Building a barndominium can cost significantly less compared to a traditional home. Yet, you still need to consider the costs of each stage of construction, including the cost of preparing a foundation.
Most barndominiums are built on slab foundations. So, how much does a 24×50 concrete slab cost?
A 24×50-foot concrete slab covers 1,200 square feet. With a median price of $6 per square foot, a 24×50 slab may cost $7,200. However, prices can range from $4 to $8 per square foot. Depending on the features, a 24×50-foot concrete slab may cost $4,800 to $9,600.
As not all concrete slabs include the same features, you need to consider a variety of details to accurately estimate the cost of your concrete slab.
What Does the Typical 24×50 Concrete Slab Include?
The average prices are based on concrete slabs with standard features, including a thickness of six inches. Here is what you can expect for about $6 per square foot:
- 3,000 PSI concrete poured to a thickness of six inches
- 2×6-inch lumber for a wood form around the concrete slab
- Fiber mesh material for reinforcing the concrete slab
- Rebar around the perimeter of the slab for added support
- A contractor and all necessary labor for pouring and finishing the slab
You may choose options that vary from the details listed above. Choosing a different thickness of material can alter the total concrete slab costs. Some of the details that have the largest impact on the price of a slab include:
- The thickness of the slab
- Extra features and materials
- Prices in your region
The prices may vary in your region, as the cost of building materials and labor is less expensive in some states. Prices are often lower in the Midwest and the south compared to the west coast and the northeast.
Land that requires extra work, such as removing trees and shrubs or leveling the terrain, may also add to your costs.
How Much Does Thickness Impact the 24×50 Concrete Slab Cost?
The thickness of the concrete slab determines the quantity of cement and aggregate material needed. Looking at the average cost of materials for different thicknesses can help with your price estimates:
- Material for a four-inch slab costs about $2.83 per square foot
- A five-inch slab costs about $3.20 per square foot
- A six-inch slab costs about $3.57 per square foot
The difference between a four-inch slab and a six-inch slab is $0.74 per square foot. With a 24×50 concrete slab, the material needed for a four-inch slab may cost about $888 less compared to a six-inch slab.
How Much Do Extra Features Increase the Cost of a Concrete Slab?
Extra features are available to increase the strength of a concrete slab. Some of the most common options include:
- Thicker edges – $1 per square foot
- Reinforced wire mesh – $0.40 per square foot
- Vapor barrier – $0.50 per square foot
Adding all three of the features listed above may increase the cost of a concrete slab by $1.90 per square foot. With a 24×50 slab, you may spend an extra $2,280 on all three options.
Should You Hire a Contractor or Pour the 24×50 Slab Yourself?
The national average cost of $6 per square foot for a concrete slab includes about $2.40 for hiring a contractor. If you choose to handle it yourself, a standard concrete slab may cost closer to $3.60 per square foot. To get an estimate of the cost of pouring concrete, you can use a concrete slab calculator to help determine costs.
At $3.60 per square foot, a 24×50 concrete slab may cost about $4,320. However, if you do not have the necessary equipment or tools, you may spend a little more. To get an estimate of the cost of pouring concrete, you can use a concrete slab calculator to help determine costs.
A DIY concrete slab saves money but also requires experience. If you have never poured concrete, starting with a 1,200-square foot slab can easily become overwhelming. Hiring a contractor reduces the risk of errors and allows you to focus on the next stages of constructing your barndominium.
Gail currently spends her free time geeking out about what’s new and trending in the world of barndominiums.
She is the former executive editor of BarndominiumLife.com and loves working with the team and members of the barndominium community. She now contributes to the blog on occasion, but only when she feels like it!