My wife and I are currently exploring our options regarding new construction in the Twin Cities (most likely near Afton, MN) and are looking for a GC/Builder that has experience with ICF and everything that goes along with it. Please PM me with your contact information if you're interested in starting a conversation with me. We're very much at the preliminary planning stages for this project and would like to work with someone hand in hand from start to finish. Thanks, Johan

The phrase "work with someone hand in hand from start to finish." can mean different things.  It might mean that you want a knowledgeable ICF builder that would help you to design and build a home that used ICF to its best advantage.  Or it could simply mean that you want an ICF builder that would allow you to work on the project with him from start to finish.  Be aware that some builders will insist that all the work be done by their sub-contractors.  Some other builders will allow a homeowner to do light work such as finish work - something that the code official will not challenge.  I have found very few builders that will work alongside a homeowner while building the structural parts.

Alton,
As a builder, I am very careful about what I will and will not allow the owner to participate in on a “turnkey” project
the construction site is a very dangerous place especially during the rough framing – “shell stage”
for insurance purposes and their own safety, our turnkey contracts restricts the owners presence on site without being escorted.
We work with many home owners in allowing them to participate in capacities that they are capable of accomplishing.
If the owner is an electrician, plumber, etc. by trade of course they would be allowed to do those portions of the build.
We also let people do their own painting, trim work, flooring, cabinets, landscaping, etc., basically things that are non structural and more easily correctable.
When there is a construction loan involved it usually makes no sense for a homeowner to do the work, the faster the job gets done the quicker they get in, if the owner participates in anything it slows the process down while they pay additional monthly construction interest and delaying their use of the property.
I once had a customer want to be responsible for the kitchen cabinets, after he gave the cabinet maker a $10,000. deposit , the guy disappeared to Europe for six months., the cabinet job took 8 months to complete, so what was saved?

most owners tell me after , that they would not want to participate again, it is really like having a second full time job
On the other hand, we also do many “shell only” projects where the owner- builder successfully completes the home their selves.
But an owner really needs to assess the risk – reward of the portions they want to attempt and realize there may be no savings at all, just the satisfaction of saying “I did it my self”

if the owner participates in anything it slows the process down...

Have you been spying on my build project?

I have no interest in doing labor on the project itself. By 'hand in hand from start to finish' I mean that we want to work with someone from inception of design to occupancy; someone who is willing to look at design and construction in an open manner and isn't locked in on 'this is how WE do it'.

Posted By jboysen on 10 Mar 2013 03:16 PM
I have no interest in doing labor on the project itself. By 'hand in hand from start to finish' I mean that we want to work with someone from inception of design to occupancy; someone who is willing to look at design and construction in an open manner and isn't locked in on 'this is how WE do it'.

Johan,
Thanks for clarifying your thoughts, the post was also intended for anyone else that has the idea of saving money by doing it themselves or activeley participating with GC.
You are smart by letting the GC handle things under your direction