Energy Efficient Construction
Long before it became popular, Minard Construction was one of the area’s first builders to embrace energy-efficient and green building techniques. Today, we use a variety of proven energy-efficient and green building methods in all of our building projects. We’re particularly proud of our expertise in building with Insulating Concrete Forms (ICF). ICF creates a building envelope that is stronger, quieter, safer, and more durable than a structure built using traditional methods.
Cost Effective Living
We can often build with ICF for what others would charge to build with more traditional methods. Typically, we find ICF construction to be about 4%–6% higher than traditional construction. However, the cost is offset by savings in insurance premiums and monthly energy costs. In many cases, monthly ownership costs are actually lowered by building with ICF!
ICF blocks, typically 4 feet long and 16 inches high, are stacked, reinforced with steel, and then filled with concrete to form walls. Shown above are the early stages of forming a wall.
Cost comparison: wood frame vs. ICF construction
Mortgage Amount
Insurance Premium
Utility Costs
Total Monthly Costs
Wood Frame
$1,823
($300,000 principle,
6.125%/30 yrs.)
$337.50/mo.
$285/mo.
$2445
ICF
$1,975
($300,000 principle,
6.125%/30 yrs.)
$200/mo.
$170/mo.
$2345
ICF can also be installed horizontally, incorporating the same properties of a vertical ICF wall. This is an excellent solution for both floors and roofs.
ICF can be used with virtually any building style—from modern to traditional. Radius walls, arches, or any other common architectural technique can be incorporated in an ICF structure.