DIY Builds
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Is a cement house cheaper?

Constructing a concrete house usually costs 5% to 10% more than a wood-framed house.

Can water rise through concrete slab?
Can water rise through concrete slab?

What causes rising moisture? Rising moisture occurs when ambient temperatures rise, which draws moisture up from the ground and through the...

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How many amps does a shed need?
How many amps does a shed need?

Most shed owners need a couple of outlets and some lights to see what they're doing. Typically the most amps you'll need are a little over 15 to...

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Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF) House Cost

An ICF house costs between $240,000 and $445,000 for 2,200 square feet, or between $130 and $200 per square foot. Unless you're living in a warmer climate, many home builders use ICF for all concrete house building since it’s made from rigid foam insulation, which stays in place after pouring and insulating the walls. Some people call ICF homes "foam concrete homes" because the forms are made from polystyrene. In its expanded state, polystyrene is like Styrofoam.

ICF Construction Cost

ICF construction costs at least $3 more per square foot than traditional wood construction but could cost upwards of $10 per square foot or more. Construction prices vary depending on the following factors: Location: If there aren’t many ICF contractors near you, it’ll cost more for them to travel to you.

Project complexity: Custom homes and two-story projects may drastically increase the pricing.

Material: Different concrete mixes have different prices. For example, fly ash mixes cost less than cement mixes.

ICF Foundation and Walls Cost

Even if you only want to pour a basement with ICF, it still insulates better and goes up faster than traditional methods. ICF foundation costs around $10 to $30 per square foot. You can expect similar prices for the cost to build a wall. Because the forms stay in place, ICF takes less time to install and, as such, usually costs less than poured concrete.

Concrete House Cost Breakdown

Concrete house costs include more than just the forms and the concrete. You'll need to decide on HVAC systems, windows, doors, plumbing, electrical, and the pros to design the space of your dreams. Consider the following elements:

Concrete House Finishing Costs

Besides the guts of the home, you’ll also need to put on the finishing touches before moving in. You’ll want to include some of the following:

DIY Building a Concrete House vs. Hiring a Pro

You almost certainly want to hire a pro to build a concrete house, even if you opt for cinder block construction instead of poured or ICF. It's essential to ensure your walls and foundation are as perfectly aligned and structurally sound as possible. Otherwise, the money you save from a DIY project will cost you expensive repairs. A professional installation could mean you won’t have to worry about these expenses.

Do guys paint their nails in Japan?
Do guys paint their nails in Japan?

So it's not unheard of for Japanese men to paint their nails like this.” Apr 1, 2014

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What is the cheapest way to build an addition?
What is the cheapest way to build an addition?

Cheapest Way to Add a Room to House Finish Basement. One of the least expensive ways to add a room to your home is to finish off existing space....

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Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »

How big of a lot do you need for a Barndominium?

A 40 x 75 barndominium is a very popular choice for residential applications, because it's the perfect size for multipurpose use within a site plan that's still relatively compact.

By Carport Central | Posted In: Barndominiums

Metal barndominiums continue to grow in popularity across America, and for a good reason. Check out the helpful infographic presented by Carport Central to learn more!

Here’s a sampling of what you’ll find in this infographic:

What’s a barndominium?

It’s essentially what it sounds like – a cross between a barn and a condominium. It resembles a metal barn outside, but inside it can be designed and finished any way you like.

Barndo benefits

Honestly, there’s a lot to like about a barndo. This style of the building lends itself well to residential needs and other applications. Open design A barndominium has a wide-open design you can tailor any way you want! Multipurpose structure Need a place where you can live, work, or both? Barndominiums are great solutions! All the benefits of metal There are many specific benefits when it comes to choosing a metal structure. Steel is sturdy & long-lasting, plus it’s resilient to weather, fire, & pests!

Popular sizes for barndos

Here are a few popular barndo size options:

30×40 barndominium

A 30 x 40 barndominium offers 1200 square feet of usable interior space – that’s actually as much square footage as is contained in a typical 2-3 bedroom ranch-style home! 40×75 barndominium A 40 x 75 barndominium is a very popular choice for residential applications, because it’s the perfect size for multipurpose use within a site plan that’s still relatively compact. 60×70 barndominium What could you do with a 60 x 70 barndominium? Pretty much anything you want! 4200 square feet of completely customizable interior space lends itself to all sorts of practical applications.

Check out the full infographic from Carport Central to learn more!

How long will a log cabin last?
How long will a log cabin last?

Log cabins have a long and illustrious history of longevity. They usually last twenty, thirty to even fifty years, if they are kept in good...

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How much do gutters cost in Florida?
How much do gutters cost in Florida?

On average a seamless gutter system costs between $900 and $3,000. It all depends on the size of the property and the materials chosen for the...

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Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »
How do you make a shed air tight?
How do you make a shed air tight?

Key Takeaways for Insulating a Shed: Make sure your shed is dry, waterproof and in good condition (or new) before insulating. Combat draughts by...

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Are shed plans easy to follow?
Are shed plans easy to follow?

These are! They guide you every step of the way to complete your dream shed.

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Is it cheaper to build or buy a storage building?
Is it cheaper to build or buy a storage building?

For those of you out there hoping to add more space and storage to your home, you may be wondering, is it cheaper to build or buy a shed?...

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