We're getting ready to build a house in a cold climate (Montana) and are trying to decide how to do our foundation.  I can understand why a livable space (basement) would be better off built out of ICFs.  But I'm not sure about whether or not an ICF stemwall would be better than a block or poured stemwall.  I'd love to hear your thoughts on ICFs vs conventional stemwalls, the advantages and disadvantages of each.  We'd probably do the ICFs ourselves (with help), but would pay somebody to do a conventional foundation.  If we do end up doing a conventional foundation, we'd insulate it with rigid foam.

If you do a sealed crawl space I would certainly do ICF.  As you can do ot yourself the difference may be little.  No labor.  The difference, if any in that case would again lean heavily to ICF. 

Here in N. Wyoming we've heard one can't hardly get a poured wall guy to come in for the next couple of months, so doing it yourself would definitley help your schedule.
Not sure if you are doing a stem wall or a crawl space (short basement)
Fixed forms will pour most easily up to 4 ft. high with minimal braces...

kevin

You will find some great information on the advantages of sealed crawlspaces at crawlspaces.org.

Bruce Cain, P.E. (Tennessee)
ICF Building Systems
Mt. Juliet, TN