Hi
I am planning on building over the next few months and am trying to locate a decent  construction cost estimator and material list.  All i can find are expensive complicated ones for builders so was wondering if anyone has a simple but effective cost estimator that they could share with me that i can change the variables and prices but would allow me to consider everything i will need to build.  I will be doing ICF to the rafters and am considering geothermal depending on cost.
thanks
nathan

Craftsman books has a suite of Construction estimating books on CD for 99 bucks or you can buy one for 66 bucks.  For the money it's not bad..........

if cost isn't an issue the go geo. It is MY OPINION that geothermal while an excellent system is serious overkill when married with icf. If money wasn't a concern for me than yes I would do it, but money is, so I won't. I would go for ductless mini splits or a HE heat pump or radiant heat depending on where you live. (radiant can be overkill as well depending on location) Most ICF's if done right are so efficient by themselves the roi for geo is sheer insanity. lol Of course location may dictate a lot. Where abouts are you looking to build nathan?

I've seen the books suggested above and i agree with Rio, they are a good resource.

I am building in saskatchewan.

Where in SK? I am in Edmonton and have some connections with ARXX, if you don't already have an ICF supplier. Of course I would also be happy to supply you with an Estimate for a Polycore build. Polycore is essentially 1 step up from ICF. Same concept as ICF but we have replaced the concrete core with commercial grade structural steel studs. Feel free to check out our website or PM me if you would like more information.

Lance

one step UP? :) It like sips and icf's, they have their place. Some are better than others depending on your location, climate, etc, but it's not one step UP, just anotehr way to build better.

IF you have plans already I would get pricing from 3 reputable contractors in the area that are certified green builders in some way. If you need plans get some rough ideads from plans online a contactor can view them on line and give you a estimate that will be close enough at that point in your planning process. Or get your self a +or- $100 home design program then pass the plans around to reputable contractors. Talk to some green architects that have done ICF's and ask them to show you some of there plans, I bet you could find out the actual costs of homes already constructed. Good Luck, and if your in northern CA I can help.