I'm planning to build a small house using ICF's and was wondering if anyone else has gone through this and what kinds of experiences, lessons etc. they might share..? I'm thinking of 2 designs. One has about 900 ft2 living space with attached 2 car garage. This would have very usable space in the ICF basement of another 800 ft2 as well as another 900 ft2 space in the bonus rooms above the garage and above the living area. The second design would be about 22' x 22' square, with 2 floors and a basement..again all ICF's + attached garage. I'm trying to figure out how much these are going to cost to build. I'm trying to get the shell quoted, then finish most of the interior, and possible the siding etc myself. I'd love to hear what kind of costs people are seeing. I'm in Wisconsin.... Thanks! -michael

We have built a few small houses, it is a market that I would like to see more of. ICFs are the best way to build any size house, especially if drawn for ICFs. When you are working with your plans, since dimensions are to the outside of the walls, keep in mind the walls will be about 12" thick.

When budgeting for ICFs figure the wall square footage, don't subtract for openings except for 75% of overhead doors, then times that by $13sf. That price is a little high (at least in metro Minnesota) but it will get you started.

You may also want to post on the ICF forum on this site.

Thanks for the response. Do you have any more numbers on per sq ft costs? Or finshed shell sq ft costs? I realize a finished shell means different things to different people. I'm not sure how much to budget for a radiant heating system or plumbing, electrical etc.. Thanks. -michael

I am a ICF sub-contractor, so I do not know other prices other than concrete, you can use $4sf for flatwork.

Is the 13sq ft the labor for installing the icf or the whole cost?

DDGWOOD,

The price of $13 sqft should be labor and material for installing the icf walls, if the plans aren't overly complicated. It would be for me at least, so I'm making that assumption for Brad. I also agree that the number is a little high, but as he said it should get you started.

renangle

Did you say the walls are 12" thick? When people are comparing R values do they compare them to other 12" thick constructions?

<!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> <!--[if gte mso 10]> I know it is a little late, but I thought I would throw my two cents in. I am in the Adams area of Central Wisconsin and am currently working on a 2-bedroom 44'x28' rectangle (so about 1100sf of living space) ICF house built into a hill.  No garage and only one floor. I do not have a construction background, so it's been crazy acting as general contractor and for the most part the contractor too (pouring the floor with a couple of friends was a story!)  However, I am falling in love with the house as its coming together and I wouldn't have it any other way.  Back to your question though, I got bids ranging from $13,500-$21,000 for the ICF walls.  I went with the $14,500 guy and am satisfied. Not sure how multiple floors would affect the price, but I would have to think it would be cheaper than the pseudo-Ranch design I chose.I notice that you mentioned you live in Wisconsin.  If you would like to take a look at it, you are welcome too.

I'm about to commence building a house I converted to ICF from this architect:

http://www.thompsonplans.com

He specializes in houses designed to fit into older established neighborhoods.

Hi there.. Glad you're enjoying the process. Pouring your own floor will give satisfaction, no doubt. When you say "take a look," do you mean you have photos? Don't think I could make it over to Adams county for awhile, as my process is beginning (architect about to finalize plans this week etc).... -michael

I know it is a little late, but I thought I would throw my two cents in. I am in the Adams area of Central Wisconsin and am currently working on a 2-bedroom 44'x28' rectangle (so about 1100sf of living space) ICF house built into a hill.  No garage and only one floor. I do not have a construction background, so it's been crazy acting as general contractor and for the most part the contractor too (pouring the floor with a couple of friends was a story!)  However, I am falling in love with the house as its coming together and I wouldn't have it any other way.  Back to your question though, I got bids ranging from $13,500-$21,000 for the ICF walls.  I went with the $14,500 guy and am satisfied. Not sure how multiple floors would affect the price, but I would have to think it would be cheaper than the pseudo-Ranch design I chose.I notice that you mentioned you live in Wisconsin.  If you would like to take a look at it, you are welcome too.

Congratulations on beginning your house! Which plan did you go with? You are welcome to see my house either in pictures or in person.  I wasn't sure what part of the state you lived in.  Unfortunately I am having trouble posting pictures and keep getting a "runtime error in the"/" application" message. I am sure my dial-up connection doesn't help.  I will try posting them again later.