R-Value Homes - West Michigan

10/30/2026

You’re invited to our Behind-the-Drywall Open House!

So many of you have been asking about our next event, and it's finally here!!

Our clients are letting us open their custom ICF Lakeshore home before the drywall and siding go up. It’s a rare chance to see how a home is built, and the parts that make it quiet, comfortable and solid for decades.

📍 WHERE
New Era, MI
(Find the full address on our website, in the comments)

🗓 WHEN
Friday, Nov 6 and Saturday, Nov 7
3:00pm–6:00pm (We would go longer, but there is no electricity at this site!)

💬 WHAT TO EXPECT
• Walk through at your own pace, no RSVP needed
• Our team will be on site to answer your questions about products, all things ICF, the design process, and what we’d do differently next time
• Stop by for 15 minutes or stay longer!

🥾 WHAT TO WEAR
• Sturdy, closed-toe shoes (boots are a good option; it may be muddy)
• Warm layers, since it’ll be cold inside
• Plan to arrive before dark; there’s no lighting on site

🏡 Please note: this home is not for sale. It belongs to our clients. This is the ONLY weekend you are able to see this home.

Full details and directions are in the comments!

10/28/2026

OPEN HOUSE ALERT 🚨 Details in comments!

You’ve all been asking, and it’s finally here!!

BEFORE THE DRYWALL OPEN HOUSE
November 6th-7th, 3pm-6pm (Friday and Saturday)

📍This home is located in New Era, MI.

If you’ve never toured one of our homes before, here’s what to expect:

- Open House style. Show up anytime between 3-6pm! Normally we extend hours a little longer, but with no electricity yet, we will end when the sun sets. ☀️

- It is an active construction site. Wear sturdy, close-toe shoes and watch your step. It may be muddy outside, so keep that in mind! Dress warm.

-This home is not for sale. It is custom built for our clients who are generously sharing it with you.

- We call it a “behind the drywall” open house because you’ll be able to walk through the bones of the house: the parts that make the biggest difference in how quiet, comfortable, and solid a home feels for decades.

- Bring your questions and curiosity. Ask why we chose a certain product, what the design process looks like, or what we’d do differently next time!

-This is for one weekend only! We hope to see you there!

10/28/2026

Why make a house tight, just to install a ventilation system?
Here's why:

Many people think air leakage is a good enough way to ventilate a home. But here's why infiltration is not the same as ventilation.

10/23/2026

What is that?!

The answer to yesterday’s question - this is a grounding rod, also known as a Ufer!

The electrical panel will be connected to this to give it a firm grounding, better than a normal rod driven into the dirt.

Building custom, energy-efficient homes across West Michigan for 20+ years! Designed for comfort, health and durability.

10/22/2026

Guess what this is!

No, it’s not a mistake 👀

Drop your answers in the comments. The reveal video will be posted tomorrow!

10/16/2026

In West Michigan, the rule of thumb is to get your foundation in the ground before it freezes, which usually means by mid-November.

Thanks to how we build, using insulated forms and cold-weather-friendly methods, we can continue construction throughout winter.

But timing matters. To hit that fall start date, begin the design and pre-construction process no later than January.

Building West Michigan homes designed for comfort, health and efficiency.

10/14/2026

It has a walk-in what???

Yes, you heard correctly - a walk-in refrigerator! This Barndo is coming along in Belding, MI!

In a couple days we’ll have a vaulted ceiling, which is very easy to do with insulating concrete forms (ICF’s).

A foot and a half of concrete is a lot more strength than four studs! Plus, everything is fully insulated - inside and outside.

This is the way to build a barndo in Michigan!

10/13/2026

A bank will tell you how much it may lend you.

That doesn’t mean you should spend that much.

A realistic custom home budget should account for the whole project and still leave room for the rest of your life.

Before you design the house, know what you’re actually comfortable investing.

https://www.rvaluehomes.com/blog/how-to-set-realistic-budget-custom-home-west-michigan

10/12/2026

We're ready to pour this barndo built better.
What makes it better?
ICF construction means no future rotting posts, no open wall cavities for pests, moisture, and mold. This disaster resistant home will stand up to just about anything nature can throw at it.

What is the coolest feature?
-the walk-in refrigerator
-the 12' tall six-stall garage
-The vaulted ceilings

Alleguard Giraffe ICF Bracing

Looking to build? We only take on a few projects at a time (so we can deliver the very best experience) so reach out now if you're planning to start in the next 8 - 24 months.

Airtight and Ventilated Right, Guaranteed!

10/12/2026

It is the little things that make a difference over the long term.

Here the ducting and air handler is elevated off the drain pan using these composite bricks.
Why does that matter? If and when there is ever any liquid in that drain pan, we don't want it to corrode the ducting.

You also see metal stud interior framing. These walls are ultra-straight, will not warp, will not have any nail pops, and will not ever grow mold.

Want a durable, low maintenance home in West Michigan? We're here to help!

Dan Postema
A1Mechanical