HPM HalePlus modular factory homes

[terracore]

So we have what... four (?) pledges?

Rob, you're the only one with experience with this stuff.

Do you have any input?

[Rob Tucker]

I have looked at these over the past few years.  Since you ask I can add these comments....

These folding container units are not unique. Probably a couple dozen companies in China making them.
Determining the best value for the dollar, quality and price, is a challenge.... or you can just take a shot.
This is prepaid country.  Your dollars go out the door several weeks before you will see any product. 
If your merchandise is, for any reason, not to your satisfaction you have no real recourse.
You are on the hook for shipping.  International shipping is a world of it's own.  You, or the company you order from, will arrange shipping at a prepaid cost (unless you have accounts set up in advance).  You will need a custom's broker to handle the paperwork from China to the USA (and from Chinese to English).  There are generally hidden costs in this.
Unless you have a history with a company a QC person may be advisable.  Quality Control can inspect the merchandise before it is loaded.

So without beginning to discuss the specific merits of a variety of folding container tiny homes that stuff comes to mind.
Oh, another thing. In my Chinese purchases I took the precaution of having material samples lab tested.  I found a high percentage of painted surfaces had lead content up to 40%.  Lab testing can run a grand or two.

Sounds like fun. Go for it.

Don't forget the tariffs.  Customs won't release the container until  the duties are paid.

[eightfingers2.0]

Very seldom do you just “buy stuff from China”. You need to go through a broker. Oh, don’t even try during the Chinese new year celebrations.

Hmmmm, maybe Aliexpress has them?

[kalakoa]

Sounds like the real problem is local planning/permitting processes that impose so much overhead that a lead-painted metal container from China seems reasonable by comparison.

Maybe the solar-powered plastic foundry in Kona can make up some SIP panels out of recycled plastic instead? Because we have to get out of this box.

[tada]

Rental of all the hydraulics and cranes sounds pretty expensive.

[terracore]

Presumably the forklift that unloads the box would also be used to unfold it. You can push the forks together and they make a gizmo for attaching a chain and hook to the end of them.

These Chinese boxes aren't the only "unfolding" building options. This one is a tent material impregnated with fast setting concrete. You get it wet, plug in the inflator, and the next day you can move into it. They made quite a splash when they were first invented but they never really caught on.

https://www.concretecanvas.com/cc-shelters/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vb1pdvvoVoQ

[My 2 cents]

Rental of all the hydraulics and cranes sounds pretty expensive.

Give Puna Rentals a call.  It's been a while but I have rented a crane and operator from them a few times.  Quite reasonable if you have everything ready and he can get in, do the job and get out without wasting time.

[tada]

I hope Puna Rentals has a Gradall rotating telehandler. Perfect for my tight location.

[dobanion]

I liked the concrete canvas thing, but like so many alternatives, it was simply too expensive. I think they were like $15k before shipping, and they were made in England at the time.

I keep circling back to a Monolithic Dome, but I'm in the minority. I think 80% of people hate them "just cause." Don't build one with a permit and expect to recoup your cash. The county officially gives them an assessment of value that's VERY low, bottom grade for everything. Good for your taxes, bad if you ever intend to sell. A couple examples on the island of this.

But I'm ready to pony up a few grand to see if these folding deals are doable. I like being able to move it in case of lava.

[randomq]

Would one multi-day rental be cheaper than us each renting the forklift/crane/telehandler?

Also, can we put "no lead paint" in the order? And how is payment made? Wonder if we can put it on something with protection like a charge card or PayPal!