Go
The Monolithic Dome
 
Site Index
 
Homes
Schools
Sports
Churches
Commercial
Nonprofit
Storages
 
Foam
Airforms & Coatings
Equipment
 
Disaster Resistant
 
Planning & Design
Construction & Training
 
President's Sphere
 
Dome News
 
Bulletin Board
Builder Listings
Insurance
Lenders
 
Workshops
Conference
 
Marketplace

Start of Construction Checklist

by David B. South

Updated May 2008

Before starting the construction of a Monolithic Dome, each of the items in this checklist must be in place.

  • Land Acquisition – if you don't have land, the easiest way to find it is through a real estate agency, land broker, developer, or lending institution operating in the area you wish to live.
  • Feasibility Study – a detailed report including a floor plan with elevations, notes and basic cost estimates. We go back and forth until our design and your desires match.
  • Constructions Drawings – the drawings necessary for contractors to be able to construct the Monolithic Dome and the required subsystems (plumbing, electrical, etc.) As required by the local building authority.
  • Obtain Financing – set an early budget, once you have completed pre-approval and are approved for a loan, begin searching for the best interest rate.
  • Building permits, special fees and licenses, insurance in place – in some areas it is easy and requires no or few inspections. In other areas the construction can require specific inspections and approvals. Soil conditions verified. Lab tests arranged, if required.
  • Property Corners – marked and building location staked.
  • Roads – all weather road needs to be able to handle heavy, concrete trucks, especially to pump location.
  • Sanitary Facilities – there needs to be sanitary facilities on sight for the workers.
  • Site Preparation – site preparation needs to be completed, this includes leveling and/or pad build up. Fill, if needed, should be brought in and packed. Generally, the best form of fill is granular fill (sand or gravel).
  • Adequate Drainage - should be provided, it should be able to handle a major storm.
  • Special Embeds – on site with locations designated, if needed.
  • Water Provided – water is needed to clean tools and mix concrete. If it is not available at the site you must arrange for it to be hauled in by truck or tank fitted with a pump.
  • Power – construction power per Proposal on site and turned on.
  • Refuse Disposal – refuse disposal arrangements should be made.
  • Additional Grading – after the dome is finished, additional grading may be needed for driveways and/or landscaping.

Note: For more information on these items, please review the article, “The Road to a Home -- First Steps Toward Your Own Monolithic Dome Home” on our website.
 


177 Dome Park Place - Italy, TX 76651
Tel (972)483-7423 - Fax (972)483-6662
| Press Room