Anyone have experience with ICF (Insulating Concrete Forms) homes?

[jw33]

I've of course read most everything on the internet, but has anyone seen or built a ICF home?

[StangTamer]

I watched how they do that on tv. It looks to be pretty kick ass. I am curious what the cost differences are. I'm not sure how popular it is at the moment but I imagine it will come around pretty soon. So, hopefully it will bring some costs down when more people are doing it.

[black90gt]

I've researched them a lot. The forms them selves aren't that expensive, its the concrete, plus having to rent a concrete pump. Concrete has been increasing in price over the past few years. Last time i checked it was $75/yard

[jw33]

Originally Posted by black90gt

I've researched them a lot. The forms them selves aren't that expensive, its the concrete, plus having to rent a concrete pump. Concrete has been increasing in price over the past few years. Last time i checked it was $75/yard

I have no idea how accurate this is or what other factors like electrical or plumbing that you would need to consider for the overall cost of the house...


http://www.forms.org/index.php?act=constructioncost

[Fox466]

Originally Posted by black90gt

I've researched them a lot. The forms them selves aren't that expensive, its the concrete, plus having to rent a concrete pump. Concrete has been increasing in price over the past few years. Last time i checked it was $75/yard

My buddy owns a concrete company here in town and was paying $80 a couple months ago.

[black90gt]

Originally Posted by jw33

I have no idea how accurate this is or what other factors like electrical or plumbing that you would need to consider for the overall cost of the house...


http://www.forms.org/index.php?act=constructioncost

Electrical and plumbing dosent really change the cost much. You would just cut a hole in your forms where you need to run stuff.. etc. Check out http://www.quadlock.com/
They have videos of setting up the forms, and the pour.

[Vertnut]

I'm betting the sheer weight of the walls will require a little more foundation mass. Your plumber and electrician will charge the hell out of you to drill into concrete instead of wood. If you were going to live in the house for 30 years, it might be worth it. Truth is, most people move every 5-6 years.

[black90gt]

You do need to construct hefty footings, but thats not really a problem, just more concrete Also, you would have all your electrical and plumbing pre planned, so there would be no drilling needed.

[jw33]

I beleive they come out before and install the electrical boxes in the forms and pvc everything inside the concrete? That's what I would want done. I've done electrical like that before the foundation was poured with a buddy on his house and his shop. Just figure out where your walls are going to be, lay the pvc from the main box to each outlet/switch, stake it off. After the concrete was poured you just uncapped everything and pulled the wire. It was really easy, but yeah the GC was just shaking his head the whole time. We got a green tag the fisrt time out.....