Hello…
We are finishing up the design of our house, and we have been planning to use SIPs for its construction. I was originally interested in ICF for this house, but gave up on the idea because I could not find a highly experienced ICF builder here in eastern-central Virginia. After reading though this forum for the last couple of hours, my interest has again been piqued. Maybe there are some here that can help me with this dilemma.
As I said, I tried to find a reputable, experienced builder here in Virginia. I did talk to two, but was unimpressed. One was very proud that he had gone from building stick-built homes to ICF without ever taking a class or doing any training other than reading the particular ICF manufacturers manual. He would not provide any references. None.
Very fishy.
The other seems like he had some experience, and would have been willing to offer up some references. However, we never got past this stumbling block: he thinks vibration is unnecessary – because of some space-aged additives he uses – and refuses to take on any job where vibration would be required. I won't tell you the only thing he thinks vibrators are go for. =8-0
Needles to say, I walked away - and quickly.
So, not being able to find any other options here, I just gave up. After all, this is the last house we plan to ever build, and it needs to be done right.
I have a custom stick-house builder (that I really like) lined up for our new house. Lots of experience, lots of references; I‘ve seen his work, and I am pleased. For the SIPs, he is planning to bring in a sub erect the SIP walls. If, however, I could find a really talented ICF contractor with a bunch of successful ICF projects under his or her belt – and references to back up the talk – I would definitely consider moving this project back to ICF walls (as sub to my builder).
So the question is this: are there any such talented, respected, experienced, ICF contractors here in Virginia – maybe even WV, NC, or MD willing to travel at a fair price??
Pi