blog construction shipping container house homestead

It would be unfair to my partners if I used firm resources for my own personal project.

Even though I am a co-owner I made sure to pay the firm for the hours of preparation that this task would take. I used the architecture firm I co-founded, ZeroEnergy Design, to produce the architectural drawings. My property was under San Bernadino County’s jurisdiction. Getting building permits is a little bit different in each county. I explained that I wanted to build a shipping container house and asked for a complete checklist of everything I would need to get done and submit in order to get building permits. both the physical nature of the property and documents its legal boundaries and history. The survey is important because it shows the building dept. I recommend going in person to the local building department showing them the survey and asking them for a checklist of everything that needs to be completed to get building permits. They are very knowledgeable and have good prices. If you are interested in learning how to buy a shipping container i strongly recommend calling Container Discounts. Hi-cube containers are a foot taller than typical shipping containers. I bought my containers from Container Discounts and paid $4800 each for the 40-foot hi-cube containers and $3250 for the 20-foot hi-cube container. This normally means that you need one trip condition containers with appropriate certificates. California requires that shipping containers used for homes have documentation showing that have not had toxic or radioactive materials in them. We purchased one trip condition hi-cube containers. I want the house to be somewhat close to the boundaries of the property to reduce the need for building a long drive and to reduce the cost of connecting utilities. The building setbacks are key because they tell me where I can place the house. I emailed several local firms and asked for a quote for a full topographical survey and plot plan with all building setbacks shown. The first thing I did was to commission a surveying firm. I asked the seller if they had commissioned a survey of the property in the last 10 years and when they said no I explained that I would be offering less than the asking price.

I checked to make sure it was close to water and electrical utilities before completing the deal.

It was listed for around $24,000 and I offered $20,000. It’s more difficult to secure financing for land. Buying raw empty land without buildings on it is different than buying a house.

Blog construction shipping container house homestead