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Writer's pictureMR Post Frame

The Perfect Concrete Slab | Is $elf Building Worth It? | Ep 17


Hey there! Welcome back to my blog. Today, I want to share a bit about my journey in self-building and whether it's truly worth it. So, grab a cup of coffee and let's dive in.


First off, let me introduce myself. I'm a passionate advocate for self-building, and I've been documenting my experiences in my YouTube videos and on this blog for a while now. From designing to constructing, every step of the process has been a learning curve, but one that I wouldn't trade for anything.


Pouring concrete in a barndominium

You see, I firmly believe that self-building is worth every ounce of effort you put into it. Sure, there are moments of doubt, especially when you're knee-deep in concrete or wrestling with rebar placement. But those moments pale in comparison to the sense of accomplishment and pride you feel when you stand in your finished home.


Now, let's address the elephant in the room: building for others. It's a whole different ball game. While I'm all for self-building, I've come to realize that taking on projects for other people might not be my cup of tea. The timelines, expectations, and compromises involved can be daunting. But hey, to each their own, right?


In my journey, I've discovered some invaluable resources that have helped me along the way. One such gem is our company, BackFortyBuildings.com. We offer a range of design services, from stock plans to custom designs, tailored to your needs. And let me tell you, our Patreon Group is a goldmine for self-builders like myself. The sense of community and support is unmatched.


How to DIY the concrete of your home

Now, let's talk concrete. Ah, the foundation of it all (quite literally). I vividly remember the day we poured ours. The anticipation, the nerves, and yes, even the battery dying on my camera mid-recording. But seeing that concrete set over the years, standing strong and true, it's a testament to the importance of getting it right.


Speaking of getting it right, let's touch on rebar, the subject of many a debate in the comments section. Fiber mesh versus traditional rebar, the pros and cons. For me, it's all about two feet on center rebar and fiberglass. Strong, reliable, and easier to handle. And don't get me started on the importance of proper preparation and relief cuts. It's the little details that make all the difference.


Barndominium concrete floor

Now, about our concrete...I must say, it's been in for five years now, and it looks just as pristine as the day it was poured. The main takeaway from browsing the comments section of the original video was the importance of rebar placement, especially when it comes to interior slabs. But with our meticulous approach and attention to detail, we've ensured that our concrete stands the test of time.


As I wrap up this post, I want to leave you with this: self-building is not just about constructing a physical structure. It's about building a life, a dream, brick by brick. And while the road may be bumpy at times, the destination is oh so worth it.


So, to all my fellow self-builders out there, keep pushing, keep building, and above all, keep believing. The journey may be long, but the reward is immeasurable.


Thank you,

MR Post Frame



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Patreon Group:

Interested in tackling your build on your own? If you want to explore the possibility of being your GC or self-building, our Patreon membership is for you! It's a community of like-minded people offering support, discounts, Q/A, and more.







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