 Interesting Considering When it was Written
Even though this is the seventh edition of this book it is important to realize that it was origionally written in 1978. This was before inexpensive and reliable solar cells were available, and much of the technology that has come into the main stream in the last 30 years was championed like straw bale and earth bag construction. Even in this light I though the book was a great addition to my library and to anyone who would like to homestead or even build a get-away using recycled and found material and the earth as building materials.
There are many ideas in this book that one might on first look think are counter-intuitive, however the author points out the wisdom of ideas such as having the entry and light source uphill instead of downhill. This is for a small log supported shelter with earthen walls, not the earth-ship style homes that are gaining popularity in parts of the country now days. With a couple of thousand dollars one could build a rustic but cozy house of about three rooms using the origional ideas in this book. The Author also shows plans for more complex and much more main stream homes using many of the same ideas. This book is a good read especially in conjunction with other methods of low impact construction that is being used more and more these days. One must always check with the local county building department for what regulations must be observed before just starting to dig a hole and intending on living there.
 Should be retitled Impromtu Shelter
I was expecting to learn alot from this highly rated book, but some of the methods are so basic I could have thought of them without buying the book. I was expecting to learn about various types of shelters. I think this book is a little over rated.
 I built it
I built the $50 and up underground cabin about 8 years ago. I could not believe it would actually work but figured I was not out much if if didn't.
Well, I'm still here and so is the cabin.
Problems - a few. The need to learn about and stand up for your God Given Rights to provide shelter for your family? Yes. It is necessary. I prefer to fly under the radar, not flaunt it, post $5000 per day land use fees for trespassing officials and the like as well as use Mikes ideas and stay away from the power company. We are totally off grid and don't even notice when the local grid goes down several times per year.
Following Mike's information and related videos tell you most of what you need to know to be successful. The farther you stray from his guidance, the more problems you may have.
He now recommends EPDM as a membrane and it is a very good choice, but.... good ol' polyethylene will get you by if you can't afford it. I recommend the post on a couple inches of concrete with a steel pin in the center with a plastic vapor barrier under it. Pier size as needed. I agree that you don't want the preservatives in your living space, but the charred post in plastic did not work for me. Those rotted in a few years but the posts on pins as mentioned show no deterioration.
If there is any chance that moisture may be a problem, I recommend the French drain option also to help remove moisture that may get in.
Expand the umbrella part of the membrane ten feet or so past the house perimeter if possible for a drier shelter.
[...]
I hope yours is successful too.
Great How-To Book
This book illustrates and explains how to create an affordable underground house with far more advantages than an above ground house. Explains step by step planning, materials, construction, features, and some sample layouts to get you started. Along with much more.
This is the book I plan to use when I build my house.
underground homes books
Found this book informative, well written and just the information I was looking for. Started building my own and will use it often.
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