[Carol]

Dear Humble Janitor,

We have had thoughts about cost as well and came up with this idea. Find a tent you like. I like the double dome with connecting tunnel. Cover the parts to be covered in in cement in plastic (actually cover the whole sturcture and cut holes for the openings later. Then covered it in chicken wire and some rebar to help support the external structure to withstand the weight of cement. Get some burlap bags and cement. Soak the bags in the cement and begin layering over the tent. One can take a few days to build up a nice externally hard surface. This structure can also be bermed to help keep cool or warm. Front of structure should face winter sun.

So one can have a hobbit house cheaply if they are willing to be creative and do a bit of work.

Sometimes in adversity is when we are our most creative.