Turnkey Observatory builders - Forums

Topic starter

Jun 10, 2024 · Edited: Jun 10, 2024

Hello,
I'm looking to build a ROR observatory in South West Utah (think Bryce Canyon area). While the land is procured, I don't have much opening to build it myself at the time. I was hoping that someone might know of companies who would build turnkey observatories. At the moment I've contacted BYO and Stellarvision, and know of the option of just buying plans and having a local contractor build them, but would like to see if there's anyone experienced with ROR's first. I am specifically looking for a ROR as there are four scopes that will end up in this ROR.

Any help appreciated,
Thanks,
Connor

Edit: Turnkey… not Turkey or Turney.

Oscar

Jun 10, 2024

you gonna place a turkey in your observatory?

Oscar

Jun 10, 2024

if not a turkey, then why a turnkey?

aren't turnkeys jailers?

I don't think there is need for one, I would happily stay inside that jail.

Oscar

Jun 10, 2024

wait, you gonna put a lion in there too?

ohhh, I see, you gonna feed the lion inside the observatory with a turkey. nice one.

jstrandberg

Jun 10, 2024

I wound not worry too much about finding a builder with ROR experience. If you purchase a good set of plans, interview a couple of contractors, show them the plans and discuss your expectations, then pick one you are comfortable with.

C.Sand

Topic starter

Jun 10, 2024

wait, you gonna put a lion in there too?

ohhh, I see, you gonna feed the lion inside the observatory with a turkey. nice one.

Oh man this is turning into a zoo...

C.Sand

Topic starter

Jun 10, 2024

I wound not worry too much about finding a builder with ROR experience. If you purchase a good set of plans, interview a couple of contractors, show them the plans and discuss your expectations, then pick one you are comfortable with.

I'm not too worried about interviewing contractors, it's a question of my laziness and hoping for simplicity really. Since I'm not able to be in the area often all the interviews would have to be over the phone from far away and blah blah blah. More whining from me.

Thank you for the resassurance though, I've read about a couple more builds and it seems more people than I thought went with local contractors.

Steve Solon

Jun 11, 2024

Hi Connor,
I had Tuff Shed design one of their Premium sheds so that the roof could be toe-nailed on, with the result being that the roof would be lifted and rails and wheels installed. You'd simply have to hire a local contractor to build the roll-off frame. I did it with the help of a friend, and it wasn't difficult to do. The sheds come in a variety of sizes, My 8x10 was $3,800, specially-designed. Just some thoughts.
- - Steve

Matt Dieterich

Jun 12, 2024

Hello,
I'm looking to build a ROR observatory in South West Utah (think Bryce Canyon area). While the land is procured, I don't have much opening to build it myself at the time. I was hoping that someone might know of companies who would build turnkey observatories. At the moment I've contacted BYO and Stellarvision, and know of the option of just buying plans and having a local contractor build them, but would like to see if there's anyone experienced with ROR's first. I am specifically looking for a ROR as there are four scopes that will end up in this ROR.

Any help appreciated,
Thanks,
Connor

Edit: Turnkey... not Turkey or Turney.

Hi Connor,

Our team builds turn-key observatories for clients. Typically we use Ash Domes, or Astro Haven domes, but we can look into using a ROR structure as we have worked on jobs where those were required. Our website is www.seawestobservatories.com and I would be happy to setup a time to chat and learn about your goals. Our team has over three decades of observatory design-build for clients.

Best regards,

Matt Dieterich

Well Written Respectful Concise

C.Sand

Topic starter

Jun 12, 2024

Hi Connor,
I had Tuff Shed design one of their Premium sheds so that the roof could be toe-nailed on, with the result being that the roof would be lifted and rails and wheels installed. You'd simply have to hire a local contractor to build the roll-off frame. I did it with the help of a friend, and it wasn't difficult to do. The sheds come in a variety of sizes, My 8x10 was $3,800, specially-designed. Just some thoughts.
- - Steve

Does that 3,800 include everything? Design cost and build cost?
Thanks!

Well Written

C.Sand

Topic starter

Jun 12, 2024

Matt Dieterich:
Hi Connor,

Our team builds turn-key observatories for clients. Typically we use Ash Domes, or Astro Haven domes, but we can look into using a ROR structure as we have worked on jobs where those were required. Our website is www.seawestobservatories.com and I would be happy to setup a time to chat and learn about your goals. Our team has over three decades of observatory design-build for clients.

Best regards,

Matt Dieterich

Hey Matt,
I'll definitely be contacting y'all soon. Thanks for the info.

Thanks!
Connor

Steve Solon

Jun 13, 2024

Does that 3,800 include everything? Design cost and build cost?

The $3800 was for the shed alone. The cost for the lumber, wheels, rails, rubber stripping (for water-proofing the gap) etc. came to another ~$500. Everything has served well in the New Mexico climate for 7 years running.
- - Steve

Well Written Concise