“And a single small cottage, a nest like a dove’s,
The one only dwelling on earth that she loves.“
–William Wordsworth
Please feel free to call us at any time with your own questions!
Toll free: 1–866-352‑5503
What does Mandala Homes provide? Mandala provides the “structural weather tight shell” of the home including the floor and roof systems, exterior walls, windows and hardware, interior cedar siding, central skylight, and door packages. Cedar siding, pre-stained and installed is our standard option (and included in our price), other types of siding are installed onsite. Shingles, insulation and interior trim can be provided. We also provide full house packages, garages and carports upon request.
What is the difference between a Pre-Designed Mandala home and a Custom Designed Mandala home? Both options provide you with a beautiful and unique Mandala home. Purchasing a Pre-Designed Mandala allows you to choose from a range of already-complete home designs, picking the home that meets your needs and minimally customizing it for your site and your living needs. A Custom Design allows you to work closely with the Mandala Design Team to co-create the home of your dreams from scratch.
Do you have energy efficient upgrades? Our “Beyond Code” options using our Komfort Wall system and unique air barrier system will provide you with a super energy efficient home that will require up to 60% less energy to heat and cool your home.
What is the cost of a Mandala home? Cost is determined by a variety of factors. When considering a Pre-Designed Mandala home they range from $65 to $100/square foot depending on the style you choose. The cost is further influenced by the insulation upgrades, type of windows chosen (vinyl, wood, fiberglass or metal clad), followed by other available options. Finished cost of your Pre-Designed Mandala Home is also affected by the building site and the cost of local labour for set-up and finishing. Please contact Mandala (info@mandalahomes.com 866.352.5503) for a free estimate for the cost of your chosen Pre-Designed Mandala Plan and Home Package.
Cost of a Custom Designed home is affected by the same factors as the Pre-Designed Home, with the added variables of complexity of your design, square footage, size, number and quality of windows, other options chosen, quality of finishing materials (such as flooring and fixtures) and your building site. We can give you an initial estimate based on a brief conversation about your unique interests and needs in a home.
Who sets up my Mandala Home once it arrives? We suggest that you engage the services of aGeneral Contractor (GC) who will be responsible for preparing your site, coordinating your Mandala home set-up, hiring sub contractors and finishing the interior of your home. Owner/builders may act as their own GC’s in most jurisdictions.
To insure a smooth and efficient setup Mandala Homes can refer a Set-up Coordinator to work in collaboration with you or your GC. In some situations, Mandala Homes can provide a Set-up Crew as well.
How many months in advance should I order my Mandala Home? Typically 2 to 4 months is required for Pre-Designed home kits, while Custom homes may take up to 6 months or more, depending on the size and the complexity of design. Please contact Mandala Homes (info@mandalahomes.com, 866–352-5503.) for specific information about a shop reservation to reserve your home construction.
How long will it take to set up our Mandala Home? A studio can be put up on a long weekend, where a larger more complex design can take weeks to get to a weather tight state.
Factors that can affect the length of a Mandala setup:
- Site preparation
- Service installation – water, hydro, septic, etc.
- Size and complexity of your building
- Crew experience, expertise and size
- Specifics of each site: location, grade, soil content, accessibility, weather, etc.
- Efficient coordination of all factors by your General Contractor
How is a Mandala Home shipped? All Mandala Homes are shipped via carrier truck, rail or shipping container from the factory. We will work with you to arrange the shipping of your home from the factory to your building site using preferred Mandala Home carriers or a carrier of your choice. The cost of shipping is your responsibility but your Mandala Home but will be loaded by our experienced shippers at our production facility. We recommend that you have a fork lift at the site for unloading.
What kind of foundation is best for a round home? Because our homes are faceted we recommend the use of Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF), for stem walls and full basement foundations. Post and pier and slab-on-grade can be used as well. Visit http://mandalahomes.com/construction/options-details for more information.
What is the best heating and cooling system for our circular home? This depends upon your requirements, budget and climate. Anything from geothermal, passive solar, heat pumps, wood, gas furnace, electric baseboards or in-floor radiant heating can be used. Mandala Homes suggests a Heat Recovery Ventilation System for your home to keep your interior air fresh and free of moisture.
Do I have a choice of colors and stains? Yes, you have a broad range of colors to choose from for your exterior siding and trim. All stains are environmentally friendly, non-toxic, water-borne finishes.
Are Mandala Homes truly round? Mandala Homes are made round using multifaceted flat wall panels. Most walls are four feet wide, with larger Mandala Kits featuring six foot wide wall panels. Wing walls may be even wider.
Is it difficult to place square furniture in a round house? The 4-foot, 6-foot and up to 10-foot wall panels in the wings allow plenty of room to place beds, dressers, couches, bookshelves, cabinets or other furniture against the walls. Mandala’s clients have found that the open layout of a Mandala home promotes creativity when it comes time to move in.
Where can I see a Mandala Home? Mandala homes can be found across North America. Please contact us for the one nearest to you. Our Head Office is located in Nelson, British Columbia.If you would like to visit the Mandala Homes factory and tour our Nelson based Show Home, please call to arrange an appointment. Our toll free line is 1–866-352‑5503.