For example, someone posted in I think the Home Networking sub that their three story house with all concrete floors makes getting a WiFi signal a nightmare, which was something that wasn't even on my radar. Things like that. Also feel free to share pictures of concrete floors for ideas! Concrete pros.
It makes a great house and it's certainly possible, but you won't be saving money. Concrete is a very expensive construction material. Not just the concrete itself, but the reinforcing, the forming, the labour involved all adds up.
It's much more costly than traditional framing. Personal preference, people don't like the industrial look of concrete or prefer a hardwood or carpet. Concrete is cold, walking barefoot in the winter would be chilly.
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Concrete could also crack over time from ground heaving or the house settling and will probably chip from heavy objects falling or can be stained or etched from spills. On the first floor, one of the spaces will have a concrete envelope and a concrete ceiling (located just below the second floor joists). A closet or utility room would work.
This concrete structure inside the concrete shell of the house should provide the type of shelter I want want those tornado sirens sound. Does anyone have any experience with concrete floors? I want to have them in my house and wanted some input. Is it cheaper or more expensive to build a concrete house? Meaning as much as possible out of concrete: floors, walls, floors (2 stories), ceilings.
I refinished a concrete floor like this at my friends condo. We rented floor concrete grinder at home depot for a day and went over the floor for several hours. Even though it was called a "grinder" it only took off a very thin layer and the surface after was very smooth.
It's very loud and creates a lot of dust so be ready for that. But, regardless of that, you don't "need" to use a self leveling concrete, especially if this is a 4-6 year stay. If you have the height clearance, you could build floor joists using pressure treated "decking" lumber, and shim that assembly to be level.
Concrete floors offer a durable, cost-effective, and low-maintenance option for various spaces in your home. Properly installed, they can last for decades and are versatile enough for more than just garages and patios. With options like staining, painting, polishing, or stamping, concrete floors can easily adapt to fit the aesthetic finished basements, kitchens, and common areas.
Concrete can be cold, but no more so than ceramic tile or natural stone flooring. Plus, it's possible to warm up concrete floors by embedding radiant heating elements in them or by designing your home to maximize the amount of sunlight coming through windows in winter, allowing concrete floors to absorb and radiate the heat.