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R-Value Concrete Structures got its start in 2004 when Jake Vierzen, president of R-Value, recognized the need in the industry for a reputable ICF installer in the area.
Enough homeowners had installed ICF’s themselves in their basements that local builders had a bad taste in their mouth from poor workmanship. Jake knew from his (then) 9 years experience in commercial concrete construction that sloppiness was completely unnecessary, and saw the opportunity to provide high quality installation using the best products available. Still, many local builders were uncomfortable with something new, or they charged a hefty premium because they presumed ICF’s were expensive and they would have to fix the poor workmanship. We knew there was no reason to charge such a premium, and were convinced that ICF could be held to high standards.
Our Standards
Workmanship
To that end, R-Value insists on spacing its ICF bracing at a maximum of 5’4”, 16” closer than industry standard. We also install reinforcing steel to Michigan code standards, which seems to be common sense, but is rare among poured wall contractors. Vinyl window openings, air-gap membrane waterproofing, and pre-installed conduit and electrical boxes are some of the products and practices that set us apart. We are fully committed to using the best products and practices to deliver homes that are second to none in quality. Another unique service R-Value provides is that we run your home through a computer analysis to properly size the HVAC.
Certification and training
We believe that educated employees are the best employees, and to that end all of our employees are ACI (American Concrete Institute) certified technicians. They know and understand concrete mix designs, curing, and how these things are affected by the pouring environment. We also provide safety training as well as classes specific to ICF's. R-Value strives to maintain the most knowledgeable and capable workforce of any ICF installer. We are trained and certified by a number of different ICF manufacturers. After all, concrete doesn't care what kind of form it is in! We are concrete pros, who build with ICF's.
View some of our certifications.
Our Employees
It is also important to us that our employees are treated well. We provide a safe working environment with opportunity for advancement as well as vacation and holiday pay, and competetive wages. Each one is treated with respect, as are our customers. These things may seem to be obvious, but they are actually uncommon among residential concrete construction companies!
Licenses and Memberships
R-Value is licensed by the State of Michigan, and maintains liability and workman's comp insurance. We are members of the Better Business Bureau, the Insulating Concrete Form Association, the Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association, the U.S. Green Building Council, and the Alliance for Environmental Sustainability. These memberships educate us and make us better. We are members of these organizations because we believe in what they believe in.
All of this does pay off, and we have recently been recognized by an award from the GLREA!
Why do we existω
We are in the ICF industry because we believe it is the responsible thing to do; and it is the best way to build; whether as a premium structure on a high-end custom home, or as a low cost of ownership, low maintainance home for urban housing. We seek to serve our neighbor in our vocation by ethical business practices and top-notch workmanship. We expect that in the years to come, there will be many contractors jumping on the ICF bandwagon because they see dollar signs. This may well damage the ICF industry in much the same way the flatwork industry has been. There are many contractors and fly-by-night outfits that sacrifice quality in order to get the cost down, and get the job. There is more to choosing an ICF installer than price and availability!
Where do we existω
R-Value Concrete Structures LLC is based out of Freeport, MI; between Grand Rapids and Hastings; but is not limited to the west Michigan area. Due to the relative scarcity of reputable ICF installers, we cover much of the lower peninsula; and have even worked well into Indiana.
"The willingness and patience to teach us was greatly appreciated" --Dr. Shirley Fleischmann, GVSU school of engineering; R-Value customer
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