As to the stone thing: most of the houses and apartments in Germany are mainly stone walls. Somehow we manage it here.

Benefits include: massive soundproofing. Heat and cold envelope. Stability of buildings in tighter blocks. Build once, use forever.

Store is just fine, and yes we have an impact drill. It cost 30 Euro and does all of the light duty stuff we need.

Renovations are tougher, but also rarer.