What type of things can we throw on the top of our slab to make it more interesting?

Coloured pebbles, different sizes and types of aggregate, glass beads, steel, brass again this is largely limited by your imagination.

What tips would you give in order to ensure the job is done smoothly and correctly?

Regular contact should be made between the builder or owner/builder and the concrete polisher to ensure polishing can commence and be completed at the right stages of the project.

Is it possible to have a polished concrete floor in a domestic house which will not crack and make the polishing ugly? Can concrete be reinforced to avoid cracking?

A structural slab and topping slab or screed should be reinforced but even with these measures there is no guarantee that the concrete will not crack. If your foundations move the slab will move which may cause cracking.

What happens if someone spills petrol or turps on a polished concrete floor?

Wipe as soon as possible with a damp cloth.

My friend told me that concrete floors crack?

What exactly is a warehouse finish and can it be used in a home?

The warehouse finish is typically used for any pre-existing or "old" slab.

Is it possible to stain and polish concrete? (dark grey)

Yes. It is possible but the process can be expensive as far as the cost of the stain is concerned and the area of the slab.

Can I have burnished concrete flooring in a family home?

The quality of a burnished floor comes down to the quality of the concrete contractor. The contractor will typically run a powered trowel or "helicopter" over the wet concrete slab and with experience and care can achieve quite a smooth finish. It is not easy and any imperfection, gouge or non-level area or dip will be very visible in the final concrete floor.