Am considering concrete slabs btw ground and first floor.I'd greatly appreciate hearing peoples thought on this idea.
1.Approx what would it add to cost of build over standard floor? (3000sq ft house)
2.Do people who have it think its worth extra cost?
3.Or would a layer of sound proofing membrane on the floor be adequate?
Thanks
Just in the process of building myself - using a steel frame construction. The company I used were able to supply me with a steel mesh that allowed me to pour a concrete first floor. The steel mesh was made by "Tegral". It might be another options for you to check out - I don't really know much more about it as it was supplied by the company building my frame house. They supplied the steel mesh and I had to supply the structural steel and pour the concrete.
I thought it was a better idea that the concrete slabs because you can put some of your plumbing piping into it. The concrete slabs to me seem very thick - and you still have to pour concrete over them to bond them.
I'm not sure if this type of floor is suitable for every construction.
I would estimate that this floor cost me in the region of 4500 more than a conventional floor for an area of about 130m2 but I put in the structural steel and organised the concrete pour myself. If you're getting a contractor to it I'd assume it would cost more.
Probably will go contract built.Will mention this option to contractor also so when pricing and so how they compare cost wise.Had not considered it previously so thanks for advice..
I would recommend a concrete floor but it requires a bit of planning upfront even before you design your house. Support walls and spans need to known well in advance. You may also need RSJs/catnic lintels to support the slabs where there are large openings so also factor this into your costs. There are good few companies out there who can advise you on type of spans and the appropriate slab required.
Generally you need 4" of bearing on external walls so with double leaf construction slabs will rest on inner leaf. Where slabs meet you will need 4" block on flat. So you should check with your engineer or slab supplier before any blockwork commences. Slabs then need a structural screed to bind them together and to create a level subfloor for blockwork. so you will need to shutter externally and around all opes. A fair bit work I can tell you!!!!!!!!!!!
I installed a solid prestressed slab 125mm thick and 1200mm wide. My house was pretty simple with only one large opening and no curved walls.
For the structural screed I used the Steel fibre concrete rather than mesh and normal concrete. I then placed a 6" soap bar on top of the structural screed to create rising internal walls. Insulation was then placed on sructural screed and all sink pipes butted into the insulation. Ufh pipes were then installed and then finished floor poured.
It was a lot of work but well worth it. Floors upstairs are rock solid and the sound insulation is great.
The slabs cost me approx €4000 cash from a local supplier and I did most of the labour myself so that kept the costs down but imho a concrete floor adds significant value to your house as well safey and sound insulation values.