FAQs

Q:  How big of a hogan can a person build using our brackets?

A:  The largest built so far is 40' in diameter (Chinle, Arizona) shown in the pictures. However, if there is no snow load at your location a person could build one with a larger diameter.  It could be built with truss joist rafters, although it hasn't been designed yet.  In any case, the building needs walls to support the beams at ceiling level between the corners.  The areas would be 1236 s.f. for a 40' diameter and 1931 s.f. for a 50' diameter.

Q:  Hello, I've been looking at your bracket kits and was wondering if you plan on (or have available) brackets for wall timbers larger than 4"x4"?  I would like a beefier wall both from the standpoint of insulation, and point load at rafter ends.  Ideally I would like a 6"x6" or 8"x8" timber for the walls since I would likely go with the 30ft diameter hogan design.  Let me know.  Very interesting product and concept.

A:  Hi, thanks for the inquiry.  About the corner posts, when we first started doing this, I thought about going up to 6x6's for larger structures, but never went there because I never felt the need to do so.  For example, one family in Shiprock built a 30' diameter two-story frame with the brackets and made 2x6 tilt-up walls and put them in place around the perimeter, addressing both the insulation and support issues.  I agree that support must be provided between the corners, and except for gazebos, that's what we tell people.  By the way, the 4x4 posts will support about 4000 lbs each, add that to the stud walls and even 2x4 walls do the job structurally, once all those rafters are in place tying everything together, and the walls are braced, it is very rigid.   That said, we understand that everybody is different and wanting things differently is human nature.  However, we are not in a position to make special orders at this time so regret that we are unable to make brackets for larger posts.  4x6 posts could be used but would require making longitudinal cuts in the ends that slide into the brackets.

Q:  How many brackets are there?

A:  There are 17 in total.

Q:  What do I get for the price of $1700+?

A:  You get the 17 brackets plus the hardware (lag bolts, bolts, and nuts) to attach the brackets to the 4x4s and 2x lumber that you provide, and assembly instructions.

Q:  How do I make my dream of having a hogan a reality?

A:  Work at it every day if you can and for sure every week.  First you have to have land to put it on.  Figure out if you can put it on your land.  If you must work with a building department talk to them to find out what you must do to work effectively with them.  If you can build it on your land, great!  If not, get the land to build it on.  Then decide on the diameter you want to build, taking into account your needs and available resources.  Come up with a design and draw it up.  Personally I recommend hiring an experienced builder that you trust to at least give you advice and maybe build it for you, depending upon you and your trusted helper's experience. Then do a materials take-off, figure out what materials you will need to build it, and how many.  Or if you can afford to hire a builder, you can hire them to do this.  Then find out what the cost of the materials (and labor if applicable) will be.  Get a total cost.  If you can pay that cost, get the plans approved if necessary or proceed to build.  If you can't afford your design, make changes to make it more affordable.  Keep working at these steps until you find a plan that works for you.  You may have to save or find a source for money to make it happen.  When you do, build it, with help from others as needed.  Plan your work then work your plan.  Stick with it until you succeed!