I live in Portland Oregon and I am jacking up my 1905 house and pouring a new footer and ICF walls. I have been completely engrossed in the literature, talking to reps, reading this site and others for the last few weeks. Nonetheless, I have a few questions for the experienced installers. This topic is for my suppliers questions.

I understand that the preference on this board is to select a product based on customer service and standing behind their product. If you have specific experience with the following individuals or products, please chime in. On my short list:

Fox Blocks, Chad Omealy at Pacific Northwest ICF. Chad is local to me (90 minutes away) and keeps an inventory for overages or shortages. He has been extremely prompt in returning my calls and emails and will sell me waterproofing and brace rental (if I rent at all) all on one truck with the ICFs. Fox Blocks seem good to me, fully reversible (right?) 8" web spacing.

Amvic, Jay Jaeger. Jay is truly local to me, in the Portland/Vancouver area. He also keeps a small inventory. I am waiting for his estimate. I believe it will be competitive with the others. 6" web spacing.

Build Block, John Halliday, about three hours away. John has been very helpful so far with my questions. His bracing system (if I rent, which doesn't seem likely) is about double the price of Chad's above. BB looks similar to Fox Blocks, fully reversible, strong corners. 6" webs like Amvic.

All three of these appear to be comparable: fully reversible, strong corners, 6-8" webs.

I have contacted, gotten quotes from, and eliminated from the running the following suppliers for the following reasons: Greenblock: only 12" high (means more work), a very far drive from Post Falls ID to Portland in case I need more or less. I could be convinced to put this one back in the running if someone has a strong opinion. Arxx: fantastic product, helpful local rep (Glen Warren), CalPortland is the distributor and can supply rebar, concrete, etc for "one-stop shopping", but as close to apples-to-apples as I can get it, they're about $2000 more than Fox. Nudura: not local, $1200 more than Fox. Mike Morrison and Polyform and Supply is very helpful though he just can't overcome the price difference. SmartBlock: no corners? wtf? The seller, Mike in Idaho was helpful and offered to help install the first course with me. IntegraSpec: Douglas Knust says they won't sell to homeowners. ReddiForm: only 6" widths? 12" height=more labor.

Opinions gratefully accepted. No sales pitches please.