How much does a dome home cost?
How much does a dome home cost?
$100 – $250 cost per square foot
$180,000 – $500,000 average total cost for finished dome home
$20,000 – $70,000 average cost for dome home kit only
Average dome home cost
A dome home costs $100 to $250 per square foot or $180,000 to $500,000 on average, not including the land or site prep. The cost of a dome house depends on the size, foundation type, and interior finishes and fixtures. Dome home kit prices range from $20,000 to $70,000+, depending on the size and materials.
| Dome size (square feet) |
Dome diameter | Average cost* |
|---|---|---|
| 800 | 32 ft | $80,000 – $200,000 |
| 1,000 | 36 ft | $100,000 – $250,000 |
| 1,200 | 39 ft | $120,000 – $300,000 |
| 1,500 | 44 ft | $150,000 – $375,000 |
| 1,800 | 48 ft | $180,000 – $450,000 |
| 2,000 | 50 ft | $200,000 – $500,000 |
| 2,200 | 53 ft | $220,000 – $550,000 |
| 2,500 | 56 ft | $250,000 – $625,000 |
| 3,000 | 62 ft | $300,000 – $750,000 |
| 3,500 | 67 ft | $350,000 – $875,000 |
| 4,000 | 72 ft | $400,000 – $1,000,000 |
*Including the dome construction and interior finishing but not the land or site prep.
Types of dome homes
Both geodesic dome homes and monolithic dome homes cost about the same at $150 to $250 per square foot. Both types also offer many of the same benefits, such as energy efficiency and durability. However, their construction methods differ.
Monolithic dome home
A monolithic dome home is made of concrete sprayed over a fabric air-form shaped like a dome, with wood frames installed in the air-form to create spaces where any windows and doors will be located. Contractors reinforce the air form with steel rebar and spray on layers of polyurethane foam and shotcrete on the interior.
Monolithic dome houses have smooth exteriors that usually look plain from the outside. However, they're highly energy efficient and can withstand extreme environmental conditions like tornadoes and hurricanes better than traditional stick-built homes.
Geodesic dome home
A geodesic dome home is made of a system of interconnected triangles, and the triangles are visible from the outside. You can construct the framework for these dome homes with wood, steel, aluminum, or other materials. The polyhedron shape of the dome makes the structure strong and stable.
A geodesic dome's exterior offers more customization options than a monolithic dome, but the seams in the shell can result in water leaks.
A German engineer named Walther Bauersfeld created the first geodesic dome structure in 1912 while designing a planetarium. Architect and author Buckminster Fuller coined the term "geodesic" and popularized geodesic domes in the U.S. in the 1950s.
Dome home cost factors
The cost to build a dome home depends mainly on the dome size and the interior fixtures and finishes you choose. The dome shell and foundation make up about 40% to 50% of the cost, while the interior makes up the other 50% to 60%.
The following factors impact the cost of a dome home:
Dome size: Larger dome homes require more materials and labor, increasing the construction cost.
Single dome vs. multiple domes: Building a single larger dome typically costs less than multiple smaller domes because each dome requires a separate foundation and its own plumbing and wiring.
Foundation type: Dome homes can be built on a concrete slab, wood platform, crawl space, or basement foundation. Monolithic domes are typically built on a concrete slab because it's cost-effective and doesn't interfere with the dome's energy efficiency. A concrete foundation costs $6 to $14 per square foot.
Shingle roofing: Adding a shingle roof to your geodesic dome may help to prevent leaks but can significantly increase the cost. Most roofing companies don't have experience cutting and installing shingles to fit over a dome's interconnected triangle panels.
Windows & doors: In addition to the cost of the windows and doors themselves, framing the openings in a dome home is more challenging and labor-intensive than framing them in a traditional home. Geodesic domes often require triangle-shaped windows, which further increases the cost.
Optional features: Skylights, a cupola, wood interior triangle panels, and other optional features increase construction costs.
Second floor / loft area: Adding a loft or second floor in a dome home significantly increases the cost and requires a taller-than-usual dome. Building a larger dome can provide the same square footage and costs less or about the same in most cases.
Interior fixtures & finishes: Interior finishes include flooring, cabinets, countertops, painting, lighting, and more. This category makes up a large portion of the total cost of new home construction, and prices vary significantly depending on the quality. Basic laminate countertops and laminate flooring cost much less than quartz or granite countertops and hardwood flooring.
Dome home kit prices
Dome home kit prices are $20,000 to $70,000 on average to build a full-sized home or $7,300 to $38,000 to build a smaller dome. These kits include the materials needed to build the dome shell but not the interior finishes and fixtures.
Dome home kits are popular for people who want to build their own dome as a primary residence, accessory dwelling unit (ADU), glamping or vacation cabin, or Airbnb rental.
| Dome size (square feet) |
Dome diameter | Average cost* |
|---|---|---|
| 200 | 16 ft | $7,300 – $26,500 |
| 314 | 20 ft | $9,800 – $28,000 |
| 380 | 22 ft | $10,500 – $32,000 |
| 450 | 24 ft | $11,600 – $38,000 |
| 530 | 26 ft | $15,000 – $42,000 |
| 800 | 32 ft | $16,500 – $45,000 |
| 1,000 | 36 ft | $18,000 – $56,000 |
| 1,130 | 38 ft | $20,000 – $60,000 |
| 1,250 | 40 ft | $28,000 – $72,000 |
| 1,500 | 44 ft | $30,000 – $75,000 |
| 1,800 | 48 ft | $36,000 – $78,000 |
| 2,000 | 50 ft | $45,000 – $80,000 |
| 2,500 | 56 ft | $60,000 – $90,000 |
| 3,500 | 67 ft | $90,000 – $134,000 |
| 4,000 | 72 ft | $140,000 – $150,000 |
*Dome shell kit only; not including delivery, installation labor, interior finishing, land, or site prep
Dome home pros and cons
Dome houses come with many advantages like energy efficiency, structural strength, and durability. However, their curved space and unique appearance can sometimes be a disadvantage. The table below covers the pros and cons of dome homes.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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Dome home FAQs
Is a dome home cheaper than a conventional home?
A dome home is generally cheaper than a traditional stick-built home, depending on the dome type and the interior finishings and fixtures. The construction process is faster, and the dome shape uses less building materials compared to a conventional home, especially if you choose a monolithic dome or a geodesic dome home kit.
The long-term costs of owning a dome home can also be less than a conventional home due to lower energy costs for heating and cooling.
How long does it take to build a dome home?
It takes 3 to 5 months on average to build a basic dome home or 6 to 9+ months for a complex home with more elaborate interior layouts or interior finishes.
The total time will depend on the dome type and whether you hire a contractor or assemble the dome yourself from a kit. Building the dome's shell often takes less time than finishing the interior.
Are dome homes hard to sell?
Dome homes can be harder to sell than conventional homes because their unique look doesn't appeal to as many buyers, but this depends greatly on the location and real estate market. Dome homes in coastal areas often appeal to buyers due to their hurricane resistance.
Is it better to build one large dome or two smaller ones?
The choice between building one large dome or two smaller ones depends on your specific needs and preferences. Keep these details in mind when deciding between the two alternatives:
One large dome is more energy efficient and typically costs less than two smaller domes.
A single large dome offers an expansive interior space. You can install interior walls and doors to divide that space into living areas but tailor the layout to maximize the open feeling.
Two smaller connected domes allow for more distinct living areas.
Can a dome home have a second floor?
Yes, a dome home can have a loft, partial second floor, or complete second floor if the dome's height provides enough vertical space. However, this reduces the open, airy feel of a dome's interior.
Building a larger diameter dome can provide the same amount of floor space and costs about the same as building a second floor or loft in a smaller dome.
Getting estimates from dome home builders
When building a dome home, it's important to work with a contractor who has the right skills and experience. Follow these tips to find a reputable home builder near you:
Choose builders who specialize in dome homes instead of traditional stick-built houses.
Read reviews of home builders from other customers on HomeGuide and Google.
Meet with several different builders to discuss your preferred dome size, layout, and features.
Ask to see a portfolio of their recently completed homes or tour their model homes.
Confirm the builders are licensed and insured for new home construction in your state.
Ask each builder for references from previous clients with contact information. Contact these references to ask the clients about their experience working with the builder.
Request a detailed written contract that lists the costs for specific building materials, labor, permits, and other fees, along with a timeline for your project.
Questions to ask dome house builders
When you meet with dome home builders to discuss your dream home, be sure to ask these important questions before signing a contract:
How long have you been building dome homes?
What type of dome homes do you specialize in?
How many dome homes have you built in the past few years?
Can you provide references with contact information for past clients?
Are you licensed and insured to build homes in my state?
Do you handle the interior construction and finishing or only construct the dome shell?
Will you handle all the permits and inspections?
What warranties do you offer on the materials and workmanship?
Which financing methods do you offer?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.