That doesn't make any sense since you already have the wood outside walls installed!!!! What are you talking about??

I never said the wood outside walls were installed... just that the floor is all formed out and ready for concrete. 😉

I think the easiest change to implement would be a change to structural insulated panels (SIPs) for the exterior walls. They'll be closer in dimension to stick-framed construction than ICFs.

Check in with structural engineer & ICF vendor. Likely you'll need to confirm the footing width (likely 12") is large enough to line up with the ICF wall that starts at about 9" before finishes for a 4" concrete core. A 2x6 exterior wall with shear panels is 6" before adding finishes.

I think this timing is wrong you needed to figure this out before starting once the foundation is done you pretty much decided the walls IMO

In light of the derecho that blew through Iowa of all places this past month, there is no place safe from violent winds anymore. I feel safe in my concrete block walled house, but I agree that you have to speak with an engineer to know your options at this point.

thank you for your replies!
living in Montana where my house sits, we have experienced up to 70-80 mph gusts. sustained winds of 45 is pretty common. and surrounded by prairie and hills and trees, fire prevention is a must.

@charlesrosshomes, thank you for your input I will definitely be looking further into SIPs. I never heard of this.

@jeffrey thank you for your reaponse. our footing currently is at 12" minimum. my husband mentioned that ICF walls usually sit 3 inches outside of your concrete slab...🤷 when we talk to a vendor I will be sure to bring this up. thank you. and you are correct. we are currently in a pole barn we built with rough sawn lumber so I am used to figureing everything in full dimension. if wood prices keep rising, we may be working with that again if we decide to go stick built.

@beverly thank you for your input. I grew up in Iowa and was amazed to hear my family and friends talk about it! the fact that we are planning a coupala, so almost a 4 story high addition, has me definitely leaning more towards a sturdier downstairs wall which the ICF form would provide.

i have notifications of a few names i dont see that replied but only 5 new replies here so.. sorry if they did not come through on my end🤔

Is your area one where both framers (wood) and masons (concrete block) are common and readily available? Are ICF and SIP commonly used materials in your area?

Don't make the mistake of being the "first" to use a new construction technology in your area.

You'd need to consult with a structural engineer about the change, but I just wanted to note i LOVE the energy efficiency, sound proofing, and extra resiliency of my ICF home. :)

@Virgil Carter Fine Art raises a fair point about being a pioneer, but without some folks willing to take reasonable risks on using new materials and methods of construction, we'd all be living in primitive log cabins. The key word is "reasonable." The first foam-core SIPs were manufactured in 1952 and other versions of SIPs were experimented with before that. Even Frank Lloyd Wright used them. They have excellent shear resistance and are very energy efficient which should serve you well in MT. If you go the SIPs route, here's what I would suggest if they are not common in your area:

1. Have the SIPs pre-cut by the manufacturer.

2. Hire an experienced set crew. The manufacturer should be able to recommend one. A SIPs home is typically set in just a few days so you shouldn't incur a lot of lodging and meals expense for the set crew. Just don't feed them elk meatloaf or they'll never leave (I am a recovering elk meatloaf addict.)

3. Tell the set crew the trout fishing is terrible and that you can't believe what you read or see on TV.

@virgil, wood and ICF yes, I have no idea about SIP. according to my husband our local Lowes and Home Depot even has ICF.
@lookintomyeyes83 I design our homes and my husband builds them. 😅 this will be essentially our 3rd home we have built together (and hopefully final. not sure how much more our marriage could take 🤣) we do have a few friends we consult with.
@charles this is true. we dont mind being pioneers. this is how my husband has been successful in our fencing business. using materials and methods that are uncommon around here but we believe to make the best and strongest fence.
Apparently my husband knew of SIPs. but with haveing thick OSB on the exterior, we believe the prices will also be raised with those since wood and OSB is what has gone up in price. I love the idea of it being set in days. its almost 200 sq feet of wall. upstairs and down. counting windows and doors. I should probably figure what it is not included...
recovering elk meatloaf addict 🤣 my husband doesnt like meatloaf so I never made it with our elk. now elk burgers😋 another story.
we are near the Yellowstone... yup... no trout here. 😁

@Jo Mader,

Thanks alot. I had convinced my wife that I was needed for an emergency on-site consultation for your project. I called it a 9 ft 5 wt. emergency. She bought that. She bought the no elk meatloaf line, too. But, we've been to Yellowstone. Wish you'd left out that particular detail. She can smell an anti-fish story a mile away.

OSB has gone up in price in our area, however, most SIPs manufacturers have long-term contracts in place that buffer price volatility. Which is good for us since we've got a SIPs project in final design.

@charles 🤣 awe well i tried. the process may be quick to put up but doesnt the manufacturers end take a bit for SIPs? theres a manufacturer in Belgrade we'll give a call sometime soon.

There are a number of advantages of SIPs. For you in the construction process, the most relevant may be that the dimensions are close to that of stick framing. Not so with ICFs.

thank you @charles for your input. we will look into those 😁

I hate it when this happens 😑 my husband tries convincing me of an idea (ICFs) and while I play devils advocate and throw something else out there (SIPs) all the while falling in love with his original idea (ICFs) he is over there getting sold on the idea i threw out there (SIPs) 😂

any one else experience this? 😅