How to Build Your Own ICF Basement and Save Big $$$

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  • Опубліковано 4 лют 2025

КОМЕНТАРІ • 124

  • @camels9654
    @camels9654 Рік тому +61

    One tip, don't do your splice at the corner, work your way in from the corner and try to the splice in the center of the wall. The corners are where the blowouts happen so you want your strength there.

  • @bwillan
    @bwillan Рік тому +19

    You know you've put a good day's work in when you end up with some concrete in your beard. The foundation for the Timber Frame home is off to a great start. Looking forward to more videos on the build.

    • @SharpeTimber
      @SharpeTimber  Рік тому +4

      Thanks! It feels great to be on our way. We are excited to get the frame together!

  • @dougsmith548
    @dougsmith548 Рік тому +5

    Nice basement layout. Those walls are good and thick. 🇨🇦✌️

  • @mostlyinterested1016
    @mostlyinterested1016 10 місяців тому +47

    One safety tip. As soon as you put a vertical piece of rebar in, make sure you put an orange cap on it. I was cringing every time you pressed down hard to engage the horizontal rebar into the plastic framing.

    • @SharpeTimber
      @SharpeTimber  10 місяців тому +11

      Yes that is a good idea, I was aware that it could hurt me aha

    • @Room1sixtyfive
      @Room1sixtyfive 9 місяців тому

      Lol, they go from one side to the other like butter.

    • @midwestoutlaw3194
      @midwestoutlaw3194 8 місяців тому +4

      I worked with a carpenter who fell off a stepladder and he landed on a length of rebar they were hundreds of miles from a hospital on an island luckily the navy heard them begging for help on the radio and came and brought him back to land

  • @davidlunstrum5377
    @davidlunstrum5377 Місяць тому +10

    Why didn't you vibrate the walls

    • @thealternativeaudio
      @thealternativeaudio 19 днів тому

      This bothered me, no vibration?

    • @mnoot7209
      @mnoot7209 17 днів тому +2

      I was/am also concerned. Especially around/under the windows and the corners, tho generally everywhere. Other ICF videos I watched vibrated everywhere gently & briefly so as not to damage or compromise the forms.

  • @bethanykuntz6640
    @bethanykuntz6640 Рік тому +2

    Sooo exciting!!!🎉

    • @SharpeTimber
      @SharpeTimber  Рік тому +1

      Yes its so exciting to finally be working on it!

  • @Thesinghrandhir
    @Thesinghrandhir 3 місяці тому +3

    Awesome video and work, Always wondered do you need to vibrate the concrete to help it settle in the forms?

    • @SharpeTimber
      @SharpeTimber  3 місяці тому +2

      Thanks! It’s not a bad idea to vibrate the forms, there’s a lot of things in the wall that could make cavities. We vibrated it from the outside with a sawzall

    • @mnoot7209
      @mnoot7209 17 днів тому +1

      ​@@SharpeTimberI'd like to see how you vibrated with a Sawzall, as I haven't heard of that before. Nose to the wall? Or handle to the wall?

  • @zuesbenz
    @zuesbenz 8 місяців тому +2

    you did good work

  • @TomLinehan-d7d
    @TomLinehan-d7d 7 днів тому +1

    Sorry but have you used a saw before?

  • @flyingfrog2856
    @flyingfrog2856 Рік тому +6

    Do you rent or buy the bracing that keeps the walls plumb?

  • @pcexpress911
    @pcexpress911 10 місяців тому +4

    How many yards of concrete was that?

    • @SharpeTimber
      @SharpeTimber  10 місяців тому +4

      It was around 24 yards for the wall

  • @mnoot7209
    @mnoot7209 17 днів тому

    What was your concrete mix composition? What did you do for footers? Are you pouring a basement floor?

  • @garyp272727
    @garyp272727 8 місяців тому +4

    Loved your video.. you sound like a honorable and humble gentleman. Any more update on home building so far ?

    • @SharpeTimber
      @SharpeTimber  4 місяці тому +1

      Hey Gary, I will be putting the frame up in a couple weeks. I will post a video on it 👍

  • @mitchellkasdin1899
    @mitchellkasdin1899 3 місяці тому +1

    Cut from the other direction for making blocking. You want to cut on the waste side. There’s a larger side of the plate when cutting from the opposing side. Less chance of kickback.

  • @tomlampros7122
    @tomlampros7122 6 місяців тому +3

    Did you build the timber frame on top of the ICF wall? Did you have to build out the wall for the timbers to bear on?

    • @SharpeTimber
      @SharpeTimber  4 місяці тому +2

      Yes I will be putting the timber frame on it. I’m almost ready to raise the frame, just a few more weeks.

  • @gregmyers2007
    @gregmyers2007 2 місяці тому +2

    I didn’t see you guys vibrate. The wall is that not needed or was it just not part of the video?

    • @SharpeTimber
      @SharpeTimber  Місяць тому

      We did vibrate from the outside with a sawzall that had no blade on it. If I did it again I might get a proper vibrator to help around the windows mostly.

  • @musicmoments3548
    @musicmoments3548 Місяць тому +2

    Did you pour the entire height at once? Do you have to? Can you pour like 4 ft all the way around every few days?

    • @SharpeTimber
      @SharpeTimber  Місяць тому

      I did it in 3 passes around, but you don’t wait for it to dry. You just keep going around until it’s to the top.

    • @jacobgralnik4319
      @jacobgralnik4319 Місяць тому +1

      @@SharpeTimberthe question was if you have experience to pour concrete in few sets within 3-5 days using concrete mixer,. ,it is not easy to keep going while it still wet,.. we are humans you know… concrete pump and spinner cost sh¡t load of gold.

  • @graftedacres7017
    @graftedacres7017 3 місяці тому +2

    Curious on cost. We're about to build (no basement, just a foundation) and are debating hiring out a traditional foundation or doing ICF ourselves. Can't seem to gauge the cost benefit.

    • @SharpeTimber
      @SharpeTimber  3 місяці тому +7

      Counting the excavation, footings. Drainage, Gravel, icf with rebar and concrete, and cement floor I spent about $23000 cad. I got the walls and floor quoted for $43k not counting the excavation. I did everything myself with help from family

  • @brianbrooks348
    @brianbrooks348 6 місяців тому

    Excellent video, trying to debate myself if I want to build a basement or just go with a slab. Do you have more videos of the house being built?

    • @arab365
      @arab365 4 місяці тому +1

      Basement all the way.

    • @SharpeTimber
      @SharpeTimber  4 місяці тому +1

      I did a basement because my lot is small and I wanted to get as much as I could from the footprint. Doing a basement doesn’t seem much harder than a slab, as long as you don’t have a lot of water in the ground.

    • @SharpeTimber
      @SharpeTimber  4 місяці тому

      I just poured my floor yesterday and I will have a video of that and in a few weeks we are putting up the timber frame.

    • @brianbrooks348
      @brianbrooks348 4 місяці тому +1

      @@SharpeTimber cool. I just had a guy come out and quote me on the supplies to do mine and it was much cheaper than I thought. Only thing is I'd have to cut down some trees I like but dang, about to have some firewood cause I like the idea. I might even do ICF all the way up to the trusses.

  • @daveRiccardi
    @daveRiccardi Рік тому +3

    Was that old terracotta sewer pipe you dug up at the beginning?

    • @SharpeTimber
      @SharpeTimber  Рік тому +3

      Yes but I think it was drainage tile because there was a few pipes in different places.

  • @rjygrahamt6c
    @rjygrahamt6c 10 місяців тому +1

    How many linear feet was your foundation?

  • @roiad876
    @roiad876 4 місяці тому +1

    what are the specs of the original footing? it's just a strip footing with some rebar?

    • @SharpeTimber
      @SharpeTimber  3 місяці тому

      Yeah I think it was 8”x20” footing with rebar

  • @JacobLehman-ov4eu
    @JacobLehman-ov4eu 5 місяців тому +2

    How is this holding up? looking to do the same with my own build (diy)

    • @SharpeTimber
      @SharpeTimber  4 місяці тому +3

      It’s really good, I just poured the floor yesterday and will be putting up the timber frame soon. I saved at least 30k doing it myself.

  • @FourthWayRanch
    @FourthWayRanch 5 місяців тому +1

    What are the yellow pipe supports? Did u have to buy them?

  • @billmccance7762
    @billmccance7762 10 місяців тому +6

    marriage line should be more in mid wall not near a corner

    • @SharpeTimber
      @SharpeTimber  10 місяців тому +3

      Yes that is true, learned lots doing my first one.

  • @bkucinschi
    @bkucinschi 7 місяців тому +3

    Why do you have to install those chicken-wire laders on top of a course? Is it code?

    • @SharpeTimber
      @SharpeTimber  7 місяців тому +3

      I don’t think it’s required, I just read that some people recommend it for the top course, it helps keep the wall nice and straight

    • @bkucinschi
      @bkucinschi 7 місяців тому +2

      @@SharpeTimber : Thank you for your answer

  • @Alphasig336
    @Alphasig336 5 місяців тому +7

    I am guess I’ll save about $100K doing ICF, plumbing, and electrical. Though I’ll hire out interior drywall. I hate drywall.

    • @SharpeTimber
      @SharpeTimber  4 місяці тому +1

      Yeah for sure. And yes I am going to hire out the drywall as well

    • @epicdock7092
      @epicdock7092 Місяць тому

      Wish I could do the plumbing and the electrical but legally I can't!

    • @nicholaslogan5185
      @nicholaslogan5185 Місяць тому

      Drywall isn't that bad if u design around not having to cut the panels, unless mudding isn't ur friend. I found that once you get the consistency right it becomes a breeze.

    • @nicholaslogan5185
      @nicholaslogan5185 Місяць тому

      ​@@epicdock7092that's why I bought land in a diy build friendly county

    • @AllthingsZuri-h6x
      @AllthingsZuri-h6x Місяць тому

      ⁠@@epicdock7092why can’t you?legally?

  • @chuckhooper5215
    @chuckhooper5215 3 місяці тому +1

    Anyone know how this icf cost is against a form contractor cost wise ? How much $ are form guys getting per yard installed ?

    • @SharpeTimber
      @SharpeTimber  Місяць тому +1

      I was quoted 42k for foundation and floor using traditional forms and that wasn’t including excavating. Doing it myself with ICF was about 23k including excavation.

  • @digitors
    @digitors 6 місяців тому +1

    How much was form? And concrete pour?

    • @longsleevelogger117
      @longsleevelogger117 6 місяців тому +1

      I just bought forms for my foundation. 28'x60' full basement with 10" thick walls cost 15k for all the blocks. Not including forms, rebar, or concrete

    • @digitors
      @digitors 5 місяців тому +1

      I had no idea cost. Still reasonable for DIY?

    • @SharpeTimber
      @SharpeTimber  4 місяці тому

      I did my whole basement for around 24k with digging and everything. About 1/2 the cost of hiring someone to do it all with conventional basement wall.

  • @FourthWayRanch
    @FourthWayRanch 5 місяців тому

    Is it cheaper than building snap tie forms? Is it strong enough, doesnt look like 8" concrete

    • @SharpeTimber
      @SharpeTimber  4 місяці тому

      It was cheaper for me to do it myself this way than to hire someone to do it with plywood forms

    • @FourthWayRanch
      @FourthWayRanch 4 місяці тому

      @@SharpeTimber i think ICF prices went up a lot recently, i priced them vs building my own forms and pouring a solid walland it seems like a lot more.
      Maybe my math is wrong

  • @briant7067
    @briant7067 Рік тому +3

    Cost?

    • @SharpeTimber
      @SharpeTimber  Рік тому +4

      Spent around $18 500 for excavation, footing and wall. Thats counting all the materials and also Gravel with a stone slinger.

    • @yavor19121
      @yavor19121 Рік тому +1

      What size are icf blocks. 8,10 or 12 inch and are they fox blocks. How deep under ground is your basement dug. How many feet deep. How many inches are your footings wide and deep. What size rebar u have in the footings and the size of rebar in icf. Thanks

    • @digitors
      @digitors 6 місяців тому

      @@SharpeTimberhow much did you save?

  • @KeithFrazier74
    @KeithFrazier74 Рік тому +2

    How many sq ft was the interior? How did you know what type of concrete to get? Did you shop more than one icf company? How do you cut out for power plugs?

    • @SharpeTimber
      @SharpeTimber  Рік тому +2

      I think around 870 sq ft, just researched online, talked with my engineer and the guys who sell the ICFs. I just got a quote from one company because they weren't too far from me, I just figured they were all pretty similar. You can use a special hot knife, or electric chainsaw or just a knife.

  • @jeffjones4006
    @jeffjones4006 9 місяців тому +3

    Orange caps are optional this isn’t an OSHA job, only a local inspector and he will be above them for inspection comes.

    • @RedScareClair
      @RedScareClair 5 місяців тому +1

      That's right! Safety only matters if regulators are watching!

    • @Alphasig336
      @Alphasig336 5 місяців тому

      Until someone falls as only loses an eye if they are lucky.

  • @pcexpress911
    @pcexpress911 10 місяців тому +6

    I live in central Texas What is a basement? 😅

    • @pcionr
      @pcionr 5 місяців тому +2

      something you cool off in the summer or stay warm in the winter when your grid is out.

  • @rickevans-x2i
    @rickevans-x2i 4 місяці тому

    I dont see any other videos on this project.

    • @SharpeTimber
      @SharpeTimber  4 місяці тому +1

      I just posted one of me making the timber sill plates. We just poured the cement floor yesterday so I will have a video on that soon. And in a few weeks we are putting up the frame. Thanks for watching!

  • @christopherbarber274
    @christopherbarber274 11 місяців тому +6

    Hey man, great video! This is going to be one of my main go to videos to refer to once i start my own house.
    Just a side note, the music is a bit too loud. Not terribly so, but its a little out of proportion to the rest of the audio.
    Keep up the good work man!

    • @SharpeTimber
      @SharpeTimber  10 місяців тому +1

      Great! Glad it can help, and thanks for the feedback, I will be sure that the volume is right in the next ones, or I will just do it without music.

  • @BuildCabin
    @BuildCabin 11 місяців тому +4

    Have you checked with your pest control companies ? Many won't touch an ICF.

    • @SharpeTimber
      @SharpeTimber  10 місяців тому +4

      No I haven't, but we don't have many pests here that I have to worry about.

    • @RedScareClair
      @RedScareClair 5 місяців тому +1

      They suck anyway

    • @Alphasig336
      @Alphasig336 5 місяців тому +2

      Get your own pest certification for $250. Their warranties are shit anyways. Though in South I would use termite resistant water barrier. No ICF walls to at least Ceiling and only non structural wood. Termites won’t matter.

  • @Alphasig336
    @Alphasig336 5 місяців тому

    That drilled rebar didn’t look to have epoxy holding them in place.

    • @SharpeTimber
      @SharpeTimber  4 місяці тому

      The holes were undersize and just hit them in, they were really tight.

  • @WhiteytheLab
    @WhiteytheLab Місяць тому

    The kid down in the hole with a little piece of plywood acting like he's reinforcing during the pour - dangerous as hell. If that blows out, he's deep enough to get crushed and pinned.

  • @mnoot7209
    @mnoot7209 17 днів тому +1

    Music was too loud, distracting, and obscured the dialog at times.

  • @ivanivanovich2540
    @ivanivanovich2540 4 місяці тому +3

    Why don’t people in North America build their basements properly right away?
    The outer walls are always poured first and then the floor .
    With this type of construction, the basement cannot be sealed and it requires drainage and a sump pump in the basement.

    • @jeoinaforest
      @jeoinaforest 4 місяці тому

      What do you recommend?

    • @ivanivanovich2540
      @ivanivanovich2540 2 місяці тому +1

      @@jeoinaforest Build the house basement like in Germany.
      Without sump pump, higher electricity bills, drainage, and other hemorrhoids.

    • @jeoinaforest
      @jeoinaforest 2 місяці тому

      @@ivanivanovich2540 we used a dimpled membrane on the last house, Delta MS I believe. Had no trouble and no sump pump…

  • @michaeladams2077
    @michaeladams2077 10 місяців тому

    dont try this at home" lol dude was holding the bottom down. im cool. back to old school

  • @andreycham4797
    @andreycham4797 Рік тому

    You put horizontal rebars in footings and top rows between top and bottom they are useless

    • @SharpeTimber
      @SharpeTimber  Рік тому +4

      With ICF you need horizontal rebar on each row. It snaps in and holds the forms together. It also will still resist tension on the inside of the wall

    • @andreycham4797
      @andreycham4797 Рік тому

      @@SharpeTimber if the manufacturer of those forms had required to secure forms the way you did , you should have done more diligent work on choosing the ICF brand . A foundation wall out CMU block doesn't have horizontal steel bar after every row

    • @truthseeker5890
      @truthseeker5890 10 місяців тому +7

      @@andreycham4797 If I was doing that job and it was my structure (my money being spent), I would want way more rebar in there! Most people can think past their noses. I think in terms of 100 years! A lot is going to happen in 100 years. Overkill? No such thing!

    • @truthseeker5890
      @truthseeker5890 10 місяців тому

      *can't...

  • @RohitSormaes-t6j
    @RohitSormaes-t6j 5 місяців тому

    Lee Helen Garcia Barbara Davis Anthony

  • @andrecampbell691
    @andrecampbell691 2 місяці тому +4

    Why do video makers feel they have to play music. 👎🏻👎🏻

    • @jamesgurtnerjr
      @jamesgurtnerjr 14 днів тому

      Because they are builders not video makers, cant be good at everything 🤷‍♂️

  • @vanman3752
    @vanman3752 Рік тому +6

    Wow is that music ever a big distraction.

    • @SharpeTimber
      @SharpeTimber  10 місяців тому +4

      Thanks for the feedback 👍 will probably start doing videos without music mostly

    • @resortredneck
      @resortredneck 2 місяці тому

      I actually liked the music ;)

  • @LizzieClark-d5g
    @LizzieClark-d5g 5 місяців тому

    Jones Betty Hernandez Michelle Hernandez Jessica

  • @DaisyHayes-n2k
    @DaisyHayes-n2k 5 місяців тому

    Lee Linda Smith Cynthia Jones Ruth

  • @Nova-m8d
    @Nova-m8d 5 місяців тому +2

    Those walls are full of air pockets.

  • @Joey-fs7ro
    @Joey-fs7ro Місяць тому +1

    What annoying music... can't listen anymore. 💩

  • @Joey-fs7ro
    @Joey-fs7ro Місяць тому +1

    Stop with the bullshit music. Not here to listen to that!

  • @charlesmaou6375
    @charlesmaou6375 Рік тому +3

    Turn that stupid music off, blows my eardrums...

  • @jwsl728
    @jwsl728 5 місяців тому

    ICF is very bad thing. The heat generated during the curing of concrete cannot dissipate, resulting in this concrete having particularly low strength.

    • @Z71hosestretcher
      @Z71hosestretcher 5 місяців тому +13

      Post some links of Icf houses that have collapsed because the concrete was weak.

    • @The.LastMelon
      @The.LastMelon 4 місяці тому +1

      The heat will dissipate. It will take longer as well as the cure but that long cure should make the wall stronger if anything.
      If you don't like ICF just say so.

  • @NoyesBruce-k4n
    @NoyesBruce-k4n 4 місяці тому

    Lee Laura Wilson Eric Walker Sarah