Build Instructions – Overview

The following is a brief overview of what it takes to build the Mini Dome. For a more detailed, step-by-step build process, buy the book.

Cutting lumber as part of prefabrication.

Chapter 1: Prefab - Prefabricate the struts, panels, floor framing, room framing, and rebar cages.

Chapter 2: Foundation - Dig the holes and pour the concrete piers.

Trenching and laying pipe for utilities.

Chapter 3: Utilities - Trench and run the sewer, water, electrical, and data conduit to the stub-out locations.

Erecting the geodesic dome structure during framing.

Chapter 4: Framing - Frame the floor, inner wall, outer wall, and install the sheathing.

Sealing the outside of the dome to protect it from weather.

Chapter 5: Sealing - Apply an underlayment, install the windows, cover the crawlspace, and install the front door.

Installing metal roofing shingles on the geodesic dome.

Chapter 6: Roofing - Install roof joist supports and paint the door frame. Cut and install the metal shingles, the flashing, and the vents.

Underfloor waste pipes and conduit as viewed from the crawlspace.

Chapter 7: Underfloor - Install the window weep tubes, HVAC ducts, waste pipes, water conduit, data conduit, electrical conduit, utility closet drain, and thermostat conduit.

In-wall vents and ducting pipes as viewed from inside the dome.

Chapter 8: In-Wall - Install the window blocking, support column, brackets, vent pipes, door wall, and HRV ducts. Re-torque all connections and apply a wood treatment.

Spray polyurethane foam being installed between the floor joists.

Chapter 9: Spray Foam - Have the dome sprayed with closed cell, 2lb, high lift, HFO blower, low VOC, polyurethane foam. Cured SPF is inert, odorless, and does not off gas.

Installing the plywood subfloor over the insulated floor joists.

Chapter 10: Subfloor - Seal the floor beams, cut and install mineral wool, and screw down the subfloor.

Chapter 11: Room Framing - Erect the interior walls, plumb the vent pipe, frame the upper floor, install the shower, build the water heater shelf, and install the upper subfloor.

Installing the electrical in the geodesic dome.

Chapter 12: Electrical - Install the panel, HRV unit, and electrical boxes. Wire the feeder and branch circuits.

Plumbing inside the utility closet of the dome.

Chapter 13: Plumbing - Run tubing to all fixtures, install the water heater, and connect to the water supply.

Installing the mineral wool insulation into the walls, on top of the spray foam.

Chapter 14: Soft Insulation - Cut and secure the mineral wool into the walls.

Chapter 15: Drywall - Install blocking, hang the bathroom door, install plywood panels, cut and hang drywall, apply and smooth drywall mud, and primer the walls.

Installing tongue and groove knotty pine as the wall covering.

Chapter 16: Wood Paneling - Sort planks, create a cutting jig, cut panels, mark screw locations, apply a wood finish, and install the panels.

Chapter 17: Kitchenette - Hang the upper cabinets, secure the countertop, install the sink, fit the utility doors, and panel the backsplash.

A close up shot of the trim with brad nail heads still visible.

Chapter 18: Panel Trim - Fill exposed fasteners with wood putty. Cut, finish, and install the trim pucks and trim straights.

Applying paint with a roller to the bathroom walls.

Chapter 19: Painting - Caulk the shower and inside corners. Paint the bathroom door, utility door, walls, and front door.

Chapter 20: Metalwork - Cut, weld, and grind the metal pieces. Have them powder coated.

Placing frosted acrylic into the window bucks with suction cup tools.

Chapter 21: Acrylic - Cut and install the wooden trim, install the frosted acrylic, and install the metal window buck trim.

Installing the balusters for the spiral staircase.

Chapter 22: Spiral Staircase - Install the spiral staircase and railings.

Chapter 23: Finishing - Finish the electrical, plumbing, doors, vanity, cabinets, utility closet, and bathroom.

A custom, modified PTAC unit that is installed outside and ducted to the inside. An exterior, ducted heat pump unit.

Chapter 24: HVAC - Modify a mini PTAC unit. Install it outside and duct it to the inside.

Installing luxury vinyl tile around the kitchenette wall.

Chapter 25: Flooring - Install the uppler flooring, prep the main subfloor, and install the main flooring.

Peeling painter's tape off the newly installed and caulked bathroom baseboards.

Chapter 26: Final Trim - Measure, cut, finish, and install the door casings, baseboards, and panel trim.

A fully stocked kickenette, with utensils, dishes, and small countertop appliances.

Chapter 27: Furnishing - Install the toilet, refrigerator, dining table, sofa bed, TV, bed, side tables, and many other smaller items.

Installing the stringers for the front porch.

Chapter 28: Porch - Make room for the porch, pour the foundation, build the frame, and surface the framework with planks and handrails.

A heroic exterior shot of the finished mini geodesic dome structure, complete with fresh landscaping.

Chapter 29: Finished - Landscape and photograph the finished product.

For a complete documentation of the construction process, buy the book.