Does anyone know anything about Yurts?

Question

any personal experiences with them, either building them or living in them (part time or full time)? do all the extra costs of putting in plumbing and electrical, not to mention any hassles with local building codes and restrictions, make it not worth it?

how about safety (not just from the elements, but from burglars and intruders)?

I am extremely interested in buying some land and putting a yurt on it as a permanent home, so I thought I'd see if anyone could offer any sage-like advice on the matter...

any and all information is greatly appreciated.

thanks in advance

Answer 1

They're pretty much tents,  and I stayed in one on vacation and they're pretty nice and more energy efficient than a lot of mobile homes but  this should be useful :

http://www.yurtinfo.org/yurtinfo.php

Answer 2

we have used yurts for about 5 years at our bed and breakfast inn and love them. The yurtinfo.org site and yurtinformation.com web sites can anser many questions. Also suggest you purchase Becky Kemery's Yurt book.

Problem with yurts is that you cannot finance them through a bank/lender, have to pay cash or use credut card. Hard to insure. Sometimes building codes can be difficult but many are considered temporary structures by codes and allowed in some areas. Easy to heat with a wood stove, tougher to cool in hot weather so place it in the shade.

Try staying in one. Check out yurtlodging.com for places that rent yurts for vacation usage.