Hello, I'm starting the process of a new ICF home build.( i will not be building myself) My first step i believe is to have plans converted from 2x6 construction to ICF construction. House will be slab on grade. i've had a brief conversation with a ICF builder in our area. he stated a well braced 6" core could work but a 8" core may be needed. ( i'm sure that is due to the attached shop's 16' walls) My first thought is to just have the plans converted to 8" ICF walls for all. 2" foam could be installed inside the house side bringing them down to 6". the house side is only 10' walls i believe. The shop side could then be poured with 8". is there much of a cost savings by adding the foam inserts or should i just have all walls poured @ 8"? the contractor stated he is currently at $25 SF for 8" walls. Does this sound about right? here are the plans we are thinking about. https://www.architecturaldesigns.com/house-plans/farmhouse-inspired-barndominium-with-wraparound-porch-135072gra?video=true

Where in Michigan are you? I am on the north side of Ann Arbor....

The inserts would work good on the living spaces.

I might have a couple contractors depending on where you are. Do you have an architect?

Looks like a barndominium. Nice...

i'm looking to build around the Lansing area. Eaton / Ingham. I do not have a architect yet. just talking with the design supplier as of now. They will change the plans for ICF but wanted to know what size block to use. Thank you.

Are you building to the standards of the michigan code book? The spec's for ICF are in Michigan Building Code now.... If your house doesn't fit the standard in the front of the code book you will have to have a PE sign off on it.

We are ICF builders near Ionia, so not terribly far. We did one last year with 18' sidewalls, and after engineering ended up with 8" core walls. Personally I am unconvinced the additional cost of the foam inserts is worth the cost, these homes are so efficient already.