Terra-Dome Earth Shelter Build

SamWalton · Feb 28, 2011

sajurcaju said:
Hi Sam,
I bet you're already aware, but here are two big resources for doing solar thermal panels yourself (the first has some PV too):
BuildItSolar: Solar energy projects for Do It Yourselfers to save money and reduce pollution
SimplySolar : SimplySolar

Not like you have time for detailed planning at this point...

Steve
Maine

Great links and yes for later

SamWalton · Mar 3, 2011

Today we got electric to our pole. We will connect to the rural water with the same trench used by our electrical conduit, by digging a short trench between our new power pole and our previously installed conduits.

Also what do you think about our electrical co-op leaving their easement work zone passed two of our "No Trespassing signs" to look at our home and into our windows directly after we leave the property. We would expect people to ask first. Later that day of their first visit my wife invited them in to see. We would have not offered if we had known they violated our space.

sajurcaju · Mar 4, 2011

I dunno Sam. Yes, they would have been polite to ask, but you're not going to control someone's curiosity.

It gets worse--shortly after we moved in, I was working at my desk alone in the house and heard the door to the garage open. I went out to see what was up and there are these three guys standing in the living room asking questions about the house! Rural Maine I guess.

Steve

srs · Mar 4, 2011

Sam, I'm thinking the workers were just curious and meant no harm!

SamWalton · Mar 4, 2011

srs said:
Sam, I'm thinking the workers were just curious and meant no harm!

I am sure but we have already had the workers of our previous home build break in and steal our carpet and microwave oven on the day of closing. These innocent acts are still illegal and if I were to look into someone's windows I would be rightfully arrested. Those who trespass also tell others who have even less respect for others and their property. I am sorry but my family and I have sacrificed way too much for someone to crap all over what we work so hard to accomplish. You may think differently if you gave up vacations, new cars, etc.. to accomplish your dream independently.

mjncad · Mar 5, 2011

I guess if you want to make a point Sam, you could contact the electric Co-Op about their workers/subs curiosity.

Now if I was Steve, I'd surely be pissed off with what happened to him with uninvited guests.

I'm not making light of your concerns; but unfortunately unconventional housing construction is going to attract more lookie-loos than a standard stick-built house.

SamWalton · Mar 5, 2011

mjncad said:
I guess if you want to make a point Sam, you could contact the electric Co-Op about their workers/subs curiosity.

Now if I was Steve, I'd surely be pissed off with what happened to him with uninvited guests.

I'm not making light of your concerns; but unfortunately unconventional housing construction is going to attract more lookie-loos than a standard stick-built house.

Reporting then would be no solution and I am sure they meant no harm. With our home being hidden a half mile from the main road we have had good success with keeping it safe and secure. The risk of theft increases as more visitors talk to others. I am now forced to sleep over night to guard our home.

mojoinco · Mar 6, 2011

Personally, I keep a couple of firearms handy. It only takes a look at the wrong end to realize that maybe -- just maybe-- you should think first. The word will get out that the courtesy of a knock will be highly appreciated. If the word is out that you are a little crazy, then it will be just as effective. Those that can think will remember there manners and appreciate it. Those that can't never will.

As customer service representatives, the staff darn well better be reminded to respect no trespassing signs. The only way they get the message is to complain (and not to the secretary). They get used to being able to ignore them while working on the lines and too comfortable with the authority to ignore the signs and privacy while doing that. They were NOT working on the lines at that point and need to be reminded of the limits they work under. Nothing wrong with being reminded of your manners!

Sorry, hits a burr with me.

ND Vet · Mar 6, 2011

SamWalton said:
Based on the response to this post I would say I am sorry if I offended anyone. I have done some research on the concrete moisture problem and this is why we went to such extreme to prevent these problems. I believe if you follow the method using under slab French drain, crushed stone, a quality vapor barrier taped and sealed your slab will be free of serious moisture issues. I found a better method of waterproofing your concrete. It is called crystalline waterproofing. This technology turns the porous concrete into an impermeable barrier. The result is a structure with reduced cracking, self-sealing and waterproofing abilities which provides a powerful defiance against water damage and corrosion of reinforcing steel. Replaces unreliable exterior membrane systems, Penetrates deep into concrete, Self-seals hairline cracks, Reactivates in the presence of moisture years later, Effective against hydrostatic pressure, Waterproofs from any direction, Impervious to physical damage and deterioration, Easy to apply. Only thing I don't know the cost.

I found several brands of the crystalline concrete waterproofing online. It sure sounds like a good way to go. Does anyone out there have any experience with it? We won't pour for a few months and I would sure like to avoid the waterproofing problems you and Steve have gone through.
CW