Build Your Own Home with Dry Stacked Blocks
Dry stacked concrete block construction Advantages
- Super strong structure meets fortified home standards
- Great for Tiny/Small Houses (no unhealthy formaldehyde resin gasses)
- Earthquake resistant footer, doorway openings, window openings, wall corners and the perimeter lintel bond beam
- Draft free, bug proof, & waterproof walls that will not rot
- Weather resistant during extended construction delays
- Empirical design simplifies plan design and approval
- Uses simple existing empirical building code already on the books
- Low cost concrete blocks are everywhere
- Surface Bonding Cement (SBC) is an established product
- Requires very little in concrete block mortar skill
Dry stacked block construction myths
- Tiny House capable? (yes if you want safe and not portable)
- Requires major mortar skills (rows 1 & 7 only (2-min video))
- Damp buildings? (no, SBC stucco-looking waterproof coating)
- Not modern looking (stucco appearance and shape is trendy)
- Too difficult ( I am 61yrs old and do all my own work)
- Too expensive (saves up to 50% over wood stick materials cost)
- Save 100% on your home labor cost (50% of total home cost is labor)
- Small windows (my bdrms 3’x5′, great room 2ea 9’x8′ windows)
- Box design (see my boomerang shaped house on this page)
- Requires special materials (use standard 2-cell concrete blocks)
- No detailed build information (this book & website changes all that)
- Unproven construction (empirical block design code decades old)
DIY dry stacked block construction for beginners
Are you an aspiring beginner, ready to embark on a sizable project with both assurance and positive results? Are you keen to master the art of crafting your own dwelling or other structure using the Dry Stacked block technique? If the answer is yes, then this book and website are your essential companions! Delve into the planning page for constructing a secure tiny house or a conventional, severe weather-resistant home.
Since 2006, this e-book and/or spiral bound hard copy book in conjunction with this website and associated videos have been serving as invaluable resources for DIY builders and contractors alike. Tailored specifically for beginners, we take you through the initial planning stages to the final touches. We are not the new kid on the block, but instead we are the only kid on the block with respect to detailed building guidance that will seamlessly navigate you through your project journey. We also provide free download PDF files that compliment the book by presenting methods for wall insulation, electrical installation, plumbing installation, and sheet rock attachment to these dry stacked concrete block walls.
Gaining insights from real-life encounters, builder questions, practical guidance, and effective tools; these resources deliver a hands-on education. What’s more, they showcase a pioneering advancement: the integration of dry stacked construction into tiny homes, presenting a remedy for the storm safety concerns frequently linked with conventional tiny houses.
Designed for the self-driven builder with the resolve to forge their own path, this book speaks to those who dare take this unique route. Even if you’re working with a contractor, you can benefit from this book as well. The website’s ongoing updates ensure global accessibility to the book and and future changes changes, and it serves as an initial resource for anyone contemplating building their own home.
Purpose of this book
For builders and/or contractors seeking to harness the potential of dry stacked concrete block construction, this 159 page handbook with over 130 illustrations, is tailored to your needs. Designed to facilitate rapid and efficient comprehension of this tried-and-true building technique, this handbook equips you to work seamlessly with this reliable material. Buy now.
Within these pages, you’ll find your compass for various project types, strong projects that will not rot with time, including:
- Construction of a storm safe Tiny house
- Construction of a modern conventional home
- Construction of a disaster-resistant home
- Construction of a retreat home
- Construction of a passive greenhouse
- Construction of retaining walls
- Construction of privacy walls
- Construction of garden walls
This book draws directly from my personal journey of constructing two substantial buildings. By learning from the missteps encountered during the creation of the initial structure a 53’ x 32’ work garage. I refined and enhanced my methods for the second project: my 2800 sq/ft house. The wealth of insights I gained, including invaluable tips and shortcuts, has been woven into these pages to streamline and expedite your progress.
Unlike theoretical guides, this book is firmly rooted in genuine experiences. It’s a practical resource forged in the crucible of real-life trials and successes. If you’re seeking authentic wisdom in the realm of dry stacked concrete block construction, this book is your ultimate companion—the genuine article!
Have a look around and see for yourself
Explore this website dedicated as your comprehensive guide that empowers you to construct a low maintenance, rot-free and storm-resistant home using concrete blocks; all while adhering to fortified home standards. Drawing from our practical experience in building both a house and a garage with dry stacked concrete block construction, this book is your invaluable resource.
Unlock the knowledge and expertise required to embark on large-scale projects with confidence. Learn the art of planning and gain insights that are essential for the successful completion of your endeavor. Welcome to a world where robust construction meets fortified home standards, guiding you towards a safer and more resilient living space.
ICF foam block VS concrete block
Don’t be deceived by the claims of ICF foam block distributors. While ICF blocks may tout positive thermal characteristics due to the concrete fill, this reality is far from simple. These blocks demand a substantial amount of expensive concrete to fill, alongside their already pricey nature. The foam insulation they boast of often appears minimal and inadequate. Additionally, this thin foam necessitates protective covering, further escalating costs.
Moreover, the expenses don’t stop there. Sourcing and managing the specialized glue required for ICF blocks adds to the financial burden. Custom engineering demands for ICF blocks can also impact your budget. And let’s not overlook the considerable steel reinforcement costs essential for the concrete.
When evaluating construction methods, it’s essential to dissect claims and weigh hidden expenses. The true cost and feasibility of ICF foam blocks go beyond surface-level allure.
Below is an example of an electrical plan for a dry stacked block house. We have additional website pages about insulation, electrical and plumbing installation within concrete block walls.
Tiny/Small Concrete Block Home Design
Mid-size Concrete Block Home Design
Conventional Concrete Block Home Design
Unyielding Safety: The Fortified Home Standards & Home Insurance
In an unpredictable world, the “Fortified Home Standards” website approved by the insurance industry, provides detailed guidance for unique building material requirements for homes at severe environment locations. It’s a set of robust construction guidelines that create homes capable of weathering extreme weather conditions including corrosive salt spray.
These structures are engineered to resist nature’s challenges, offering both physical protection and peace of mind. By adhering to this standard, homes become resilient fortresses, built to endure and shield against the unexpected. These standards are necessary to ensure the long term survival of wooden home structures in certain locations.
Dry stacked concrete block construction automatically complies with these standards because of the materials involved. Your future home owner insurance rates and insurance availability can be sustained when using dry stacked blocks. This building material can withstand decades of severe environmental conditions, including high winds.
Now is Your Time!
What one man can do, so can another.
As a newcomer to the world of construction, you may feel lacking in necessary skills to complete this task. This book, website and associated videos will clearly acquaint you with the minimal skills required for your success. We provide direction and guidance to keep you on track. Here is a 1-1/2 minute short video of my completed home.
Fear of getting started holds many people back and delays the project indefinitely. This book helps you overcome that reluctance and take that first step. Decide upon the general location of your land and your basic house plan needs. Learn to create your own house plans. Time is on your side if you don’t squander it. The time to start your journey is now. It costs very little to design your home using our Your Plans page.
Your must have: “DryStacked Construction Handbook”
If you’re a beginner or a professional, we’ve got you covered with the perfect starting point – the “Dry Stacked Construction Handbook” along with this comprehensive website. There are many advantages both in cost and time savings when using dry-stacked blocks.
We understand that constructing your own dry stacked block structure can seem daunting, which is why our handbook takes away the guesswork and provides detailed guidance. This book is like having a good friend helping you.
Take advantage of the current economic upturn. Design your ideal house plans now and be prepared to build during the resurgence of the economy!
Versatility for Every Vision
Dreaming of an off-grid retreat, a coastal oasis, or a mountain sanctuary? Perhaps you’re in need of a robust retaining wall , privacy barrier, or garden wall. No matter your vision, our handbook and website are here to guide you. Below we explain the differences of concrete blocks vs ICF foam blocks.
We empower you to create the structure you’ve envisioned, backed by solid techniques and methods. Using our suggested techniques results in adhering to Fortified Home Standards . This will ensure that your structure withstands the test of time and the sometimes violent mother nature. Many home insurance policies now require these Fortified Home Standards.