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ICF Installation for Energy-Efficient Homes

Durable, Quiet, and Highly-Efficient Construction

Custom-built modern home exterior in West Michigan by R Value Homes, surrounded by fall foliage

The Foundation of Sustainable Living

Our Insulating Concrete Form (ICF) installation service is designed for homeowners and builders seeking a high-performance, energy-efficient solution. ICF construction provides superior insulation, soundproofing, and disaster resilience, ensuring a comfortable and secure home. R-Value Homes uses ICF in all of its custom home projects but is also available for ICF installation as a stand-alone service.

Custom Home Builder ICF Process Michigan
Modern custom home nestled among trees by R Value Homes in West Michigan
Side view of a modern custom home with a spacious porch by R Value Homes, West Michigan
Living room with a fireplace and large windows in a custom home by R Value Homes, West Michigan
Outdoor patio of a custom home by R-Value Homes in West Michigan, with modern furniture and scenic views
Rear exterior of a solar-powered home in West Michigan, completed by R Value Homes

Our Design-Build Process

1 | Preliminary Design
We start by exploring your vision and evaluating your lot to develop a concept design and preliminary budget. During this phase, you’ll collaborate with our design team, approve the initial concept, and gain a clear picture of what lies ahead.
2 | Design & Pricing
This phase brings your dream to life on paper. Together, we finalize your home’s layout, select fixtures and finishes, and incorporate expert feedback from specialists like HVAC and structural engineers. Once the specifications are complete, we’ll assemble and review the final project pricing.
3 | Construction & Completion
With a signed construction agreement and financing in place, we move forward with permits and construction. Throughout the build, we conduct regular onsite meetings and maintain open communication to ensure every detail aligns with your vision. Your journey concludes with a final walkthrough and move-in day.

Frequently Asked ICF Installation Questions

What is an ICF?expand_more
ICF is an acronym for Insulating Concrete Form(s). Although various configurations exist, a common ICF block is a 48” long, 16” high concrete form with two 2 5/8” thick Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) foam walls as the forms. These walls are separated to create a hollow cavity, which is filled with reinforced concrete. The cavity may be 4” to 12” thick, depending on the project requirements. Polypropylene ties on 8” centers hold the forms at the proper distance apart, and provide a surface to attach finishes, such as drywall and siding. The blocks interlock and are stacked in a manner similar to masonry; then reinforcing steel is placed inside the forms, and concrete is poured; leaving and extremely strong, airtight, very well insulated wall. Some configurations allow for up to 16” total insulation (r-68), 24” thick concrete, extra tall or long forms, etc.
Why isn’t ICF construction more popular?expand_more
Since a completed ICF home doesn’t look any different than a wood-framed house, it is quite likely you have seen them and not known it. You can only feel the difference! ICF construction is expanding in residential and commercial markets, though quality can be variable without established experts. In other portions of the country, ICF use is widespread. Habitat for Humanity and numerous other low-income housing builders use ICF construction extensively, realizing that while the home may cost more to initially build, it is much less costly to live in. Several developers across the nation are construction communities entirely out of ICFs.
Which ICF block do you use?expand_more
We have worked with multiple ICF block manufacturers; and since we are not committed to any one brand, we can objectively help you find the one best suited to your needs. Different forms have advantages in different applications. We work with any flat wall, reversible ICF forms, such as Nudura, Fox Blocks, BuildBlock, and more; as well as NexCem. There are many more available, some we are willing to work with, and some that are not worth the effort.
How do you fasten the drywall and siding to ICF Construction?expand_more
Drywall is glued and screwed to the polypropylene studs that are integral to the ICF form. Siding is also fastened to the studs. Brick, stone, stucco, and TAFS (EIFS) are done using traditional methods. The latter two methods may in fact be less cost, and the ICF leaves an ideal surface that requires minimal preparation.
Is ICF suitable for all building types and styles?expand_more
Absolutely! ICF is incredibly versatile and can be used for everything from modern to traditional architectural styles. Whether you're building a sprawling ranch home or a multi-story structure, R-Value Homes designs with ICF to seamlessly integrate high performance with your desired aesthetic, creating stunning results that last.
Are there any limitations to using ICF?expand_more
Every building system has certain limitations. For example, stick framing often requires supplemental steel beams and columns, while it may be best to avoid cantilevered when building with ICF. We can help you find the best wall system for your particular design and project goals.

See Our Work in Action

Our most popular features available for your ICF installation:
select_check_boxExtra insulation
select_check_boxHelix micro-rebar
select_check_boxOutbuildings
select_check_boxDIY consultation and bracing rental
select_check_boxSuperior indoor air quality
select_check_boxEnhanced thermal performance

The ICF Difference:
Building the Foundation for Zero-Energy Living

Better Insulation

 

Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs) are the cornerstone of zero-energy homes, providing unmatched thermal resistance. This superior insulation keeps your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer, reducing energy demands and making it easier to achieve net-zero energy consumption.

Continuous Insulation

 

Unlike traditional wall systems, ICF construction eliminates gaps and thermal bridging, creating an uninterrupted insulation layer. This ensures consistent indoor temperatures, minimizes energy loss, and supports the energy efficiency goals of zero-energy homes.

Thermal
Mass

 

The concrete core within ICF walls acts as a thermal battery, absorbing and releasing heat gradually. This regulates indoor temperatures and reduces the strain on heating and cooling systems, making zero-energy performance more attainable.

The R Value 10-Year Home Warranty

 

"Airtight and Ventilated Right, Guaranteed"

R Value Cost Guide Graphic

Custom Home Cost Guide

Ready to plan your dream home? Our Custom Home Cost Guide takes the guesswork out of budgeting and helps you make informed decisions. Discover what it really takes to bring your vision to life with confidence and clarity.

  • Learn the average costs for custom homes in West Michigan
  • Get tips to maximize your budget without compromising quality
  • Understand the factors that influence custom home costs
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Where We Work

R-Value Homes proudly serves West Michigan, including Greater Grand Rapids and surrounding towns, with custom homes and ICF installation. We create homes tailored to our clients' unique needs and lifestyles. Don’t see your area listed? Reach out to us today to find out if we serve your location. We’re always expanding our reach to help more West Michigan families build their dream homes.

Our Service Area

  • Grand Rapids
  • East Grand Rapids
  • Ada
  • Lowell
  • Wayland
  • Middleville
  • Rockford
  • Caledonia
  • Byron Center
  • Hudsonville
  • Allendale
  • Jenison
  • Grandville
  • Zeeland
  • Holland
  • Fennville
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Living Room with Large Windows in Modern Concrete Net Zero Home in West Michigan by R Value Homes

What Our Clients Think

"My wife and I interviewed several builders for our ICF home that we had designed.  Ultimately we chose R-Value Homes because Jake and is employees/partners are very honest and hardworking.  They worked with us to keep the project on budget and completed it in the time frame that was estimated.  The build quality is superb.

Also, Jake's experience and expertise in building net zero and high efficiency homes is undeniable.  The build quality and overall solid feel of the home is impressive. We couldn't be happier about how it turned out."

James Felgner

Custom Home

Modern custom home facade with contrasting wood and metal siding by R Value Homes in West Michigan

What Our Clients Think

"Working with RValue Homes was amazing. Jake is very detail oriented and creative. He always returned our communications quickly and stayed on top of all the different people in our home. RValue Homes surrounds itself with excellent craftsman as well- from the people who worked on the interior wall framing to the final trim guys- they were very trustworthy and we enjoyed talking with them everyday we stopped by the house while it was being built. Having an ICF home for the first time, we have had a lot of questions and Jake has been thorough with his descriptions and answers to our questions.  We love our new home and would not change a thing."

Va Nia Tjalsma

ICF Custom Home

Screened-in porch with natural wood ceiling, part of a West Michigan custom home by R Value Homes

What Our Clients Think

"Jake and his team are beyond amazing. They are honest, hard working people, and you will get exactly what they offer. Our home is beautiful, energy efficient, clean, and unique. It wouldn’t be the same home if it were built by a different company."

Sarah McCracken

Custom Home

Garage entry of a custom-built West Michigan home by R-Value Homes, with sleek white doors and dark siding

What Our Clients Think

"Here’s why R-Value Homes is the best. We had a minor HVAC issue last night at 9:00 pm. Called Jake, who built our house over 2 years ago. He said he could be out first thing in the morning. He was at our house right when he said he would be and fixed the issue in minutes. A few hours later he sent us a follow up email with 3 different options to make sure the issue doesn’t happen again. The service and professionalism is beyond expected and so appreciated. We can’t say enough good things about R-Value Homes!"

Michael McCracken

Custom Home

Exterior view of a modern custom home with unique architectural lines, built by R Value Homes in West Michigan

What Our Clients Think

"R-Value has done numerous concrete projects for us over the years.  The owner of the company has excellent character, is trustworthy and reliable.  This company stands behind their work, even when it cost them financially to do so."

Jeff Sneller

Custom Home

Front view of a solar-panel equipped home by R-Value Homes in West Michigan

What Our Clients Think

"We were very pleased with the work they did.  We would highly recommend them. Quality workmanship."

Paula Wagenaar

Custom Home

Ready for Expert ICF Installation?

Strengthen Your Home with Innovation

Experience the benefits of Insulating Concrete Form (ICF) construction—energy-efficient, durable, and built to last. Contact us today to discuss your project and see how R-Value Homes can deliver superior results!

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