Second dumpling night is pretty quick for a $60 set to fall apart, what actually failed on it? Like did the slats split, did the bamboo ties snap, or did the whole bottom just give out when you lifted it off the pot? I only ask because my first cheap steamer lasted maybe a year of steady use before the bottom started cracking, and that was a $15 one from an Asian grocery. If yours broke at the lashing or the rim, that usually means the bamboo was dried out or green when they built it, and no amount of soaking will save that. Curious if the kiosk guy told you anything about seasoning or oiling it before first use, since a lot of those mall booths skip that part.

Measured twice and still ended up 12 over? That math ain't mathing unless the county counts the roof overhang or something weird like that. Call the planning office and ask exactly how they measure it before you start cutting anything, because if they're counting the eaves you might only be a couple inches off, not 12 sq ft.