Shipping Container House - Placing the containers on foundations

Loading the shipping container house onto its foundations
e-book - www.buildshippingcontainerhous...
Blog - www.containerhouse.wordpress.com

[@paulcreatesuccess]

Containers are designed to sit on the four castings fully loaded and stacked 6 high. My friend build 8 foundations for his 40ft containers all the same height. The middle 4 were not used as the castings lifted the rail about an inch above them. He never got round to putting a packing plate on them. If your containers will remain uncut that is all you need.

[@crustydownunder]

G'day, Paul, I've watched all the videos I can find of your home. I've enjoyed every one of them and I love your dry sense of humor. I just wanted to thank you ever so much for taking the time to make these videos and having the balls to shear them. I've looked everywhere for videos like these, where the build shows HOW, and doesn't just show a bunch of finished home shots. You have no idea how encouraging you've been to me and my wife We have 23 acres in Darwin and have been planning a container home for 10 years. Your videos have given us (Me mostly) hope. Seeing how you did this slowly, bit by bit, eases the worry of getting it finished in a hurry. Of course, building in Darwin has a bunch of difficult issues of its own. The high humidity and constant heat from the sun being biggest obstacles to overcome. It's impossible to survive in the containers without insulation and air conditioning. (We'll have no power, water or sewage for quite some time). Never the less, your videos have given me hope and courage. And I thank you from the bottom of my heart, Mate.

[@roymariano7116]

I purchased several High-Cube containers for similar projects. They were all "One Trip" containers that were clean internally and looked nearly brand new when delivered.

[@paulcreatesuccess]

4 of my eight corners are secure. I drilled long anchor bolts through the concrete and placed a steel tube through the castings of both containers. Each end was then bolted down securely using a strong u bracket. I have not yet anchored the outer ends. Cheers Paul

[@ChrisSlack]

Great to see them in place! Looking forward to more updates!

[@alanheadrick7997]

The delivery truck is awesome. Very beautiful location, I'd be happy with a tent.

[@paulcreatesuccess]

+alan headrick Hi Alan, when we had the dramas getting up the mountain, a tent was looking likely. Cheers Paul

[@strawberryflavour7362]

+alan headrick I'm not sure but ,if anyone else wants to learn about build your own container house try Alkarno Container Alchemist (just google it ) ? Ive heard some awesome things about it and my mate got amazing success with it.

[@smirgoufocus2216]

+alan headrick hey ,if anyone else needs to find out about container home floor plans try Jadonite Shipping Container Buddy ( search on google ) ? Ive heard some super things about it and my cousin got cool results with it.

[@MsKia0302]

Yay for Big Trucks!!!! I really want a container home!

[@paulcreatesuccess]

Yes, the arms extend with the container hanging on the chain. I will show the locking down procedure shortly. Cheers Paul

[@gustavocastroortiz7645]

Cheers for this, I have been researching "how to build a shipping container house pdf" for a while now, and I think this has helped. Ever heard of - Panophia Nonpareil Principality - (should be on google have a look ) ? It is a smashing one of a kind guide for discovering how to build a shipping container home fast without the hard work. Ive heard some awesome things about it and my buddy got excellent results with it.

[@Frostype]

Thank you very much for your reply dear Paul

[@paulcreatesuccess]

The poles that fit neatly into the cast corner blocks are 40 Nominal Bore Pipe. This has an outside diameter of 38mm and is approx 3mm wall. It is used as scaffold pole and is easy to obtain. Cheers Paul

[@paulcreatesuccess]

containers 4k each, sunroof 2.5k, solar power 12k, ceiling 1k, foundation and transport 1k, insulation 1k, plus any internal fittings or mods such as windows etc. total between 20-50k depending on level of fit.

[@paulcreatesuccess]

If however you are going to cut big sections out of the walls it will alter the structural integrity and be less strong. The floor may want to bow and be a little bouncy. If your plans are to place a few small windows 4 should do in my opinion. If you are looking at big openings I would seriously consider adding extra support. When I removed the big window section the floor had a "little" more flex. Cheers Paul

[@kairosmith2503]

Make sure your containers are the proper grade before you buy into a cheap price! Cargo Grade worthy or IICL grade are the only grades worth using for a home.

[@paulcreatesuccess]

I know how that feels. Cheers Paul

[@Vsshooter]

How did you fasten your containers to their foundations? I have 2-40' containers. I placed them on 2'x2'x2' poured concrete foundations, one for each corner of each container. I used railroad spike plates turned upside down with 1/2" steel rebar loops welded to the spike plates where the holes for the spikes for welding points. The containers were welded to the imbedded spike plates. I agree, if large sliding doors or window openings are cut thru the walls then more foundations will be needed.

[@paulcreatesuccess]

Container weight Disclaimer. I am not a structural engineer. Get good advice. Cutting holes in the containers affects the strength and rigidity of the container. 20 ft container empty, 2,400 kg 20 ft container full, 24,000 kg All empty calculations. Each corner holds : 2,400 divided by 4 = 600 kg. From your description, two metal posts, each post is holding the corner of 2 containers stacked 2 high. Therefore you are effectively holding up 4 container corners.

[@Vsshooter]

I have not finished yet as the container is 200 plus miles from my home. It is blazing hot right now so I have suspended work until cooler weather prevails. The container cost $2,400 delivered. The dozer was $500 for the day. Material for the windows $200. Sub flooring and insulation $300. Meter pole with switches and meter socket, conduit installation from pole to containers and cable $2,000. Power company cost $3,000. Meter pole is set for 300A. 100A for containers and 200A for future house.

[@Orangelemonblue]

absolutely amazing

[@paulcreatesuccess]

Hi whose money, nice to meet you. Welcome to the channel. Cheers Paul

[@paulcreatesuccess]

Havent got round to solving that yet.

[@mahocnc]

Nice..I have one but need foundation ...not sure which way I should go..thinking the spiral pipe..would concrete be cheaper? How wide and deep did you go..I need something which can take allot of weight...maybe double up with floor and roof on top. Almost think a foundation in middle also?

[@paulcreatesuccess]

Grand total empty 2,400 kg load. (assuming no roof or contents) Metal post must hold this under compression. Full calculations. Each corner holds : 2400 divided by 4 = 6000 kg. Grand total full: each post must hold 24,000kg (assuming no roof) I have a friend who can identify the steel to support such a structure but he is away right now. I will get back to you. Cheers Paul

[@paulcreatesuccess]

4k Australian dollars, which is very close to US dollars. Good luck with your project. Cheers Paul

[@Frostype]

What were the dimensions of the foundation poles?

[@paulcreatesuccess]

Ebay Australia. Description - Aluminium MR16 Gimbal Light Downlight Fitting Holder. Seller Rayyim, NSW Australia. 4.20 AUD each, Has sold over 200, good feedback. Mine were all fine. I hope that helps you find it. Cheers Paul

[@gmwwc]

Really? That truck could not get up that hill with an EMPTY container??? The lift arm is impresive.

[@hardset-vi3ze]

That's a "Big Chain"???!!! My old pit bull could snap that....amazed it held after all the pressure was only on one chain!!! You were definitely lucky!!

[@paulcreatesuccess]

Is your pit bull called "fluffy" and lives in a downstairs room at Hogwarts?. Nice to meet you, Cheers Paul

[@kiradalemckibben2491]

We are building using 8 20ft containers stacked two high with an atrium in the middle. We are setting them on a full basement as we needed the storage. Not the most economical way to go about it. With this configuration, 3 sides will be supported by the outer concrete walls and welded to steel plates at each corner. The 4th corner will need to be supported with a steel post. Any advice on what to use that will support ?

[@Artifacts407]

What do you call the trailer that brought those things in? The one that had the lift that set them into place.

[@Artifacts407]

Artifacts407 nvm that. Swing lift trailer

[@isabstmr]

Does the truck swing it with the chain to get them on the pins of the foundation?

[@killdozer42]

l am about to do foundations for 2 x 40ft containers, you have only foundations at the ends, is this enough? l was thinking of centre foundations as well, or would this be a waste of time, are they strong enough with just the 4 end block supports?

[@TheRusselmuscle]

I can't find anyone that know much about shipping containers. When I bought two of them from this guy the doors opened and closed really easy with no problem at all, but after arriving and being positioned into place by the semi truck driver, the doors are very difficult to open and close. Nearly impossible to open and close I should say. On closer inspection I can see the cam and the cam receiver no longer line up center with each other on the door. Does anyone know a fix on this or what could have caused this? Did the guy I bought them from switch containers on me? Did the container get bent when being dropped from the semi onto he ground? Or is it that the containers are on an uneven surface, which they are since they are just on the dirt ground, and this puts a twist into the container causing this problem?

[@paulcreatesuccess]

My best guess is there is now a twist created by a non level surface. If you have a strong enough jack you could try lifting a corner a bit and seeing if the door frees up a little. I used a borrowed 5 tonne aircraft jack. You car jack won't cut it. Cheers Paul

[@Mr26Huffy]

Great video! Is that all that is required - two piers on the ends - No need for a pair of piers in the middle? Thanks!

[@paulcreatesuccess]

+Mr26Huffy Hi MrHuffy, Yes. A regular container can be stacked fully loaded on just four corners which protrude down below the rails. A forklift can pick up a loaded container from the side. If you don't make big holes the walls form the rigid strength. If you chop a side out, they turn to jelly and bow in the middle horrifically. Ours have modest holes for windows and are only supported on for corners. Cheers Paul

[@Mr26Huffy]

+Paul Chambers Thanks!

[@bishop2355]

What was the size of you concrete "pads"? 2'x2'?

[@paulcreatesuccess]

Hi Bishop, I think they were 50cm x 50cm x 50 cm Cheers Paul

[@gary24752]

Where was the mountain?

[@slimchancetoo]

Last time I tried to get up a mountain about this steep on a road like this -- guess what??? The same thing happened . Ughhhhhhhhhhhhhh !! Actually it has a lot to do with the OTHERWISE excellent eight airbag suspension on th KW -- or so I am told. Also the Kenworth (KW) probably did NOT HAVE 'CROSS LOCKS' on its diffs. But here you change prime movers to a 4 airbag Freightliner Argosy. Interesting to see if the Argosy could have made it. Being a European design (Owned by Mercedes now) it probably has Cross Locks fitted. My PREFERRED TRUCK, the Volvo I usually drive, does have CROSS LOCKS and I am still angry that I was overruled and had to use the KW without Cross Locks.

[@mhronev]

yeah, no issues

[@Vulcan63]

And how much cost that type of house in total?

[@Vsshooter]

I had a problem with a steep short hill and the second container. The vendor sent a truck with not enough ass to get up the hill. I had to get a dozer to pull him up and to get the container on the foundations. The 1st container came from the same vendor on a bigger truck with a tilt bed and adjustable rear axle that could move backwards or forwards depending on how tight a turn the driver had to make. That truck had no problem with the hill.

[@MikeKiddieCoachbuilder]

What are your thoughts on the floors in containers? I have been told they give off toxic fumes.

[@paulcreatesuccess]

Hi Mick out west, I considered the principle of out gassing. The floor is 25mm ply, treated with chemicals to make it unpalatable to infestation and rot. The underside coated in tar to waterproof the container. I suspect the years would diminish the vapour that may or may not be given off. Our house is as ventilated as any, and in summer more so. We have underlay and carpet over the top. I suspect my diet, exercise regime, tobacco habits, alcohol consumption, and decisions made behind the wheel of a car will have vastly more impact on my longevity than my wooden floor. I respect those who think otherwise. My car emits carbon monoxide in sufficient quantity to kill a human, though we drive in congested cities. I suspect life is a risk and we all get to choose level of acceptable risk. I aspire to place an insulated false floor over the existing one, if priorities ever permit. Cheers Paul

[@MikeKiddieCoachbuilder]

Thanks Paul. That really does sum up the danger of a container house floor. When I get around to my container conversion I will probably clear coat the floor. The paint will probably be toxic anyway. Cheers Mike

[@paulcreatesuccess]

mickoutwest I think you may be correct. LOL Cheers Paul

[@kieranmccrory3960]

good thinking... and if this is so.. and to save any loss... you could cut out the floors.. and relay.. if all goes to pot that is...lol.. great living man

[@DildarkhanPathan]

hi, one suggestions is here ...Please search for Renkarter container report on Google for container house foundation. Thanks.

[@midwest9757]

reshheduled???

[@clasesdeinformatica1]

I see hat they are 12 meters containers and you place foundations only on the edges. Didn't it bend after a few months/years?

[@paulcreatesuccess]

The walls are part of the horizontal strength. If you dont chop holes that are too big, they are fine. Cheers Paul

[@paulcreatesuccess]

Error in typing above Each corner holds : 24,000 divided by 4 = 6000 kg

[@glenneller1424]

How much did they charge you for delivery if you don't mind me asking?

[@paulcreatesuccess]

The purchase price included delivery within about 50km. I moved two of them again about 100km each and a number between 200-400 dollars total springs to mind. I think competition for moving containers is reasonable and keeps the price sensible. The biggest problem was having dry ground to put them on and ensuring access for the truck. The turning circle of a prime mover is poor, a friend had a wide drive but had to have it widened a lot to have the truck turn at 90 degrees off the road to get into it. Cheers Paul. I also agree with keyel turner below. Inpect before you buy. Its critical.

[@Giondenver]

wow.... my heart was racing to see the first one come up..... but I have to ask.... is what you have there as a foundation even safe ????????? looks way too close to the drop of the back of it. how deep are the posts ?? I love this idea to have this as a home... but with a solid foundation... like a slab, your foundation scares me.

[@paulcreatesuccess]

I guess nothing is certain however I feel secure. The spoil is held in place with big stone boulders. The site was leveled with an excavator and compacted with a road roller and graded then dressed. We had 6 months of rain and it settled without any work being done. The foundations go down half a meter. The low foundation is level with the ground so the living container is not very high. There are bolts anchoring the containers down. We have now had tropical cyclones with torrential rain and recently a tornado. All is fine. We are not in an earthquake zone. Getting the containers up the mountain was very stressful, however two years on life has settled and becomes more comfortable with each passing day. Thank you for your concern about us. Cheers Paul

[@thomasnoteboom1531]

+Paul Chambers Paul have you pondered a second container on top of the first, add water heating panels move bedroom upstairs I bet the views would be extremely exciting at sun set just thinking of more ways to maintain off grid.....

[@reneedolefinley6654]

heard one chain snap....

[@paulcreatesuccess]

It did not snap, but you probably heard the chain changing its position. :-)

[@ABetterNewWorldOrder]

You in australia?

[@paulcreatesuccess]

Yes. Cheers Paul

[@ABetterNewWorldOrder]

Ohh ok nice. I am in NSW. I read that the laws prohibit shipping containers here. :( Perhaps you are in VIC judging from the scenery?

[@dogsrule4935]

Why are we watching Aussie stories. Get your own channel damn it!

[@mhronev]

Faraday cage happens

[@Vsshooter]

Another $2,000 should finish the interior not including appliances. Another $2,000 for 1,000 gallon water tank and roof over one container.

[@nugley]

Way to get the job done! You might like our farm-built solution to moving containers through the obstacle course: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n5CvpmecgNtpY5o Not for sale. Just sharing.

[@paulcreatesuccess]

nugley Wow, I just watched your container obstacle course. WELL DONE! Did you make the wheel units yourself or is that grey item a piece of farm machinery. Thanks for sharing. Cheers Paul

[@nugley]

Paul Chambers Mitsubishi Pajero 4WD hubs and steering, with a whole lot of recycled metal for the frame, painted grey for uniformity. Backing this thing into position is an art. All good fun!