Concrete dome homes provide big benefits for people who can think outside the box. But is it possible to build a DIY dome home with similar benefits?
After decades of research and development, both concrete domes and geodesic domes are gaining popularity, especially with people who want to live a little differently from their neighbors. And with new developments came more DIY options for building dome homes.
But like any DIY project, building your own dome home comes with positives and negatives.
What DIY Dome Home Options Are Out There?
DIY dome homes have been around for years, but they are becoming more common with homeowners looking for an alternative to expensive and labor-intensive conventional construction. There are several different types of DIY dome home kits available today, as well as some more custom options for the adventurous builder.
Geodesic Domes
The most common DIY dome is the geodesic dome. Dome builders have been using geodesic dome construction since the 1940s. Builders can purchase geodesic dome kits, but these structures can also be built by hand.
Prefabricated Domes
You can find conventional prefabricated concrete panels on many buildings, from single homes to large commercial buildings. It’s also possible to find prefabricated DIY dome homes, where larger formed panels can be assembled on-site with minimal construction knowledge or experience..
Aircrete Domes
Rather than conventional concrete or shotcrete, DIY dome home builders can use aircrete to build inexpensive and eco-friendly homes. This unique technology was originally intended for low-cost housing development in less developed parts of the world, but its use isn’t limited to that original intent.
Inflatable Concrete Domes
The ambitious DIY builder can go all-in with the dome building process with an inflatable airform, implementing the same system used to make enormous dome arenas and shelters. Airform-framed concrete domes are some of the strongest and most durable structures in the world today, but the process is much more complex than many of the other DIY dome home options available today.
Pros of Building a DIY Dome Home
Every homeowner brings their own desires into a DIY project of any scale. But for many DIY dome home builders, it’s often connected to cost and oversight.
Lower Cost
First and foremost, DIY dome homes provide a way to build at a much lower cost than conventional homes. And with many DIY domes designed specifically with less experienced builders in mind, that cost savings often comes in the form of minimal need for hiring labor.
More Autonomy
People interested in off-grid living often look for ways to build their own homes and buildings. Dome homes are perfect options. With little need for contracted crews, DIY builders can create safe, strong, and efficient homes independently.
Ecological Impact
Environmentally concerned homeowners know that conventional homes are far less efficient than many domes. DIY dome homes provide even more eco-friendly benefits because they require less equipment, fewer materials, and less transportation. Building a DIY dome home is an excellent alternative for a more eco-friendly home.
Cons of Building a DIY Dome Home
While building a dome home on your own may sound appealing for many reasons, there are challenges you’ll have to face, as well as some limitations that could limit your options. Your experience, your timeframes, and your floor plans all affect your ability to build on your own.
Limited Size and Layout Options
Although the freedom to build independently of outside crews is appealing to many DIY builders, it does limit the options for the size and layout of a dome home. Most domes are smaller in diameter and height, and building multi-dome structures may not be possible with the kits available today for prefabricated or geodesic domes.
Options for Materials
Likewise, DIY dome home builders may be restricted to a few material choices. Most geodesic domes are wood-framed structures, which eventually rot and leak, no matter how well constructed they are. Working with concrete can also be a labor-intensive process, even with lighter materials like aircrete.
Professional Training
If DIY dome builders want to break away from the limitations of kit homes, they’ll need extensive training to build their dome homes safely. The additional complexity of larger home layouts makes it less possible to be a casual DIY builder in many cases.
Code Requirements and Approvals
Home builders can pass inspections and gain approvals for zoning variances, but it’s much more difficult for the DIY builder than it is for an experienced and highly trained contractor. Dome homes can be hard to get approved for various reasons, and the electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and engineering inspection process can cause major setbacks if a builder isn’t knowledgeable or prepared.
Why People Choose Professional Dome Builders
If the challenges involved with building your own dome home are too much to justify the benefits, then it’s better to find a reputable contractor that can build a dome home for you. When you go with a professional dome builder, you’re ditching much of the time, effort, and risk involved in DIY work—and gaining more flexibility in design.
Experienced Crews
Professional dome home builders bring crews that know how to overcome all the challenges these unique builds bring to the table. From meeting building codes to framing and finishing the buildings, professional teams make it easier to get from start to finish.
Dependable Timelines
DIY projects are notorious for blowing past expected timelines. When it comes to building a full-blown home, whether it’s a dome home or a conventional home, you can almost guarantee DIY builders will end up weeks, or even months, behind schedule.
More Design Versatility
A dome-building company will have dozens of unique layouts for dome homes. And with concrete dome homes like the ones we build, you have virtually unlimited possibilities for your home. Airforms can be customized to almost any size, and they can include multiple domes, various profiles, and unique floor plans.
Better Coordination
Coordinating material needs, building processes, and utility connections is no easy task. Professional dome home builders are familiar with all these steps and have processes in place, making it simpler to get your dome home built.
Experience with Obstacles
Running into zoning, inspection, and construction obstacles can stop a DIY dome home build in its tracks quickly. Experienced builders have already gone through many of those challenges and obstacles, so they know how to navigate through them and keep the project moving smoothly.
Less Personal Risk
If you’re building your own dome home, you could end up injuring yourself or doing major damage to your home before you ever finish construction. With enough training and experience, you could avoid most of these personal risks. But a professional builder takes on the liability of construction mistakes because they’re prepared for the risks.
Professional or DIY Dome Home?
So which should you choose: a professional or DIY dome home build?
If you’re willing to put in the hard work, invest in education and training, and take on the risks and challenges without outside support, DIY dome homes are excellent options. They’ll provide more strength, better energy efficiency, and less expensive buildings compared to conventional homes.
But if you’re short on time and experience, or if you want a more complex custom home, it’s best to hire a dome home builder to get the job done.
KingDome Builders is South Dakota’s most experienced concrete dome builder, and we’re ready to make your dome home dream a reality. Our experienced teams are ready to help you develop the perfect floor plan for a hyper-efficient, safe, secure, and beautiful home that will last centuries.
Come tour our on-site dome home today and get started with your own home!
