Posted By jgolde00 on 17 Aug 2010 03:34 PM
Hi, In the planning stages of building a ICF home in South East Michigan which does not seem as popular as on the West side. My hope (depending on money) is to have a full basement, two story house, finished\stained concrete main floor, and steel roof. Start off by dreaming big.
• So I am searching for a ICF architect, will they or should they include the approval of a structural engineer?
• I will also be looking for a builder. Are there any ICF type credentials I should expect them to have?
• Besides references is there anything else I should look for?
Thanks in advance for any advice or recommendations you can give. I am sure I will have more questions later like vertical vs block or using Helix instead of rebar, ect…
Thanks again,
Jay
Regarding the engineer: You should consult an engineer whether he is recommended by your architect or not. You might want whoever does your slab engineering to review your walls. Some will tell you to skip this step but it's a bit like not bothering to de-ice prior to takeoff.
Regarding the builder: I don't think it is a deal breaker if the builder you select does not have ICF experience. Actually, here in Texas I appreciate the opportunity to work with new builders trying ICF for the first time. That's the only way that the
best way to build will become mainstream. Regarding protecting yourself in this regard, the burden (or responsibility) for making sure all trades touching the ICF have narry a problem rests with your installer. If he doesn't see this a his responsibility he's not one of your better installers out there. Your installer should have references and you should call them. He should make sure your plumber and electrician are comfortable etc.
Regarding references: Call them. Also, all the tier one blocks will have installation classes that your installer should have completed. There are plenty of smart folks out there that might not need a class etc. but having a trained installer is in your best interest. You can also check with the block distributor regarding the installer. If he doesn't have a good reputation with the distributor he's probably not your guy. Obviously, it's better to have a distributor for support -- but if the block you choose does not have distribution support then you might call the manufacturer and get their opinion.
Regarding Helix or similar -- I really like it but sometimes it takes a little work to get batch plant and pump truck comfortable. Regarding ICF block compared to a new technological twist or two (e.g. vertical): I am confident that vertical is much better than conventional. Vertical is not really that new and has been around now for a bit and i do see it here occasionally. Nevertheless, in the past few years I've seen about two million square feet of ICF block in Texas and seen about 20 thousand square feet of vertical going up. Regards.