Why Did This Entry Slab Cost $20,000 Dollars? (I'll Tell You Why!)

[@davelindgren5245]

My brother in law put electric heat under the tile in his bedroom. Worrked for 3 years, after that, no heat in the master bedroom without ripping out thousands of dollars of tile. I don't trust electric heating (especially outside and embedded in concrete). I think pumping warm water through it is much safer.

[@DiscoFang]

Indeed. That's what happens when you cheap-out on the install or just throw it onto an existing non-suitable construction. Electric heating under tile requires full design and construction consideration from the below floor structure to the floor substrate to the finished grout sealing.

[@SwedishDeathLlama]

Interesting, I would have expected the opposite in terms of points of failure. What is located under the tile, other than the wire that serves as the heating element? Surely the wire itself is not what failed, but the equipment on the end?

[@DiscoFang]

@@SwedishDeathLlama Depends how the wite was laid, what it was laid onto, what levelling compound was used, how thick the compound, what flooring is underneath, what or whether a waterproofing membrane was used. Likely or possible scenario in a diy job is movement in flooring resulted in abrasion to the wire from a screw or nail. Or partial damage during install and movement in use finished the job.

[@Yorkie285]

Good job on the broom marks, that's an art in itself.

[@R0land.]

I like the details and explanation of the steps you take. What size aggregate do you use in a slab like this?

[@kevinhornbuckle]

I bought heat cable for a bathroom about that size for $80. Thermostat was about $100. Installation time was one hour.

[@garage3022]

Yeah, this guy got shafted hardddd. You could put an hydronic system in it with its own heat pump and still be under 20k lol

[@okgroomer1966]

That's insane what that heating system cost. I did my garage with hot water and it only added a few grand. I did do it myself but it's a 40×60 slab. Plus I question how long the wiring would last over pex.

[@PerkBuilders]

There’s just no way that infloor heating install was 15k. I’ve installed the same exact square footage for several different bathrooms (albeit it was inside, under tile). It’s not a different product. You’ve got 1200 dollars on the ground right there, including the thermostat. The only caveat would be the electrical. This would require a dedicated 20 amp circuit. Maybe the electrical was insane? Across the whole house? It’s not like I’m working in a cheap labor market where I’m at, either. Yeesh

[@tnolan3176]

Yeah it is a high price for that little area !! I did a short driveway last year with electric heat wires in it and it wasnt half that price ! There wasnt any Styrofoam under it but they did have a reflective membrane !

[@MikeDayConcrete]

That's what the architect said it cost.

[@PerkBuilders]

@@MikeDayConcrete oh I totally believe that, 100%. Not challenging the facts here. Just pointing out that somebody got hosed down pretty good

[@johnfahey7215]

I believe, based on here, South Eastern NY, some people have too much money and like to brag about how much they spent! Yeah, a breezeway woulda done the trick, but that would be too “Middle class”!

[@Pippy626]

For a 10x10 ft slab The heating coil is 1000$ to 1400$ and the control valve is 950$-1050$ in Bangor, Maine not installed. You need a 120v 45amp circuit. It’s about 50 watt per sqft.

[@descargaelbano]

As a homeowner, I probably would have opted to enclose the area instead so that you could still go from one building to the other without worrying about snow or rain. Sounds like they got shafted by the electrician in my opinion

[@descargaelbano]

And as usual, your work looks top-notch.

[@JoachimwGermain-co4zw]

Municipal building codes may have restrictions that they cannot connect the two structures together .

[@descargaelbano]

@@JoachimwGermain-co4zw in that case, two overlapping canopies that do not physically touch each other🤣

[@jamesnm21]

@@descargaelbano building codes like that are total bs imo. Limiting roof sq footage on a lot may or may not have a good reason but in cases where it won't affect the appearance or is only a minor increase that makes perfect sense for the structure it's ridiculous to enforce the code to the letter. I could tell you stories as I'm sure most builders and homeowners could.

[@TT-ik3kd]

Your talking $50k+ to close that in… footings… etc

[@hilux0094]

I’ve been doing construction for years and some people, my brother, have a sliding scale for prices. If you have. If a person has a summer home and lives in Florida in the winter the price of jobs goes up. I’ve always been terrible at doing those price hikes. It doesn’t surprise me though.

[@ChipsPlace1952]

Another good example of great workmanship. I think you are making it difficult to.comparw you with anyone. Keep up the good work. Happy Holidays to you,.your family and workers.

[@MikeDayConcrete]

Thanks 👍

[@molitovv]

Exposed aggregate would have looked better here IMO

[@moscato1ca]

Are there any de-icing products that do not compromise concrete down the road?

[@elbuggo]

I think you can use 4800 PSI concrete - that should tolerate frost and salt. 4800 PSI concrete is not just something you can buy, you have to create it. Cant add extra water and it must cure for at least 14 days or something. 4000 PSI concrete is not frost proof and will not resist salting.

[@raulbetesda2602]

Pavers my man I do pavers, they are recommended more for this type of cases in case of heating mat maintenance 👍 but great team, great job !

[@okgroomer1966]

Pavers are a headache in real cold climates. It takes a act of God to keep them nice after a decade or so. Treated salt eats them up

[@oxymoron5167]

Surely broom finish concrete is a cheap nasty finish for a residential house. In the uk we use this in petrol (gas) stations and industrial parking spaces. Anything for a house would be natural stone or porcelain tile.

[@DiscoFang]

Did you pay attention to the architecture and materials of the building? This was perfectly in sync.

[@oxymoron5167]

@@DiscoFang perhaps it can be ‘in sync’ whilst looking cheap and nasty 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@DiscoFang]

They and the architects may take it as a compliment. Mike did say they were going for a somewhat industrial look.

[@DiscoFang]

How do you feel about Cor-Ten steel? The architectural steel panel designed to rust.

[@DiscoFang]

Beautiful finish on this one. Really suits the house.

[@gc8u]

I have always heard to not steel outside A/E concrete but every single guy ive poured with steels it then brooms. Usually leaves a nicer finish and the broom does open it back up. Never seen an issue with it and this is in a freeze/thaw environment.

[@zeddgara1]

I think a roof extension to shield it from rain be better use of money probably wouldn't be cheaper but sure is far more reliable, that mat breaks you aren't tearing it back out to fix it.

[@jacobbuckley8232]

Victory only uses a mag. Only time ive seen them use a steel trowel is on garage floors

[@r.jsmith8979]

Why no control joints? I thought all concrete cracks?

[@r.jsmith8979]

I really need an answer to this. I'm confused!

[@jamesnm21]

Poured 6 yards of 4000 psi at a 4.5 slump in a backyard this summer just me and the finisher guy. I ran the buggy and helped screed when needed. He was watering the surface to get it troweled before it set up. Broom finished at the end. He's in his late 60's. I asked if he'd ever lost a slab and he said almost but watered the heck out of it.

[@-Blick182-]

If you spray a bunch of water on it that means you already lost it (if you have winters)

[@jamesnm21]

@@-Blick182- sprinkled from a brush to make the surface soft enough to trowel. He watered a slab we did 6 years ago the same way and it's solid no problems. I understand it's not ideal but doesn't seem to be a problem either.

[@jamesnm21]

@@-Blick182- yes we have winters in Iowa with extended periods below 0 some years.

[@-Blick182-]

@jamesnm21 oh ok got ya 👍

[@josephrudys2615]

Hey Mike, How does one slope a monolithic pour towards a garage door?

[@ricksardella3436]

Would the heat help set up the concrete quicker

[@DiscoFang]

Man, right at the start the concrete chute resting on the heating coil had me shuddering. They you guys stomping on it and hooking the mesh up with your rakes. Gaahhhhhh that's how you effectively trash a heating element wire.

[@quadrapoint]

I have recently installed 200sqm 2170sqft electric underfloor heating in my property in France looks like yours, the cost was £5000 this included each room electronically controlled and via the internet . I think someone got shafted

[@johnn.eropkin9895]

I have never poured concrete without tamping the rocks down. High aggregate means spelling later on, it never fails!

[@BZ1340]

lol maybe 10 to 12k MAX at best that includes the 3 k for Mike. Ive done many heated floors 8x10 heated exterior cable cost is 2200 plus install 850.00… plus the styro and the reinforcements. Concrete demo and haul away 1k. Someone got hosed big time even if the electrician costs were 500 to 800 to run the power/breaker and a sub panel if it was needed

[@Thepriest39]

That is completely ludicrous for that much $$ for the heat. I installed radiant floor heating in my 22 X 40 shop myself for around $2,700. I did electrical and all. They got robbed. Nice work on the concrete though.

[@jamesmoran8335]

As soon as he said “architect” and “replacement slab “ I realized someone has more money than sense. I mean maybe that’s a drop in the bucket for that homeowner and could care less how much it cost. As pros we laugh but maybe that customer makes 15,000$ an hour and they have the last laugh.

[@bradmcewen]

Excellent explanation by masters of craft.

[@nicholasjohn1001]

Someone had “sucker” written on their forehead.

[@timmymonte9813]

That is how to launder dirty money into hard assets.

[@Ungood-jl5ep]

It's just typical Maine jobs. If you want it done, plenty of outfits here will do it for cheap. If you want it done right, you're going to pay way too much. There is no in between here.

[@GRUBB-MUDD]

Salute mike

[@bdhabets3250]

Never understand why people get on knee boards to do this work. You even said no steel on the floor. Yet your “skids” are stainless. Run a lite bull float and run a Fresno after bleed water and broom. Looks good

[@onjofilms]

$20k is insane imho.

[@stevedewolf1]

Did not see anyone pulling the mesh up into the concrete. I would say the heat is under the slab, not in it.

[@albertwayenberg9140]

😂😂😂 they made sure it is on the bottom doing nothing

[@DiscoFang]

Then you're blind or not paying attention or both. The mesh was sitting on continuous support bridges. But hey it's good that you're confident enough not to question yourself first about what you think you saw, but to figure it's the guy who's been doing concrete every week for 30 years that must be at fault.

[@WilliamMurphy-uv9pm]

@@DiscoFang No one trusts anyone else anymore. Little integrity and lack of confidence are rampant these days. Hence believing your lying eyes.

[@albertwayenberg9140]

​@@DiscoFang the supports do work, however if you open YOUR EYES 👀 YOU CAN CLEARLY SEE THAT THEY WERE BEING TRAMPELLED TO THE BOTTOM. THE MESH STANDS CAN NOT SUPPORT 3 250LBS MEN STANDING ON THERE 😂😂😂😂

[@proriznian7765]

Hello. Architects do not build a house, they only design house plans for city approval! Andrew

[@jamesmlavelle5891]

Good work,they have the money for it.

[@TheKingOfInappropriateComments]

Bah... They could have dry dumped it over some space heaters they got at the thrift store or some heating pads from Harbor Freight. $150- $200 tops. Just go back every hour and spray it with a hose.

[@DiscoFang]

Sounds like it might've been cheaper to pay you to do it every hr.

[@mtadams2009]

My entire basement floor, about 1,600 to 1,800 feet is heated and it did not cost anywhere near that number.

[@ThePerfectSeason1972]

Incredible, $20,000 ! What if the heating pad fails in the future? I believe runways are somewhat heated, but not quite sure how.

[@pitbull4029]

If it fails go to Florida for the winter.

[@MichaelBarnes-ey7sj]

Under slab heating works.....until it doesn't! We've cut commercial slabs with heating elements that failed. They didn't bother to repair them.

[@Ungood-jl5ep]

@@pitbull4029 they probably already do spend their winters in FL.

[@christopherhaak9824]

Someone has more $ than sense on this one. It's a toss up to do electrical, would prefer a glycol water system with a mini boiler. Have friends with large driveway melting systems that are essentially freeze proof radiant tubing set ups, this is in MN. Install not that expensive, energy costs are a different storry, as cold as it is.

[@truthsyrup5764]

Laser level? wouldn't it be more accurate and less setup just to put a screed across the long way? 12ft 2x4 or 16ft 2x4? I've been thinking of buying a laser level but I find that for most of my projects, that sort of precision is the least of my worries.

[@DiscoFang]

How do you set your screed in the first place? That's what the laser was being used for. Mike seems not to use screed boards, he pulls the screed on the levels set with the mag against chalklines or the laser.

[@DBLG65]

20K for a slab of concrete. That's a new kitchen install.

[@hu5tle-]

$18k doesn't' seem right for heating that slab. I feel you can get sub-slab heating for a 40*60 slab for that.

[@michaelpedde9521]

20k slab They allowed themselves to get robbed. I'm all for capitalism and free market but that slab is not no 20 k. The prep company has robbed them. And the owners are stupid for even agreeing to that price

[@willysnowman]

Ok lady

[@Ungood-jl5ep]

That slab is worth exactly as much they were willing to pay for it, the definition of free market capitalism.

[@timbrown9305]

$15,000 heat adder. That's what is wrong with the United States on many levels. How about a small tube glycol system off of an electric water heater approved for in floor heat. Maintain 33 or 34 degrees F and save $7,000.

[@williamking200]

Sounds like the customer has more money than sense.

[@joes5096]

Customer has a lot of sense to be able to spend money like that. Kudos

[@toolsandreno]

There is more to a project than what meets the eye. Electrical a dedicated circuit had to be ran to this. What you don't know is what had to be done on the inside of this custom home to get power to this. Sure the heat mat itself didn't cost $15k but when you add every sub and what they had to do to get it there and you are dealing with an architect and a designer. So many things go into something like this on a finished home. This isn't a heated tile floor in your house. There is alot of movement on an exterior slab.

[@BerkeleyTowers]

You sound like the architect trying to justify ripping the client off.

[@30shandala]

lol-movement? Not so much.

[@toolsandreno]

@@BerkeleyTowers sorry you don't understand. I did my best to explain without writing a novel.

[@toolsandreno]

@@30shandala have you ever seen what happens to a heated driveway when the heat was installed improperly? Movement is a huge issue for heated exterior concrete in cold climates.

[@30shandala]

lol-I didn’t realize you were including fucking it up first. Lucky it didn’t cost 30k.

[@stanley-rn7xo]

For $15,000 you could’ve bought a small boiler a heat exchange plate so you could use antifreeze and the pipe and had less than $8000 of it installed. I think somebody really got ripped off here plus the electrical heat tape they’ll be lucky to get five years and it won’t work, whatever

[@apollorobb]

That plaque is more so people dont drill into it for Anchors ETC.

[@danielmeecham464]

Good grief! Why would one check the level of the concrete right on the edge of the expansion joint that was already set to a specific level and at the form that was already set to a specific level. It makes no sense whatsoever why a laser level would be used at all, because the tiny little pad either slops one way or the other, thus using a laser level completely useless. And, three men to do five minutes work? Okay, okay -- for one man, ten minutes due to jibber jabber while pouring and after it sets a little bit, ten minutes to finish. And a broom finish long-ways is an inappropriate and unsightly way for the piece. A spin float or a spin trowel finish would be more suitable for that entrance way. And charged the home owner triple too much to boot!

[@GrumpyAndCricket]

Good job guys!

[@markrobinson1458]

Someone has ripped off someone for sure, no way is that the cost 🤦

[@worp999]

somebody got ripped

[@lachlanitis2311]

Ridiculous, the heating company is ripping the home owner off big time. Yes, list the heating company so noone else gets ripped off.

[@TT-ik3kd]

Only 3k to pour this is wayyyy to cheap imo with your top notch quality 5k minimum

[@lhfloors]

Something wrong there in price 😅

[@jamesbarlow6243]

It’s pretty offensive that no one told the home owner this was a

[@MikeDayConcrete]

Not with the demo, removal, it isn't

[@peterhaynes3661]

I wash all my stuff into wheelbarrows from the shoot

[@tombarnes1871]

A nice job, but $20,000?? They must have jobs to support that type of expense!!

[@charlesviner1565]

👍

[@DovgalyukProductions]

Homeowner got robbed!

[@ringstinga]

A fool and his money are easily parted !! More money than sense ! I mean what next heated lawns !

[@BerkeleyTowers]

Somebody is bending the client over the table and pulling their pants down. The architect is taking the piss out of the client. If they’re doing that for a slab, what are they doing on the rest of the house?

[@mikeknoll1130]

Not a fun job…unless she was nice or normal or understanding or experienced.😮

[@mechanictaft4848]

Yea they got ripped off bad its 3 hundred for 26 feet so maybe 12 hundred then controls sensor is 20 grand bwaaaaaaaa

[@jeeper2371]

The shute is on the wires, very poor workmanship!!!

[@paulgill7222]

The heating wire will last two to three years and then another $20,000. Wow, someone has lots of money. Why not use that money to buy a working brain?

[@albertwayenberg9140]

What a joke, the wire mesh in theory should be centered in the concrete. There are 3 men making sure to trample all over it making sure the wire mesh is on the bottom of that little slab making its job absolutely useless. 😂😂😂😂😂

[@davidlutz6875]

It'd be interesting if Mike went back and filmed it after the next snow fall to see if it's working as planned.

[@FredD63]

That 9 x 12 heated area cost more today than what I paid nine years ago for my four car garage and the apron and my outside walkways I did most of the work, except for the flat work so I would say the price of this pad is most likely mostly labor…. 🇺🇸👊🏼👊🏼🪚🔨

[@bonehead3545]

This is a bad solution and design. I have not traveled to Japan yet, However, I saw a KZbin video clip of Japanese Engineers using hot water sprinklers to clear up snow and ice on the streets of Tokyo and I think it would be a better and cheaper solution.

[@cjreed74354]

Pretty serious bread loaf