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Around the Block

Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF) Walls AmvicIn our effort to provide the architectural and building communities with more than just products, but also the power of added value, we have decided to accompany our new website with a blog.

The intention of ‘Around the Block’ is to discuss trends, challenges, issues and other topics that are relevant to the ICF industry.  Our blog entries are collaboratively developed by team of our engineering, sales and marketing departments as well as our wide network of distributors in order to bring you the highest quality content possible.

We are very excited about this endeavor and hope that this will be a place where you can find useful content related to the ICF industry that will help you advance your business and add value for your customers.


 

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Around the Block
Apr 15

Written by: Blog Editor
4/15/2008 12:13 PM

Here are a few of the basic requirements that you should look for:

  1. Skills and experience. Since ICF is an alternative building method that makes up a small percentage of the construction industry, you want to make sure that the installer you select is properly trained, certified by the manufacturer and has worked with ICF before.

  2. Reputation. Your ICF installer should be able to provide you with references from previous customers, but also feel free to ask for references from other sources including banks, suppliers and other trade professionals.  This is especially important if your installer has not had much experience with ICF. You want to be sure that they are reliable in the event that there are any complications.

  3. Proper business practices. Professional ICF installers should have business liability insurance, workers’ compensation coverage, proper building permits and be able to provide you with a written contract before starting your project.

  4. Support Network. In the ICF industry it is worthwhile to investigate who the distributor and manufacturers are when you select your ICF installer. Their reputations and business practices are equally as important, since installers often installers rely heavily on these resources for technical support, customer service and training.

  5. Fit. Like with any other business transaction, you are more likely to have a good experience if you have a good working relationship with your ICF installer. You should share the same expectations, attitude and goals for the project.

So for the most part it appears that choosing and ICF installer is relatively similar to choosing any contractor for a project...but we would like to throw it out there to you for discussion. Is there anything in particular you would recommend people look for in ICF installers vs. other types of contractors?

Copyright ©2008 Amvic Inc.

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2 comments so far...

Re: What to look for in an ICF installer?

Good ICF guys also typically have lots of green construction knowledge and experience. They are often used to working with complementary green products such as radiant floors, solar power, geothermal energy etc. It is important that they know how other products like these work or don’t work with ICF!

By Paul on   5/1/2008 10:06 AM

Re: What to look for in an ICF installer?

The know-it-all mentality is all too prevelant out there. If you meet an installer that has all the answers... look out! Also, dedication to antiquated manufacturing methods is a tip for this very thing. For example... ICF installers dedicated to a block that is non-reversible may just be the know-it-all type. This is a new industry and our knowlege base is still expanding. Open minded individuals who want to be a team player just might produce a better project.

By Jonathan on   5/7/2008 8:18 AM

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