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Forums > Green Building Technologies > Insulating Concrete Forms (ICFs) > Subject: Who is making the decision to buy ICFs

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BradUser is Offline
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Posts:2
02/07/2002 2:50 PM  
Does anyone have any good information on where the decision to use an ICF is being made: Builder building spec, Developer building spec, Builder building custom or consumer asking builder to use ICF?
jbsgroupUser is Offline
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Posts:43
03/03/2002 3:32 PM  
In my opnion it starts w/ the home owner / builder to make the first decision. My self as a home builder I have to sell the home owner on the I.C.F. & sometimes they just cant see doing it. You can't make them use it or a builder build w/ it. Education is the best way to lure a builder or a homeowner to use I.C.F.'s ( r-value, insurance etc.) the list goes on & on. Down here in Florida the new code as I'm told will begain on March 1st. that the CBS walls on new construction will have to be poured solid. Insulation? Strength? Soon the builders will adopt the I.C.F. method or they will not build @ all. In my opnion.
Have a Great Day!
jpetersmnUser is Offline
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Posts:2
03/07/2002 10:04 AM  
My experience in Minnesota so far has been that the market is driven almost exclusively by the consumer. I am a sales rep for eco block, and I have found that Masons can sell the product as a foundation system quite readily to the homeowner. Switching traditional stick builders over takes some work. However, I have seen considerable growth in the amount of people requesting solid ICF homes. I feel that we will continue to see significant growth in the number of general contractors that offer an icf house as an option.

Joel Peterson
TradertoddUser is Offline
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Posts:1
03/08/2002 11:54 AM  
This will be a consumer driven market until ICF's become better known. Why try to talk someone into it one person at a time? Hit the mass market.
I have a builder building my home right now and is almost complete. I learnt about ICF's at a Home Show and followed up with the product reps and did online searches for more info. The consumer will do the research and search for you. Is your name out there for me to find easily?
How could you have sold me?
1. Get signs out at every job site, include an info box for drive by consumers about ICF's and the consumer benefits. Use a professional handout that the person can grab. This more than likely may be the first time someone sees ICF's in some markets.
2. If you are a product rep, get me to a builder that uses your system. The builder or his representative should be willing to meet me at a job site or model.
3. Go in front of a mass market at home shows or have mall displays.
4. Have open houses at your nearly completed job to teach real estate agents about ICF's. The right agent will do all of the sales for you.
5. As a consumer, I will pay more if I think I have the best product and the reward is greater than the cost. If someone wants you to cut your costs to be just as competitive as any other constuction type you will not be in business too long. Stick to your costs, and offer few surprises at the end of the project.
6. Your existing homeowners are the best source for referrals. Give them calls once in a while to check up. I spoke with several existing ICF homeowners before I chose a builder.
If you have any questions that I can help with let me know. I have experience as a consultant.
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Forums > Green Building Technologies > Insulating Concrete Forms (ICFs) > Who is making the decision to buy ICFs


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