ICF vs traditional basement advice needed

[00tec]

For anyone who knows or has experience:

Having a home built north of Bennett soon, and the builder recommended going with an ICF (insulated concrete form) basement over a traditional pour. My understanding is that you achieve a bit better R rating and that it is easier to Sheetrock later when finishing it out. The basement finishing will not likely happen for a few years, but is a future plan.

Here's my question: is it worth the $5k ish difference to go with ICF in a basement setting? The basement will eventually have living space, but no plans for bedrooms for now.

Thanks for any advice!

[gnihcraes]

the cost difference is probably for the contractor having to setup traditional forms vs the ICF. Just my thinking though. (labor/forms etc)

[00tec]

The traditional pour is the cheaper option. Apparently styrofoam Legos cost more overall

[gnihcraes]

The traditional pour is the cheaper option. Apparently styrofoam Legos cost more overall

interesting.

[00tec]

interesting.

Logic would dictate the opposite, but apparently, 1 pallet of those things is like $300.

[gnihcraes]

Logic would dictate the opposite, but apparently, 1 pallet of those things is like $300.

Yeah, my logic is all messed up on this problem you present. I'd also have to question what is needed for water proofing, obviously concrete will have to be, what about the lego block pour? Same thing, or does it require a tar and a wrap of sorts?

I have no real data to help you here.

Just curious more than anything. We did a traditional pour here about 10 years ago. Seemed like a hassle, a lot of labor with forms, more so than some foam blocks would be.

a. setup blocks, pour, walk away.
b. setup forms, install wire, pour, wait, remove forms.
(basically)

[00tec]

Yeah, my logic is all messed up on this problem you present. I'd also have to question what is needed for water proofing, obviously concrete will have to be, what about the lego block pour? Same thing, or does it require a tar and a wrap of sorts?

I have no real data to help you here.

Just curious more than anything. We did a traditional pour here about 10 years ago. Seemed like a hassle, a lot of labor with forms, more so than some foam blocks would be.

a. setup blocks, pour, walk away.
b. setup forms, install wire, pour, wait, remove forms.
(basically)

They still use rebar within the blocks, but it seems that the ICF manufacturers demand a premium for their product because it is relatively new. I believe that they can stack and glue blocks together for waterproofing. You do get better insulation factor and nice smooth walls when done (insulation is nice flat styrofoam sheet), but I'm not sure it is worth it. The traditional pour is coming out ~$5k cheaper with insulation, waterproofing, etc.

[Irving]

If the foundation is under the ground, the amount of insulation may not be a big deal. I'd be much more concerned with which one is more durable over time and is better at keeping water out.

[00tec]

It is going to be primarily below grade. Not a walkout. Flat lot.

[jslo]

I would check the overall insulation rating. Basement finishes, in most jurisdiction, now require a minimum rating. I believe it is an R13 minimum.