Ok, so now the blueprint is on its way. The last I checked, the average turn around time for an airform to be manufactured after the blueprint has been finalized is about 4 to 8 weeks. You will need this time preparing. The following is a checklist for your convenience:
I offer 4 different solutions: Shell Only, From Ground to Shell, From Shell to Lockup, and finally, From Ground to Lockup. They are as follows:
The first is the basic Shell Only. This is for the handyman who prefers to do most of the work him/herself.
The second is From Ground to Dome. This is the first solution plus I will oversee the ground preparation including the installation of the septic system, and leveling the ground. I will also see to it that there is access to and from the job site.
The third is From Shell to Lockup. This is the first solution plus lockup which means that all the doors, windows, and skylights are installed and the dome can be locked up. I recommend this solution because it is in your best interest. It is best to make the same person who builds the rough outs for the doors and windows to actually install the doors and windows. The reason is that if the rough outs are slightly out of kilter, the job of installing the doors and windows increases dramatically. If these were two different people, you would have a lot of finger pointing going on. It is best for the same person to be responsible for both.
The fourth is From Ground to Lockup. As the name implies, it is all of the above.
Once the shell is complete, you have several options to build from there. Most of my customers are do-it-their-selfers. With the shell complete to lockup, they can now build their dream home with a "roof" over their heads and be completely in out of the weather. This will allow people to build in the summer and winter as well as in the rain or sunshine without fear of the elements.
Naturally I can take you to whatever stage in the building process that you desire, but I am going to be up front with you and tell you that although I have all the skills required to build a complete home, I don't claim to be the most efficient. For this reason, this stage is to be priced completely separately from the shell stage.
For those people who desire a turn-key solution, I provide a contract where I am responsible for all costs from start to finish. You know exactly how much your dome is going to cost when you sign the dotted line.
For those who wish to be more active in the building process, I give you an opportunity to save money. The fact is that it takes time to research the price of gravel, sand, rebar, foam, and cement in each customer's individual area. And even if I should sign a contract today, it may change by the time I begin the dome. So I prefer to not include these prices in my contract. My business philosophy is simply this: "If the money does not flow through me, it does not flow to me." In other words, I don't charge overhead, risk, or profit. If you are willing to work with me and write your checks directly to the suppliers as needed, I am willing to pass that savings on to you.
With the blueprint in hand, I can begin my work. I start by planning for the foundation.