Given that concrete is porous, I believe they seal it just as you would for a stone(like slate). The exposed concrete look will be smoothed out for the imperfections in the concrete. The fee is $1700. The smooth ceiling option is different. The decor person had a difficult time trying to explain what I get for $5,700. In other projects, its basically the popcorn stuff sprayed on the ceilings and then smoothed out (labour intensive). I would of expected a price of $2,500 not $5,700 for 900 square feet. Off topic, the builder wants $12,000 for engineered hardward (there highest upgrade) instead of the standard laminate and carpet in bedrooms. I will get the floors done by a contractor for $5,000.