Hi Bsafe, sorry for the late response, I should have checked back. I appreciate your input. Yes, I have orig. pix., but don't yet know how to upload them. There is little I would do differently today intentionally, but code changes could add to the cost. For example, engineer approved plans are required here now. I drew my own from book examples and the bldg. dept. approved them. They also allowed me to build with fresh green beams, rafters, and planks that I cut myself on a Belsaw. They now even require a heat source in all rooms even though it's unneeded in a sun belt earth shelter. I would prefer to build where there are either no codes or limited codes, but I met the Southern Building Code in 1985.
The best book I have found for the owner/builder is Rob Roy's newly updated "Earth Sheltered Houses" book. You can buy it at his site, cordwoodmasonry.com. It is loaded with most of the resources that I used. earth-house.com lists many of these resources and more.
All in all, It has far exceeded my expectations for low cost, comfort, safety, quiet, upkeep, and energy costs. My favorite quote is from John B. Langley, A.I.A., "All the insulation in the world can neither add heat to nor remove heat from any structure, sun belt earth sheltering can do both."
I expect to post more comments on the forums at motherearthnews.com. I toured both of their earth shelters and was convinced to build my own.
Otherpower fans will find a wealth of alternative energy articles dating to 1970 by searching their archives.