THE PROCESS & FAQ
THE PROCESS OF BUILDING A BAMBOO HOME
Building a home is an exciting journey, and understanding the process can make it even smoother. As the architect and manufacturer of your bamboo home, we take care of every detail—from design and building permits to site visits, prefab assembly, and shipping. We’re also here to help you choose the perfect contractor to bring your vision to life.
HOW TO BUILD A BAMBOO LIVING HOME FROM START TO FINISH:
STEP 1
TELL US ABOUT YOUR PROJECT:
1. WHERE ARE YOU LOCATED?
2. DO YOU HAVE LAND?
3. WHAT'S YOUR BUDGET?
4. WHICH MODEL INTERESTS YOU?
5. WHAT'S YOUR TIMELINE?
We’ll guide you through the steps to becoming a Bamboo Living homeowner—from design and permitting to construction—while providing estimated costs and timelines tailored to your project.
Once you provide the necessary details, we can follow up with drawings, photos, videos, and a general build cost estimate to help you make informed decisions.
If you’re visiting the Big Island of Hawaii, we’d love to meet you in person at our Pahoa showroom, where you can explore our material samples and meet our team. Please call ahead to schedule your visit, so we can ensure a personalized meeting.
STEP 2
SECURE PROPERTY & ESTABLISH YOUR BUDGET
Finding the right piece of land to build on is an essential part of creating your new dream home. We design our homes to blend and respond to their environment whether it’s on oceanfront property, a sunny hillside, a tropical valley, or high in the mountains.
We can look at a total budget for the project and help review general costs of construction to help you select the right design for your Bamboo home.
STEP 3
CHOOSE A MODEL
Now that you have your land and have established a budget, choose the bamboo home model that best fits your needs. We can help you select the right design for you based on budget, square footage, use, bedrooms, aesthetic, and efficiency.
BROWSE ALL OF OUR HOME MODELS
Aside from the model type, we offer single wall construction (with structural bamboo wall panels that are included in the building kit) or double wall construction (with conventionally framed walls that are NOT included in the building kit) as options. Your choice between these two options will depend on the location of your site.
TO LEARN MORE, SEE OUR BUILDING KIT DETAILS.
STEP 4
ARRANGE A SITE VISIT WITH ONE OF OUR ARCHITECTS
You have an idea of what you want to create, and scheduling a site visit with one of our architects will help you unlock the full potential of your home and property.
We’ll work with you regarding your land and local requirements so you’ll be in good hands when we secure your building permits.
STEP 5
SIGN YOUR BAMBOO LIVING CONTRACTS AND PLACE YOUR DEPOSIT
With your deposit in place, we schedule the production of your bamboo home package at our factory in Vietnam and begin design and construction drawings. During the design process, you have the ability to collaborate with our architects and designers to create a home that fits your lifestyle and personal design taste. Once we have your approval on the preliminary design drawings, the final plans are drawn up and submitted for building permit if required. If your land is in the State of Hawai'i we’ll file your permits with the county office.
For those outside of Hawai'i, we will work with a local architect or project manager to secure building permits.
STEP 6
HIRE YOUR PROJECT MANAGER OR GENERAL CONTRACTOR
We have a list of recommended project managers and general contractors to be your builder in this process. For those located outside of Hawai'i, experienced assembly technicians will act as a consultant to guide an efficient assembly process with your local builder. The typical assembly time on-site is between 1-7 days for our standard models.
Since Bamboo Living homes have been designed to integrate with traditional construction, an experienced builder will be able to complete the rest of your home after the prefabricated kit is assembled.
STEP 7
CHOOSE YOUR FINISHES, MATERIALS, & APPLIANCES WITH YOUR BUILDER
In addition to what’s included with your bamboo home package, you’ll need to select your foundation type, flooring, roofing, windows, doors, counters, cabinets, fixtures, and appliances. This is the time to work with your builder to decide what finishes and materials you’ll need to complete your home. As designers, we can offer guidance during this selection process.
STEP 8
START YOUR SITE WORK
Now is the time for the builder to prepare your site and build the foundation for your new home. Our single wall construction models require the foundation to be completed for bamboo assembly to begin. Our double wall construction models require the foundation and perimeter load-bearing walls to be completed for bamboo assembly to begin.
It’s important for you to determine the accessibility of either a 20’ or 40’ container to your site. In the case where access is an issue, smaller trucks can haul panels to the site.
STEP 9
YOUR HOME SHIPS!
We’ve been busy building your home at our factory, and it’s now on the way to you! Our experienced and skilled bamboo artisans have handpicked poles, carved complex joints, integrated custom steel hardware, and assembled your entire home package in a matter of months.
After sending you the final photos of your expertly crafted bamboo structure, our team packs all of the parts and panels into shipping containers for departure.
Shipping to Hawai'i typically takes about 5 weeks. If shipping elsewhere, we will provide you an estimated arrival from the shipping company.
STEP 10
ASSEMBLE YOUR BAMBOO LIVING BUILDING KIT
Each component of your home has been labeled and fits together like a large, well-crafted piece of furniture. Because your home has been pre-built and disassembled, you can be sure that all the pieces join up just right.
When the assembly is complete, one of our architects will come and check to see that your bamboo kit has been assembled correctly.
Assembly is very quick, between 1-7 days for most building types.
STEP 11
FINISH THE HOUSE
You’ve just assembled your Bamboo Living building kit and now it’s time to finish your dream home. This is the time to install your roofing and complete the interior of your home.
As your architect, we are always available to support your builder during the construction process by providing clarifications and information.
STEP 12
MOVE IN & ENJOY!
It’s been an incredible journey and you are now the proud owner of a beautiful Bamboo Living home! As we’ve learned from our customers, owning a bamboo home is a rewarding experience and it’s likely you’ll receive some well-deserved attention from friends and neighbors.
Your new home is a unique work of art, and people will notice! Now it’s time to relax and share the beauty of your home with those you love. ENJOY!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
COSTS
WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THE COST OF THE KIT?
SIGNATURE BAMBOO LIVING BUILDING PACKAGE
Bamboo Living provides structural bamboo walls, the structural bamboo roof, interior ceiling and exposed bamboo rafters, exterior natural split bamboo siding, roof eaves, porch roof, porch railings, and, if applicable, dormers, and loft railings.
Signature building packages may cost a bit more upfront, but their overall construction tends to cost less than Hybrid buildings, as they require fewer on-site labor hours and materials.
HYBRID BAMBOO LIVING BUILDING PACKAGE
The Hybrid Bamboo Living Building Package includes the same elements as the Signature kits, with the exception of the bamboo structural walls which are not included. Hybrid kits have structural walls framed on-site by local builders using locally sourced lumber.
Hybrid building packages may cost less upfront, but their overall construction tends to cost more than Signature buildings, as they require more on-site labor and materials.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO CONSTRUCT ONE OF YOUR HOMES?
Once you provide all the necessary details—such as project location, budget, model, and timeline—we can generate a general build cost estimate for your Bamboo Living Building Package. Finish costs will depend on the model, site conditions, design choices, and personal preferences. When your final building plans are ready, we can help you find builders to bid on your project, giving you a clearer picture of the finished cost.
We competitively price our kits to ensure they can be completed at a cost comparable to premium conventional construction, while delivering unmatched quality, craftsmanship, and environmental benefits. However, builder prices can vary widely, so it's advisable to obtain bids from multiple contractors. It’s also essential to have a budget appropriate for your region.
In Hawaii, for example, total project costs—from raw land to finished home—often range from 4 to 5 times the cost of the kit. These costs can vary significantly based on location, complexity, finish options, and the availability of local builders.
CERTIFICATIONS & PERMITTING
DO BAMBOO LIVING HOMES COMPLY WITH INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODES?
Yes. Bamboo Living homes and structural bamboo poles comply with the current International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC) as stated in the ICC-ES Report ESR-1636.
CAN YOUR HOMES BE PERMITTED IN THE U.S. AND INTERNATIONALLY?
Yes. Bamboo Living homes can be built anywhere in the US or internationally, but regions outside Hawaii may need a local architect, engineer, or planner to assist with permitting. Building codes are typically implemented and enforced by each local jurisdiction, so the process for permitting in your region may vary.
Bamboo Living Homes are approved for permits in the U.S. and other countries that require International Code Council – Evaluation Services (ICC-ES) certification. They can also be designed to meet Dade County, Florida’s hurricane standards, some of the strictest in the world.
HOW DO I GET PLANS TO SUBMIT FOR PERMITTING?
Bamboo Living offers comprehensive architecture services for your project, including a complete set of permit-ready architectural drawings with your Bamboo Living Building Kit. This permit set is prepared for submission by the homeowner or a permit expediter. We charge a set fee for standard permit sets, with additional fees for customization, site visits, and any special requirements from the building department.
ARE THERE ANY ADDITIONAL BUILDING REQUIREMENTS I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT?
We provide a comprehensive review of all applicable local building and zoning code requirements for your property as part of our architectural services.
CAN I GET A MORTGAGE AND HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE ON A BAMBOO LIVING HOME?
Yes. Just like any other home, our customers are eligible for homeowners and fire insurance. Banks can finance your construction project with a construction loan, which automatically converts to a mortgage once the project is complete.
ARE BAMBOO LIVING BUILDINGS LEED ELIGIBLE?
Yes, the materials in our kits qualify for LEED certification. In fact, choosing Bamboo Living can earn you extra points, making it easier to achieve gold or platinum certification. Each project must apply for LEED certification, so we recommend coordinating the design and production of your home from the earliest stages to ensure it is built with the highest quality LEED-approved materials.
SHIPPING
WHERE DO YOU SHIP?
Bamboo Living buildings are panelized and loaded into shipping containers for delivery to any container port worldwide.
Cabinets, doors, furniture, and materials can also be shipped globally, with minimum order quantities where applicable.
HOW MUCH DOES SHIPPING COST?
Shipping costs vary, but usually run around 10-15% of the Bamboo Living Building Package. This cost is calculated by location, value, and volume of the shipment.
Cabinets, doors, furniture and other merchandise can be shipped worldwide. Costs will be calculated at the time of purchase and may be bundled with Building Package shipments.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO RECEIVE MY BUILDING?
The process from design and permitting to production and shipping generally takes about 12 months, depending on how long the permitting takes in your region. Hawaii projects may take 14-18 months given the longer permit processing times.
Bamboo Living Building Package will ship within 3 to 6 months after you place the order. Once Bamboo Living receives the deposit, we begin building the house at our production facility. After the Bamboo Living Building Package is built, it is disassembled, put in a container, and shipped. Shipping generally takes 4-6 weeks for most locations.
ASSEMBLY & STRUCTURE
DOES YOUR COMPANY PROVIDE A BUILDER TO ASSEMBLE AND FINISH THE BAMBOO LIVING BUILDING PACKAGE?
Bamboo Living can provide you with a list of project managers and general contractors who are familiar with building our bamboo homes.
WHAT IS THE SEQUENCE OF HOME CONSTRUCTION?
The sequence is: site work, foundation, kit assembly, roofing, window and door installation, plumbing, electric, cabinets, finished floors. All aspects of the project are designed by Bamboo Living. All onsite construction is completed by the builder of your choice. The Bamboo Living kit assembly for a 1000 sq ft home normally takes 1-7 days. The full construction sequence generally takes 3-6 months.
ARE YOUR HOMES WIRED AND PLUMBED?
Bamboo Living Homes are ready to be wired and plumbed by licensed electricians and plumbers.
ARE YOUR BUILDINGS A FEASIBLE OPTION FOR COLD WEATHER?
Yes, they are. Bamboo Living can produce single-wall Signature models (common in tropical regions) or double-wall Hybrid models, which are recommended for regions with more severe climates.
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR SIGNATURE VS. HYBRID MODELS
DO THE HOMES COME WITH INSULATION? WHAT IS THE R-VALUE?
Bamboo Living Homes are insulation-ready. Our Hybrid models are designed to allow the walls to have an R-Value that meets the code requirements for your region.
ARE YOUR WALL SYSTEMS SIPS (STRUCTURAL INSULATED PANELS)?
We currently produce two types of models, Signature single-wall models, for milder warm climates, and conventionally framed Hybrid models that are designed for site-built insulated walls for more severe climates.
HOW IS THE ROOF CONSTRUCTED?
Bamboo Living Home roofs incorporate trusses and multiple roof panels. Each roof panel has a bamboo frame, interior finished surface, and exterior-grade plywood.
WHICH TYPE OF ROOFING DO YOU OFFER?
Bamboo Living Homes, once assembled, are ready for a roofing crew to install any type of roofing. The roofing materials and labor must be purchased and installed locally.
QUALITY
HOW LONG DO YOUR BAMBOO BUILDINGS LAST?
A Bamboo Living Home has a lifespan as long as or longer than any conventional wood-framed building if it is properly installed and maintained. In Japan, bamboo structures have a history of lasting 200 years.
IS THERE ANY KIND OF WARRANTY ON THE BAMBOO LIVING BUILDING PACKAGE?
Yes, all Bamboo Living kits are backed by our 10-year structural warranty if it is assembled by a certified assembler recommended by Bamboo Living.
HOW DURABLE AND RESISTANT ARE THE BUILDINGS TO HURRICANES AND EARTHQUAKES?
Bamboo Living Homes are designed by licensed architects and engineered by licensed structural engineers to meet local building code requirements for each specific building site. Our designs use the inherent strength of the bamboo and its connections to fulfill building code requirements even in earthquake and hurricane zones. In fact, our homes in the Cook Islands withstood 173 mph winds. They also can be designed to meet Dade County, Florida’s hurricane standards, some of the strictest in the world.
WHAT KIND OF MAINTENANCE IS REQUIRED FOR THE BUILDINGS?
The maintenance will be comparable to a conventional structure. On the home models that use split bamboo exterior siding, the same maintenance as any natural wood siding is required. The siding can also be painted or an alternate siding such as stucco or lap siding can be site installed. The house exterior can also be covered with any siding material used in wood frame construction such as board and batten or stucco.
ARE BAMBOO FINISHES AND TREATMENTS SAFE AND ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY?
Bamboo Living has conducted extensive research over the past decade on the most effective and environmentally 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.
ARE THE HOMES SUSCEPTIBLE TO INSECTS OR MOLD?
Bamboo Living Homes are designed to be completely sealed from insect and moisture infiltration. After buildings are erected, bituminous flashing is installed between panels and this flashing is covered with trim and caulked. Bamboo Living Building Kits are backed by our warranty.
DO TERMITES EAT YOUR BAMBOO BUILDINGS?
No. The species of bamboo we use in our Bamboo Living Homes is naturally resistant to termites. Additionally, as part of our building code standard, all our bamboo is pressure treated with borate just the same as wood used for construction. Tests have shown that even if our bamboo is the only food source available, 100% of termites perish.
MISCELLANEOUS
WHAT ELSE DO YOU OFFER?
Bamboo Living also offers a range of bamboo furniture, custom cabinets, gazebos, garages, carports, sheds, and gates!
WHERE CAN WE GET BAMBOO FOR OUR BUILDING PROJECT?
Bamboo Living is the first and only source for International Code Council (ICC) approved construction-grade bamboo. We specialize in designing and producing pre-fabricated bamboo home packages. Bamboo Living’s production facilities are located in south and central Vietnam.
WHAT IS THE CARBON FOOTPRINT FOR THE BAMBOO LIVING BUILDING PACKAGE INCLUDING SHIPPING?
We have done some preliminary carbon footprint calculations and have found that the shipping is a minor factor in the equations compared to conventional construction. A study done at Eindhoven University in the Netherlands showed that bamboo even with shipping between hemispheres was by far the most environmental choice, compared to sustainably grown wood, steel, or concrete.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
Feel free to contact us and we’ll be happy to help! Our office/showroom is open Monday-Friday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM HST, and we can be reached during those hours at 808-359-3359.
