shipping container homes

[tada]

I found this pic in Popular Mechanics 5 years ago-

http://gallery.roadbikereview.com/data/r..._large.jpg

[MarkP]

Interesting. The containers are used as part of the foundation. They have sloping roofs over them with the house part in between. This is consistent with my observations. No doubt about it, being able to drop the containers on the ground and have lockable/accessible/secure storage is worth a huge amount. Having the containers span 40' has value even if you have to support the structure in between every 16" off the containers.

[tada]

Dig the cheap but effective grading. Very budget conscious. I'd be happy if you can drive thru without reversing with my "old tech" car.

[john the architect]

I am a licensed Hawaii architect and I have designed container homes. My ideas are not typical in how I believe they should be used. I have even talked clients completely out of that idea and converted their homes to prefit steel framing (the only such system of which I am aware, it was invented for a project in Keaau).

Creative use of a structural prefab material requires some enlightened assistance. I can get it permitted but I won't sign off on anything that does not create not good space for living in a tropical place.


John Maloney
310.562.0362
johnmaloney3@me.com
Hawaii Architect AR8082

[terracore]

I have 40' and 20' containers and did exhaustive research on this subject. My conclusion was that the money it costs to take advantage of what containers have to offer but also fixing the problems they cause were higher than building from scratch and not using the containers in the first place. There are notable exceptions. For storage purposes they can't be beat. We use one for storing animal feed, household goods, and other items and everything is kept dry and free from insects, rodents, mold, and mildew. I can also see living in a container as being preferable to a tent or other temporary structure. But if you want it to look and act like a house, the money you spend getting there... it is usually cheaper to build a house. The best things about containers are they are instant, they are moveable, they are cheap- not adjectives usually associated with a home.

[mmbvd7]

I had done a lot of research into container homes and came to the conclusion that "stick built" was cheaper. I am still interested in getting a container for the purpose you mentioned...dry storage. Do you know where to find a reasonable one? Seems like $5k has been the cheapest I've found, and that is not counting being delivered. Thanks in advance.

Best wishes

[terracore]

quote:

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Originally posted by mmbvd7

I had done a lot of research into container homes and came to the conclusion that "stick built" was cheaper. I am still interested in getting a container for the purpose you mentioned...dry storage. Do you know where to find a reasonable one? Seems like $5k has been the cheapest I've found, and that is not counting being delivered. Thanks in advance.

Best wishes

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If you're not in a hurry, watch Craigslist and other ads closely. I've even seen containers given away free to anybody who can get them hauled out quickly. Otherwise on island, they go for about 5k each. You can get them much cheaper than that on Oahu, and if their marine certification is still good you can get them transported here. My first container was a 40'er. I actually only wanted a 20' container but they rarely use them, so the 20'ers that were available were 40' containers that had been cut in half and had doors welded on. That increased their price to be the same as a 40' container, so I figured if I'm paying the same price either way I should just get the 40'er. The 20'er we have, we brought here from Alaska where their use is more common. When shopping look for a "high cube". They are taller but don't cost any more. Not only does the added height give you more storage space, they can meet the minimum height for permitting if you ever want to make it a permitable structure. Even if you don't want that, it might make it more valuable for a future potential owner.

[Obie]

We bought a 20ft 1 trip container from BIC.

It was about $5000.00 delivery included.They also have new and used containers.We are using it to store a collector car.

http://www.bigislandcontainer.com/home

[terracore]

That is a really good price for a 1 trip.

[john the architect]

I just sold two to a friend in a work barter so I hope he sees this and knows he got a good deal. You did, Eric!

John Maloney
310.562.0362
johnmaloney3@me.com
Hawaii Architect AR8082