Container Structure Construction FAQs

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Container structure construction FAQ’s

Can I permit my container structure, is it legal on my property?

Yes, we have been issued many bldg permits. The bldg/planning dept’s do not like dealing with individuals. It is frustrating for them to explain everything in detail to people not well versed in home building, and they do not particulary like container structures. Our team knows everyone there, and we always get permits with no problems. We have had many meetings with every Hawaii County official and have a great relationship with them. They have expressed their preferences and concerns, and we have addressed them. Going in on your own will yield a much different result.

Legal on your property is a question best answered by getting the by laws from your subdivision and reading them many times until you understand them well. Look for language that might say “must use all new materials” or “shipping containers are not allowed”. You can satisfy the new materials clause by using new containers, which are better for a number of very significant reasons. You cannot satisfy the “no containers” rule. Do not go into their office blarring out shipping container, be discreet. Same goes for anyone wanting to go to the bldg/planning depts, which we do not recommend. Finally, some subdivisions have rules on minimum sq ft that your home must have. No matter what that number is, we have designs that will meet the requirements and hopefully satisfy you and your budget.

My driveway/entryway has turns and potholes and trees overhead. Can you tell me what I need to do so containers can get to my home site?

The trucking Co’s that we work with can. Getting 20’ containers delivered is incredibly easy compared to 40’s. Trucking Co’s cannot generally deal with major potholes, narrow entries or tight turns etc. They can tell you what is possible, and exactly what you need to do so you can receive your containers. They also know people that can cut trees and fix potholes etc. Call us and we can set the process in motion for you. There is no charge for the truckers estimate. We work with capable professionals whose rates are very reasonable, and whose trailers and forklifts are more than capable. If you need to get over a small wall, or into a back yard etc, you will need a crane operator, which we can arrange.

With an owner/builder permit, can I do everything myself?

No, everyone needs to work with a licensed electrician and plumber. They pull the permits for those jobs and call for inspections. If we are fabricating and building your containers at our Oahu facility, we will work directly with them, and do as much of the wiring and plumbing as they allow us to. That is perfectly legal since they are taking responsibility for our work and inspecting it etc. We can suggest these professionals if you wish or you can arrange your own. They are often super busy, so you want to try and schedule them for the future at the beginning of the project if possible. We advise checking out their reputations via the applicable local contractors associations. If you give money up front to any contractor, put the agreement in writing, and do not give a huge percentage up front. This can be hard when everyone is super busy, but none the less, we recommend not to cave in, and always put the precise time line and work promised in writing. Let them know you are fair and reasonable, but not stupid or timid.

What about financing container homes?

Right now, most mortgage bankers have tight money supplies and will not consider financing these homes, which is going out of the box for them when they have traditional loan requests going out the door. That hopefully will change soon, keep posted. You can get private investers money at 12-14% if they are willing to do it. Our customers now are taking things in phases:

Phase 1- Clear land while drafting home plans, plot plan and septic or cesspool plans depending on your subdivision’s requirements. Our team walks your plans through the County and obtains a permit.

Phase 2- Order containers from our Co. to be modified and outfitted while constructing your post and pier foundation. Interior walls are left open so inspection can take place on site.

Phase 3- Modified containers are trucked to your home site, forklift carefully places them on post and pier foundation. Multiple container homes will bolt containers together. Roof structure is built, plumbing is finished, inspection performed, drywall installed and painted, kitchen cabinets and countertops installed. Call for final inspection.

This process is light years faster than conventional stick construction, but guess what- it still takes time, action and patience. We get calls everyday from folks that think this process is supposed to be super dirt cheap, incredibly fast, simple and hassle free. We wish it was but it ain’t. Our process is as simple as you can get, but please do not forget that you are building a home and dealing with the county for inspections, so a little patience and faith in our Co. is most appreciated.