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...

Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF) have been around for decades, yet finding a contractor who truly understands how to build with them is still surprisingly difficult, especially in Michigan. We talk to homeowners every year who did their homework on...

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...

You’re thinking about triple-pane windows. You’re weighing solar panels. You’re scanning the market for eco-friendly appliances and high-performance materials. At some point in that process, many homeowners arrive at the same question: what should...

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...

Here in West Michigan, one of the most common questions we hear from folks ready to build is: “How late in the year can we start construction?” It’s a fair question. Our winters have a reputation. Between snow, ice, and those lovely lake-effect...

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...