[Tony3302]

I bought a home that has a 12'H x 12'W x 25'L carport enclosed on 2/4 sides. The floor is gravel/ dirt mix but I want to pour concrete for a study floor. The carport has metal rails along the bottom on 3 sides. I plan on enclosing the carport as well as insulating it. I live in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, so temperature fluctuates faster than a menopausal woman.

How thick should I make the concrete to prevent cracking? Do i have to make wooden forms on all sides or can I utilize the existing 3 metal rails as my forms? Do you think I'm tackling a way larger project than I should on my own and instead just hire someone? Do i need insulation below my concrete besides compacted gravel?

 

[Msradell]

A picture of what you have now would certainly be beneficial to get an idea of what you have. It's hard to decide what needs to be done based on your description. Hiring it out is obviously the best option if you've never worked with concrete, it looks easy but in order to get it finished properly, especially for use as a study is very difficult for an amateur. Your definitely going to want to put a vapor barrier under the concrete and probably some rigid foam insulation if you plan on heating the room.

 

[rjniles]

If you are creating living space you can't just pour (or reuse) an on grade slab. Footings and stem walls need to go below the frost level in your area.