I believe that if you did up a shipping container, it could be a cheap alternative to sub divide a block and bring in two rental streams.
As far as I am aware, they don't require any foundations.
All you have to do is check the zoning, plug in and away you go.
Anyone used this sort of set up before? It seems like a sure fire way to get positive cashflow…
I actually saw a doco on this recently on Nat Geo. You can get a bunch of them (let’s say 2 wide x 2 high) and cut out the middles, seal the gaps and you’re left with an open-plan house. Some really clever designs were shown which make good use of the space.
I’m not sure what council would think of this, but I’d think it would come under the same reg’s as granny flats. You’d think that at lease some concrete would have to be put down to ensure the stability of the dwelling? Good idea in principle, but the thought of living in a renovated container probably isn’t that appealing for renters. Interested to know how this would go through council though!
Interesting idea indeed. Wonder if the cost of buying, transporting, modifying etc would be worth investigating further. Let us know how you go when you suggest it to council!
Here's the NatGeo episode- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0A1_PSzhVj0
Yes you will certainly need some kind of footings or tie downs to prevent the container tipping in a strong wind. Or at least a certificate from an engineer saying that the building complies with the building codes in order to get an occupation certificate.
Cheers,
LukeHeating n cooling would be obvious issues, they’s make a nice oven in summer.
Cheers
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It seems that there are already a few. Companies that do this. I am going to look into zoning and engineers reports for any modifications. AFAIK you don’t need footings and as they are structurally sound @ sea, they are find on land.
And cheap too
Von Krumm wrote:… AFAIK you don't need footings and as they are structurally sound …That is not true. They classify as a light weight structure and they need to tie down to the ground properly in case of storms and strong winds. But the tie down systems are fairly cheap (less than $3k)
I've been involve in construction of a lot of mining camps and I've never seen them being used. They are usually using sandwich panels and prefabricated buildings instead of containers. Not exactly sure why though.
BTW, we are using them as office on the barges and we hired them with windows and door and everything from Coates Hire.
I don't think I can rent it to anyone.You will probably find that shipping containers are not used for construction camps because they are much more expensive than sandwich panel type donga's to build due to the large amount of steel compared to the dongas typically used.
And I agree, the footings aren't needed to hold the container up but rather to hold it down during storms and high winds. You will need to get a engineers certification for the footings to get an occupation certificate but this is not a big cost as Noob has said, but I think the big thing would be getting the council to approve the use of sea containers as dwellings as it would be hard to meet insulation and space requirements.
Luke.
hi have a look at site called affordable portables are far better than shipping containers — council will only let you use a shipping container for storage some councils will allow containers as homes but they must meet council regulations and the cost can be just as high as buying a pre fab granny flat
The Affordable Portables look horrible.
The reason I thought it would be a good idea is that shipping containers are so bloody cheap. Second hand you can find a 40' (30 square meters) container for $2k.
Will have to do a few numbers and wait to here back from my mate whos a chippie, but I think there might be a market there considering the large number of second hand shipping containers.
These guys seem to think otherwise:
http://www.smartplanet.com/blog/design-architecture/eco-pak-the-house-with-shipping-included/7679I lived in one once – out in Central Australia – it wasn't so bad.
It was mounted on a slab and had all mod con's. A/C kept it cool in summer and warm in winter. With one bedroom and small bathroom the rest was a n easy to use lounge/dining kitchen area
You would need to insulate the absolute s#!t out of it. I remember unpacking containers as a part time job while I was at uni and it could reach up to 55 degrees in side when sitting in the sun WITH THE DOOR OPEN.
You could definitely over charge some hipster/indie uni students to live in it. its 'hip' and not to mention environmentally friendly!
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I just happened across these guys from Perth. From a quick glance they look awesome. No idea on prices etc yet though…
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