Building a Shipping Container Home | EP01Permits and Foundation Design

In Episode 1 we will go over the basic considerations for buying shipping containers, explain how we got building permits for a shipping container house and show how we constructed the concrete foundations. This is the first episode in our series on shipping container houses. #shippingcontainer #shippingcontainerhome #shippingcontainerhouse
The PDF plans are on the website for this Container House Project:
www.themodernhomeproject.com/...
Follow us on instagram for project updates: / benjaminuyeda
Shop the Container Home: www.homedepot.com/c/openhouse
Explore the Container Home:
Buying the Shipping Containers:
We purchased one trip condition hi-cube containers. California requires that shipping containers used for homes have documentation showing that have not had toxic or radioactive materials in them. This normally means that you need one trip condition containers with appropriate certificates. I bought my containers from
www.containerdiscounts.com/sh...
and paid $4800 each for the 40-foot hi-cube containers and $3250 for the 20-foot hi-cube container. Hi-cube containers are a foot taller than typical shipping containers.
Permits:
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. The survey is important because it shows the building dept both the physical nature of the property and documents its legal boundaries and history. 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.
Architectural Design
I used the architecture firm I co-founded, ZeroEnergy Design, to produce the architectural drawings. Even though I am a co-owner I made sure to pay the firm for the hours of preparation that this task would take. It would be unfair to my partners if I used firm resources for my own personal project. I paid $5000 for the creation of the architectural drawings.
Structural Engineering
I sent the architectural drawings over to the structural engineering firm I hired, and they created the structural details and created a package of calculations showing that these details would meet all code requirements and result in a safe and strong building. This package of drawings and calculations was required by the building dept. My architecture firm primarily practices on the east coast and does not have a stamp in California so I had the structural engineering firm stamp the drawings. The building dept gave me the option of having either the architecture firm or the engineering firm stamp the documents.
Foundation design:
We ended up building a monolithic on slab on grade concrete foundation. We worked on designs for some piers that would have saved in material costs but then the space underneath the container would have been classified as a crawl space and the bottom of the container would have to be 18” off the ground at a minimum. This would mean I would have to build stairs and railing for all the decks.
Grading the site and excavating for the foundation
I rented a bulldozer and hired an operator to level a portion of the site where I wanted to place the house. I then rented a back hoe to dig out the footings for the foundation.
Building the forms
The forms were built out of 2x8s screwed to steel stakes that we hammered into the ground.
Reinforcement
We used #4 rebar to reinforce the concrete. This was wired together to match the structural drawings.
Concrete Day
Concrete day was pretty exciting. We had to pump the concrete to one of the foundation slabs because the truck couldn’t get close enough without driving over the other forms.
Check out HomeMade Modern our DIY Channel: / homemademodern

[@zacharybeus5955]

Great video! For all those complaining about permit costs.... I opened a bar in downtown Los Angeles and it cost nearly $75000 in permits alone (to include the price of a "glorified" permit expediter - $25K). Look, California is not cheap, but videos like this are invaluable because it demonstrates the importance of being financially prepared to start any new construction and/or buildout in California. Be prepared for hidden costs by at least 25%. Once again, great video Ben.

[@Alejandro_87]

The liquor license alone is like $500,000 not to mention zoning permits etc...

[@olegk11]

I live in Chicago, it's called responsible building. Cooper plumbing, electrical lines in metal conduit, hurricane roof clips, 2x6 structure... People wonder why homes cost 350k+ ... Safety

[@iNintendork]

You could also just not live in California lol

[@craig5909]

Can I work at your bar or have half ownership?

[@dogguy8603]

@@olegk11 350k is cheap, try 1.5m for a home in SF

[@joshuadodge8709]

This is the great thing about West Virginia: "I want to build a house on my land." "Okay." End of process.

[@salsa83]

@bla blahblah New Mexico is the ghost town of the United States.

[@therealdontclickme]

thats alot of states if the land is removed. the closer you get the city the more strict it gets.

[@Ciph3rzer0]

@bla blahblah you people miss out on how shitty your housing market becomes if you don't have proper regulations. Besides, I bet the required planning for this project helped him to avoid costly mistakes.

[@rtbarshaw3766]

That sounds pretty great until you get someone who doesn't know where they are doing. Now the city potentially has a lot of problems on it's hands.

[@EpicExplosionify]

bla blahblah Bernie 2020. A true populist for the people.

[@richardking584]

Wow... You really explained everything in detail... especially the part about not building anything in California. Lol

[@workinprogress5821]

👍🏾👍🏾

[@medo6067]

Exactly. We are a very regulated state

[@davidmurphy5571]

I found myself adding..." so we moved to Nevada"....

[@SirRichardKing]

@@davidmurphy5571 facts lol

[@daemonsilver3304]

I pour and finish concrete. Have worked with concrete for over two decades, growing up around the trade. You did a VERY neat and accurate description of all the processes involved. I hate the heat and the filth, and the dry skin. But I love seeing a finished slab I installed, perfectly measured and neatly troweled. I look forward to seeing the following episodes!

[@bigdogpete43]

Heavens. All for sitting a steel box on the ground.

[@Bolt216]

Try building a warehouse, 4500 psi concrete minimum, and I've been on a project that was well over 1000 cubic yards

[@KILLASAURUSFLEX]

Welcome to Commiefornia, worst state in the union.

[@UltimatePiccolo]

These days governments will charge you just for sitting in a box.

[@BigDaddyWes]

*That human's live inside of.

[@FRAMEDSKATEKREW69]

@@KILLASAURUSFLEX that would be texas lol

[@CrafterMaker]

This is some next level KZbin. I feel like you could make the episodes a little longer. This way better than anything on TV. There is so much good stuff here. Great job Ben 😁

[@yuhhweahz3505]

Crafter Maker I was thinking the same I want it longer 😂

[@Danirio96]

I just saw 2 minutes and i'm horrified with the steel, 10 milimiters instead of the 10 mil (million) and more

[@4puf]

@@Danirio96 What do you mean? What is wrong with the steel? Iam asking because I really want to learn more. Thanks

[@XZaapryca]

To each their own, but I enjoyed how concise yet detailed the video was. Too many vids on youtube are bloated and filled with useless fluff. Maybe a bit more info on the septic design though, eh? I'm just glad this isn't some kind of family vlog and we have 30min of pet and kid filler.

[@darinco3]

Finally an actual detailed video to help those interested in the nuts and bolts of the project. Well explained, good detail (don’t be afraid to show more). I think those who are watching this type of video are really interested in every step. Great work. Truly a good example for others when doing videos online

[@stellarsidewalks430]

Ben, fantastic video! I do shipping container projects myself and I still learned a lot from your video - extreme helpful and informative. For of the people focused on how expensive and what a pain in the ass California is to when building: You are 100% correct with respect to both. That said though, do the quick numbers. Assuming you’re $100k all in on this house: -You can easily AirBNB it for $275 in Joshua Tree -It’s booked less than 1/3 of the time (120 days a year), again, no problem in Joshua Tree -You pay it off in 3 years -Starting year 4, you’re bringing in $30k+ per year with that property minimum; you can realistically book more nights and/or increase the rate and get closer to $50k+ Food for thought.

[@flandrum29]

What has been your experience with deterioration?

[@thatgirlSarahi]

I’ve been looking for an EXACT step by step process with pricing and I am so glad I found you!!! THANK YOU!

[@StacheCam]

Holy cow. 25,000 just in permits ! Starting to crush my hopes

[@bobg.3206]

Are you building in CA?

[@StacheCam]

Yes I would like to

[@JCHansen]

@@StacheCam Gotta move outta state to make it happen on a budget unfortunately =(

[@StacheCam]

James Hansen sucks :(

[@RubbinRobbin]

I believe with those permits, a road or street is paid by the city from your residence for access to Cali.

[@MicahJohns]

First minute and I've heard the word "permit" like 85 times. California sounds ssoooooooo aweeeesssommmmeeee.

[@BigDaddyWes]

Try building a house in any state. It's a hell of a lot more than just putting sticks together.

[@hardworkingsloth]

Yeah tell that to a city without strict building codes after an earthquake or any other natural disaster you dumb fuck

[@1598hi]

When I restored and lifted my AMC Jeep basically every mod had a disclaimer saying its illegal in California

[@goatgod2009]

The state of California has found that permits may cause cancer.

[@Pandaninja70]

@@hardworkingsloth Californian: We got Earthquakes and Fires. Floridian: We got Tornadoes, Hurricanes, insane Florida men. You can't beat that! California: Well... your stupid!

[@S3l3ct1ve]

For a shipping containers we usually go with pillar foundation design, depending on the environment and frost line depth we drill about 1,5m in depth and ~10-20cm in diameter, put in concrete and metal bases just like in your initial drawings. There is also full metal screw in type of pillars, some people use them because they are cheaper alternative, but I am not sure if they are better, those are basically big and long metal screws, they just go in the ground and thats all. These foundations are usually used for smaller constructions. The foundation you used here would be considered as too much in most of the countries, we usually use these foundations for a traditional houses, although we make them deeper, that probably depending on a frost line, usually we dig in ~1,5m depth here in Lithuania.

[@jrdeckard3317]

In South Chicago they turn homes into shipping containers.

[@bladethewitch1442]

nice

[@spoogle621]

how is land so cheap? 10 acres for $20,000, that's crazy ~40,000m2 edit: holy fck the permits cost more than the land it's on? WTF

[@TheTrh51]

Welcome to the desert. You can get 5 acres of land near the Salton Sea for 5,000$

[@osomxl]

That is actually really expensive for land that has no real resources. Can’t grow anything or mine anything. Can’t even move dirt on your property without paying for even more permits and studies.

[@TheTrh51]

@@osomxl it's only real "resource" is that it's in California, barely

[@spyone4828]

It has been a few decades, but farm land in central New York State was going for $100 an acre (or rather, 10,000 acres for $1,000,000). I remembered Michigan as being cheap a few years ago, and a quick search shows 1 acre lots for $45,000 but also 40 acre parcels for $200,000-$400,000. 200 acres for $1.4m, 400 acres for $12m, so it can vary widely. Rule of thumb: land gets cheaper in bulk. This is partly because large parcels are generally far from cities and schools, and being close to those things makes land worth more, and partly because large parcels will include some land that can't be built on (too swampy, no water, bad drainage, unstable soil, etc) and would thus be hard to sell. Bonus for you if the reason you wanted that land was to prevent someone from building something ugly in the middle of the pretty view. :)

[@elgallogiro6092]

I live 20 mins away from Joshua Tree, in some areas you purchase 10acres but you can only disturb 1/2 acre, do to zoning laws.....

[@gotmozart]

Those workers wondering why this guy wants to live in boxes in the middle of the desert

[@detectivemakotodate2032]

First comment after 100 likes

[@Gavanater7]

It’s a good location if a bunch a nukes drop no one will drop nukes in a empty desert

[@shiezo]

Gavanater 7 good place to test them though

[@masterchief8726]

First comment after 219 likes

[@singlericardo14]

@@shiezo Yeah but they don't do that anymore.

[@toddy2377]

GREAT video. I love how detailed it is, but still understandable for the average person. I've wanted to build my own for years, and this really helps.

[@agustinnieves6183]

Saw Episode 1 & 2 and love all the tiny details, pricing and set backs during the build, great job. Will continue watching your channel.

[@williamhogan1087]

Licensed California architect here - Slab on grade was the way to go. Just bolt the container to a raised perimeter curb, and use the bolts to level it. You have to anchor it anyway. My concern is with having mild still / galvanized steel in direct contact with concrete. You should be fine up in the high desert, but this would pose corrosion issues in a damp environment. ...and I'm gonna go ahead and guess this ended up costing significantly more than traditional type 5 construction on a per-square foot basis. That's fine, but people should know what to expect from a cost standpoint.

[@AS-mv7tm]

Or you could pay half of that in a different, less ecologically-unstable state.

[@davidjose2193]

William Hogan ...this was an exercise in millennial cuteness, in pursuit of repurposed utility. A conventional interior, built in a steel oven in the desert at enormous cost, relative to market value. The nature of the foundation type and reactive metals on concrete, not withstanding.

[@MUGGLE137]

@@AS-mv7tm but you wouldnt be in california!!! I've been in most states of the U.S and cali is one of the best to live in...every state has its positives and negatives..

[@harambo9805]

@@MUGGLE137 - you are correct, it is the best state. If you don't mind bending over for CA law and being left with less money in your name.

[@AS-mv7tm]

@@MUGGLE137: If I were offered to live in California in exchange for five million dollars, I'd spend minutes in serious consideration. Ultimately, I'd agree because I'd need the money, but I'd hesitate for a great deal of time. Anything less than five million and I'd probably counter-offer suicide.

[@FullSendPrecision]

25,000 dollars for permits in the desert. Awesome.

[@LEGIONSOFLIGHTUFOs]

Really sad isn't it?

[@thomask837]

25K for the shiny bums to keep their bums nice and shiny

[@DOTCurrency]

Price you pay for trying to be productive in COMMIEfornia

[@trendhitchhiker5400]

Maybe he should have registered as a mobile home...and then he could have had 1bedroom +guest

[@williamwhitman9073]

Price was quite reasonable, actually. It included all of the engineering and design drawings and construction documents. Architectural and Engineering (A&E) services are typically 25 to 35 percent of the total construction value. If a "stock" design were used, the A&E team would have used already proven plans that can be site adapted. The cost would have been 40 to 50 percent lower for the package.

[@MrZaidisyedali]

I appreciate your explanations about the structural part of the building, its a lot of learning. Thanks for sharing most of the related information

[@StacyFrancis94]

You put so much work into this project and this video. Thank you daddy.

[@johncoleman6413]

I have a container shop here in Alaska. It's a 20 and a 40 jointed together side by side. I just have it sitting on rail road ties and it lived through a 6.0 earth quake last November. Only a few things fell over

[@jcrnda]

Also good for California where a huge earthquake is imminent

[@johncoleman6413]

@@squigglewacks the worst I see is -20 F .. yes it gets cold

[@3rdgrandmamilhises549]

@@squigglewacks it's bc he has it sitting up on railroad ties. U could do radiant heat in the floors. The guy in T.N. knows wat he's doing & his builds r 20k if u don't want granite & things like that.

[@3rdgrandmamilhises549]

@@squigglewacks ck. Out Incredible Tiny Homes out of T.N. owner Randy Jones. His video this week shows 7 new one & a container that he has the floor out of to be shown at a later date. He has a FB acct. Too, but I don't do fb. There's also Container Acre, just found them. Don't know when they did their build but r about to do another one. Wasn't alot of info out there when they did the first one. A new insulation made just for containers called insofast.com with a r-11 rating & cuts out condensation inside. Hope this helps!!

[@mastersupreme6126]

+John T Coleman THAT'S WHY YOUR STATE IT'S NOT GREAT AS CALIFORNIA DUMB ASS PUTA MAMAVERGAS!

[@darktigre8214]

Man you're so close to Nevada. You were *this* close to greatness

[@2rcalkins]

The construction codes and rules in Nevada are trying to catch up with California. It's ridiculous. We wanted to put up a metal garage for storage on our 1.25 Acre lot and they forbid it because there was no house on the property.

[@violetwinspear4466]

My thoughts exactly.

[@jengaralde8868]

Thank you for taking the time to film it all!

[@lanishajackson2677]

You were soo friggin informational. THANK YOU FOR YOUR AWESOMENESS! Please, keep this up. You're inspirational and educational, in other words YOU ROCK 😎👷‍♂️👨‍🏫🤙🏾

[@victorunbea8451]

CA: Do you have a permit to get a permit?

[@sergiotheg13]

If you dont have a permit to get a permit. Go to the permit office and ask for a permit to permit you to be considerd for a permit for your permit.

[@misfitsman805]

@@sergiotheg13 "Ohhhh so you want to get a permit to get a permit? That will be $5000.00 please." :P

[@skitzofrenicproductions]

This is going to permit me to chose another state 😆

[@spywithme]

I live in Miami. You have to get a permit to replace a light switch.

[@Mithorium]

did you get a permit to post this comment?

[@diggiediggz]

only thing I didn't like about the video was there wasn't another to watch right after!!!! ahhhh!!! now I'm waiting anxiously. keep up the great work. love your vids

[@ronrussenberger5085]

That was exactly my thought , wow that's a lot of concrete! thanks for explaining that.

[@MrMed-hl2fq]

I like it - great job of following through on the red tape and for having the big picture view - looks great!

[@sarahk.g.7861]

i love micro housing, especially shipping container homes, but there are so few start-to-finish filmed documentaries about the process. this is exciting! i wouldn’t build one myself, but i love witnessing the elements of building that i’ve never considered, like the rebar grid for the concrete foundation, requirements for the container quality, etc. excited to see more of this series!

[@TheModernHomeProject]

i felt the same way! so many tours and pictures but so little information on cost and process

[@wineberryred]

You should have used a shipping container as foundation for your shipping container!

[@Adam-yo3bt]

Basement

[@callmechewy1987]

😆

[@gypsyjane6352]

thank you thank you thank you!!!!!!! im building this in Jamaica and i cannot believe you broke it down WITH costs!

[@laurahailer3565]

Love it. Have been using it often for a month . So far so good.

[@jerodb7759]

You should look into Helical Piers. They are very easy to install and perform better than concrete under seismic loads because they allow movement. This would give you fast installation, adjustability, and a steel connection to your cargo containers.

[@soco13466]

I'm building what I call a hybrid container home, in Upstate South Carolina. The basic permit was about $1100.00. I'm making 2 stacks of 2, 24' apart, on two end piers each stack, foundation wall on the inside facing sides, and 2 cylindrical piers, 12" diameter, starting with 2'wide x 1' thick footings all around. Add to that a foundation wall riser, 12" wide, 12" high, then narrowed to 7" wide, total rise 36". The entire foundation wall, with change in thickness was a monolithic pour. The inside has a 4" ledge, upon which the garage floor is poured. In each end of the end piers (18" wide by 81/2' x 40" high), are steel plates 1/2" thick x 12" x 14", with 5/8-11 threaded anchor "L" bolts in each plate, 4 each, embedded in the piers. Other plates are similarly embedded in the foundation walls and side piers. The bottom containers are to be welded to the plates. Top containers attached using standard shipping lockdowns to bottoms. Roof over entire structure, second floor uses I beams, bar joists, etc. This design does away with room width limitations between upper containers. Only openings in containers are for doors and windows. Rectangular tubing frames for all openings. Main living space is on upper floor, 1600sq/ft. Lower level is garage, workshop/ utility bottom left container, entrance hall and office/ den for right side. Stairway is alongside inner wall of right container. The ends are to be structural steel standard metal building design. With the rebar, I welded all risers, etc. This house will last for generations, weather storms, etc. Compared to the stick built on slab houses popping up around here, they are as a cheap car compared to a dump truck, structurally. BTW, I'm doing most of the work myself. I have an older Bobcat to be my workhorse. I would NEVER consider building in a high overhead, control freak state like Kleptifornicatia. And... I'm on 3 acres, with a creek running along the south boundary. The Smokies are 20 minutes north of here, Asheville 55 miles north. I will have water, no matter what happens in the desert out there. Water was one of my must haves. One more thing: this isn't meant to be cheap to build. It is meant to be solid shelter, not a temporary sticks and osb "tent."

[@mattdull8281]

How is your project going? (Resident of WNC here)

[@gloriaharris5356]

I would very much like too see this shelter. PLEASE!!!

[@sQrLLZ]

@@gloriaharris5356 Just look up Andrew Camarata's youtube channel which is what I thought he was describing at first.

[@carolmarinemom0343]

My son is stationed at 29 palms and just bought a beautiful home near the Joshua tree. We were able to come out there finally and visit. He took us to the Joshua tree. Amazing place.

[@mitubogoogle]

Smart guy - kudos for the mental and emotional flexibility to pull this through

[@TerenceKearns]

If you're gonna have multiple containers, it would make sense to lay them out as a perimiter to form a courtyard. You can then erect shade cloth over this courtyard to create a sort of greenhouse where you could have a nice garden which may even provide a haven from the dry heat of the environment. Also, I would have put cyclone bolts into the concrete slab and tied the containers to them.

[@slayer4501]

That right there is exactly my goal. To buy permits, buy the containers, buy trees if permits are needed for that as well, and start crops.

[@TheModernHomeProject]

The house plans i used are now available for sale here: gum.co/WLXVe Link to the company i bought my shipping containers from: www.containerdiscounts.com/shipping-containers-for-sale-home-made-modern Follow us on instagram for project updates: instagram.com/benjaminuyeda/ We are still working on getting the website for this project up and running so please be patient.

[@b-annm5571]

Good evening, I'm thinking of doing the same in south africa next year if the cost will be reasonable .how can we keep in touch please?regards bam

[@Akuza1000]

Holy crap you are a twin of my cousin

[@NomadicSociety]

@@b-annm5571 you see people this is a GREAT idea in south Africa- it makes sense people to fill it with all supply's, a generator, beds, a scooter,tools, a gas grill, 4x4s to set it on and build a bug screen surround, a water reservoir,plumbing etc and etc. ship all this on a freighter and call it a cheap home but in America?? not as sensible of a choose in my book ;) but to each his own.

[@gyeemai]

You are an angel

[@MichaelMiller-op8fe]

Angle the beams toward each other ,and one post on the open side. W your original foundation.

[@NSAwatchesME]

Wow in Joshua Tree this is exactly what I was thinking of doing!

[@cassidycue11]

Awesome detail and explanation! Thank you

[@lilvampire7439]

"Sprinklers for fire suppression" you got a single bush every like 5 feet from each other

[@pendejo6466]

But, but...they might gang up on you!

[@moochie8296]

I died laughing on your comment dude 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@cdgonepotatoes4219]

@@pendejo6466 1- build a defensive wall around your house 2- make the bushes pay for it 3- ??? 4- profit

[@geothr33]

Did he mean sprinklers inside the building?

[@Real_MisterSir]

@@geothr33 idk but usually sprinklers destroy almost as much of your inventory as a housefire would - the difference being that the sprinklers saves the house itself which the fire could easily burn to the ground. In this case, what is there really to save? The shipping container which is effectively the house? What do you really need sprinklers for here, I mean worst case you go and buy another shipping container lmao. Everything inside it will be ruined by the water anyways.

[@2bstuckhere]

This is great. I’ve been listening to you talk about this for months and I’m so stoked to finally see it in detail. Bravo! I can’t wait for the next video.

[@TheModernHomeProject]

thank you! should be up next week!

[@benjaminjensen6485]

I think that your thought process and building method is very sound. I wish i had found you when i was in school. I think that the SOG was a good system. The lateral support you get from the horizontal plane of the top of concrete at the top of grade spanning between the grade beams, it is a thinner volume than that of a structural slab on void, or slab on crawl space and allows for less concrete. Though the slab on crawl space mitigates the need for trenching for MEP lines so a cost analysis is generally the best way to do it; which is what you did, and since you are paying for the service, the engineers can figure out what is the most cost effective. Good job, well done and i think you got a great product out of it.

[@thegapsthatneedfilling2024]

You have answered all of my questions perfectly thank you so much

[@NewEndProductions]

Been waiting the whole build for these videos. Thank you for being transparent with cost and fees. That’s good stuff to know.

[@NomadicSociety]

yes thanks but it shows its out of reach for people legally trying to live on the cheap

[@phillhuddleston9445]

@@NomadicSociety In California it is, it's much cheaper in a free state.

[@NOMADNEWSTV]

This was my dream I rented a house in Joshua Tree for three years with the plans on buying land and building my own shipping container house. After dealing with San Bernardino permit department and the state of California in general I said eff it. I’ve now bought a retired SnapOnTruck that I’m converting into a tiny home on wheels

[@BriteImpressions1]

Nomad News, can you give me your input about building in San Bernardino, I'm buying a house on one acre lot in Hesperia and hoping to have an ADU as a container house. Much appreciated if I can hear from you soon.

[@DominicRusso]

Great series, thanks for taking the time!

[@BriteImpressions1]

I am so happy to have found your channel. I'm not sure I can go thru what you have gone thru. It is a lot of work for DIY, but I will try very soon. The house I am buying has more than 1 acre of flat land, it has a beautiful existing home and 4 car garage, circular driveway and fully landscaped with one shed and one 40ft container already there. I was going to have a huge workshop for my business but now I could do what you do to rent it out. Thanks for sharing this video.

[@nicosarea]

@5:22 is the best part of the video. You've done an amazing job detailing and explaining the process of erecting a house on an empty property. Great video!!

[@nathanmccauley6813]

CA: HEY STOP!! Builder:? What? CA: Do you have a permit? Builder: Sure right here. CA: No No No my friend I need the permit for this permit to be permitted.

[@tomboydru9692]

😂😭😂 I am screaming. This comment is golden. I use to be a planner in California.

[@GrafDevelopments]

Don't forget the Conversation Tax and the Breathable Air Tax.

[@jocelynchoong7956]

HaHaHa:)))) I am laughing too hard right now!!!!!! DO NOT Ever build anything in Sunny CAli !!!

[@jocelynchoong7956]

@@GrafDevelopments HaHaHa:))))))))

[@prinzeugenvansovoyen732]

sounds like California is even worse than Germany/most of Europe because we slapped a container on our property , needed no real building permit but a pointpermit like you need for a garage or a new driveway and it did not have to have any foundation, we put some welded railway rail frame and a few pieces of concrete tiles/bricks below we just needed to prove that it is removeable without any pollution and that the chimney and sewage dont leak - e just use it for storage and workroom but you could live in there you should have taken a coolingcontainer, they are already isolated and got some electronics installed you can repurpose get some old windows from a demolition site-just be there at the rigth time and ask if you can cut some windows with the framework out to repurpose them, here you get your windows almost for free As if a container would collapse from a earthquake, just ask those people if they are capable of breatheing and thinking at the same time what do they imagine? a landslide with the container skiing and rolling down a mountain

[@allanharless3030]

Thanks for posting this video. I enjoyed the step by step process and costs included in your project.

[@ronnyrath816]

Thank you of sharing your video. I been interested in building container home for years. There just wasnt much information out there. Im saving up money to build my dream container home now. Thank you again for sharing the important information.

[@mglmouser]

25k$ before even a shovel strike is made pretty much defeats the purpose of using containers at this point, no?

[@SAMann729]

mglmouser I wouldn’t think so? Depends how much the containers cost and then compare that to the average cost to bet sq. Foot of a traditional build. Honestly I think some of those surveys are not necessary. But who knows, $25k might be a bargain compared to other parts of CA and traditional builds?

[@lamambas9390]

It's for people who are rich and want a "unique" design. They'd pay $100,000 in Beverly Hills if they had em

[@ThrottleKitty]

IDK, if anything having to pay $25k to put down anything makes me want to spend even less on what I'm putting down. Thank god I don't live in CA

[@kittzy3598]

I agree, and all the permits.

[@muffemod]

yea the permits and land negate the point of building your own cheap home.

[@JohnSmith-rn3vl]

As a brit I think I would feel the need to riot if I had to pay $25000 for permits to build a simple shipping container house. I would definitely consider living in another state over something like that.

[@nealmyers2735]

California is a socialist hell hole. They want you to pay taxes 12 years after you move out.

[@rustybumperclassics6342]

Gotta love California.

[@sharpnova2]

this isn't the norm. only in the shithole from hell known as leftist progressive california. trust me, people are migrating out of CA in droves. it's an absolute hellhole of marxist propaganda and unbelievably corrupt bureaucracy

[@mendoblendo321]

California for you. It's a joke

[@jamaldmattis1260]

Right especially on your own land you purchased, California is not worth to build in bit I did like the video and the results

[@keepfocus1214]

Very good information. Thank you.

[@martinescalante1429]

REALLY COOL, TODAY IT LOOKS LIKE MANY PEOPLE WILL HAVE TO DO THAT...

[@sofiasartssongsandplaytime8177]

Nice work! I’m also a designer in Los Angeles and I know exactly how rigorous the permit process is. I Just finished my detached new 1200sq. ft. ADU in the back of my house I had to go through additional requirements like Low Impact Development Design..It wasn’t easy but got the Final Inspection approval yesterday 🙌👍🤜. For the 18” min. Crawlspace I believe there is an exemption to that rule if you use a naturally durable or preservative-treated structural floor system. But going with a monolithic slab foundation is a good choice and Engineers prefer to use it when designing a new house for is structural reasons. I can’t wait for the next episode!

[@Theachieverrko]

buy a good camper van and live where ever you want

[@jujubaloolian]

Buy a sprinter van, and build it out to be the perfect (hidden, because it just looks like a van) camper

[@MeetTheSmythes]

How much is a top of the range camper van ?

[@jcrnda]

How much would a California permit be for that? lol

[@jengaralde8868]

Seeing all these building related comments for California is killing me LOL! But more importantly, I think this is such an AMAZING resource for people considering building container homes. I for one am a very detail fascinated person, who also loves to learn in general. Excited to see the rest of this process

[@MM-ew4eh]

Helll yea!! So glad I came across this! I’m tryna getting into green sustainable building and this is perfect! Very informative!

[@DanielinLaTuna]

Thanks for sharing; I'm looking forward to the whole series. Thanks for sharing the pricing too

[@johncallaway7410]

this is going to be a great series. the project looks great, the site looks inviting, and the concept of the three separate buildings is cool. Not a new idea, but definitely one that makes a lot sense with a stable weather climate. cant wait to see this one unfold.

[@deanejoyce5393]

This is great. I particularly liked the detail in the foundation construction. I live on the east coast and when building on a sloped site, we struck a large continuous seam of rock. So we decided to anchor one corner of the house basement on this bedrock, poured the slab , built up the walls and used floating “I” beams to act as a dish type bearings to support the weight of the house on top, in case of earth quake. It was actually cheaper to build like this and people thought I was crazy. 2 earthquakes later, the house has settled nicely into the sloped site. In a container this would simply look like a single independent pedestal post under each corner with a cast iron dish and a corresponding twist lock with a cast iron ball. The whole structure “ floats “ on the four corners.

[@crazypeoplearoundtheworld304]

Really beautiful Homesite and tasteful layout.

[@jdholbrook33]

Your first mistake was trying to build anything in California.

[@solofalcon]

omg lol, was going to post this.

[@nunofyourbusiness2199]

Pro tip!

[@Dodogama]

You mean Commiefornia

[@marcd7332]

Caliberal

[@caelachyt]

Worst state in the Union. We should pay them to leave.

[@chasevineland1508]

$25K in planning and permits!!! I was thinking this whole thing would cost $25K (less land).

[@MichaelShatravka]

california shake down

[@BirdRaiserE]

*ahem* frick CA.

[@richlake]

I"m from Michigan Winters Land,, and NOW here in ADELANTO CA. HEAT Country,,, LEARNING AND SAVING FOR A SIMILAR PROJECT!!!!!

[@chrisgibbs8204]

Really clear explanations! Thanks.

[@jerrypeevey]

I plan on building my own place and everytime I consider doing it in California ,,, I watch this video :

[@TeeeCeee]

Thanks for showing whole process. So anobody can use it for his own building and can learn from your exprience. You are awesome!

[@monifataylor.realestate]

Great Informaiton! Thanks so much for this video.

[@bryantspeedcustoms9795]

I’ve been looking for information on this for some time now thank you so much!

[@Hypercube9]

10 years from now this California home will be ALMOST complete!

[@raraavis7782]

Glad this series is starting, have been looking forward to this!

[@ezekielgentle]

This is exactly what I was looking for but I want to double the size and go underground! I live in central LA where house prices are $1M minimum. In the next few years I would like to get a little more privacy and create an artist commune in the desert for musicians, producers, film makers, dancers, painters, photographers, designers, engineers, etc. Having enough spaces for people to come and go and create music and projects would be crucial. Thanks again! :D

[@rambo3801]

Please just stay in LA

[@skiltz124]

Informative video. Very much appreciated!

[@EthanCarterDesigns]

Now THAT'S a concrete project! I've been so excited for this to come out, Ben! I really like the format and how you explained why you landed on the slab on grade style foundation...that is the kind of information that almost all building shows seem to lack. Can't wait for episode 2!

[@BasaltGearcom]

This is exceptionally well done. Thank you for putting this out!

[@fabianhernandez4839]

Súper! Muy interesante todo el proyecto y lo que conlleva al parecer algo simple se convierte en algo más detallado se ve muy bien.

[@yogeshrkdm]

Awesome initiative bro, container homes were always my dream homes since childhood

[@dfgdfg_]

so much actually useful information rather than feelings and PR. Thank You!

[@A-Viking]

The corners of containers are strongest, all the weight up to 20+ tonn rests on those 4 points. I'd just have dug 4 corner holes in the ground, compacted them and poured in concrete, and made sure it was all leveled. Also put container-shoes (Twistlock) in/on the concrete to better keep the container in place during windy conditions, they do grab alot of wind these big boxes.

[@phillhuddleston9445]

I never heard of a twistlock but just looked it up, great advice.

[@KRConnection]

Was thinking the same!

[@user-tp9hj1xw6o]

The civil guys really worked him over here. Does anyone know who stamped these drawings?

[@TdrSld]

@Benzo Thats Cali for you, I don't see how any normal person can live there at the cost of living rate.

[@whu58]

I would have hired a piling/foundation drill, then inserted used carpet roll tubes then fill with various size aggregate + compact at each stage + insert reinforce rods and pour concrete using air pokers to reduce air pockets, but it important to remember that the altering/cutting out of container walls does compromise its structure if not supported underneath, so I would have the container resting on 8 points ( 4 each side on 40 ft container to possible reduce flex),...the `Twistlock` is a great idea.

[@mssmilamx]

I see a lot of negativity around here, and I’ll just say you DID IT GREAT! It’s inspirational to see how some people actually come out and take the things even when it is challenging and many don’t dare to even think of it, mediocrity or fear, or just broke people. Claps to you and great documentary, subscribed and supporting ❤️❤️!!!

[@redonkulus1530]

Thank you for sharing your information about building home from containers. I really appreciated your detail information about the build from permit, to foundation, to framing, and etc. lots of great insight information on what works or not. You should write a book on home container build.

[@pedge001]

Can’t thank you enough for 1) doing this project and 2) the transparency. Incredibly helpful when evaluating similar projects. Might have to go buy some more Simple Finish and Clamps 🗜 as a thank you.

[@mereview2615]

Thumb up for detail explanations. Thx for sharing.

[@alecbotash2427]

Very good, specific and informative videos!!! Great great job! Probably best video report about shipping containers homes on KZbin ! Good luck man! ✌🙂👍

[@Daveizz]

Hey Ben! My colleagues and I are actually making a container project based on all of your videos. You inspired us to make a difference, and now we are making a portable research station that will have multiple uses and be sent around the world. We fabricated the windows and doors out of steel and will set up the interior. It would be great to hear from you and show you some of our progress.

[@JimmyLLL]

I'm very surprised at the size of the foundations for such a small and considerably light dwelling. And of course you answered the question later in the video :) The raised piers are good for airflow and accessing pipework in the future. I also find you get a little less creepy crawlies.

[@user-xk5so7wb2t]

I do give you a boat load of credit dealing with CA laws! and Not giving up. Congrats Bro!!!

[@retselserec5183]

Awesome, thanks for sharing

[@MsSaleh222]

Great job. Keep doing what do.

[@ralphlivingston894]

Excellent descriptions and explanations for your project. Great video!

[@abdulshakfa9307]

I’m impressed more with the video organization than its content. Very concise

[@sammyjudeh1117]

Fantastically thorough information!

[@obigrumpywankenobi3204]

I thought the idea was a low cost home made from a Shipping Container ! watching this it probably would have cost less to buy a normal house

[@daltondoeswhat5178]

Not in all cases especially in California but I think this guy just did it for the satisfaction and he probably sold it for even more because I was looking and I could get 10 acres in the California desert for 5k or less right now if I looked hard enough

[@SometimesMonkeysDie]

Dalton Betancourt It’s for sale right now for $380k.

[@sanctifiedholy7]

@@SometimesMonkeysDie 😮 nah. I can buy a real house and land WITH GRASS for that

[@cdjwmusic]

well, the original idea was cheap, what's expensive is to live and try to build something in California

[@TBGmario]

Hipsters downgrade for fashion

[@subse7enx]

so excited for this new channel. Thank you for being so detailed and including all your costs.

[@AGlimpseInside]

So glad you made this second channel! It really does feel like a legitimate television series is being born! Thank you Ben And I will see you next week in Atlanta. This time I won’t make you sign my hat.😂 Chris

[@NoStringsRunning]

Does this mean Ben has another channel? I am new to following this build and also very excited to watch the process!

[@IainCampbell_IJC]

@@NoStringsRunning kzbin.info

[@Christopher25S]

This is one my dreams is to build a small storage container home for myself. But a lot to think about now after see this. It’s so many moving parts to get the job done.

[@SimpleYev]

Thank you for sharing this! Amazing stuff!