Terra-Dome Earth Shelter Build

[carpolisher]

We purchased a 15 mil vapor barrier locally. We also get our windows in. We filled in the conduit notches in the footings to help us when laying the vapor barrier. We cleaned the leaky cold joints on the roof and applied a mesh material with more water proofing material. We don't need any roof leaks filling the plastic vapor barrier.
I need some help on pricing a quote to handle the concrete pour and finish. The guy said he would do it for 0.50 a square foot. Basically 28x28=784x4.5=3528x0.5=$174 this is to pour and finish 50 yards of concrete for our slabs in 4 and a half modules. He provides the tools and labor. He wanted to put stakes to help level but I want him to use a laser. I got the feeling this may be a problem for him. Any suggestions?

Our concrete contractor used a laser. The tops of the vent boots made good reference points. Finished cost was around $5,500 for 2300 sf @ $100/yd. Turned out nice. FYI... We applied some granulated bentonite covered with a strip of poly as an alternative to Paraseal on the cold joints then pvc drain pipe. Filled in the valleys and installed a 20 mil dura-scrim liner, insulation board and final grade. 3 days of heavy rain washed out some of the retaining wall backfill but inside was dry.

 

[SamWalton]

Depends on what you mean by using a laser...

When I worked in the concrete construction business we used a laser level/transit to set stakes...then a pipe was placed on top of the stakes...this was for out in the middle of a slab...then the screed was pulled over the pipes and the pipes were moved as the concrete was floated off...do you want him to use a laser screed? You need a good company to do this work for you...there will be lots of finishing and will all the penetrations through the floor he will need plenty of help on pour day...are you planning on a trowled finish? What are you plans for floor finish...carpet...hardwood...laminate...stained concrete?

Good luck Sam.

I was worried about the stakes hitting and damaging one of the multitudes of conduits and pipes in our floors. Also the stakes would leave holes in our vapor barrier. We want a smooth finish that will be stained later. Do I have any choices to prevent stakes from being hammered into our under slab utilities.

 

[SamWalton]

Our concrete contractor used a laser. The tops of the vent boots made good reference points. Finished cost was around $5,500 for 2300 sf @ $100/yd. Turned out nice. FYI... We applied some granulated bentonite covered with a strip of poly as an alternative to Paraseal on the cold joints then pvc drain pipe. Filled in the valleys and installed a 20 mil dura-scrim liner, insulation board and final grade. 3 days of heavy rain washed out some of the retaining wall backfill but inside was dry.

It sounds like your build worked out fine could you share a few photos. We will use some bentinite in role form.

 

[carpolisher]

Here are some pics of our build.

 

[sajurcaju]

Nice work. Your tenth picture shows ~6" PVC piping outside of the module walls. What is running through those?

Steve
Maine

 

[carpolisher]

Thanks.... The tubes loop around the backside of the house and are for fresh air ventilation.

Bob

 

[SamWalton]

Thanks.... The tubes loop around the backside of the house and are for fresh air ventilation.

Bob

Bob,
Thanks for sharing. Great photos and great work.

 

[SamWalton]

We have begun to install our Stego 15 mil vapor barrier. We also have a Bob Cat keeping an eye on our home.

 

[Defective]

Sam,

Are you gonna call it the mountain when it's done?

(I'll go back under my rock now... :ashamed: )

 

[jinman]

We also have a Bob Cat keeping an eye on our home.

That'll help keep the mice, rat, and rabbit population down. If you see it often, it may be that it has a den nearby. You may have the opportunity to see some bob-kittens.