Frequently Asked Questions

1.) How long will one of these bamboo houses last?  

A bamboo house will last as long or longer than any conventional wood framed building. Bamboo has a recorded history of lasting 200 years in structures in Japan. In regions of Vietnam, where the bamboo is gathered, there are bamboo structures built with untreated bamboo poles of the same species used in our buildings that are over 50 years old. These same poles are also used for telephone and power lines.

2.) How durable and resistant are the houses to hurricanes and earthquakes?

 Our bamboo homes are designed by licensed architects and engineered by licensed structural engineers. These buildings are custom engineered to meet any local building code requirements for each specific building site. Our designs use the strength of the bamboo and its connections to fulfill all building code requirements in earthquake and hurricane zones. 

 3.) What kind of maintenance is required on the houses? 

Exterior exposed bamboo requires the same maintenance as any natural wood siding. The siding can be painted, stained, or oiled. The exterior of the house can also be covered with any siding material used in wood frame construction such as stucco.

4.) Are the houses susceptible to insects or mold?  

All bamboo poles, trim, and materials in the houses are backed by a manufacture warranty. In Vietnam the poles are harvested from quality controlled plantations at an age of 3 to 6 years old for maximum strength and hardness. The poles are boiled in Boric Acid at the factory for insect treatment. They are then kiln dried to 15% moisture content. The manufacturer is careful to ensure that the poles, house frame and all panels remain dry until the house is erected and roofed. After all the poles are sanded and cut to fit, they are treated with a surface application of Boric Acid and Glycol Shellguard (www.novaguard.com) to further guarantee insect and mold resistance, including powderpost beetle and termites. The poles are then coated with Aegis (www.microbeshield.com) an antimicrobial agent to eliminate mold growth. Then the poles are given 2 coats of Proguard (www.novagaurd.com). Proguard is a waterproof, UV resistant, no VOC, environmentally sensitive finish. Other finishes are available upon request.

5.) How are the houses sealed from insects and wind?  

All houses are completely sealed from insect and wind infiltration. Special attention is given at the factory to seal all joints between panels with rubber seals. After the buildings are erected, secondary seals and finish details are added for extra protection.

6.) Is there any kind of warranty on the house?  

Yes. Please ask for a copy of the manufacturer warranty. The bamboo homes have the same life span as any wood frame structure that is properly maintained.

7.) Can these houses be permitted as dwelling structures in the USA and other countries?  

Currently, on the island of Kauai, Hawaii bamboo home construction is permitted under the County of Kauai Building Division’s policy Section 105, Alternate Materials and Methods of Construction. On the other islands of Hawaii the houses can be permitted as non-dwelling structures. The process of testing our species of Vietnamese bamboo to become an accepted international building material is presenting taking place. When testing is complete the houses will be able to be permitted as dwelling structures in Hawaii, USA and elsewhere.

8.) Can I get a home mortgage on the buildings?  

There are mortgage companies available for structures of this nature. Please contact us for more information.

9.) Can I get home homeowners insurance on these houses?  

Yes. You can get homeowners and fire insurance on any building structure that meets local building codes. Check with your local insurance agent.

10.) How long is it from the time you order the building to when you receive it?  

Once the deposit is received the building of the house begins at the factory in Vietnam. The timeline for construction depends on the number of orders, the season of the year, and the supply of bamboo poles at the factory. After the house is built it is then disassembled and put into a container and shipped by boat to the desired location. Shipping usually takes one month. In general, you can expect to have your house delivered to your location with in 3 months of your order.

11.) Do you have a break down of the actual costs for everything for the owner/builder?  

Yes, there is a detailed Material List for each of the houses. They describe exactly what comes with each house with optional features, as well as what the owner is responsible for with estimated costs.

12.) Where are the buildings made and what is the factory like?  

The buildings are hand-crafted in Vietnam under large open-air pavilions in a community setting. Local craftsmen are employed at the factory. They make an average of 25% more than employees do in neighboring factories. Many of the building components are manufactured in small villages through out Vietnam. By purchasing a bamboo house, you are supporting indigenous culture and traditional skills.
 

  How to purchase and build a Bamboo Home.
 

Showroom:
4-1388 Kuhio Highway #C-109
Kapaa, Hawaii 96746

Phone: (808) 821-8688
Fax: (808) 822-3555

info@bambooworks.com

Copyright © 2001-2009 [Bamboo Works Inc.]. All rights reserved.
Revised: April 04, 2009 .