What's it really cost?

[tyguy04]

So the advertisements like to tout that a dome costs about the same as a conventional home to build. Since everyone has a different opinion of how much a 'normal' house costs, I figured I'd just ask. I realize this is an uncomfortable question for some, but it will help me and others make informed decisions. So here it is: how much did it cost to build your dome in the end?
Please include size and what that got you (interior fully done and painted, did you have to do it yourself, did you have to install solar panels, hook it up to city water and electric, etc.). If you want to compare the value of similar results on a conventional home in your area, feel free. Thanks

[Necoras]

The problem with your question is that a 1500 square foot single dome will cost drastically less than a 5000 square foot multi-dome, multi-story house with gold plated finishings.

My suggestion is you try out the estimator that Monolithic provides here: (http://www.monolithic.com/stories/residential-evaluator). It should at least give you a ballpark figure to work with.

To anyone who has built a dome house, how close was the end cost to the estimate that form cranks out?

[Mcfish]

Part of the issue is that few builders know how to do this. the materials cost of a dome is much less than a similar sf stick built house. If you had the skill/time to be your own general, and hire the subs directly, the costs would be quite low. But there is a risk; many things could go wrong. The experienced builders who have done these are not building a lot of them, and are well paid for their experience. Like any commodity, once the suppliers get to the point where there is a lot of competition, prices will fall a lot. Many people have seen this and taken the bit, attended the seminars and built there own dome. Individual subs know how to do their parts; there are only a few tricky areas. You can many videos on web/you tube..Good luck either way you choose to go.

[JDsDomes]

The best thing to do is this:

Have a contractor give you a FREE ESTIMATE for the home (size, levels, finishes, etc) you want built. Then contact a Monolithic Dome Builder and tell them basically the square footage you are looking for, the number of levels you want in your home, and same typical information as stick home.

Most dome builders will quote just the SHELL due to the fact that everyone has a friend, cousin or something that does "construction" and most clients want to hire them cause they are cheaper. Maybe the could offer some "consulting" for a small flat fee or price out a full "turn-key" dome..??

The experience I've had so far is that finishing the interior of a home is a little more than the cost of the shell. The cost could be anywhere from 110% - 200% depending on interior styles and finishes. (tile vs carpet, granite vs Formica, oak vs pressed wood)

Hope this helps.

If you need some numbers (without going overboard on my time);

http://www.jdsdomes.com

joe downer