Hello ICF community! I am reading a lot on this site and found a ton of information. I am looking at eventually building on a lakeside lot in the north of Vermont. I really like ICF but have a few general questions. Is ICF a good choice for a weekend chalet? I know ICF helps for daily temperature swings, but is it a good chocie when you are there on weekends, then away for 5 days? Not sure if it's a good investment or a simple standard stick-frame would be better. My father has a standard chalet on the same lake and the insulation is really bad, requiring quiet a lot of heat in the winter. Thanks!

BeachBoy,

I personally like ICF for a weekend chalet, though perhaps I'm a bit biased. I feel they are ideally suited because the are structurally superior, so if there is a blizzard, hurricane or some other occurrance that happens while you are away you would have very little to worry about. In addition, because ICF houses are so tight (and normally require an air exchange) you would incur less dust and hopefully musty smell when you return to the place after being away for a week. The reduced cost in the winter are certainly an added bonus as well.

There other factors I'm sure that I'm leaving out, but for what you are looking to do, I feel it would be a good decision.

Ren

Beach Boy,

We are the regional supplier of the AMVIC building system for Vermont so I, though biased for ICFs, would just like to say if you are pouring concrete use ICFs, foundation, insulated slab, frost wall.  If you are considering whole house then you should realize the very longterm benefits of an ICF structure.  50 years from now an ICF house will still be the best building option for strength, comfort, energy savings and ease to maintain, it is the prius, hummer and caddy all in one.  It will perform as well 50 years from now as the day you move in. 
If you are thinking short term thick stick long term ICF.  Give us a call or check out or website.  www.vticf.com
I know that I am not supposed to chase down leads on this site but we have worked with 1000s of customers and can give you honest advice.

Thanks
Jesse Wing
Vermont ICF
802-244-6111