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bobd
Registered Users
Posts:9
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| 05/07/2008 10:17 AM |
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Hello, I'm in the process of selecting an ICF block, this forum has been very helpful in offering all the different considerations when choosing a manufacturor.
I realize that when faced with a small pricing difference, and perhaps even with a large pricing difference, it is best to go with the type that is the easiest to install (correctly) and meets the specs for the job.
As a retired guy with lots of free time but not able to keep up with the rapid rise in construction costs, I find that my choices are either do much of the work myself or not build my house (I've already downsized it). That being said, I'm trying to walk the thin line between cost and quality of the project. I certainly don't want to end up with bad walls, etc because of a quality choice. I don't have much choice as far as hiring it out although I'll have the footers done so at least I'll start with a level base and hopefully not screw it up from there. I'll try to find someone with construction experience who will take an hourly job to help although I don't have an expectation that he would have ICF experience.
With that preface, can anyone offer specific or pretty close ballpark sqft costs for just the main blocks that are recommended here (amvic, buildblock, etc)? Maybe some recent purchasers can offer their recent experiences with costs? Perhaps this is a dumb question if these costs change geographically (I'm in the White Mountains of NH)?
I do realize there are other considerations like tech support, bracing rental availability, etc., but I'm just trying to narrow down one of the key variables. Thanks to anyone who responds! |
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GreenOaks
Registered Users
Posts:11
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| 05/07/2008 11:23 AM |
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In my neck of the woods (central Texas), the majority of the ICF installers charge $12-15/sq ft of wall, no matter what system is being used. That's a turn-key, installed price.
If you are willing to do most of the work yourself, you can count on knocking $5K-6K off that price - depending on the size of the project.
My opinion is that building w/ most ICF systems is perfect for the DIY-er. If you can stack Lego blocks, you can build w/ ICF. The heaviest lifting you will do is manuevering a 20' piece of rebar, and manuevering the nozzle on the pump truck.
I'm partial to Quad-Lock for a variety of reasons, the greatest of which are versatility of design and less waste than other systems. A friend of mine just completed a 1900 sf house in Victoria and his waste was three garbage bags. A similar-size house across the street was completed w/ a block system and the wast was three trailer loads - which the local recycling center would not accept due to all the metal and plastic inserts.
Hope that helps! |
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drogers
Registered Users
Posts:68
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| 05/07/2008 1:13 PM |
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| Build Block and Fox Blocks post pricing on their websites, others may also. I am also in the process of pricing out the various components to do an owner/builder home. The strange thing that I have found is that a number of suppliers do not seem hungary enough, in this economy, to have the courtesy to reply to specific quote requests. |
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GreenOaks
Registered Users
Posts:11
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| 05/07/2008 2:29 PM |
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When you mention "suppliers", are you referring to the manufacturer or the local rep for that product? It has been my experience that the local rep/installer is only too happy to provide a quote to someone w/ plans, even if only tentative.
Build Block and Fox Block do seem to have a different marketing campaign - sell directly, rather than through a network of dealer/installers. |
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GreenOaks
Registered Users
Posts:11
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| 05/07/2008 2:29 PM |
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When you mention "suppliers", are you referring to the manufacturer or the local rep for that product? It has been my experience that the local rep/installer is only too happy to provide a quote to someone w/ plans, even if only tentative.
Build Block and Fox Block do seem to have a different marketing campaign - sell directly, rather than through a network of dealer/installers. |
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bobd
Registered Users
Posts:9
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| 05/07/2008 2:35 PM |
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My hestitation with using a supplier without a local support center is what happens with tech support and how do folks get bracing supplies, etc?
The only local guy is an ARXX supplier who hasn't been to forthcoming with my questions. After 3 tries he finally answered one of my questions. They do supply bracing and other support services though. I'm not overly impressed with that block and I would rather go with another type block but I'm worried about lack of support/bracing/etc.
Does anyone have any experience with out of state national suppliers and how these issues were handled? |
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TLC-ICF
Registered Users
Posts:20
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| 05/07/2008 7:52 PM |
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Posted By bobd on 05/07/2008 2:35 PM My hestitation with using a supplier without a local support center is what happens with tech support and how do folks get bracing supplies, etc?
The only local guy is an ARXX supplier who hasn't been to forthcoming with my questions. After 3 tries he finally answered one of my questions. They do supply bracing and other support services though. I'm not overly impressed with that block and I would rather go with another type block but I'm worried about lack of support/bracing/etc.
Does anyone have any experience with out of state national suppliers and how these issues were handled?
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bobd
Registered Users
Posts:9
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| 05/07/2008 7:54 PM |
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I'm up in the Conway, NH area. Thanks for any suggestions. |
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Paul Stevens
Registered Users
Posts:119
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| 05/08/2008 12:03 AM |
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| Greenoaks, when you say that 'if you can stack Lego blocks you can build with ICF's' do you realize that you have just insulted the majority of people on this site who supply and install ICF's for a living! I am fed up with the DIY'er who seems to think that they can all do 'my' job just as good as I can. I sure hope that you don't want to do a job youself and look for help on this site because I am sure most of us have be offended by your comment, and will not want to give you any free advice. But I am sure you have all the answers anyway, since its just like Lego right!! Hey by the way, what is it that you do? I bet when I was a kid I used to do something just like that in the sandbox and could probably do it just as good as you! |
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GreenOaks
Registered Users
Posts:11
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| 05/08/2008 12:27 AM |
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Paul,
For the record, I am a builder, remodeler, and ICF installer. No offense was intended. The point I was trying to make is that, IN MY OPINION, ICF is perfect for the DIY-er who has a little common sense and some construction experience. No, it's not as simple as "stacking Legos", but, to a certain degree, it is exactly that simple.
And, no, I don't have all the answers. That's why I read every bit of information I can my hands on. That's why I join forums such as these, so I can learn from others who have been at it longer and have more experience. I'm always grateful to those who are generous enough to share their knowledge and aren't afraid that if they do, someone will put them out of a job. And, just as they've been generous enough to share their knowledge and experience and give me encouragement, I want to do likewise for others who might be wanting to step out, try something new, and just need that little boost of confidence to get started.
No offense was intended, but, all the same, lighten up. |
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renangle
Registered Users
Posts:77
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| 05/08/2008 8:43 AM |
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bobd,
Most block companies are around the same price, you will obviously find some variances, but from what I've seen as a distributer you are looking at around $3.75-$4.00 per block delivered. Then calculate rebar, concrete, pump truck, and whatever floor ties you elect to use for your budget. Many ICF companies have tables on their website that can help you calculate concrete, etc.
If I were you, I would certainly look for the local distributer of ICFs in NH. I have often said that bracing is very important to any job, so I would buy whatever block (within reason) in your area that has a representative available for technical advice and bracing rental....if they isn't one see if there is an ICF specialist in the area with bracing, I would talk with them and see if you can work something out. Here in Virginia we have run into clients that are a DIY's and we have assisted them throughout the entire building process (scheduling the pump, giving the client our pump rate, brace rental, etc.). A skilled DIY's can build with ICFs, but they should definately get some technical support or even hire a subcontractor to assist just before and during the pour, it will be much easier. The money you save doing it yourself can cost a fair amount if you make a mistake.
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bobd
Registered Users
Posts:9
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| 05/08/2008 8:54 AM |
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Thanks a bunch for your thoughts on the matter. I've come to the same conclusions with regard to the support issue. The scenario you posit would be ideal for me. I will go down and speak with the ICF dealer and see what support services they have with regard to pouring, etc. I know they have the bracing. thanks again.
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Farmboy
Registered Users
Posts:124
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| 05/08/2008 11:32 AM |
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Renangle. You say "Most block companies are around the same price, you will obviously find some variances, but from what I've seen as a distributer you are looking at around $3.75-$4.00 per block delivered."
I would assume you mean block prices vary $3.75-$4.00 or that's the cost per SF, because I haven't seen any block at those prices. Didn't want newcomers to be surprised when they ask for a quote.
Bobd. I've just received estimates from two block manufacturers, one out-of-state and one local. Out-of-state was about $1500 less but I'm taking to heart what Renangle and others have pointed out. That is local tech support is worth at least that much to help ensure a successful project. Cheers |
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renangle
Registered Users
Posts:77
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| 05/08/2008 12:31 PM |
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Farmboy,
Thanks for pointing out my error, you are right that price would be per sqare foot of ICF block...if I could get it at $4.00 per block the ICF industry would go nuts! |
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