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Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
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1. How long will these bamboo houses last?
A bamboo house will last as long or longer than any conventional wood framed building. In Japan, bamboo structures have a history of lasting 200 years. In Vietnam, bamboo structures built with untreated bamboo poles of the same species used in our buildings are over 50 years old. These poles are used for telephone and power lines.
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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 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. NEWS: Bamboo houses stand up to 3 hurricanes.
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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 house exterior can also be covered with any siding material used in wood frame construction such as stucco.
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4. Are the houses susceptible to insects or mold?
Bamboo poles, trim and materials are backed by our warranty. Poles are harvested from quality controlled plantations at 3 to 6 years old for maximum strength and hardness. Poles are pressure treated in boric acid for insect treatment, sanded and cut, and treated with Shellguard for mold and insect resistance, including powderpost beetle and termites. Poles are coated with Aegis, an antimicrobial agent, to eliminate mold growth and 2 coats of Son Viet, UV resistant durable finish.
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5. Are bamboo finishes and treatments safe and environmentally friendly?
BT has conducted extensive research over the past decade on the most effective and environmental friendly bamboo treatments and finishes to inhibit mold, fungi, termites, beetles, sun, rain and weathering, so Bamboo Living Homes remain healthy, strong and beautiful for years to come. About health and safety of environmentally friendly bamboo treatments and finishes.
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6. How are the houses sealed from insects and wind?
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 buildings are erected, secondary seals and finish details provide extra protection.
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7. Is there any kind of warranty on the house?
Yes, All bamboo poles, trim, and materials in the houses are backed by our company warranty. Our bamboo homes have the same life span as a wood frame structure that is properly maintained.
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8. Is Structural Bamboo produced by BT in compliance with building codes?
Yes. ICC Evaluation Service Report ESR-1636 (Nov. 2004) states that Structural Bamboo Poles produced by Bamboo Technologies comply with the 2003 International Building Code (IBC), 2003 International Residental Code (IRC) and 1997 Uniform Building Code (UBC).
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9. Can these houses be permitted as dwellings in the USA and other countries?
BT is approved for dwelling structure permits on Maui, Molokai, Lanai, Kauai, Big Island and Oahu. Time required to get permits may vary. Permits in Maui County take the longest, about 2-4 months. Our species of Vietnamese structural bamboo is listed in international building codes, so BT bamboo houses will be permitted as dwellings in the USA and other countries.
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10. Can I get home mortgage and homeowners insurance on these houses?
Yes. Mortgage companies are available to finance these homes. Contact us for more information. You can get homeowners and fire insurance on a building structure that meets local building codes. Check with your insurance agent.
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11. How long is it from the time you order the building to when you receive it?
Once we receive the deposit we begin building the house at the factory. Timeline for construction depends on the number of orders, season of the year and supply of bamboo poles. After the house is built, it is disassembled, put in a container and shipped by boat. Shipping takes about one month. Typically, your house should ship in about 6 months after you place the order.
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12. Do you have actual costs for everything for the owner/builder?
Yes, our Material List describes what options come with each house, what the owner is responsible for, and estimated costs. See links under Bamboo Homes.
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For more information about Bamboo Living Homes, to get started, or to contact us, send us a quick one page Customer Questionaire and we will respond by email within 24 hours.
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