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Frequently Asked Questions

I heard you specialize in ICF construction. What is an ICF?

Do you build traditional "stick frame" construction?

Is it less expensive to custom build or buy something already built?

Are ICF homes safer than wood framed homes?

How does the custom home process work?

 

I heard you specialize in ICF construction. What is an ICF?

    - An ICF is the acronym for an "Insulated Concrete Form". Think of them as large polystyrene Lego blocks. They take the place of a 2x4s, plywood, & batt insulation in an exterior wall. Most ICF's have an interior concrete core of 4", 6", or 8" depending on the design requirements. There is several inches of stay in place foam on both the inside and outside for insulation and there are integrated furring strips 8" on center that can be nailed or screwed into. It accommodates all the "normal" exterior finishes including stucco, brick, vinyl, HardiePlank, or stone veneer as well as drywall or plaster on the inside and all the normal interior trim.

Do you build traditional "stick frame" construction?

  - I would be happy to build a conventionally framed home - especially these days. However, since 1999 few of my clients have wanted one once all the information was on the table.  I have an unlimited building license, and am qualified to build anything you can imagine, as long as I have construction drawings.  Wood, steel, ICF, SIPs, Straw bales, or Lego blocks - it does not matter to me. My job is to give you all the information you need, so you can decide what the best home is for you.

 Is it less expensive to custom build or buy something already built?

  - At the present time, it is less expensive to buy something already built versus new construction. Existing re-sale homes or completed new construction bought from a distressed builder are currently the best "bang for your buck". The cost of materials is actually up a bit from where it was 5 years ago. Labor is going up as activity picks up, and there are considerably fewer qualified tradesman still in the business. Thus a new custom home will cost more. However, if you can't find the home you want and wish to build, the cost of a custom home will never be less. As a licensed Real Estate Broker, I can act as your Buyers Agent, and see if buying an existing home is a better option for you at this time.

 Are ICF homes safer than wood framed homes?

 - Yes. Insulted Concrete Homes are up to 8.5 times stronger than wood framed buildings. As a result, ICF walls are much better able to withstand severe weather such as hurricanes and tornadoes. 6" ICF walls also have a 3-hour fire rating as opposed to 15 minutes for a comparable wood framed wall.

How does the custom home process work?

• First, you need to determine if you want to buy an existing home or build a custom home.
• You will need to have a long frank discussion with your banker and determine how much they will lend you balanced against how much you want to borrow
• Roughly determine a style of home and very rough estimate (no matter what anyone tells you, a price at this stage is a wild guess.
• Work up or down from there and work with builder to either pick a stock plan, work with a local designer or architect, or let me do the construction drawings.
• Specify most of the materials and amenities (ie. siding/brick/doors/windows/trim package/hardware/flooring/ect).
• Determine a realistic budget (materials and amenities are often modified at this stage).
• Bring plans and contract to bank for financing approval.
• Begin construction
• Depending on size and complexity of home, construction can take 3-12 months.
• Embrace and enjoy the journey!