ICF builder?

[yippie]

I have been told that O'Shea Builders are quite a bit higher than others. They are wonderful people and good builders.

That being said, I am scared of this type of building. Concrete holds moisture and even though you have the styrofoam between the concrete and the interior as insulation, etc, I am terrified of mold. But, I have friends who rave about theirs.

If anyone remembers my experience with mold, I now have a slew of permanent debilitating illnesses from living in a toxic mold house.

Check in why the Hebel houses never took off in this area. Those were homes build of concrete, not exactly the same concept, but they held moisture and there are problems.

What is the ideal home to build in this area? Who knows. Bubble houses? Who knows.

 

[yippie]

I have been told that O'Shea Builders are quite a bit higher than others. They are wonderful people and good builders.

That being said, I am scared of this type of building. Concrete holds moisture and even though you have the styrofoam between the concrete and the interior as insulation, etc, I am terrified of mold. But, I have friends who rave about theirs.

If anyone remembers my experience with mold, I now have a slew of permanent debilitating illnesses from living in a toxic mold house.

Check in why the Hebel houses never took off in this area. Those were homes build of concrete, not exactly the same concept, but they held moisture and there are problems.

What is the ideal home to build in this area? Who knows. Bubble houses? Who knows.

Please read this post and comment.

http://www.sowal.com/bb/showthread.php?p=371531&posted=1#post371531

 

[elenamaria]

Thanks, everyone, for your input. Yippie, I'm so sorry to hear of your house troubles--especially your resulting health problems. I just sent you a PM about some suggestions for you with your health issues. I have some inexpensive (even free) suggestions that may do wonders for you.

Anyhow, back to the ICF. As with anything in life, there are pros and cons. I've learned that you need to have a properly sized (perhaps even by an engineer) HVAC system to ensure adequate ventilation. The pricing difference does seem to vary significantly. We're just looking to build a basic "box" of a house--no fancy design at all, and only about 1400 sq ft. We met someone recently who built an ICF "box" of a house--granted, a very LARGE box--in 2005 and spent only $85/sq ft, turnkey. He used an individual builder, so that probably reduced overhead costs. But he was very pleased with this builder. We're getting a bid from this guy, but want to cover our bases and get another competing bid or two.

 

[ASH]

Tommy Norred out of Ft Walton has used this before on a huge home over by Stallworth Lake. That home ended up in an article as it survived a couple hurricane while it was still under consruction. ICF continually hardens with time.
George Doup with D-N-D is finishing up on a home in Gulf Breeze using ICF. Charlie Rushing is about to start a home up in Shalimar. Charlie has done a ton of research recently and likely still swims in brochures and info about it.

 

[scooterbug44]

Isn't ICF poured in place not concrete block construction?

It's poured in place, but you construct the formwork with foam blocks or slabs.I'd worry much more about mold in a house framed from lumber (usually left in a puddle on the jobsite and rained on) than a solid concrete wall insulated with styrofoam.

 

[seaside2]

Thanks, everyone, for your input. Yippie, I'm so sorry to hear of your house troubles--especially your resulting health problems. I just sent you a PM about some suggestions for you with your health issues. I have some inexpensive (even free) suggestions that may do wonders for you.

Anyhow, back to the ICF. As with anything in life, there are pros and cons. I've learned that you need to have a properly sized (perhaps even by an engineer) HVAC system to ensure adequate ventilation. The pricing difference does seem to vary significantly. We're just looking to build a basic "box" of a house--no fancy design at all, and only about 1400 sq ft. We met someone recently who built an ICF "box" of a house--granted, a very LARGE box--in 2005 and spent only $85/sq ft, turnkey. He used an individual builder, so that probably reduced overhead costs. But he was very pleased with this builder. We're getting a bid from this guy, but want to cover our bases and get another competing bid or two.

Might I modify this to say "always sized and inspected by a competent registered professional engineer"?

 

[PC Snoop]

Yes, you must absolutely do the Manual J calculation with any A/C system in a tightly built home. Most A/C contractors work on rule of thumb sizing and then add some tonnage for a stick built home. This does not work with an ICF, SIP or any engineered wall system. Engineered wall systems do not allow the air exchanges and retain moisture of standard built homes. This is good for down sizing the A/C system but it must be sized properly. If the A/C is to big it will short cycle and the home becomes cold and clammy and allows mold to set up. Thus subsequent health issues possible.
I am the regional director for Eco-$mart Inc. in NW FLorida. Among our vast array of green products, we have several different wall systems that are specificly recommended for Florida coastal construction. All Miami-Dade accepted. Most rated for significantly higher wind than the coastal building code. Integrated insulation and sub-contractor eliminating systems.
Yes most cost more than stick built, but they offer huge advantages when built correctly in energy saving, healthy home and hurricane survivability.
If interested PM, or go to www.ecosmartinc.com

Be sure to come to the Bay Green Expo at Gulf Coast Community College in PC on March 22. There will be several wall system vendors there and me too. Im not just a vendor but an organizer too.