Our answers to frequently asked questions
Read below for some quick responses. If your question wasn't answered, please contact us!
No, we use these plans as a “jumping off” point and can fully customize from there.
MCH provides the “structural weather tight shell” of the home including the pre-cut floor and roof systems, exterior wall panels, structural interior walls and supports, deck timbers and joists, windows, central skylight, and tongue and groove interior cedar ceiling (for main round room). Wall panels are assembled with exterior rigid insulation, rain screen, windows, pre-stained siding, and trim. https://www.mandalahomes.com/build-your-home/which-eco-package-is-yours/
Select packages have rigid insulation attached to the exterior side of the wall panels. Your General Contractor will supply all the interior floor, wall, and roof insulation locally.
You will work closely with our sales and design team to arrive at a design and budget that meets your needs. You will hire a General Contractor to manage your project and the site work. MCH does not provide: engineering, permits, foundation, unloading, assembly, interior walls, electrical/plumbing/heating/mechanical, exterior stairs or railings, roofing, interior finishing (except cedar ceiling in main round room).
https://www.mandalahomes.com/build-your-home/what-is-not-included/
In addition to custom home packages, MCH can provide: commercial and public use buildings, garages and carports, and small guest cottages.
Our packages start around $75/ft². The cost is determined by a variety of factors including your preferred series plan, size, and Eco Package. The cost is further influenced by the insulation upgrades, type of windows chosen (vinyl, wood, fiberglass or metal clad), followed by other available options. The finished cost of your home package will vary depending on the building site and the cost of local labor for assembly and finishing. Typically, the Mandala Home Package represents 30-50% of the overall cost to turnkey. Please contact us and speak to a representative for more details. https://www.mandalahomes.com/build-your-home/pricing/
Your General Contractor will be responsible for preparing your site, coordinating your home package assembly, hiring sub-contractors and finishing the interior of your home. Owner/builders may act as their own GC’s if they have adequate prior construction experience.
Our process is organized into four distinct phases. The Research Phase can take anywhere from 1 day to 1 year, up to you. The Design Phase is 2 weeks to 3 months depending on complexity of the design. The Production Phase takes 2 to 4 months provided you have a reservation. Please contact us to acquire a reservation. Finally, there is the Finishing Phase, which will take 3 to 8 months depending on size and complexity. Ask us for a Home Owner Roadmap that explains the process in more detail. https://www.mandalahomes.com/build-your-home/project-timeline/
A crew of three or four typically assembles a 1500-2000 ft² home in 2-3 weeks.
Yes, MCH works closely with Precision Structural Engineering of Klamath Falls, OR. They are licensed to engineer in all of North America and many other countries around the world. You will be responsible for paying the engineering retainer at the start of the Production Phase.
The full set of architectural and engineered drawings are provided as well as a step-by-step Assembly Manual. Your designer is generally available by phone and email from 8 am to 4 pm Pacific Time, Monday through Friday for consultation and support. The designer will send 3D images and drawings as requested.
First, use the proper terminology when talking to lenders. These are custom, site built homes. These are not modular or manufactured homes. Basically, MCH is a high-end supplier of pre-cut, and/or pre-assembled building components. When planning the cash flow for your project, bear in mind that we require a 50% deposit prior to start of production as well as the remaining 50% placed in escrow at that time. MCH does not provide any type of financing.
All home packages are shipped via carrier truck or shipping container from the factory, using preferred MCH carriers. We ship our home packages across North America. The cost of shipping will be included in your Production Contract. Our experienced shippers at our production facility will load your home package. You will need to have a forklift at the site for unloading.
Yes, we can store the home in our warehouse until needed (if space allows), though charges will apply.
Any type of foundation will work because the walls are not curved, they are faceted. This means they are made up of short straight sections that are four feet or longer. For energy efficiency, we recommend the use of Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF), for stem walls and full basement foundations.
Any conventional system will work in a faceted round home. Ultimately this depends on your requirements, budget, and climate. Geothermal, passive solar, heat pumps, wood, gas furnace, electric baseboards, and in-floor radiant heating are options.
A Heat Recovery Ventilation System (HRV) is an indoor/outdoor air exchange system. The performance home functions (Seal It Tight. Ventilate It Right) of a Mandala Custom Home require an HRV. An HRV system keeps your interior air fresh and free of moisture.
Yes, you have a broad range of materials and colors from which to choose for your exterior siding and trim. All the stains we use are environmentally friendly, non-toxic, water-borne finishes.
Our head office is in Nelson, British Columbia. If you would like to visit the MCH production facility and tour one of our Nelson based Show Homes, please call to arrange an appointment. Keep in mind, these are private residences so advance notice is required.
Mandala Custom Homes Inc. (MCH) designs and builds our products to strict standards to insure long lasting value in your home. We provide a Limited Warranty against manufacturing defects for a period of 2 years or until the home package is assembled, whichever comes first. We also provide lifetime technical support for each home package we manufacture. See Limited Warranty document for additional details. Certain conditions apply.