The dream of living in a yurt and escaping the hustle and bustle of an urban dwelling is on the minds of many people these days. But for people who are seriously considering this alternative, eco-friendly form of living, there are many questions and options to consider.
One of the most common questions that people run into is whether to build a permanent yurt structure or use a yurt kit. Let’s look at what a yurt kit distributed by Off Grid Dwellings is, what a permanent yurt structure is, the pros and cons of each, to see which one may fit your needs.
What Is a Yurt Kit?
Many people seeking out alternative living have chosen to purchase a yurt kit due to many of the attractive features of this option.
A yurt kit is a disassembled package of nearly everything you will need to set up your yurt. It can be purchased easily online on places such as Off Grid Dwellings.
It is delivered right to your construction location. Instructions that arrive with a yurt kit are straightforward and makes it easy to assemble.
This alternative, sustainable home could be a fairly easy DIY project! It is a very sturdy, secure and reliable housing option.
Nonetheless, these yurt kits are not permanent structures. Similar to yurts that have been built in countries like Malaysia for hundreds of years, these yurts can be taken down and moved if needed.
What Is a Permanent Yurt Structure?
A permanent yurt structure is different from a yurt kit in terms of assembly and customization. When it comes to the construction, these yurts almost act more like houses than they do yurts.
These yurts are often built by construction companies or contractors that specialize in yurts. They are built as a permanent, unmovable structure.
Because they are built from the ground up, they can be customized and changed to specifically fit a person’s needs. These yurts can be multi-leveled, asymmetric or intricately decorated.
Similar to a traditional house, permanent yurt structures most often cannot be moved without taking expensive measures.
Major Differences Between Yurt Kits vs. Permanent Yurt Structures?
There are many similarities between yurt kits and permanent yurt structures—they both are typically round structures that require fewer resources including space than a traditional home.
The major differences between yurt kits and permanent yurt structures include: cost, hiring a contractor, permanence of structure and customization. We will compare these different variables for each option.
Cost
One of the biggest differences between yurt kits and permanent yurt structures is the cost.
Yurt kits are an attractive option to many people because of the affordability of these low-impact, environmentally friendly homes.
Yurt kits can cost as low as $8,537 while permanent yurt structures can cost much, much more depending on the contractors and the level of customization.
Hiring a Contractor
With permanent yurt structures, hiring a professional contractor is more or less required. With yurt kits, hiring a contractor is not required, but is an option for some people.
Some people who desire an affordable yurt home, but are not DIY-inclined may choose to purchase a yurt kit and hire a contractor.
In doing so, they are still saving on costs since it is much less labor-inducing than permanent yurt structures. And they do not have to worry about putting it together themselves.
However, others who choose to purchase a yurt kit are eager and excited to take on the relatively easy task of putting together their yurt. Yurt kits come with easy-to-follow instructions and companies like Off Grid Dwellings provide excellent customer service in case you get hung up or have questions.
On the other hand, some people would prefer to put the entirety of the project in a contractor’s hands. This will come with a higher price tag, but allows for both customization and a hands-off approach.
Permanence vs. Portability
Yurt kits are designed to have the sturdiness and reliability of a home, but can be moved or transported if need be.
Permanent yurt structures typically cannot be moved, because a construction company builds them from the ground up. They are unmovable.
The permanence of a structure is a pro or a con depending on your use for the yurt.
Customization
Yurt kits do have a few customizable features such as the door, windows and exterior covering. Every level of customization does include a slight increase in cost.
Permanent yurt structures are completely customizable down to the doorknobs.
If you desire a home that is designed exactly to your specifications, customization may be an important factor when deciding between a kit or permanent structure.
Pros Of Yurt Kits
Yurt kits are a wonderful option for many people because of the advantages that they provide.
First of all, yurt kits are one of the most affordable, eco-friendly housing options available on the market today. As previously stated, at Off Grid Dwellings, kits can cost as low as $8,537.
If you are looking to re-prioritize where you spend your money or looking to make a smaller environmental impact on the planet, a yurt kit is a very attractive option.
Secondly, yurt kits are fairly straightforward to construct. Some of the smaller yurts can be constructed in as quickly as one to two days.
All you need is a couple of friends and a DIY mentality to put together your sustainable, alternative living dream home! The ease of building also offers another big advantage: time! You can save lots of time by choosing a yurt kit since it only takes a few days to a week to build.
Lastly, yurt kits can move with you if you ever choose to relocate. If you are someone who dreams of living in different areas of the country or even the world, a yurt kit might be an attractive option because they are not permanently stuck in the location you first choose to build it.
Pros Of Permanent Yurt Structures
The pros of permanent yurt structures are very different. First of all, when you choose to build a permanent yurt structure, you will have to hire a contractor or construction company.
This means all the physical labor will be on someone else’s plate. For people who do not like DIY projects or are very busy, this is a great advantage!
Secondly, permanent yurt structures are fully customizable. Some permanent yurt structures are massive, multi-leveled buildings with garages and other adjoining structures.
Some have shingles. Some have large patios. There is no limit to the different additions and customizations that can be added to permanent yurt structures! For people who have very specific desires or expectations, this is a wonderful advantage of permanent yurt structures.
Cons Of Yurt Kit
Yurt kits are not attractive to some people because they are not quite as customizable as a traditional home or a permanent yurt structure.
Although there are some customizable features on yurt kits and you can decorate the interior however you see fit, the basic shape and construction of the yurt kit are fairly streamlined.
Additionally, yurt kits do require a more hands-on approach unless you choose to hire a contractor.
Cons Of Permanent Yurt Structure
Many people do not choose a permanent yurt structure because of the price. Building a custom yurt structure can cost much, much more than a yurt kit.
One of the most exciting benefits of living in a yurt is the affordability, so permanent yurt structures may be a less appealing option in that sense.
Secondly, permanent yurt structures take much more time to construct than yurt kits. Permanent yurt structures can take months and include delays due to weather, etc. For people looking to move in a timely manner, permanent yurt structures are not a great option.
Lastly, permanent yurt structures do not allow you the freedom to move or relocate. Once you build the yurt structure, it is permanently located.
The Bottom Line
Once you decide to make the transition from a traditional home to a yurt, the first question may be – do I choose a yurt kit or a permanent yurt structure?
Some things to consider when choosing between the two include: cost, time, hiring a contractor, customization, permanence or portability. Ultimately, deciding between a kit or a permanent structure depends on your desires, expectations and the lifestyle you choose!
