I'm doing research into building with icfs. Was wondering if there was anyone in the Corpus Christi, Texas area who is either building or has built an icf house. If so, I'd like to talk to you about it, and perhaps come and see it.

You might try Rusty Hammell with Goodnews Construction at (361)205-5053. He's done about 1M square feet and is very knowledgeable. He also has a number of local jobs in the area. You are welcome to call me as well if I can assist with answers to questions (817) 437-4585.

Thanks for the tip. I did contact Good News Construction. But at the same time, I'm also on a tight budget, so was hoping I could do most of the build myself. I feel confident I can put the blocks together and pretty confident about the rebar install. About the only thing I would need is for someone to pour the concrete. As far as bracing goes, I was thinking of making the bracing out of lumber. Once the wall is cured, take the lumber down and use it for the interior walls of the house. What do you think?

I started building with ICFs when the only bracing available was lumber.
I still do it that way. I can't make myself buy, or even rent, a bracing system when the lumber system works well, and costs almost nothing in the long run. I suppose if all I did was install ICF walls, the bracing would make sense, but we are generally involved the entire construction of the project, so the lumber is immediately reused for partiton walls, etc. Several of the installation manuals used to show the simple bracing system I use.

Hey Shane,
Todd here, I just finished stacking a 9965 SF ICF convent in Victoria, it has one of everything, let me know if you want to have a look, personally I would avoid a DIY at any cost, I have never seen one completed correctly, on schedule or on budget.
Merry Christmas,
Todd
www.circletconstruction.com

Wes,

I was curious whether the system you use has turnbuckles or any sort of adjustment system.Also would appreciate it if you happen to remember where there might be some pictures of your type of system.I am about two years off from building (need to get the last kid out of college) and would like to use icf.As per prevous posts i am sure DIY might not be the smartest thing to do but i will be working off of my own money(which is tight) so whatever is built i will be the one having to do it.The house will be a simple one story rectangle,very plain other than a full wraparound porch.I have semi calculated how long it would take me to stack the block etc and there is no way it would be cost effective to rent bracing.So,i will have to make my own bracing whether metal or wood and incorporate it back into the build or i will have to simply frame the house and use foam insulation etc.I would really like to use icf as i live in tornado alley-southern oklahoma and when i start tabulating costs of regular frame in trying to get airtight the costs rise close to icf anyway.Thanks for yours and all the professionals on this site who contribute their time. 

We distribute AMVIC building system in Vermont and as much as we wish more people would take hold of ICF technology we still find lots of resistance. With that said we end up working with a lot of first timers and Do it Yourselfers. I would rather sell to concrete contractors and builders but change is hard. Find yourself a distributor that is willing to work with you, someone that does the work and has been doing it for the last 5-10 years, they will have seen most everything. See if they will come out and help you with the pour and look the project over before the big pour. All ICFs lend themselves to someone that has building experience but having someone there that can put your mind at ease before you commit to adding concrete is great. With that said if you can hire an ICF specialist do it they will be in and out before you get the first block stacked, honestly.

Very well said , thank you for the words of wisdom VermontICF.

Rusty from Good News Construction put my forms up, he was very knowledgable and did a great job. I was considering doing our house ourselves, I talkedwith Dale Pitman of VERSA-FORM in CC. He was a great encouragement for DIY, so I would have used him if I had done it myself! I have pictures of our house going up if you would like to take a look e-mail me. Also or house is currently in progress and if you would lie to drive to rockport you are more than willing to come take a look. [email protected].

Good Luck,

Gillian

I'm glad Rusty worked out well for you. Rusty has been doing ICF since... well, for a very very long time. He's a class act. Regards.

check out
www.photobucket.com/max_latham
this is a pastor building his own church along the banks of the mississipy delta in venice, LA with volunteers....
never did icfs before... and as i always say to diy's: plumb, level and square is the same for everyone...
[email protected]

wow, where did that banner come from?