[Domesteading 00156] Re: Discussion reinitiates

[Robert Vance]

Fantastic news John! I am so glad to hear that building inspectors are finally "turning the corner" and getting accurate construction advice and information from "those that know"!

Glad to hear that your son returned safely - I did a tour "+" in Vietnam myself and can feel empathy with him.

BobV!
http://homepage.gallaudet.edu/janet.vance<http://homepage.gallaudet.edu/janet.vance> 
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: John E. Johnson<mailto:newageco at dbtech.net> 
  To: 'A forum for the discussion of aspects of independent,off-the-grid living'<mailto:domesteading at sculptors.com> 
  Sent: Thursday, April 05, 2007 11:28 AM
  Subject: [Domesteading 00149] Re: Discussion reinitiates


    Won't be leaving the continent that's for sure...
   As Dan G and others who know us already know, we are big on helping solve
  the problems that give domes a bad rap. Our clients will verify that after
  we're through.
    The do-it-yourself aspect of the dome industry is great for a glib
  salesman with a new wrinkle on how to build their version of the latest,
  greatest dome kit, but doesn't help the real people who just want to take
  advantage of the inherent advantages of building a dome in the first place.
   Roofing is still a big issue. Lots of new ways to cover a dome that still
  leave the ventilation issue unsolved. Lots of well intentioned and non dome
  experienced roofers still screwing the clients. My oldest son is back from
  Iraq and running the roofing/repair crew and we are making some real
  believers out of those who have had nothing but problems with their roofs
  since they built. Not rocket science...just some careful thought and a
  vented cupola does the trick on most domes. He's tired of being shot at and
  after walking away from one crash decided he didn't like that line of work
  as much as he once did. A Kiowa D is just not designed as an inner city
  gunship. He sure left the Army with some interesting stories. 3 combat tours
  will do that for you. We're so thankful to have him home in one piece!
     We currently have several domes on the coast going up. Lots of activity
  around these with many adopting the "wait and see" attitude, but very keen
  on the idea in general. We had 12 domes actually hit by Katrina and nobody
  suffered more than impact damage from somebody else's house coming apart,
  and some broken windows and shingle damage. No structural damage at all. One
  was in the process of being decked when it was hit. No damage. Many
  inspectors are actually pushing domes now....that's a wonder!
   Paul Durand is working with us directly now and it sure helps to have this
  guy in your corner. He's set several "ostrich postured" inspectors on their
  heels when they come up with some BS objections when we apply for permits.
   He's a smart man with a great sense of humor. Just don't come up with a
  hair brained objection to a dome if you are an inspector. He absolutely
  destroys their flawed logic when it is used as an objection.
   Financing is getting easier for those clients who tell their bankers we're
  on the project. The days of the do-it-yourself domes are just about over
  without some experienced help looking over your shoulder.
   Concrete domes are making some waves based on the whole idea that concrete
  MUST be better, but the reality is different from the perception for most
  residential dome builders. (I'm sure I'll get busted for that). 
   I just call em like I repair em folks!
   We've got a tall building looking at a renovation that includes a super
  ellipsoid dome on the roof. I'll post some results as we close in on a
  design. Got to talk to our boy down under though!
   A dome with airbags!? Why not? Good to hear from you Dan. We're still
  kicking.

   John E. Johnson
  newagedomeconstruction.com