Hanging the floor??.?

This was a part of the build I couldn't get my mind around. Hanging the floor? I looked at several different methods and chose the Simpson stongtie lvl hanger. I installed them twice as close then recommended because we are free spanning the basement with no beams. It was a great deal of work but totally worth it when we climbed downstairs the first time and seen how large the basement felt.

Basement slab

I used a great deal of stone for backfill under the slab. I then placed a vapor barrier and taped the seams then installed 2" of foam and taped the seams as well.  I will not be heating the slab but still wanted the thermal break from the ground.

Pour day

I had all my crew ready to pour the basement.  I also came in contact with Ryan Gunn of MidSouth ICF. He originally provided a bid on doing the ICF portion but in the grand total of the entire project I just couldn't swing it. Ryan then told me he offered consultant services and he could possibly help.  I stacked the basement and installed the bracing and had Ryan come in on a Sunday afternoon to check everything. He was extremely impressed and would later learn how paticular I am as a person. I had the concrete pump truck and the concrete roll in on Monday morning and Ryan stayed and taught me how to run the lifts. We finished early afternoon with no blowouts and no problems at all which was a huge relief.

Stacking block

I stacked 3 courses then installed the bracing system. I loved the braces other than them being heavy. My supplier provided these and I had so many I installed the bracing 4' on center...

Choosing the ICF ????

There are many ICF systems out there. I read and read till I was blue in the face. I finally learned that finding a ICF supplier close to your location that offers support may be the best brand to choose.  In my case I chose Fox Block.  There is a distributor close who even provided me braces to use for the installation.  

A few pics of footing and basement slab prep

Form a Drain footings started

The DIY ICF process

To begin with, I wanted to provide my family with what I believe is one of the most energy efficent homes I could. I have researched for over 2 years and ICF rose to the top.  I initially planned on having the ICF portion contracted out but after crunching all the numbers I really had no options.  I studied and read and even visited multiple job sites of residential ICF construction. I learned where I could make improvements and where to avoid mistakes. My crew is made of family and friends.  We do have multiple skilled trades in the group however none of us have built with ICF before.  We have built houses but nothing like this. I'm new at this blogging so forgive me if its not up to par with other blogs but I thought I could share my expierence. I designed the house simple for ease of construction and also for easy living. It's a basic ranch approximately 2000 sq ft with a full basement underneath. Open floorplan with a 3 car side load garage. The exterior will be brick as I was able to brick the house cheaper than stucco....(still don't understand that). We started September 12, 2013 and I will do this project completely myself and my crew. I'm way behind in starting the blog so ill try catch up.  Only items to be contracted out will be then concrete slabs as I only do a broom finish and that won't work in the basement.  Lol

I plan on doing everything I possibly can to make the home energy efficient and show what can be done with the help of great family and great friends. It's a great deal of work but a very gratifying.   Feel free to ask any questions.