Architect w/ container home design experience

[Rob Tucker]

I will be putting up the first unit in a week or so. Then I will have pictures.

[Tink]

Thank you as well, Rob, looking forward to the pics as well. Curiosity has this cat.
As far as the big box store mentioned, you will also be amazed at how much "copy cat" plumbing and mechanical parts that are not approved for the use intended. May sound picky to some that you use UPC listed and approved components on plumbing items but an unlisted shower pan will usually last 5-6 years, where a listed and labeled should last twice that at minimum. The label is there because they consumer test the component for life expectancy and safety much like a UL label on an electrical appliance. Mechanical components such as ductwork follow the same guidelines to keep carbon monoxide going in the direction it's supposed to, along with life expectancy for the product to assure same. Be careful what you buy.

Community begins with Aloha

[hotinhawaii]

Rob,

I know that you know the codes. With all the slamming on punaweb in recent years, I understand why you were defensive. No insult was intended. I was just trying to keep the information clear for the original poster. They were interested in constructing a residence. You mentioned that your structures don't require a permit. I just didn't want them to be led astray. That's it.

[ericlp]

http://arcgency.com/wfh-house If I were to make a container home....... This is the plan I would use, since, it has it's own roof, you you can use traditional island cool reflective paint metal roof to keep it cool inside. The roof will also provide plenty of rain water.

JMO. The problem with container homes here is that the containers here are expensive. 3 40' in good shape will run you a lot of cash.

[Tink]

Unless you are lucky enough to buy them new on the mainland, fill them with building materials like what to finish project, and if extra room stuff needed by others and ship from there.

Community begins with Aloha

[pam jones]

LukeDuke just so you know JM3 won't even come out to your property and talk to you for less than $400. Well, that was what I was quoted. We went with plan B. Unless you plan to move this home, I probably wouldn't go that route as everything I have read and heard indicates more money, more headache and less flexibility. Best of luck!

[jm3]

Thank you for the mean and misleading words, Pam, if . IF I quoted you a fee it was for the time it takes to make a site visit, analyze your needs, make design and constructions recommendations, and cost estimates, and would have been based on what you requested. It keeps the fees reasonable for my clients by NOT having them subsidize free services. And my clients appreciated professional work for fixed fees. People come to me because of my specific knowledge and experience.

John Maloney

[Tink]

I don't feel that Pam was mean or misleading. She just stated that you gave her a quote to come out and do an estimate/consult. If you are new here it will be difficult to expand or create your business if you charge by the minute, so to speak.
I realize that running around doing free estimates does not generate living income, but perhaps a modification that you charge for the estimate to cover your time accordingly, and refund the fee after signing contract at first billing, or reduce your consultation fee as it appears to some that you charge out 400.00 an hour. Way too expensive for this neck of the woods.

Community begins with Aloha

[jm3]

And of course you were not misleading with your words, either. I do not have a "$400 consultation charge." After lengthy discussions with potential clients who want specific information from me, I do charge for going out, sizing up conditions, and giving out useful information. And again as Pam intimated, I never surprise a client by sneaking up and handing them an unexpected invoice.

I will work for a potential client who:
1. Actually does something on their own, such as get me the specifics in writing and pictures of the existing conditions, surveys, etc. They have made an investment which motivates me to put time into their project.
2. Has a budget intended to be spent on design and planning.

My rates are 30% less on the Big Island than on the mainland where I am published and have won architectural awards. I have worked barter for many Puna clients, and I certainly offered Pam that option. You do not know who I am. Been designing here for 22 years. Have two prototype sustainable homes and three additional planned projects of advanced design of my own here, always with local help who I have trained and given new skills to use. Offering free advice when it seems to be needed on Punaweb posts. But I am done with my words and actions being twisted around.

Good luck and Aloha, I'm outta here.

John Maloney

[Vic]

quote:

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Originally posted by terracore

Being a current container owner (and at one time, "containers owner"), while things may have changed since I looked into it, I did exhaustive research into container homes and learned that the cost of overcoming their shortcomings was higher than any cost savings gained by using them. You can build great homes using them, but you can build cheaper and better homes by not using them. If money isn't an issue you'll do fine building with containers.

They are however the perfect storage solution especially for farms.

ETA: information

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How theft proof are they, like could I put one on my lot and lock it, and reasonably expect the tools and such to be there still a year later?

Cant wait to live in Puna!