I have followed GBT along time and post very little. With that said here is my 2 cents... I believe all brands of ICF are better than other forms of construction when they PROPERLY installed. Sometimes postings tend to get off track and don't address the questions being asked. Rather than knocking down some other block, tell them what makes you stand out installing the block you prefer. I believe a quote should specifically identify the scope of your installation and the specifications for how rebar is placed and what brand of ancillary products are being used. It would be nice if the ICF professionals would post on their favorite brand. Explain what that manufacturer offers in price, support, and service and why that makes you a wonderful installer. If another installer disagrees, then they can post their favorite brand and why in a separate post. The client will be better served and able to compare what they are getting for the price. Homeowner's should demand a detailed quote from their contractor and share that with their building official to confirm they are getting a house that is at minimum code or better. The building department can also tell them if there have been any problems with a particular contractor. A Homeowner may not know what all the code requirements are, but their contractor is required to know. INTEGRITY: This should be about yourself, and not criticize the other brands or contractors.

From a G.C. stand point, its what ever is the cheapest will be whats used. They don't care about brand, they are not installing it, nor do they have to live in it. One thing which is obvious they all are simply Foam concrete forms. Nudura is close to where I live and I like there product. Another person may like Fox Blocks for what ever reason.

All brands have there pro's and cons .... Look for manufactures close to you first than go out from there.

Posted By TCG on 21 Feb 2014 07:00 PM
I have followed GBT along time and post very little. With that said here is my 2 cents... I believe all brands of ICF are better than other forms of construction when they PROPERLY installed. Sometimes postings tend to get off track and don't address the questions being asked. Rather than knocking down some other block, tell them what makes you stand out installing the block you prefer. I believe a quote should specifically identify the scope of your installation and the specifications for how rebar is placed and what brand of ancillary products are being used. It would be nice if the ICF professionals would post on their favorite brand. Explain what that manufacturer offers in price, support, and service and why that makes you a wonderful installer. If another installer disagrees, then they can post their favorite brand and why in a separate post. The client will be better served and able to compare what they are getting for the price. Homeowner's should demand a detailed quote from their contractor and share that with their building official to confirm they are getting a house that is at minimum code or better. The building department can also tell them if there have been any problems with a particular contractor. A Homeowner may not know what all the code requirements are, but their contractor is required to know. INTEGRITY: This should be about yourself, and not criticize the other brands or contractors.

My GC's have a good relationship with Amvic, and that's what they use.  I am not sure it is cheaper than any other block.  They went to Amvic training, they are familiar with the product, and so that is their chosen block.  I contacted Amvic, and my GC contacted me.  I contacted many other blocks, but no one supplied any contractor information to me, so I am also happy with Amvic.

It is too often that price sells a job and only price. I was a superintendent for a few CM firms across the country and seen the low bid win time after time. It was my job to try and get them to perform. I am not a superintendent anymore, I sell FOX. I used to sell ARXX but you know that story. I tell GC's , subs and homeowner's that, there are good block companies out there, locally Fox, BuildBlock,, Nudura, also Logix, Amvic and Quad Lock. They need to look at whom they are most comfortable dealing with from a service and support standpoint. A low bid, bad ICF job hurts all of us.

One of Warren Buffet's favorite quotes: "Price is what you pay. Value is what you get." -- Ben Graham, The Inteligent Investor

Yes, a great suggestion TCG. I would agree with what the others have posted. Us GCs and engineers tend to use the ICF products that we have received training on and find to be most applicable for the specific type of projects that we do. Location and availability of the ICF can also be a consideration factor to reduce cost and maintain schedule. The best ICF system for each upcoming construction season is the one that can be confidently and properly accomplished by the team doing the actual construction for the specific projects within the allocated budgets and schedules.