How much it costs to build a glamping geodome + FULL TOUR!

Summary

In this episode of Raw Bill, the host explores the intricacies of luxury geodome construction, visiting North Carolina to tour high-end domes and gather insights from builder Alex Allred. With a focus on design, comfort, and the glamping experience, the video delves into themes, amenities, and the cost of building such structures, aiming to inspire viewers to pursue their own unique Airbnb ventures. The host emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and improvement in the field of hosting, showcasing the potential for high revenue and occupancy rates.

Takeaways

• 🏕️ The host is working on a geodome project in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, aiming to create a tiny house village with luxury accommodations.
• 📚 Visiting other geodome facilities in North Carolina was part of the research process to understand the construction and logistics of running such a business.
• 🤝 The host met with builder Alex Allred to tour facilities, discuss foundation, waterproofing, and the overall creation of a luxury geodome experience.
• 🛏️ The bedding and pillows in the geodome were of exceptional quality, which is a key aspect often overlooked by other Airbnb hosts.
• 🏞️ The geodome named 'Vero Mountain' near Asheville, North Carolina, offers a magnificent view, which is a premium feature for guests willing to pay more.
• 🌳 The geodome is located on a 158-acre property with outdoor aesthetics that contribute to the luxurious glamping experience.
• 🏡 Each geodome has its own theme, such as Japanese Villa, and is designed to provide a unique and immersive experience for guests.
• 🛀 The geodome includes high-quality amenities like a Japanese bathtub, suitable for two, and modern bathroom facilities.
• 🔨 Custom designs, such as curtain rods made from conduit, are used to maximize space and maintain the dome's aesthetic.
• 💰 The cost to build a luxury geodome can vary widely, from around $97,000 for the basic structure to over $250,000 for a fully customized experience.
• 📈 The host emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and improvement in the craft of hosting, inspired by the excellence found in other geodome properties.
• 📈 Networking at conferences like Hostcon can lead to valuable partnerships and business opportunities, as evidenced by the host's collaboration with builder Alex Allred.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the geodome project discussed in the script?

The main focus of the geodome project is to create a luxury tiny house village in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, with a focus on high-quality design and construction to provide an exceptional Airbnb experience.

Why did the host visit North Carolina to tour other geodomes?

The host visited North Carolina to tour other luxury geodomes to gain insights, understand what is needed for construction, and to learn about the logistics and design aspects of running such a business.

Who is Alex Allred and what is his role in the project?

Alex Allred is a builder who the host is meeting to tour the facilities, discuss the foundation, waterproofing, and other construction details to create a luxury dome experience.

What is the significance of the host's realization about their design skills?

The host's realization about not being as good as they thought signifies the importance of continuous learning and improvement in their craft, a message they pass on to other Airbnb hosts to never settle and always be students of their trade.

What is the name of the property visited in North Carolina and what makes it special?

The property visited is called Vero Mountain, located outside of Asheville, North Carolina. It is special due to its luxurious glamping experience, including hot tubs, AC, electricity, toilets, and a magnificent view.

How many acres is the property that the host visited?

The property visited, Vero Mountain, spans 158 acres.

What is unique about the construction of the geodome bathrooms?

The geodome bathrooms are unique in that they offer a view from the shower or bath area, and they are designed to be spacious, with some even resembling the size of the host's tiny house bathroom.

What is the significance of the curtains in the geodome and how were they implemented?

The curtains in the geodome are significant because they provide privacy without compromising the dome's open feel. They were implemented using custom-designed and fabricated conduit rods that contour to the shape of the building.

What is the approximate cost to build a luxury geodome including the deck?

The approximate cost to build a luxury geodome, including a deck engineered to support a hot tub, ranges from $97,000 to $175,000, depending on the level of customization and whether interior work is outsourced or done by the owner.

What is the occupancy rate and revenue for the geodome properties mentioned in the script?

The occupancy rate for the geodome properties is around 80%, which translates to approximately 292 nights a year. The revenue generated from two such properties was over $200,000.

What advice does the host give to those interested in building geodomes or similar projects?

The host advises to never stop learning, to be inspired, and to strive to create unique and high-quality experiences for guests, emphasizing the importance of hard work and continuous improvement in their craft.