Before building a barndominium, you may need to estimate the cost of each stage of construction, including pouring the foundation. A 25×25-foot barndominium typically includes a 25×25-foot concrete slab foundation.
How much do you need to set aside for the 25×25 concrete slab cost?
The average cost of hiring a contractor to pour a concrete slab is $4 to $8 per square foot. The median price is $6 per square foot. A 25×25-foot slab covers 2,500 square feet. Based on the average prices, a 25×25-foot concrete slab may cost $2,500 to $5,000.
The following information breaks down the concrete slab costs to give you a more accurate estimate.
Standard Features for a 25×25 Concrete Slab
If you plan on pouring a six-inch-thick concrete slab with standard features, you can use the national averages to estimate your cost. Here is what is included with the typical concrete slab:
- 3,000 PSI concrete with a total thickness of six inches
- 2×6-inch lumber for a wood form around the slab
- Rebar lining the inner perimeter of the slab
- Fiber mesh reinforcement inside the concrete slab
- A contractor and the required labor to complete the project
If your slab varies from these standard features, the cost may increase or decrease. Some of the factors that impact the cost of pouring a concrete slab include:
- Thickness
- Features and options
- Your region
Your region plays a role in the cost of labor and materials. California and Washington are a couple of the most expensive states. Oklahoma, Alabama, Nebraska, and other areas of the south and the Midwest are often less expensive.
The land that you choose may also require additional site preparation work, such as removing trees and vegetation. This removal process adds to the cost of starting on your barndominium.
25×25 Concrete Slab Cost of Materials Based on Thickness
Materials account for a large portion of the price of a concrete slab. A thicker slab requires more material, which increases the cost. Use the following estimates to better understand how thickness impacts the price of a concrete slab:
- Four-inch slab – $2.83 per square foot
- Five-inch slab – $3.20 per square foot
- Six-inch slab – $3.57 per square foot
Choosing a four-inch slab instead of a six-inch slab can reduce the cost of materials by about $462.50 for a 25×25-foot concrete foundation. You spend about $0.74 less per square foot.
Cost of Extra Features for Reinforcing a 25×25 Concrete Slab
A four-inch slab reduces the cost of materials by about $0.74 per square foot but may also require additional materials to strengthen the foundation. The following materials add to the total cost of the concrete slab:
- Thickened edges – $1 per square foot
- Vapor barrier – $0.50 per square foot
- Wire mesh – $0.40 per square foot
Thickened edge and wire mesh reinforcement help strengthen the foundation, whereas a vapor barrier protects against the build-up of moisture. These features can increase the longevity and durability of your foundation, ensuring that your barndominium has a stable base for many decades to come.
Yet, these features also increase the cost of pouring the foundation. The combination of features adds $1.90 per square foot to your total. For a 25×25-foot concrete slab, you may spend an extra $1,187.50.
Can You Save Money with a DIY 25×25 Concrete Slab?
If you choose to handle the work yourself, you only pay for materials. The cost of materials is about $3.60 per square foot for a six-inch slab. With a total surface area of 625 square feet, a 25×25 concrete slab may cost about $2,250. To get an estimate of the cost of pouring concrete, you can use a concrete slab calculator to help determine costs.
Keep in mind that pouring a concrete slab also requires equipment and tools. You may need to buy or rent items, which adds to your cost. Any mistakes that you make can also increase the total price. In the end, a DIY concrete slab may not save as much as you initially think.
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!