This would increase costs by $9,000 to $15,000, for a total construction cost of between $309,000 and $315,000. At that time, building a concrete home with ICFs would add 3 to 5% to the price. According to a study by the National Association of Home Builders the average new home in 2019 was around 2,600 square feet and cost about $300,000 to build. Historically, the cost to construct an ICF home has been slightly higher than a comparable wood-frame home. Project Estimator: Calculate how much you might pay to build an ICF home with this online tool from Fox Blocks. Other important benefits you can't put a price tag on include increased safety from disasters and comfort from even temperatures throughout the home, improved air quality and decreased outdoor noise levels, all equating to better quality of living due to a healthier, safer environment. But in reality, you may actually save money by building with concrete when you factor in life-cycle costs, utility and insurance savings, maintenance requirements and overall health of the occupants. Money varies across time and regions, but they can cost up to three times as much as the 2x4s and drywall typically used for construction.Many homeowners assume that a concrete home will cost considerably more than a comparable stick-built house. The cost of building with concrete blocks can be higher than traditional frame construction. You, your builder, or both should educate yourselves on the many creative ways of finishing concrete block homes and learn about the decorative finishes you purchase to counter this. If you have a builder who does not have a vision for the creative exteriors that can be put on a concrete block building, then you may end up with a structure that looks commercial. Once appropriate drainage is installed around the home and interior waterproofing is complete, you should not have a problem with flooding. This will need to be countered with quality waterproofing material and paint. If you live in an area with a high water table, then using concrete blocks for your basement can lead to seepage and water damage. There are some concerns with concrete block construction, so you will want to consider them before beginning your home building project. You can also install siding over a concrete block home with the proper tools, so the exterior of a concrete block home can look modern, trendy, or traditional.ĭisadvantages of Concrete Block Construction Concrete blocks accept any color or type of stucco very well. Different FinishesĬoncrete block typically comes in a smooth finish, but can also be found in a more decorative, split finish that many people find more attractive. They also insulate against cold and heat and help a home use less energy to maintain comfortable temperatures. Sound and Air InsulatedĪ well-built, concrete block home is virtually soundproof, as long as doors and windows are well insulated. Unaffected by Extreme TemperaturesĪ concrete block is highly resistant to cracking and crumbling in extreme temperatures, unlike poured concrete.
Few concrete block homes collapse after fires. If the home is subjected to a fire, there is much less chance of extensive damage in a fire as well. They are able to handle tornadoes without a problem and most earthquakes as well.
With proper construction, including steel rods and a cement/sand/pebble mixture in the blocks’ voids, concrete block homes are able to withstand vicious hurricane winds. For example, termites are virtually unknown when you construct with concrete. A home built with concrete blocks does not suffer from the same number of insect infestations as wood construction homes.