Working on building a stick frame insulated shop this summer. For a 60x60 with 20’ finished walls I was quoted foundation spec:
▪ To supply layout and excavate as required
▪ Form and pour 24” x 8” strip footing c/w reinforcement
▪ Form and pour 4’ x 8” concrete wall c/w reinforcement as required, ICF forms, 25mpa
▪ compact 12`` of gravel for floor prep
▪ Supply and install two drain sumps
▪ Place and finish 5`` floor slab with 30mpa concrete c/w 10mil bar on 12” centers
▪ Prep, place and broom finish 32mpa 20’ x 60’ x 5” apron at overhead doors c/w 10m reinforcement 12” centres

Labour $60,000
Cement (trucks, mix, pump) $32,000
Gravel for base, I have to supply.

Does this seem in line with what others are seeing? Is there a cheaper way to go about this?

Dropping the outside apron saves about $10,000 total. Maybe it’s not worth it.

If I go pole building, can it be sealed up adequately to keep mice out, and what would a similar square footage floor cost?

I have read past threads about guys going with 6” and 8” concrete, will the 5” 30mpa be adequate?

Saw this old thread and couldn’t resist adding a thought: has anyone here tried using fiber reinforcement along with rebar? I’ve had better crack control doing both, especially in colder climates. Also curious what others are doing for moisture barriers under the slab. I’ve seen everything from simple poly to heavy vapor barriers, and the results vary a lot.

I had a similar situation and fixing drainage issues made a bigger difference than I expected. I ended up using https://emersonproservices.com/gutters-drainage-dallas/ for a full inspection and some gutter repairs, and they handled everything without trying to upsell me. Their 25‑point check helped catch a small foundation issue early, and the seamless system they put in has kept things clog‑free through a couple of rough storms.