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Is there any connection between these points? That is, did they want a premium because of the construction, and did the build diminish the property appeal?
Oh yes they talked it up as being 'ultra' energy efficient. The reality it was a rather unappealing design (to me) and layout- a hybrid ranch and oddly sized two story at the end.
It was just a bit over 2,200 sq ft on small 1 acre parcel not in a great location. If I recall they were asking $315,000 for it in 2010 when I saw it.. According to realtor it sold in 2011 for under $224,000.
I paid about $260,000 for a 2,800 sq ft house on about 5 acres with superior lake views and woods- 2x6 very, very well insulated with an attached true 3 car garage.
Hey I used to race RX-7's back in the d-a-y.. Had a 300HP custom rotary running with a big Mikuni sidedraft. It was a mustang killer, lol.
RX-7s were great cars, but only part of it was the engine. A turbo I-4 or compact V-6 would have made them just as great. The rotary made them... different. And in the end, kind of for "different"'s sake.
And my equivalent weighed less with twice the horsepower, so there.
RX-7s were great cars, but only part of it was the engine. A turbo I-4 or compact V-6 would have made them just as great. The rotary made them... different. And in the end, kind of for "different"'s sake.
And my equivalent weighed less with twice the horsepower, so there.
/backtotopic
A rotary is extremely light. Me and a buddy, by hand, set the 13B modified engine into the car.
My question would be how are these "demonstration" houses faring 23 years later?
It’s basically just a forming system for cast in place concrete walls so they will last as long as a normal concrete wall! It’s just another product on the market not a revolutionary change in any way.
When someone says "retirement home"- I hear ADA compliant- or some form there of.
Number one on that list, no stairs. So, no basement or storm shelter.
What you want is a "Safe-Room". Usually most people will opt for the master bdrm closet as the safe-room. They are becoming quite common in the southeastern tornado alley. I'm sure you would find a GC that has done one- or will have at least seen one and/or know those that do the installs.
If you were thinking building the entire house (sans roof) of ICF, then yes, the squeeze isn't worth the juice. Tornadoes are so unpredictable you could be spending 15-20% more on building costs for nothing. Thermal efficiency isn't any greater to speak of (especially for the southeast); nor is the sound attenuation.
Can you provide data points to support your assertion that the costs are 15-20%? Even in 1997, when the article was written, the cost increases were rather modest.
Can you provide data points to support your assertion that the costs are 15-20%? Even in 1997, when the article was written, the cost increases were rather modest.
I don't have the exact numbers, but my wife and I built a house back in 1999 in WV and we priced out block, poured concrete and ICF and ICF was no way within our budget at all. No way.
I don't have the exact numbers, but my wife and I built a house back in 1999 in WV and we priced out block, poured concrete and ICF and ICF was no way within our budget at all. No way.
Thanks. I might be game for a price differential up to about 5-8% but not much more than that. I won't have to face this issue for a few years though. Thanks again!
It’s basically just a forming system for cast in place concrete walls so they will last as long as a normal concrete wall! It’s just another product on the market not a revolutionary change in any way.
"Basically" doesn't answer my question. While the concrete component may be the same, I wonder about deterioration of the foam component, longevity of the ferrous components, fenestration and portal lifespan, plumbing, electric and HVAC lifespan as compared to conventional construction.
My biggest question is the effect of water or vapor trapped within a possibly less ventilated environment, speaking of both the envelope and the structural component.
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