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Rich's Forum Posts: 6
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Posted to DomeSweetDome by Rich in Charleston, SC on 1/1/2008 2:51:18 PM

I've wanted to build a dome by American Ingenuity for over 6 years now (www.aidomes.com).  The problem is that I am in the Navy and move frequently.  Even this may be premature as I am not even sure yet that I will be moving to the northeast.  But all I can do is plan, hoping for the opportunity.  If I wait until I find out (March) I will probably miss the summer window for getting a house shell up to allow interior work throughout the winter.

That said, however, I do have some land picked out in the wonderful town of Irasburg, VT which has the most amazing mountain scenery you've ever seen.

After talking some with Brian Hoskens (TheHoskensProject) I think we will be going with a 36' diameter dome.  This is the greatest size that you can build by using a radial support method instead of a rib method.  In short, it's easier and simpler and will work better for me as I'm doing this on a weekend basis only.  While this smaller size dome will not minimize the price per square foot, it will, however, minimize the cost of the project as we are financing this on a second home basis.

Financing will be via a Home Equity Line of Credit on another home that we own as I am trying to avoid a construction loan which would require some painful inspections and questions that I'd like to avoid.  Thankfully, Vermont is limited to inspections only on the sewage system as of yet.  Once the dome is built we would wrap up the HELOC into a single mortgage on the dome.

Why a dome?
R-36 insulation for the walls with incredible air-tightness
I can owner-build the entire shell myself with 0 construction experience
Spherical design is incredibly strong for all snow loads
No shingles to replace (I have roofed three houses in last year...)
No gutters or siding
No way for insects to get in
Nothing for termites to eat or for fire to burn on the outside
Nothing to rot or grow mold
Innovative design that is still very, very unique

We are planning on a timeline that will likely run at least 2 years and possibly even more.  My wife's uncle lives a few doors down and he has offered to give me a lot of advice.  Depending on cash flow, I also hope to sub some of the work out to him to help the pace of construction (drywall, trim, etc).

The excel document for the budget is probably too agressive but I'm really trying to do this on a shoestring budget.

Photos

already has some slight modifications to the bathrooms

Brian's Forum Posts: 54 Journal Entries: 50 Interview Answers: 187 Average Forum Rating: 3.70 Send Private Message Image from Brian's blog 1/4/2008	I have a scaffolding crane system per the A.I. manual.  I was planning to use that, but up to now I have been able to set up scaffolding next to the panel's placement, put the panel on the scaffolding, then get up on the scaffolding and lift the panel into place.  Next time we go up we will set up the scaffolding crane (you can see it in one of my pics) and give it another try.  The only reason I went with the 34 footer is they did not offer the 36 when I bought, and the 40's panels are really too heavy for 2 people.  I knew my wife and I were going to do most of the work.  Also, I didn't want to go TOO big at first.  As it is, I have had the property appraiser up and he's bending us over on taxes, so i modified my plans to remove the second floor until later...we'll add it when we need it.  That makes the house smaller and will cost us less tax wise, until we add on.
Rich's Forum Posts: 6 Journal Entries: 1 Interview Answers: 66 Average Forum Rating: 3.67 Send Private Message Image from Rich's blog 1/2/2008	Thanks, Brian.  If you recommend the rib system then I may shift to the 40' dome.  Per AI, the difference between the two shell constructions is about a day.  As it stands now I was going to pay for modified plans to shift the upper level framing around to incorporate a tub and shower as well as create some more floor space.  The 40 Beta 22 already has all of that and would add 582 more sq foot for only a small increase in my construction costs.  On a sidenote, what kind of hoisting mechanism are you gonna start using to get the panels to the third row?
Brian's Forum Posts: 54 Journal Entries: 50 Interview Answers: 187 Average Forum Rating: 3.70 Send Private Message Image from Brian's blog 1/1/2008	Good luck.  Have you got the plans from AI yet?  If so, check all measurements as you go, and recheck for common sense.  Some of the measurements on mine were wrong, but because I re-check everything, it was OK.  If you have any questions, let me know, since I'm just a little ahead of you. You might consider the rib system anyway.  Makes things easier, I am only at the 3rd row and I'm considering putting up the ribs just for the last half of the dome...

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