R-Value Homes Blog

If you’re researching Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF) vs. traditional wood framing, you’re probably trying to answer one simple question:

Is it worth it?

You’ve likely heard that ICF homes are stronger. Quieter. More efficient. You may also have...

In January 2025, my family and I spent a week in Guatemala building homes for families in need (see picture below). The experience made me reflect on the expectations we have for our own homes.

The families in these Guatemalan villages were...

If you’re exploring the idea of building an energy-efficient custom home in Michigan, chances are you’ve already asked the question nearly every homeowner asks first: “So… how much does it cost?”

It’s a fair question. But when we talk about the cost...

Is your dream in good hands? Designing a custom home is about building a home that performs well, feels good to live in, and stands the test of time. That kind of home doesn’t come from guesswork or generic plans. It starts with a process that...

Last month, my family and I spent a week in Guatemala building homes for families in need (see picture below). The experience made me reflect on the expectations we have for our own homes.

The families in these Guatemalan villages were overjoyed...

You’ve probably heard that an ICF home is more efficient than others. Here’s a quick crash-course about ICF homes. Maybe you’ve even come across figures like 32% to 44% energy savings. But how accurate are those claims? And is a net-zero home really...

Today we're going to be talking about three reasons that do-it-yourself homebuilders fail to meet their sustainable goals. Right now you're probably not too sure how to get started designing and constructing your custom Net Zero home or ICF home....

Last month I discussed some common questions builders receive regarding whether R-Value Homes allows homeowner clients to specify or choose some of the subcontractors (we call them Trade Partners) to work on their home. 

I started by looking at...

Can my electrician friend and I moonlight the electrical when you build my house? Do you allow me to use some of my preferred subcontractors on my custom home build?

These are common questions builders get. Bringing your own Trade Partners is...