Shipping Container Build | One Year Anniversary Recap: Barn, Shop, Storage, Shade & Solar $ Cost

[@darkrose-k1h]

Good Job! We bailed out of the Matrix 20 years ago. We lived in a 16' x 35' military wall tent in Central Arizona for 3 years while we became debt-free . We kept our belongings in a 20' Connex and then added lean to shades around it for a shaded workshop of sorts. We built a large house with ICF and then used river rock from our property to come up 6-7' around the outside. We paid cash all the way and did 98% of the work ourselves. We are still not completely done with a few things like trim, tile and the exact lighting we want. However, this was the best decision we have ever made; especially considering what the world is now facing. Keep up the good work!

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

That sounds like quite the adventure, very cool! That's a whole lot of river rocks to gather up. Years ago we gathered many loads for landscaping, it's a lot of work, but I love rocks! Thanks for watching! 😊🏜️

[@darkrose-k1h]

@@RedandAprilOff-Grid it has been a challenge at times but such an experience that it really shaped us as people for the better. Yes the rock portion took about a year ( not everyday) . We went total of 250’ by about 6-7’ high. The walls are about 3’ at the base tapered up to about 10” at the top. We have an R-factor of approximately 50 with the Polysteel ICF blocks(filled with rebar and concrete) . It’s way over-built but it’s like a Castle to us. We calculate it would have cost over $40k just to do the rock if we hired it out.

[@kezzatries]

Snap we did the same in OZ with icf too. Not totally finished, not totally ideal but it is off grid and Debt free.

[@atomicdmt8763]

how did you insulate? metal box in Arizona....... wow

[@shaunybonny688]

Gotta love people going their own way. AZ is a great place for off grid life, and freedom in general.

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

We love having our own land and being able to build what we want to. Yes, the cool nights and ample sunshine make Arizona a great place to live off the grid. 🌞🏜️

[@jebfallen]

​@@RedandAprilOff-Grid I too live in AZ. Just bought some land southeast of Maricopa and hope to build next year. Did you have to get a permit for that structure and if so how long did the permit take ?

[@AnatomyJane]

Very impressive. For a project that size and the amount of money spent, crew size, patience and just basic understanding to reach the complete task I give you a 9.9 rating. Every purchase for that final goal was frugal and effective. You should get 10 million views or more. For what you were trying to accomplish in the short term for a much larger goal your mistakes were minor and meaningless other than your own pride. I loved it and hope it inspires others.

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thanks so much! Yes, it was quite the undertaking! We didn't know for sure how it was all going to come together, or if we could get it done on our week long trip. We love how it turned out, and it has worked really well for everything we need. 😊🏜️

[@lindasmith5633]

I love watching videos of people createing their own buildings or living spaces. I love even more that u r recyceling things that others discarded.

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thanks! This structure has worked out really well for us, and we are definitely fans of reusing and repurposing materials, even if it's more work.

[@wheels-n-tires1846]

Two containers n a roof from recycled trusses and tin. Add some plastic basketball court tiles over gravel in the 20x40 space underneath- presto!! Mini-shop!! Exactly what I've done!!

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

It will be great to get this big RV out and we will have more work space. I like the idea of plastic tiles, we'll look into it. Thanks!

[@FarmsVilla]

So glad I found you guys again. 👍🏻

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thanks! Sorry we lost you! 🧡🏜️

[@FarmsVilla]

@@RedandAprilOff-Grid you changed your channel name. What was I to do? 🤷🏻‍♂️😊

[@nonsequitur807]

Y'all make a wonderful team. April is a pearl!

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

😄 Thanks!

[@matthewboatman705]

The bottom of those connexs will make great homes and shade for critters like snakes and such if you have them in your area. If you install blocking or a skirt around the connexs that will stop it plus block cold wind from blowing in debris and such.

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

When it's skirted it creates an even better home for rodents, because they can dig tunnels under the skirting and not as many predators can get to them.

[@philcummings9557]

Nice to see the summarized video. Enjoyable watching the project videos again.

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thanks! 😊

[@craigdutton6072]

That was neat be a great set up to hang out store gear ⚙️ then when the home 🏡 done you have a great big shed / barn 👌how we anchor our containers is to bury a large concrete log with a Chain to the container 👍that’s in cyclone conditions 👍

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thanks! Yes, this structure has worked out really well for us. That's a great way to anchor the containers! The worst storms we have to deal with out here are microbursts. 🌞🏜️

[@marcuscicero9587]

you folds were motivated and you made it happen. congrats, especialy in that Arizona sun!

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thanks! The metal roof has made some really nice shade in the summer.🌞🏜️

[@mosbysmen]

i liked your channel glad your back

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thanks! Glad you found us again! 😊🏜️

[@kathleenpitt1981]

Congratulations on your first year in Arizona. It would be an interesting video with your impressions of Arizona, heat monsoons, etc. I’ve been here 6 years and I’m still getting used to the lack of green. But we have endless blue skies and glorious sunsets. Plenty to be thankful for.

[@honthirty_]

Only one monsoon per year.

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

I have always been a big fan of trees and grass, but I have learned to really love the desert. There are so many cool plants and animals, and the sky and mountains are amazing! It's also awesome, that we don't have any power lines blocking our views. Besides some issues with neighbors, the worst thing is that in the winter, our night time temperatures are so much colder than in town. The other day, town was 44° and we got down to 22°! It warms up quickly when the sun comes up, so that's nice. There is definitely a lot of dust, but it doesn't bother me too much. The monsoon storms are pretty exciting too, and the clouds it brings are amazing! Overall, I love living in Arizona, it works perfectly with solar power. 😊🏜️

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

We made trips down last winter, but this is our first winter living out here. We moved here in mid April of this year.

[@ernieforrest7218]

I was in the building business for over 40 years. I think that using containers for this type of use makes sense, unlike using them for construction of a home. But i question why you didnt cover the entire width of the containers with your roof, as opposed to the way you did it? You could still have installed a knee wall on the inside edge of the container for additional roof support.

[@federicofromvenice8205]

@@RedandAprilOff-Grid , You said *Besides some issues with neighbors...* although don't see other neighbors... so close! Oh my God, these all too common situations all over the world, make me want properties without neighbors for a radius of at least 1,500 meters (more than 4,900 ft). By now we can say that wherever we go, there is always a neighbor who breaks...

[@akbarhasan1929]

Thanks for sharing the video

[@wisdomaddo8515]

I like the music in the background

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thanks!

[@Poppi2006]

Hurray for me! I discovered your new channel. I was enjoying your first channel, and then I think the trolls discouraged your enthusiasm, and the videos ceased. I really liked Red’s clear explanations of his work and design rationale. Searching for “Frugal Off-Grid Simple Living” was unsuccessful. btw, I do enjoy your music selections for your new channel. Now, I need to binge watch. Thanks.

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Glad you found us again, thanks! 😊🧡🏜️

[@Benthitchfarm]

Thanks for the great info. About to our shipping container barn up in Idaho.

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Awesome, best wishes! This structure has worked out really well for us! We are working on enclosing the ends and turning it into a shop right now. 🌞

[@benjaminolsen6520]

Nice job. Thank you for all the information about your build. Nowadays you can't get one container for the price you got two. Good work

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

We called several places and got the best deal we could find, but they still seemed kind of expensive. Crazy how much the prices have gone up on so many things! Thanks! 😊

[@davidprins9401]

This is a great summary of the barn project. Thank you 😁 nice reuse of existing wood!

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thanks! It was nice to be able to edit and combine the original videos. 😊🏜️

[@basilwise8193]

WOW! Awesome structure! Love the reclaimed hardwood roof.

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thanks! Yes, the reclaimed hardwood makes it way more strong and awesome! 😄😎

[@zbigniewteterycz1571]

SUPER IDEA . POZDRAWIAM .

[@livingadamman7994]

With your container anchors, I would recommend people use square box section tube like 4x2 or 4x4, I actually used 5mm wall box tube to support the weight of the container and welded the corner to it so supporting the down weight and stopping it from moving, it can be done after construction but best done before as there are many wind forces that bear on it one can easily do this corner by corner by moving the blocks digging and cementing in the tube to weld to container, all of it sits under not outside the footprint of container, I think it's a better way.

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

That sounds like a good way to do it. 👍 In the video that came out today, Red checked the levelness of the containers before mounting the gate.

[@martinllamas1448]

Great job! The whole time I was thinking. Man I would weld that angle iron after I installed the rafters so I would not risk missing the elevation and man it got you. Great build love the way your family all pitched in and helped

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Without the angle iron, there wouldn't have been anything to attach the rafters to. It worked out. Thanks!

[@rgarizonahomestead2729]

great overview of shop area/barn. enjoy the upcoming holidays

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thanks, & you too! 😊🦃

[@dar7771]

Very cool. Nice price point for what you will be using it for.

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thanks! Yes, we thought it would be worth some extra cost to dress it up a bit.

[@jessytsakiris9]

Built one of these two years ago super cool concept

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Awesome! Sounds like you got in before the prices went up too. Red is excited to turn it into his shop once we get our house built. 😊

[@jessytsakiris9]

@@RedandAprilOff-Grid so cool !

[@rvdb2162]

Superbe! Simple, élégant et ingénieux Merci beaucoup

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thanks for watching! 😊🏜️

[@sneakybohemiancreature2970]

.. Read every comment Being patient with folks is the best Hopefully Eventually they will understand Hat's off Thank you all for sharing God Bless Be Well ~ ...

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

People are interesting, and comments are always interesting too. 😅 Thanks! 😊🏜️

[@craigsymington5401]

So cool, exactly what I have in mind

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

It has worked out great! 🌞

[@tomwinter6532]

I'm looking into doing something similar to this project on my property. Thanks for posting this video!

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Awesome! Best wishes, it has worked out really well for us. Red is excited to turn it into his shop once we get done building our house. 😊🏜️

[@1icepop234]

Wow, love this so much! Great multi-purpose structure!

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thanks! Yes, it has worked out so well for us, excited to get done with the house, move the RV out and turn it into a big shop. 😊🏜️

[@bondpaz]

Have an awesome thanksgiving!❤️🥰👍

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

We did, thanks so much! 🥰🦃

[@gsftom]

U guys rock! So happy that I found your channel.

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

It's been an adventure for sure! Thanks for watching! 😊🏜️

[@Smokesimeon]

Thank you for making this video I'm building soon and plan to do a similar style awesome to see it all makes sense to me cheers...

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

It has worked out great for us. Best wishes on your build! 🙂🏜️

[@bondpaz]

That’s actually a good price! Y’all did such an amazing job on that! ❤️🥰👍

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thanks! ❤️😊

[@andreewert1142]

PS. I WOULD HAVE PUT THE STRUTS ON THE OUTER SIDE OF THE CONTAINERS' CREATING A KNEE WALL AND EXTRA STORAGE ABOVE THE CONTAINER. the flat surface on either side will just allow water accumulation and rust issues so my suggested design remedies that and ALSO allow lean-to extensions down the road.

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

It would have made for a much larger, taller, and more expensive roof, since we needed the 30° pitch for our solar panels, We get some water coming in, but it hasn't been a problem at all. We have as much storage as we need, we are trying to use and reuse what we have, and not collect a lot of stuff.

[@sneakybohemiancreature2970]

.. Definitely Sea both angles Yes Lean toos can be added And Struts on outer sides provides rust protection and added space for storage Good Eye Be Well ~ ...

[@LemonySnicket-EUC]

It Would have been very efficient use of space. I never have enough storage. I also would have gone with scissor trusses as well.

[@GordonSumpter]

I wouldn't worry about the roof pushing the containers apart but you should have put a second pitch out to edge with some 8 ft boards.and more important you should have really staggered the joints on those perlings

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

It's all good and everything has worked out great. We like being able to walk on top of the containers to access the solar panels, and the gutters work well.

[@rnvrnv354]

Very Nice! This is what I would call an Amish Redneck Barn! I would suggest walling off the gables and creating a little bit of a loft on the ends which would add more strength, stability and attic storage capacity! Solar panels are heavy! Nice big barns get real small after you start filling them with stuff, starting with a camper!

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thanks! It looks a lot better than I expected, and has been great for everything we have needed while we build our house. Once we get our house built, we'll move the trailer out, and Red plans to use the structure for a shop, and possibly enclose one or both ends. We hope to keep everything fairly minimal and uncluttered out here. 🌞🏜️

[@toddtomaszewski4626]

Thanks for sharing 😁👍

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

It has worked out really well for us. Thanks for watching! 😊

[@jamuswise9590]

Ready cool structure, very efficient!

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thanks! 😊

[@WHSmith-zk2ox]

Very good project.... 👍

[@unedited2716]

Woow love great idea its what I want to some day build just A little different.

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thanks! It has worked out great for us. Best wishes! 🙂🏜️

[@OW...]

Great watch there guys. Looking forward to the next year.

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@gregmaffei4820]

Nice build..

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thanks, it has worked out really well for us! 😊🏜️

[@jg1503]

I love this. Well thought out setup for the build ahead.

[@mars-cs4uk]

I thought about this design, and you did it nicely. Thanks

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thanks! It has worked out well.

[@TheGaggenau]

When i was in the swedish military and stationed in another country the barracks where constructed almost exactly like that. Two living container with a roof with steel beams and a wooden deck between the containers. The roof was extended all the way past the containers. Believe that was a wise decision.

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Very interesting! 😎 Although not ideal, it was well worth it to us to set the roof in the middle of the containers, we needed the steeper pitch for our solar panels, and the wood we had wouldn't have been long enough to go to the edge. Water coming in hasn't been an issue, & it's a nice and very secure solar rack. Someone in the area just spent $5,000 just in materials for their solar rack. 😄 Anyway... It's working well.

[@brandonparr6345]

Good tips. And info. $2 10' 2x6's where?

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thanks! It was an unusual deal we found on Facebook Marketplace. We had to pry nails and wood pieces off of them.

[@alejanzar]

question, there is a cheaper or free land in Arizona? living off the grid is not easy, thank you for sharing this information, great video very informative, impressive structure.

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Land that is far from town can be cheaper, but it's definitely not free. This structure has worked out great for us! 🌞🏜️

[@SinnisjInsulator]

Such a great flashback. Great drawing skills. How did Red all this great building knowledge, even cutting metal.

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

We have done a lot of building and remodel projects throughout the years. Woodworking is a hobby, & he has designed and made some pretty cool furniture pieces. He worked as a Machinest for 7 years, but had very little experience with welding. He does a little research and figures it out as he goes. Thanks!

[@SinnisjInsulator]

@@RedandAprilOff-Grid well he seems like a very smart man, amd very meticulous. I am just very surprised that he understands the tensile strength via applying moment to the aircrete piece. Hense the bottom of the piece experience tension and breaks because concrete is brittle. This is why in reinforced concrete, the rebar is put on the tension side to resist that effect.

[@tahiyaelmaghribnumber1]

Very nice ! This is my house !

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thanks! It's been great for our needs. 😎

[@dwightpatch4441]

I miss those sunsets

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

They are pretty awesome! 🧡🏜️

[@JeffGillis1]

Wow!!! Extraordinary!! I love your channel!

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thanks so much! This structure has worked out really well for us! 😊🏜️

[@user-cg7tl]

I like this one and thanks for giving the prices!

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thanks! 😊

[@grahamewebber4038]

Great looking barn, personally I would have covered both containers to prevent rust and weathering and improved insulating, also joined batten over trusses to maintain one clean line, only for appearance. You guys have created a great economical space, well done👍

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thanks! For our particular needs, budget, and the the materials we had available, this design has worked out well. 🌞🏜️

[@Kanotoa]

I was sort of thinking the same thing. It would keep the containers cooler too. I want to do something like this someday. Thanks for posting the video

[@craigbennett3458]

Yep better to cover the entire roof area of the containers. Moisture over time will rot the roof

[@pauloconnor7951]

Next time; secure the roof sheets through the ribs. longer screws. Leaves the pans 100% integrity as water channels.

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

We did that on our house roof except on the top and bottom row.

[@OurNewLand]

Great recap video!

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thanks! 🙂

[@waynekomprood7093]

I tried to look at your other channel, frugal off grid simple living. Could not find it.

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Yes, due to some unfortunate circumstances, we decided to delete our original channel. 🙂🏜️

[@jesuskingjesus9775]

So excited for you guys! Happy Thanksgiving!

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thanks! Happy Thanksgiving to you too! ❤️🦃

[@davefroman4700]

If it were me I would have just turned this into the house.

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

It could be done, but it's not cheap or easy. It will make an excellent shop once we get our house built.

[@icecreamtruckog3667]

The roof should go past the containers so water does not corrode the tops of the containers. You could put construction lumber all the way under the metal roof so when something hits the metal the sound gets dampened at the source. The amper setting on the welder should be set lower so you do not burn through the container wall.

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

This has worked out fine for our area. We get most of our rain in the summer monsoons and it's pretty dry the rest of the year. Also the gutters we installed work well.

[@dougwalk8034]

If you are welding on the very thin walls of a shipping container and blow a hole through, [very easy], all you have to do is have someone hold a 1/4" thk piece of copper plate on the inside with a tool, and you will easily be able to fill the hole from the outside, or alternatively, hold a steel plate on the inside and fill the hole the same way leaving the patch plate there as a patch !!!

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

👍thanks

[@scottcates]

Nicely done!

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thanks!

[@DanielatLazyCreek]

What an impressive and massive project. You guys seem to have done some great research on the electricity. Great work.

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thanks! Yes, he has quite a bit of experience with carpentry, and a little with metal and electric, but has had to figure most of it out as he goes.

[@mat-bh]

Great ideia

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thanks, it has worked out really well!

[@jamesmatheson5115]

By the time you put a few ton of stuff inside the contains plus their own weight, they wont go nowhere, our containers havent moved and our huge canvas roof tore to shreds by high winds, one thing I will say about your roof, you need to fully cover the tops of the containers as the roofs eventually rust and leak.

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Yes, the containers can handle really high winds even when they are empty. We don't get a lot of rain here, the tops of the containers are painted and look great so far. Currently, we are working on turning the middle into and enclosed shop. 🌞

[@jamesmatheson5115]

@@RedandAprilOff-Grid We used 3 40' containers to make our shed, but when we build our new 400 sq mtr shed we stopped using it except for storage, then high winds ripped the canvas dome to pieces and that was the end of it, our original shed used 2 40' and 1 20' containers with a flat steel roof, after about 10 years the roofs were all rusted and leaking badly, that's when we built the second shed.

[@slickmuck4312]

Great build. I would have used steel anchors instead of treated wood for anchors But I live in Canada. A lot more moisture up here.

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thanks! We may eventually, but so far it's all good.

[@mwatercress]

Looks great! I'm curious, why did you opt to run the trusses to the middle of the containers rather than the outside edge? Would you make any changes if you were doing this again?

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

It had to do with the materials we had, and we needed the proper pitch to mount our solar panels on the roof. At this pitch, the roof would have needed to be much larger and taller to completely cover the containers. Everything has worked out great for us in this area. No regrets.

[@mattford3627]

cool lizard!

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

There are so many cool animals out here in the desert. 😎🏜️

[@Ask-a-Rocket-Scientist]

I had the same thought on the anchors.

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

🌞🏜️

[@peteracke2209]

Great informative video..nicely done..wish I could get container's that cheap in Australia

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thanks! They have doubled in price here too. We are really glad we bought them when we did!

[@guillermoortiz8452]

Awesome comment, KZbin is great 👍🏽

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

😄

[@fireresqlt]

This is genius!

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

It has been great!

[@barrymitchell7732]

Looks fantastic. Not sure about the location??? I live in a tropical jungle. ALOHA

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

You might have a little more trouble with rust in the jungle, but I guess you could coat it with a good paint. We are in the Arizona desert. 😊🏜️

[@ogfoundation]

Well done!

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thanks!

[@Dukemeistro]

Nice job!

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thanks! 😊

[@granthathaway8344]

The treated lumber in the concrete is going to rot quicker than you realize. Should have used a steel mounting bracket for the base of a post.

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

We don't feel like they are entirely necessary, but we may eventually replace them with something better.

[@kevinlamarr1424]

I want to build a dismantling station like that for big trucks and equipment

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

This type of structure would work great for that! Red is looking forward to turning the whole thing into a shop after we get our house built. 😎🌞

[@sneakybohemiancreature2970]

.. Bravo Considering post covid excellent savings Do understand your decision for AZ query John Wesley Powell at your leisure essentially looking to do the same configuration but half the length and yes side doors for easier access Do like the garden Solar set up Rain catch system Nice of the driver to set the 2nd Sea Container where you desired Alaskan KZbin couple did similar one Sea Container two car ports Figure to use both layouts with first pouring concrete and Rebar Well Done Congrats Saw a family with a few red Sea Containers used white paint to give the box a look of Brick Buildings Enjoy Be Well ~ ...

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thanks! We are really enjoying Southern Arizona. 🏜️ Arizona is pretty ideal in many ways for what we are doing. We love the abundant sunshine, cool nights, summer monsoon season, interesting wildlife, beautiful sunsets, and mountain views. This structure has worked out wonderfully for our needs! Sounds like you have done your research, best wishes on your build! 😊

[@brianvandy4002]

What a fantastic build. Was the wood from some kind of pallets?

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

We think they were made to hold pipes, rough cut 2 × 6 hardwood 10 ft long. It was an incredible find!

[@NateT602]

Great video if you don’t mind me asking where did you purchase the bundles of lumber?

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thanks! We found them on Facebook Marketplace when we lived in Texas.

[@thepitpatrol]

Very nice work!

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thanks! 😊

[@catgynt9148]

Fantastic look back to your origin story. Thanks for sharing this insightful journey. Wishing you and your family a blessed thanksgiving holiday. Greetings from NE Ohio.

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thanks so much & Happy Thanksgivings! 😊🦃

[@_onesimpleidea]

Late to the party, but I've got to ask: Considering you were building the entire roof to custom design anyway, why on Earth did you not extend it beyond the outside edges of the containers, for sun, rain, etc?

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

We need a 30° angle for our solar panels. To keep the roof at the proper angle, we would have needed a lot more materials, and it would have been a much larger roof. This design has worked great for us. No regrets!

[@porthos9502]

So the pitched roof directs water to the top of both containers. How did you keep it from flowing under the roofed area since the containers have flat roofs

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

We have gutters on now, but even before the gutters, we didn't get too much water coming in. The tops of the containers have a slight arch, so most of the water runs off the outside edge.

[@pb7133]

That’s what I was wondering. I build container homes in Texas and we have a problem with rust here. So keeping rain water off the containers as much as possible is the best thing. Even tho they are “sea worthy” they are still steel under the paint.

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

@@pb7133 We painted the tops of the containers with a white elastomeric paint. We get almost all of our rain in 3 months, and are pretty much dry the rest of the year.

[@4G63Tpower]

@Shawn Kemp or added a second roof pitch under the Eves of the first roof

[@jimmyb4956]

Was wondering the same thing as I am in the process of building one of these. I was thinking of sloping each shipping container slightly out then foaming the ridge gap (I do spray foam)

[@AircreteHarry]

Nice job! Reminds me of my shipping container covers install. What was the total cost?

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thanks! It was about $10,000 including the containers, lift rental, and materials. There is a quick price breakdown at the end of the video.

[@MA-eu9hf]

I have no idea where this is but I swear I’ve driven past this near the sand dunes in Colorado

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

We are in Arizona. 🌞 I'm sure there are other structures like this around, but I've never seen one in person.

[@joelrdelvalle]

Thanks for the information so helpful where did you happen to Purchased the containers from?

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Glad the video was helpful! This structure has worked out really well for us. We got them from Specialty Container Services. Their company headquarters is in Branson, Missouri, but our containers were shipped from El Paso, TX. Best wishes!

[@joelrdelvalle]

@@RedandAprilOff-Grid Thanks for the reply so was that $3,250 each?

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

@@joelrdelvalle Yes, that was the price for each one including delivery. They are high cube, cargo worthy containers, but had quite a bit of dents, patches and rust. We bought them almost 2 years ago. The price has been going up since then, but I hear it may be coming back down.

[@mikegee9832]

Looking for part 2 to this video

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jYbRZoeqiK1qsJY There are also occasional updates in other videos.

[@SinnisjInsulator]

I forgot but you we're going to insulate that with open cell foam right?

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

The solar room is all that is insulated for now. For that, we used a double layer of foam insulation board and covered it in drywall. The ceiling in the solar room is 8 feet tall, so there is a gap between it and the top of the container. It has been working well, but we probably should try to insulate the floor too.

[@SinnisjInsulator]

@@RedandAprilOff-Grid Arizona must be a pretty dry climate. Steel likes to sweat when it goes from hot to cold, we have that issue in winter here in Canada. So if there isn't enough ventilation within that gap you mention then mold happens on the foam boards.

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

I think it's been good so far, but it would be interesting to take a peak. Yes, the winters here are typically very dry. We'll keep an eye on it, thanks! 🙂

[@SinnisjInsulator]

@@RedandAprilOff-Grid no problem, when you see thousands of attics with mold, you start to figure out the cause lol. And also what works and what doesn't.

[@StevenGalligan-t7s]

Howdy Red. What type of tool are you using to cut sheet metal?

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

🙂 It's called a nibbler. It's a bit pricey, but well worth it if you have a lot of sheeting to cut.

[@andrewking9435]

Looks good. Whats the span.. how far apart are the containers?

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thanks! They are 20 feet apart.

[@PDZ1122]

How is water going to run off the container roof? It will just collect there and then flow down on the inside as well as the outside?

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

We have added gutters, and the tops of the containers are slightly rounded so water runs off the outside. At times the wind blows some water in, but it's not a lot.

[@joshprotz5278]

I’m just starting this EXACT project. One question I have… did you slightly slope the containers so water would flow to the outside of the units? I know it’s Arizona but still!

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

The tops of the containers are not perfect flat.They are made with a slight bow on top to help the water run off. As long as the roof goes at least to the middle or preferably a little past, the water will naturally run off the outside edge. We have gutters along the metal roof now, and as long as the wind isn't blowing the rain in, the water stays out. Sounds awesome, and best wishes on your build!

[@joshprotz5278]

@@RedandAprilOff-Grid do you have a video of your solar set up? I looked quickly but didn’t see anything. I’d like to know how many panels & BALLPARK how much the entire solar system cost!

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Yes, kzbin.info/www/bejne/sIPVqKNofqqraK8

[@dirtyrotter4057]

You must live in one cheap area . I priced the rafters for a 28x48. 7000.

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Wow! We made the rafters ourselves out of salvaged 2x6 hardwood boards. The rafters cost us $400.

[@americathefree3708]

just my 2 cents. at 12:30 you embedded anchors to attach the conex box, you should have used metal, metal works with concrete whereas wood expands and contracts beyond the tolerance of concrete. thank you.

[@8055boss8055]

Any advice on how to keep moisture out of a container? All the seals are good but i noticed over the winter here in Florida we had a couple days where we hit freezing temperatures once the sun came out the inside walls started to sweat bad.

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

We haven't noticed any moisture in ours, but our winters are really dry. Glad it doesn't happen too often in your area. Spray foaming the inside or insulating the outside seems to be what most people in cold and wet climates have to do.

[@sneakybohemiancreature2970]

.. Aussie produced Better Homes Enjoy Be Well ...

[@larrywilson6555]

What was the cost for solar panels and solar equipment

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Our original system was $6,000. We have recently added another 48 volt battery and a few other things, so the cost is up to around $10,000 for the complete system. Our last video was a cost breakdown for everything on the property.

[@keithmitchell3282]

i am surprised that the containers took the weight of the timber (lumber) roof , did you reinforce the container walls

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

We did not reinforce the walls. The weight is supported on the 4 corners and the top rail on the side walls is very strong.

[@trxtech3010]

Is that Mt Lemon I see in the back?

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

No, we are further south.