While doing research into airships, I came across the Skyacht
Aircraft company:
http://www.personalblimp.com/
So - has anyone reading these groups ever built or considered building a
homebuilt gas or thermal airship?

As with most homebuilt advertising, look to see it the article has
actually flown.
From the photos on the above website, this one hasn't. What does that
tell you?
The one photo of "tethered" lift is taken at night. Again, one must ask
the question, why?