I tried to search the site for information about perma-form blocks -
http://www.perma-form.com/Default.htm
Found only information that perma-form is the most economical solution. - only $1.99/sq. ft.
Will the freight charges add up a lot, if delivered to San Diego?
Is it a really most cheapest ICF solution?
If so, is there a catch? They claim - there is none.
From their site, I found that they do not sell their blocks to individuals, you have to order a shell package,
which is exactly what we want to do -  let one company  to build us a shell and after that to take over the management.
Thanks.

There isn't much info on their site. Most other blocks are 60% larger so I imagine labor will be a more. No place to place and overlap rebar so that would all have to be wire tied. It also looks like the blocks might not have any "studs" in them for fastening interior and exterior finishes - but the website doesn't say. That would make siding and drywall a real pain. Shipping from Georgia to San Diego would probably be a lot more than the per block savings.

Catch is they most likely do not have an ICC # attached to them

Catch is the building department will probably catch that little detail

Catch is if you order before approved plans are ready, you may own a lot of foam good for beach toys, pool toys, sports helmets, etc., etc.

Catch is you get what you pay for. Unfortunately the prescriptive method hasn't been too well recieved here in California, building departments want to see the ICC #'s in order to allow the product to be used.

Shipping is cheap...it's the fuel surcharge that kills the deal

You know that old saying you get what you paid for! The reason its cheap is they have reduced the form cost by eliminating 3.00 of ties/furring. That is the whole benefit of ICF, otherwise masonry block with foam sheets would be cheapest. By time you furred out all these walls your cost will be more than a good ICF!

As you can see they have major bracing issues, no place to attach so they have bolted threw the ICF with wood to wood and kicked with wood which is a poor mans method. This system is antiquated, its also a screen-grid system. We refer to these as rodent walls, because if a rodent chews his way in through the all foam area it will end up in your house.

Dave

We refer to these as rodent walls lolll Priceless!

Thanks for you replies.
What would be the next one in terms of cost - the most economical one?
And of course, I need ICC approval, if it is indeed required.

It is hard to get a price quote on the web. So far I found only two manufacturers,
who list their prices on their web sites:
FoxBlock lists their prices @ about $3/sq.ft in average for the 6" block
http://www.foxblocks.com/product_info/pricing.shtml
and the Standard ICF  - a bit less or comparable
http://www.standardicf.com/pricing.php

also TF forms quoted me @ $4-5/sq. ft + delivery.

If it is not a breach of any non-disclose agreement, please post your findings.
Thanks.

BuildBlock lists their prices on the the web. http://www.buildblock.com

 I just need to say your block is the cheapest part of your wall.

If you don't get it right the first time the block will be the lest of your problem.

work with a professional on your walls.
This penny pinching on block will be eaten up by labor so fast that it's just irrelevant.
 A well built wall after it's finished inside and out will not be seen.
Your block is not the make or brake point.
I still drive by my work and can't tell what block I used by the finish home looks.
 BOTTOM line work with someone that will help you get it right, if you build it yourself at least have some one look it over 2 days before you want to pour it. Have them their for the pour (not just on the phone) and have them take responsibility for the end product (plume, level and straight.
This will be worth more than double your block block savings on ANY BLOCK. 
ICF'S are easy,,,,,,, Concrete is easer,........................................... to mess up!