structure is necessary. You can purchase additional roof canvas as well as rafter supports.
Check to see that the kit you buy includes everything you need, as the contents of cheaper kits sometimes exclude items that are standard in other higher-quality manufacturer’s products.
Or you may want to add in extra ventilation or a woodstove. These additional items require fittings that allow you to cut holes in your yurt and attach fixtures that maintain the integrity of the wall or roof while at the same time providing extra heat and airflow.
Each of these items adds time and money to your build.
Once all the planning is done and the kit has arrived, the actual process of constructing the yurt is quite quick and can be accomplished in a weekend if it’s a small structure.
For larger yurts, hiring machinery to lift the heavier fabric must be done in advance, otherwise, you face delays if the equipment is not available.
Don’t forget to factor in how long it will take for utilities to be installed. In more remote areas, power, water, and sewerage need to be ordered well in advance and the necessary permission can take time too.
In Conclusion
Yurts can be cheaper than other eco-friendly construction methods and the time it takes to build is shorter than most. A comfortable, long-lasting home can be yours in as little as a weekend if you plan carefully and if you change your mind and want a different view, then you have the option of quickly dismantling it and moving somewhere else.
