ICF Construction

[NS'Creter]

Since the first time I saw ICF's it made perfect sense to me. For those who aren't sure what that is they are insulated concrete forms. You've seen them. It looks like big Lego blocks. Basically they are hollow styrofoam blocks that you stack and then fill with 'crete. I've been involved with construction in one capacity or another for as long as I can remember and this is the most sensible way to build in my opinion. Anyway, we were asked by as supplier to get certified to build with them so I jumped at the opportunity. I am certified to build with Arxx ICF. Because of my injury I didn't have opportunity to pursue it as a new business. This year we're having a little boom here it seems and I have been approached by a few people to build their homes for them. I'm looking into it. I thought I'd mention this here just in case someone else was doing it or may be interested in it.

In my area I need to be versatile to stay in business and since I am a true believer in the system I jumped in. If I get that side of my biz going it's good "bread and butter" money. I mean that the decorative concrete is a luxury and this is a small area so a non-luxury service will be good for me. 2 - 3 houses a year or a few foundations with ICF and I can pocket a decent annual salary and still have plenty of time for the decorative side. For folks in a similar place/situation this may be a consideration.

I am by no means going to stop the decorative work I do. I love it.

[xscash]

same here, well almost...i saw a video on icf, so i ordered my entire house from an icf manufacturer.built the entire thing almost with no help. 5000sqft. the insulation value is huge..r-50 in the walls so i jumped up to r-60 for the roof. topped it off with a geo-thermal heat and a/c unit connected to radiant floors. another great thing about this construction is that the exterior is ready for stucco already. styrofoam already there. i wonder if it could be verticle stamped. would love to try that.

[NS'Creter]

Sure it could be! A totally seamless "stone" facade...seems like you and I are on the same track. By the way, when did you build your home and what brand of ICF did you use?

[xscash]

i started it in 2000 and finished it in 04. didnt seem that large on paper (lol) im currently finishing the walk out basement, all radiant floors and im now acid staining it all. soon ill be pre-fabing counters for the kitchen, wet bar an bath. the basement is going to be an in-law apartment 1700sqft. i used a company called "polysteel" a bit expensive, but never got a blow-out and poured one wall 35ft. high in 4 ft lifts. gotta love my friends for helping out. i love building with this, but in New England, people are set in there ways.

[NS'Creter]

Folks are pretty much the same here, but the ICF thing is definately coming around. Polysteel and Arxx recently merged...I'm certified with Arxx. That will be quite the house when you're done. We do countertops and things like that too...when there's time. I'm kinda choosey about which jobs I'll take for those.