|  Expanded from the popular version presented at the 2004 International Builders’ Show, the full-day seminar, “Building with Insulating Concrete Forms (ICFs),” provides the traditional home builder with information on understanding ICFs, judging whether ICF construction makes business sense and making the transition.
The course covers the advantages and costs of ICF construction, the components and materials used, design and planning considerations, the logistics of ICF construction, and important business and marketing considerations. Included are details on using ICFs to construct walls, floors and floor decks, and what other trades must do in order to work with ICF walls. “Building with Insulating Concrete Forms” begins Thursday, Dec. 16, at 8 a.m. and is being taught by Pieter VanderWerf of Building Works. The greater Kalamazoo area is a large market for cast-in-place foundations and has very large ready-mix concrete support for ICFs. Consumer’s Concrete is sponsoring both of this week’s educational offerings. “We have now become a licensed association through NAHB’s University of Housing and are excited to continue our educational programs beyond these first two pilot programs,” said Pamela Orton, the Kalamazoo builders’ education director. “Cast-In-Place Concrete Foundation” and “Building with Insulating Concrete Forms” will be available to all licensed home builders associations nationwide, beginning in January. For more information, e-mail Dawn Faull or call her at 800-368-5242 x8362, or contact the NAHB University of Housing, x8302. | 
Two new NAHB educational courses sponsored by the Concrete Home Building Council are debuting this week in Michigan at the 