I was wondering if it would be to our benefit, my wife and I, to build a small building first to get a feel for ICF building. We will build our next home with ICFs.

Will this be the first time you have built a home? If so, here's my suggestion based on my experience building a home, or any large building for that matter, for the first time, and using ICFs. What you will find is the process of constructing the walls with ICF is only a small part of the overall project, maybe 15 to 20%, and is actually one of the easiest parts of the whole process. From the standpoint of building techniques, I found framing the interior walls to be nearly as much a challenge as building the ICF walls.

For a first timer I believe ICFs are easier than conventional framing. Because of that I don't think there would be any great benefit to building a small ICF building first. However, if you are not experienced at all in house building, and have use for a small building, then build one. But I wouldn't do it with ICFs unless it's going to be a workshop or something of the sort that you will want to have conditioned most of the time. The experience you will gain doing planning, material and component research and selection, framing, electrical, plumbing, insulation, cabinets, flooring, sheet rocking, and all the rest will serve you immensely well when you get ready to build the house. And you do all that pretty much the same whether you're using ICFs or not.

If you have experience in building a house, and don't have an overwhelming need or use for a small out building, don't bother with it.

If you have no experience building a house, hire a contractor and a professional ICF installer.

We built the house we are in now. I was a carpenter for several years. I just wondered if it would help us to build a small shed or shop first.

We have a ICF training class on June 22nd in Fort Worth, Texas. See futurestone.com for address if you are interested. I have another builder customer who is going to build a workshop with supervision and then proceed with the house on his own. Properly trained I don't see a problem with this other than doubleing the cost of a pump truck. Regards.

Its Styrofoam! Build anything you want.

stack the blocks, insert the rebar, buck a window and door, brace it, add your scaffolding. Think about your electrical outlets, either embed in the wall or hot knife into the Styrofoam, figure your penetrations and your brackets for upper floors and roof attachments.

If you don't pour any concrete, Then you take it apart and reuse the blocks for the real thing.

On the real thing, Just remember if you forget something or you have an after thought, well your mistake is preserved in concrete so to speak.

A Sawsall won't cut it.

Here is document that will answer your questions regarding ICF structural engineering.

It gives you insight into earthquake resistance and wind resistance and multi story concrete structures http://www2.huduser.org/portal/publications/destech/icf_2ed.html

Here is my opinion, so take it for what it is worth:
1. If you are familiar with construction, adapting to ICF's should not be too difficult.
2. Find a good distributor WITH TECHNICAL SUPPORT. The distributor should be able to answer all of your questions and provide training of some sort.
3. Choose a quality, user friendly block.
4. It is not a bad idea to hire an experienced crew for the pour.
5. Starting on a small project is a good idea - it will give you a little experience, but not needful.

All that being said, I have seen quite a few homeowners build their own ICF walls. It's not rocket science.
Good luck with whatever you decide.