June 29, 2005



"Illustrated Dome Building" provides advice to anyone attempting to self-build or renovate a home. The most common problems encountered during the construction of self-build houses are discussed in detail. If you want to make your vision of a dream house a reality, the self-build process can be exciting, challenging, and rewarding.

Hexadome structures are world famous. Inventor of the hexadome, Gene Hopster simplifies the "geodesic" concept in order to produce inexpensive, easy-to-make housing in form of a hexadome. These structures offer maximum strength and space at the lowest cost. They are also energy efficient constructions. A hexadome has only 24 triangles and 3 trapezoids, all assembled by their "skins" before the dome is erected. What's more, this modular construction book allows you to build your home all by yourself without professional help.

A wide range of topics are covered, starting from self-build insurance coverage, negotiation with real estate agents, locating building plots, finding competitive quotes for building materials, procuring raw material, and nittygritty details while commissioning actual work. A "Word of caution" is inserted appropriately in the book with regard to local authorities regulations while building. The list of topics is thorough, and simplifies the process of house building.

Clear internal and external plan diagrams that sequence the workflow from inserting stakes to completion is provided. Hopster discusses common pitfalls to avoid while building your own home. The topics in this practical, useful book range from site factors that influence building design to environmental protection adherence.

This book provides foresight that can save lots of time and money; commonly encountered issues like flooring work, electricity instillation and wiring, plumbing, sewage system (septic tanks vs. dehydration toilet systems), floor drains, basement drains, and firestops. By providing so much useful information, Hopster's book facilitates making effective decisions with regards to house building.

A glossary of terms at the end of this book serves as ready reference. Grab your copy today and build your dream home.

Domeplans Press, $29.95, paperback, (96p) ISBN: 0-9769116-0-4