Shipping containers could be 'dream' homes for tho

[chloe3388]

This looks like it could be a good deal..

CORRALES, New Mexico (AP) -- It was a side trip through a destitute, ramshackle neighborhood in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, that detoured Brian McCarthy from building houses in Albuquerque to an idea to offer the very poor a chance to own a home.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/wayoflife/09/24/container.homes.ap/index.html

[MNMOM]

That's really a neat idea.

[jen_in_southtexas]

I really like the idea of helping the poor with their own home.

I may need to get a smaller one at some point for storage. Those shipping containers are almost impossible to destroy.

-j

[ryanmercer]

Awesome, on another forum we've always talked about sinking these in the ground all but a few inches to use as a cellar, hangout, etc. But I love this idea even better.

[chloe3388]

We had been looking at one for a workshop, their is a place about 30 miles from us that sell them and they have a couple of different sizes.. On another forum saw pictures of a set up using two in and L shape and they put a roof over the empty area as a carport..

[Buck]

Yes, Shipping containers are now being used to construct really
neat spacious homes all over Europe by stacking them in various
configurations.

[chloe3388]

Here ya go some youtube of homes, including the stacked type of living..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUWSuyAQO8E

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7q7a8b6d8U

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qNKzSLBx7LI&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jiaz9-vhsWs&feature=related

[cinok]

these are great I looked at converting one myself. But for those who could get the most benefit from them, disaster victims, the poor they would have to be 2000 sq ft and furnished with LCD TV and such for them to accept them. After Katrina they all freaked when FEMA was handing out mobile home and trailers.

[ryanmercer]

Yes, Shipping containers are now being used to construct really
neat spacious homes all over Europe by stacking them in various
configurations.


http://www.ryanmercer.com/images/gypsiemansion.jpg

Not exactly what you are talking about, but if you look you'll see shipping containers being used.

[MIKENSUE]

Ya know, they used to call it redneck. Now it's "Bein' Green"!
This is a great idea for a lot of people who would not have the abilities to build something of their own for shelter for themselves or their animals.
I think we are going to see a lot more of this in the future because we have become way too much of a throw away society. The winds are shifting to a more frugal form of living. Rather than keep up with the Jone's we are going to have to worry about keeping the wolf from the door.

[colby1979]

I had always though one of these would make a great storage unit and I have seen them for sale for 2K and up but shipping them to my area is a deal breaker. :'(

[Buck]

"but shipping them to my area is a deal breaker."

Therein lay the rub for many good ideas. :'(

[TheUnboundOne]

Dear Jen in SouthTexas,

Howdy, Jen!

You wrote:

I really like the idea of helping the poor with their own home.

I may need to get a smaller one at some point for storage. Those shipping containers are almost impossible to destroy.

-j

I agree, and the best thing about container homes would be that they don't require FannieMae and FreddieMac or any other gummint program to provide them.

If Dorothy Ainsworth of Backwoods Home Magazine fame can build two cabins on a waitress' pay, surely any hard-working minimum-wage rut-worker could scrimp and save for a container home...if only government zoning regulations and building codes would just get out of the way.

[TheUnboundOne]

Dear Chloe,

Thanks for posting that story. Those are actually pretty neat-looking homes. Now I know what to make my combination bomb-shelter/swinging bachelor pad from!

;D

[MotherCharlotte]

Wow, this is fascinating. I was especially amazed by those YouTube videos--some of those container houses are actually really nice inside!

The possibilities are endless really....

[zachweiss]

One could build these cheaply to rent out (under the table) for a couple hundred bucks a month!

[chloe3388]

The idea must be getting around, the small town near us has a place that sells them and they are about out.. Last time I was there they had several hundred now about 50..

Unbound, yeah a bachelor pad would work nicely!!! You are a romantic at heart LOL...