Hughes’ decision reflects a growing trend across the country. Many residential builders have discovered that using concrete in residential construction makes the building process more efficient and cost-effective.
Eight years ago, when Hughes first converted to ICF construction, 7% of all homes featured above-grade concrete walls. By 2002, that figure doubled to 14% and is expected to hit 22% by 2006.
“The price of concrete is very stable and lately, any variance is almost negligible,” said Bronford, CT-builder James Eggert. “As an owner, it’s an advantage to our budgets and forecasts.” In 1997, Eggert built his personal home using ICFs. His home continues to serve as a show home for his construction company.
Eggert and Hughes are members of the Building Systems Councils’ Systems Builders Council (SBC), which represents the interests of builders specializing in concrete, log, modular and panelized homes.
SBC members interested in concrete home building will work closely with the concrete manufacturers in NAHB’s new Concrete Home Building Council to promote the benefits of residential concrete construction to colleagues and consumers. Membership in the SBC is open to any NAHB member interested in learning more about building systems.
For more information about the Systems Builders Council and the Concrete Home Building Council, visit the council Web pages or call 800-368-5242 x8576.
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"Residential Concrete, 3rd Edition," available from BuilderBooks.com, provides reliable methods that you can use to solve concrete problems, master common concrete practices and effectively communicate quality expectations to employees and trade contractors. It is the most comprehensive resource for planning, purchasing and placing concrete for residential construction.
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