I need advice on building a house out of concrete blocks?

Question

What kind of treatments would you put on the inside and outside to make it look nice.

Answer 1

You can stucco over the concrete masonry units (CMUs), which is typically done on the exterior. I suppose that you could also stucco the interior side as well. Most, however, choose to apply vertical lumber or metal strips to attach standard 1/2" drywall over, which is then taped, bedded, textured and painted. As for the insulation concerns, I would suggest injected foam to fill the cavities prior to wall finishes. I've seen this done on commercial projects that used CMUs and it would also apply to residential construction. It makes for a decent insulated wall. Good luck.

Answer 2

Consider this alternative, it is unaffected by frost, requires no digging, is easy to square and can serve is a form for future concrete flooring. Have delivered 4yds of 3/4 in gravel and spread over a13x21 ft area, level it out as well as you can, to a depth of about 6" 4yds should be just right. Buy 6-6x6 pressure-treared posts 12ft long each, 2 for the ends and 4 for the both sides. Form a lap joint of about 24" on the two sides so that your finished length is 20ft.. form a 5 1/2 " lap at the 4 corners and assemble the rectangle with 6" railroad spikes using 3 per corner and 6 ea at the side laps. square this frame over the gravel with at least 12 stakes around and do a final levelling by either adding or removing gravel. This will be your base foundation and form for concrete. When you add your walls on top make sure you let the plywood lap down over the 6x6's and nail together thoroughly. If there is any rise and fall due to frost the gravel will allow it to expand or settle without effecting the building. I have used this method in upstate NY [frost line 60"] and in Florida [Termite problem] , and never had a problem. An added benefit is that it is NOT considered a permanent bldg and you will probably not be taxed on it. P.S. I've built outbuildings in each of the other ways and have found this the least expensive both in materials and labor.

Answer 3

That a really bad idea. Concrete block house is very cold in winter and steaming hot in summer. Impossible to insulate. So please drop that idea for your own sake.

Furthermore, NO ONE wants to buy a concrete block house. Its not worth anything except the expense of tearing it down.