The Harsh Reality Of Living in a Container Home (1 Year Review)

[@luckystaracres]

Hi everyone! Just wanted to clarify that this video does have a lot of points that may seem “obvious” or that should’ve been considered before hand. However, we DID consider all of these issues. The point was that we didn’t realize exactly how much some of these issues would affect us! We still love our tiny home, and are planning to make accommodations for some of these problems. As much as you can plan for new adventures like this, things don’t always turn out exactly as expected. This channel is just about showing our experience, and we appreciate everyone who’s been positive and supportive!

[@Scepticalasfuk]

If you want to get rid of a gopher, try dryer sheets. Go to the dollar store and get a box of scented dryer sheets like you put in the clothes dryer. It doesn't kill them, they just can't stand that chemically smell and they go elsewhere, very humane. I've used this to discourage skunks and porcupines, I've never used it on gophers though. For the price of a box of dryer sheets, it's worth a try.

[@mzritamarie4357]

In my old age, I realize that the more you own, the more responsibility you have. Sometimes less is more. It sounds like you are satisfied with the overall results so that's what matters.

[@joshuacoldwater]

So on your first issue in this video, you were 100% aware of the size of the home that you were purchasing BEFORE you purchased it. There are MANY container homes that are larger and have a lot more room, there are even TINY homes that have a lot more room. The second issue- I’m not sure who your home builder was, but they are responsible for any structural repairs especially if they assisted with the placement of the home. There are only a few states that allow you to place a container home yourself- maybe you live in one of those? Here, even if it is a tiny home, it has to go onto a concrete pad. I’d contact them and see if they can fix everything you are speaking about. You also spoke about having to buy a stud finder to follow the lines. This worries me as well, every home OF ANY KIND is delivered with its blueprints. You should know where everything is, if they did not give you a copy- contact the builder/designer IMMEDIATELY and have them send one to you. Your third problem is again the same as your 1st, the size, nobody made you move into a tiny home. Especially an extremely small edition of a tiny home, that is on you guys. The fourth problem, cell phone service, has absolutely NOTHING to do with the fact that you are in a “metal box”. A majority of houses, offices, and hospitals are built with steel frames. Over half of the population is in a metal box of some type. You lost your service due to the placement of your home. The extremely tall trees right next to it seem very aesthetically pleasing, but they wash your signal out. That hotspot you purchased could be plugged in anywhere in the house and it would fix the problem. It doesn’t need to be in your window, that is not how a hotspot works. The fifth problem heating and cooling, I can’t believe that THEY didn’t already have a 2nd split on the living room- I’m glad that worked. About the creepy crawlies and other animals, number 6, THAT is another huge reason why they require a concrete pad in most states. If it were me, I’d mix it myself and mark out the house size and then an extra 6 feet from each side, 3 from the rear, and make a small front patio area. This would make the house stable and prevent any of these issues. The 7th problem, personal space- I wish there was an easier solution here. I have always been a lone wolf. If my dog doesn’t like it- I’m out 😂. It is extremely difficult to share a tiny space, even with the love of your life. I truly commend both of you. I am SO GLAD that the two of you love where you are, you have a new fan and follower.

[@mikekares-b8q]

That would make a nice getaway place you could probably lock it down pretty good, But living there full-time no thanks I'm in my 70s and the wife in that confined space would literally drive me crazy . Good luck to you . Hope the finished project was not to costly.I'm on a fixed income House and property is paid for but just like every one else we got bills . Taxes , Insurance ,Car payment ,cost of living, Medical and the list goes on . but we manage.I try to work a day or two here and there I got a skills at least the government can't take that away from me . Good luck to you and yours , Maybe I'll get a couple containers for storage the neighbors do that .I own a good price of property in the Rural countryside.

[@robertbrainard5651]

question, is this container house for your guests or friends or is it for you and your wife. Why don't you get another container, a smaller one for those guest or family members who come over every so often ? Or build a tiny house on your property like a guest house. But that 40 foot container house was built for you and your wife. If you wanted guests to stay over, that should've been the one of things you should've thought of before finishing the house.

[@tommyb3306]

All I can think about is how weak that coffee looked😂

[@JamieOBrien-bc6ov]

Some good old coffee flavored water

[@1988nProud]

Thank you i thought i was alone in the horror

[@tommyb3306]

@@1988nProud Nope!🤣

[@longbottle]

Holy crap, me too! I was like, "what is that brown water, did he make coffee but pour weak tea with some slight of hand?!"

[@tommyb3306]

@@longbottle Right!!

[@SeanSullivan1958]

No room for guests seems like a plus in my book. LOL

[@thatguy-uv7cv]

Same lol

[@cliffmandelt]

That's what I said they only cost me money

[@Clasi-fk5ng]

I agree

[@marysmith2554]

😂 mine, too!!!

[@Useralex995]

Put a guest house next door

[@nigel493]

A lot of the problems talked about here comes down to poor design and placement of this container house.

[@NoahBranch503]

Get another 40ft and put it next to it and just have a outdoor hallway

[@dwecktek]

Dude lives in a shipping container lmao you think he can afford to

[@NoahBranch503]

@dwecktek downsizing living quarters size should have lots of benefits to it or your doing it wrong savings goes up quality of life goes up stress goes down own less the less stuff that owns you thats the whole purpose of owning your own home

[@lynnealuebben1967]

You can actually put them together. My husband has created plans for Shipping container homes. You just need to know what parts are structural and what you can cut into and what you cannot.

[@rediron44]

​@@dwecktek why can't he afford. He chose to live there,he didn't say that's all he could afford.

[@olliestudio45]

@@dwecktek His place looks expensive. Maybe expand with two more old containers to refit himself. You could possibly even buy 3 more to make a square, with a nice pittle patio in the middle.

[@JillWrightNailTechEvent]

We toured a tiny home community & looked into several different tiny home options, but problem #5 is what we both couldn't overcome. We'd need to buy 2 side by side homes each for our own personal space otherwise we'd be divorced within the 1st month after 30 yrs of marriage.

[@kathymc234]

And 2 bathrooms. LOL

[@mikekares-b8q]

We recently downsized 47yrs of maraige We have our own interests and get along mostly good.

[@tomnguyen9931]

I'm with you. I need a place of my own for me and my girlfriend and my wife need a place for her and her boyfriend!

[@mikekares-b8q]

@@tomnguyen9931 That sounds like it might be a little confusing ,let alone complicated . But if it works for you that's all that matters.

[@urmomsahoe1]

Thats why I'd want to have 1 40ft cointainer and 2 20ft containers in a u shape. Each person gets a wing and the center can be the kitchen/communal space.

[@Cuz.im.batman]

A big problem you have is the shipping container is on the ground you still needed a concrete pad to stop the "settling" you claim... its called a fou dation which would have stopped the crackes in the tile and the scraping of the door

[@ValentineBernier-Wallace]

I've watched a million of these and even though this is not flashy or high production value it is in fact the most valuable information anyone has offered. Some info may seem obvious but your reiteration of these issues is important because it validates the concern. Great job, best of luck.

[@luckystaracres]

Thank you.

[@Jirodyne]

Except a lot of these concerns are NOT valid. The video comes off as "This is stuff EVERYONE will experience by downsizing." As in it's an issue with the CONCEPT of Downsizing. But everything listed is either their PERSONAL Feelings, issues with the company doing a bad design and making the home crack while being moved and settled over time, or bug issues which chemicals can clear up quite quick by toxifing those areas so bugs are killed, or the Internet issue, which can be solved with Satalite, hardline, or a hotspot like they solved in the video already. NONE of those have to do with a small home tho, you can come across ALL of those issues in ANY home, no matter WHERE you live across the entire planet. All it seems to me is, they didn't realize how much personal space is lost, (Somehow they never realised that till now), and that seems like the only valid issue they raised. Which is why 99% of tiny homes you see, are usually build for ONE person, not TWO or MORE people to live in. If the issue is space, internet, and bugs/animals. There are probably chemicals you can buy to create a dead zone around the bottom and near the house where it kills all bugs that enter the area. You could get Skynet or other Satalite service for internet, or probably a more dedicated hotspot system, and if you have the budget, nothing is stopping from modifying the house by buying a SECOND container home to build onto the first. Have the second one behind the first, bolted and welded together, with a door connected to it to expand the 'house' to twice as big. That way you could have Big Living Room, Bathroom, and Kitchen in the front area, and Bedrooms in the back area. And needing Air floor, vents pumping the hot and cold area through the rooms through the top or bottom. Either way, it sounds like problems for these people SPECIFICALLY, not problems for "Anyone thinking of downsizing".

[@nancymontague2126]

You and your wife could have a cement slab. Move the home out of the way make the slab twice the size as the container. Put the home back on the slab and add another one on the back side. Open up a wall between the two and have a double home.

[@PaulaNeumann-d8y]

The slab would eliminate a lot of the critters. Not all and unless you live in the north without poisonous snakes it will not move them out really. How ever I would eventually add a small edition to the property for a guest house. JMO

[@Cuz.im.batman]

The slab would have saved the house from "settleing" as he claims...

[@arizonaangler_2A]

I build off-grid cabins, you can build traditionally (Wood framing) for a fraction of the price,far warmer. containers are the last thing you want to build a home with but people keep doing it, wait untill you start having condensation problems

[@chrisallen2005]

Thank you. I have been wondering about this for a long time. Those containers are great on an acreage for storing stuff not living in.

[@Comm0ut]

My dehumidifier solves condensation for my machine shop which is much more sensitive than a home, but containers really are for metalworkers and no one else should bother. The military and industry have thousands of successful container shelters and their advantages (embers bounce off for example) are easy to exploit but most people do it wrong.

[@Schismxs]

A fraction? A 8x40 1 trip container is $3,550 picked up from the depot. No condensation problems with spray foam installation.

[@carolyngarcia6292]

Doesn’t closed cell insulation spray prevent condensation problems?

[@billlovelace1522]

your are so correct. spray foam is very expensive. stick built all the way for sure. i built a five container home. big mistake.

[@lindawilson4625]

BTW-I did see a tiny home video a while ago where a husband & wife had separate tiny homes joined together by a patio deck with a grill, covering, etc. Their entrances faced each other. It looked very nice and seemed to work very well for them.

[@nogames8982]

I know a couple who kind of live separately in one house. One lives upstairs one lives downstairs. It's like two separate apartments. But yet they seem very happy. They got married later in life and they were used to being alone and they found that living together was just a little bit too much togetherness. So they're still married, seem very happy, but also have their own space.

[@rp9674]

Thanks for sharing, people should know. I thought it would be rigid. Maybe plastic or fiberglass shower would be better. Maybe another container just for storage?

[@darcy5761]

They could have bought a nice home for the price of those two.

[@mimsley5]

I saw that too- my hubby and I both loved that idea! You have your own place, but also shared space! perfect!

[@teresamckeown5594]

That sounds awesome

[@apocyldoomer]

I’ve seen a video where a Couple bought 3 shipping containers and joined them up on a piece of land they purchased, the Neighbors were freaking out thinking that’s all it would be. The Couple went to work on them and the final product turned out to be WOW, you couldn’t tell they were shipping containers! They did a fantastic job and since it was 3 of them they had Xtra room, that’s why they bought 3 of them. One good thing about them are you don’t have to worry about the roof! Best of luck to y’all .

[@nguyentranminhthoi8962]

Do you still had the link for that video you mention?

[@integrativenaturalmedicine3897]

If the neighbors see the house, that's already a problem in my book.

[@Mammaj1963]

I appreciate his honesty, not many owners are willing to share the truth ! So thank you 😊

[@brianmarshall7214]

Just use your head and add an enclosed area big enough to accommodate your friends and family!

[@matt59fire]

Alot of things he said weren't really negatives. Everything has downsides. Literally everything. Aside from what he said about the foundation. But that can be avoided if you know ahead of time what to do

[@SlideyBits]

Not sure if anyone mentioned it yet but I use a cell signal booster. It has an external antenna and internal antenna. Make sure to point the external antena towards the best tower in your area. It works great!

[@luckystaracres]

Great tip!

[@Dang_Near_Fed_Up]

You can simply set your phone on a charger in the windowsill and use a Bluetooth headset inside the home. It's an inexpensive fix for the issues with service inside the container.

[@r3d5ive87]

I don’t understand how you weren’t aware that there wasn’t room for visitors or storage before buying this. It’s obvious.

[@KathleenDornian]

Thought the same🤷🏽‍♀️

[@Yewongel]

I married my wief and found out that I can’t date another girl.😂

[@Cestpasfaux-]

*make a tiny house* ... 1 year later "wow this shit is tiny, i wish I knew that a year ago ..."

[@OPENNOTES24]

@@Cestpasfaux-😂😂😂

[@iammissalicia2098]

​@@Cestpasfaux-😂😂😂

[@misstishwyo]

I'd need at least 3 containers 😂😂😂 Thanks for sharing!

[@stephanielake71]

I'd say 4

[@marksurface1037]

Me too! I need a killer closet and pantry! Also double stack container with deck and screens arranged 3 in a U shape.

[@thewiseguy3529]

3 would be 40ft x 24ft 960 ft² 4 would be 1280 ft²

[@claredodd1258]

It's so refreshing to hear someone be honest about the potential problems you could have in living in a tiny home/shipping container. Thankyou for sharing. 🙂x

[@aaron-dd5zr]

It takes planning. Every home built takes plans.

[@-First-Last]

First, it's tiny .... LOL

[@trevorshenton3447]

all of this could of been solved buying two storage containers

[@integrativenaturalmedicine3897]

The biggest problem is cohabiting. Hands down.

[@ExpatTime]

Sounds like a good plan for me. It’s a lot cheaper to build out than a barn or even a cargo van. I lived in a SUV for a couple years and now live in a luxury condo downtown. Shipping container gets a ✅ from me.

[@marlonchin1214]

Hello, Majority of these, are all simple fixes. You can add either a 20 feet container or another 40 feet container, building it out on-site. Put it on a concrete slab. You should put the current home on a concrete slab as well. Add another a/c unit. Add awnings to create an outside space for entertaining. You can also add a shed for extra space. Lots of things to do my friend. --------Narlean

[@michaelsnively3621]

At some point, a small house, on a real foundation, is the way to go IMO.

[@STho205]

These end up feeling like living on a boat or in a traditional 1960s era mobile home. There are a few as vacation rentals in our rural mountains. That is a good use. As a summer or winter getaway cottage....yes...low exterior maintenance and good storm protection. It looks like a retirement home for them...which is not a bad use at all...however in the midst of the 2010 recession I bought a 1200sqft new built traditional house on 2 acres for 32k. 3br/2ba but no outbuildings. Some of their concerns are fixed with an $18000 TuffShed beside the structure. The upstairs could be outfitted as a guest room and the downstairs as a multipurpose room shared to a storage partition...no real plumbing or full electrical though as that adds 15k to the price. If the external shed costs 30 to 40k....may as well have bought a small 2br house.

[@D_Cali_Life]

Not all that is legal in every state or country. It all depends on zoning laws. Permanent foundation is not possible everywhere. Some cities will require non permanent foundations

[@STho205]

@@D_Cali_Life doesn't really matter. It is a trendy fad like shed to home. It seems like recycling, and once was, but now it moved into yuppie trends it isn't. Most now are single use containers. If you live far inland they need to be transported from seaport depots to Bugtussle empty by truck, or fully finished as a 40' single wide mobile home is...although as shipping containers they could have had a decade of actual reuse. Many jurisdiction require single use or virgin containers due to the potential of hazardous waste spills into the flooring. Many are special tall cubes or ironically stacked which require special mfg or I beam reinforcement... Mostly for the trendy corrugated siding industrial look. It was a popular architecture student project problem in schools a decade ago. When it was farm & industrial storage solutions or chicken farm worker shacks it was a cheap option. Now it isn't.

[@nikkilynn2933]

I would not recommend putting it on a concrete slab. The concrete won’t allow for air flow.

[@robertbahler9520]

Picture Rails are an old feature you find in some old houses. Its a sort of crown molding that you can hang pictures and similar things from. You only have to install it once, but you can reconfigure your pictures as needed.

[@johnlozano5054]

The most sincere and honest opinions about living in a container home, I truly appreciate and is not as simple as people just think and a very serious decision to make the move. AWESOME VIDEO, thanks so much.

[@anthonyroche4979]

A tiny home isn't for people with large extended families BUT add more containers and use carbon fiber reinforced concrete for the foundation. I heard about this concrete being used in Europe and it supposed to last a lot longer without a lot of settling

[@southernfriedkiwi7726]

As these became more fashionable, they became more expensive. As such, they became less of a sensible option. I would buy a log cabin or some modular home instead. Their construction is easier and there are no corrugated walls to deal with. The only time a container home design has made sense to me(if I just had to have one), was if there were two containers parallel to each other with 15-20 feet of space between. That space would be a living room and kitchen, with an attached roof system and walls/sliding glass doors. The containers would be bedrooms/storage.

[@crackerjackB]

How does that save money

[@Jblaze024]

​@@crackerjackBby not renting a rental unit for your stuff, lol

[@chrismodski6284]

Thanks for the 1-yr feedback! Many people want to do this - I used to be one. While watching, I got to thinking: Could you install another unit... My first thought was parallel to the current one, on the other side of the smoker/picnicking area. If nothing else, just extra sleeping space could be installed, and it'd amplify the potential of that outdoor space. I admire that you'all took the plunge! Good luck with the critters.... that's personally what I hate the most. Little destroyers.

[@jameschangeslives]

Great Video. I always wanted to get someone's true point of view living in a shipping container. i have some questions.' 1.) Was there a reason why you didn't put it on a raised cement foundation about 1 to 3 ft high? Was it cost? You would need a crane? City or county restrictions? 2.) Have you had thought of getting a Guest 20ft container for your property for guests or maybe do an Airbnb for extra money. 3.) Do you use a storage shed for extra items if so did you have to run electric to it?

[@luckystaracres]

Our original plan was to have it raised more, but yes it would have taken a crane and been a big impact on our budget and the builder thought lower to the ground was better. Also, our plan was to add a second container we just haven't done that yet. We also talked about a 20' guest container. That's the great thing about this is we can add later as we get the time and money.

[@jameschangeslives]

@@luckystaracres Thanks for the reply back. How are the bills for electric and water? I imagine the container is very energy efficient.

[@luckystaracres]

They are very good. We have 2 mini split units for heating/AC and an on demand hot water heater and the bills are less than half of what it was in a 1400 sq foot house.

[@subconsciouslyinyahead7977]

@justthink5854coming with the smart responses huh loo

[@Blackdog57]

Rent is too expensive, a decent home runs 250k, property taxes are way too expensive, housing market is a mess, no way to win. 🤔

[@yodasmomisondrugs7959]

Revolution baby!

[@hawkeyetec]

Just move to a more affordable area...

[@michaelparks5326]

At 250k for a decent home that's a reasonably inexpensive market. I don't know about you all. But, I make more money than ever and my quality of life is at the same level or lower in almost all aspects. Inflation is a nightmare!! I'm spending $1,000 a month to feed a family of four and that's making things stretch like Armstrong. How's life in general for you?

[@Blackdog57]

@michaelparks5326 same, groceries are sky high, everytime I go to Walmart O see where the prices have gone up since my last visit, gas is up and down like a yo yo, economy is a mess!

[@plutoplatters]

try at least 800k in lovely san diego

[@lizzieb6311]

Thank you for laying out the realities of tinyhome living. I’m planning g on doing so in retirement so this information is incredibly helpful and appreciated

[@luckystaracres]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Phanbot01]

Would laying down a cement foundation help towards preventing critters from burrowing under the shipping container?

[@reditoao]

They should have laid down a cement foundation with mounting brackets for the container. This would have solved most of the structural and pest issues

[@VandelayyIndustries]

Most shipping container home builders will not install their products onto anything other than screw pilings or concrete foundations.

[@kevinweber5129]

Sounds like you need a covered patio off you living area as an outdoor 3 season Room. Lots of the nice Tiny homes have covered patios. Makes it possible to enjoy space during rain but also your home may be too close to ground to keep critters off deck. Enjoy . Hope this brings financial freedom.

[@ibmoondance23]

I appreciate this video so much!! It shows the realities of actually living in a tiny home/container home! I wish more of these types of videos will pop up! I'm still in an apartment but I'm researching as much as possible since whatever home I buy, I expect will be my forever home.

[@Dang_Near_Fed_Up]

I would suggest you look past mobile homes / trailers. The wiring would get your new stick built home condemned, not merely fail to pass inspection, but actually condemned if you wired it like even a new mobile home. The so called siding is little better than waterproofed cardboard. and the materials used off gas enough chemicals you might end up sick for years til they finally stop off gassing.

[@lindawilson4625]

Thanks for sharing! I thought of many of the points you brought up, but completely missed thinking about metal walls vs cell phone connections :-) You seem to be doing a good job at fixing your issues as they come up. I hope others watch your video and really think about this stuff before they commit to a tiny home/container home lifestyle. Forewarned is forearmed.

[@lindah6954]

The one I visited had 4 shipping containers bolted and welded together. The wall was cut out on the second container. open living room, dining room, and kitchen. Hallway going to a master bedroom with on suit. A large second bedroom and full bathroom and storage. A A-frame roof is over all 4 containers with a crawl space attic with A/C. Down fall, it gets cold in the winter.

[@surrelljr]

I was planning on using those for the second home, however the floor plan is different from this one. It involves 2 containers parallel with a large living room placed between them. Bedrooms and closets in one container and a kitchen and bathroom and possibly a large pantry in the other. How the floor space is utilized can be played with until you can get the results you need. Ventilation installed overhead, be creative. Saw someone who actually did this. They had more space than using just one.

[@maliavanderzyl32]

This sounds like a dream for my son and I right now. About to be in a hotel for a few months with some vouchers. Thank you for your honest review!!!

[@jeanannd]

Settling? Isn't it a self contained container? So if the floor is part of the metal box type, how is it settling?

[@kirkwolak6735]

Yeah, I did the math, and the first answer was... 2 Containers MINIMUM. At that point too many adjustments. House framing is not that expensive. LOL. Good on you for trying, and thanks for sharing real feedback.

[@dianeyoung2914]

Thank you for your honesty, I'm sure a lot of other tiny home residents face similar issues. Would you say that you regret making that move? Sounds to me like you need to have a second tiny container converted to accommodation for guests.

[@jellyfish9152]

If I were to move into a container home, first few important things to do ... 1) abundance of electricity supply 2) water storage. Will require 2 large water storage containers outside the container home. 3) uninterrupted Internet line 4) 2 bedrooms - with 1 air cond and 1 ceiling fan in each room 5) 1 shower with hot water, 1 wash basin and 1 toilet bowl 6) waste - where does it go 7) living hall - 1 ceiling fan and 1 air cond. Led TV at wall. Sofa made of bricks + cement + tiles. 8) dining cum kitchen - 1 ceiling fan 9) 1 study cum store room cum ironing room with filing cabinets, 1 air cond + 1 ceiling fan. 10) 1 area to hang clothes to dry, without any animals passing thru or going nearby. Asbestos roofing. 11) no wooden flooring, no carpet. Just beige floor tiles. 12) 2 queen beds, 2 wardrobes and filing cabinets to be made of bricks + cement + beige tiles. Aluminium anti rust doors for wardrobes and filing cabinets. 13) kitchen cabinets made of bricks + cement + beige tiles. Doors for kitchen cabinets made of aluminium anti rust. 14) all windows have iron grille and mosquitto netting. 15) sliding aluminium anti rust doors for 2 bedrooms, study room, bathroom. 16) before placing the container, the whole place to be cemented by at least 2 ft height. Looking at the above, I think i will need 2 to 3 40 ft containers.

[@PamelaHicks-jj9kd]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@Puggylord316]

You really just said yeah If i was to move in I would just make 2 queen sized bedrooms. Do you not realise how expensive that would be?

[@perlamaru6751]

Simply is the best is not funny I know real millionaire that live in shipping container is not much about money this day's is finding tranquility in your soul I'm not a millionaire but if I was I think now a shipping container will do for me but with a full time chef and massage all day it amazon delivering all my high quality food only by via air grass fed beef chicken pork duck pig organic only maybe even ordering Elon musk all solar tiny homes gor guests happiness doesn't have a price or where you live if God is there you have it all if you healthy is blessing if you peace of mind you are rich that is how I will spend my money eating traveling but living a simple life after all you living with nothing

[@Puggylord316]

@@perlamaru6751 bro you cant comment on someone explaining how to do a container home well saying that they live with nothing and basically insult them because they don't have the money to do it themself. They are trying to help people get to what your saying.

[@kathynelson4626]

Have y'all thought about putting up a storage shed on your property? They aren't expensive rather you build it yourself or purchase a kit. My friends added a 2nd level to their containment home. It has made a world of difference. Just something to think about. I am a single woman so I only have to share space with my pup. She is very easy goin. Good luck to y'all. I love your container home. Y'all did a great job at placement of furniture & pretty much everything. My hats off to y'all. Blessings, Kathy Sue

[@jameswhittington2318]

From someone who lived this way, here are some pointers. #1 was from lack of planning and has nothing to do with the container. #2, the shifting/settling would be very minimal with a solid foundation and wiring and plumbing should have been underneath the container. #3, forethought and proper planning would have helped and using the roof for storage helps. #4, you can definitely get internet and cell service devices that will work attached to your outside wall. #5, good luck with that.😂 My wife and I have such a great relationship that we have no issues except for bathroom usage. However, I don’t like me in there either.

[@geraldwenn9698]

Most people double up with these containers the narrow layout would drive me mad especially if this blokes wife is as well fed as him.

[@nicoleannecollet]

I have a tip for you: if pictures are not too heavy, used double-sided silicone tape to hang them. It's amazing. You can use it all around the back of the frame for extra adherence. Then, if you remove the tape carefully, it will not harm the paint on the wall.

[@surveytestmoney2550]

Thank you so much for making this video bcus just like you, I never would have thought about some of the things you encountered to have considered a downside. You don't see anybody else even sharing the "ugly" just the ooey-gooey good. Thank you once again. I know that if i were to ever do this, I would have to either live alone or have more than one to create more personal & living space.

[@jojogun1957]

Thank you for taking the time and effort to share your perspective.Plus it's nice just to hear someone who seems like there are from planet earth and are generally a nice person.Best Wishes.

[@jeffbranch8072]

Tip: Spiders and most critters ***do not like mint***. We had a problem with spiders outside for a few years after removing overgrown bushes that they lived in. So many spiders! My wife made a spray solution using mint essential oils and sprays around those areas. Now we get very few spiders at all. Also, a cheaper version of snake repellent is plain old moth balls. Same stuff, sold cheaper.

[@Justbehappy0922]

I think that’s the problem here, he needs to man up and take care of those issues or hire a exterminator. “Those things he was mentioning happen in regular homes” Also they put it on a hill also not the fault of the container. I would take this guy’s review with a grain of salt, also many seniors who live in 55 and over mobile home parks and small homes have the same space issue. I just rent a huge B&B and host everyone! Works great just book it ahead of time.

[@rob_odd]

Thank you for sharing your experiences! I am thinking about converting two to four containers on my own but that is just a funny idea at the moment. Might save money over the upcoming years and see what is possible then. Greetings from Germany!

[@mmusico48]

Appreciate you sharing your thoughts. I have friends with a container property but they built from scratch , which it’s not easy . Keep enjoying your home

[@PaPi0141]

We just started building ours and it’s a lot but definitely worth it. We absolutely love it. Living in it without insulation was the biggest mistake but we will get to it.

[@esthersaldana9772]

Selling it would be a miserable process 😮! Thank you for this VERY HELPFUL POST!!!

[@luckystaracres]

Glad it was helpful!

[@NvrGoATM]

Actually depends on where you are... I plan on putting a tiny home on the water. With these new prices I can get a home for under 40k with land under 20k. That means 60k total and I could see plenty of people willing to buy it for a vacation spot

[@RMMomma4Eva]

@@NvrGoATM What state are you located in?!

[@LP-hs6yz]

Are you forgetting the well and septic?@@NvrGoATM

[@joey9511]

Very easy to sell its just hard to accept they will depreciate like a car

[@lazytommy0]

Lots to think on and considerations i haven't thought of. Thanks so much! Hope yall are well

[@streetsmartintelligent]

First off: Anyone considering going tiny should ALWAYS first go rent an airbnb tiny for a bit. Secondly: The upkeep of a tiny is daily & essential. (cobb web's-daily sweep off) 3rd: Critters, varmints are everywhere, there are ways & means to deter or get rid of. 4th: Never get pocket doors for 2) reasons; settlement over time is inevitable especially when there's no foundation. And for the reason you explained cant hang things. 5th: The wiring pipes etc, were definitely put in wrong by the builder, pipes can be run in a low one area, & wiring could of ALL been ran low & all gather in one place. 6th: No room for friends family, its a tiny home. Im sure that was pretty visible before you purchased. 7th: Add on separate areas.

[@sigscout22lr]

thank you for sharing this!

[@LouisvilleKyrich]

Might i add,Tiny homes are smaller when big ppl live in them.🤷‍♂️

[@-First-Last]

@@LouisvilleKyrich 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@JennyLoveTV1]

My husband and I (both in our mid 40's) have a 3 year plan to build our container home. however we have plans to make it larger with at least 3-4 containers. We have 3 daughters so we definitely kept future family size in mind when planning this out. We are very excited and can't wait start our new journey with our container home plans!! Thank you for all the advice, we will definitely keep all this in mind when building!

[@thrivefnl]

I love the info about personal space and the way you said Made me chuckle but so true!! Thanks for this helpful video

[@Surfmus]

I'm buying 7 containers to customize one of these houses. I've owned several traditional houses (21) overall and I'm done with that. I want something totally customized and this is the route to go.

[@millancche]

That's disgusting! How could anyone drink that kind of coffee?

[@maksimb3267]

Brand of straight black? It's good but I'd use a brown paper filter it tastes better and I'd use some fresh roasted and grind your own beans not no preground crap

[@TheReal_JohnDoeSmith]

Tile GROUT will crack at Inside corners. These are dissimilar corners. This is normal. Your pocket door rubbing is due to variation in moisture content within the walls and the door itself. This is normal. Adjust it. 25 year single family and multi family Builder comments

[@TheReal_JohnDoeSmith]

Use clear silicone to caulk the interior corners and appoint corners at all wet walls (showers / tubs). This will need to be maintained or replaced every 4-7 years. Your pocket door could be warped. Put a 4’ level on the vertical plane and check for plumb.

[@stevem8602]

After thinking about it, this vid has completely turned me off to ever doing a container for even a cabin use. Thank you!!

[@AB-ol5uz]

Just means that you need more than one container - helps to have one dedicated for a bedroom/closet, one for living/dining and one as a kitchen/pantry (or bump up 2 40 ft containers so that living/dining/kitchen are all in the same space but the reality is that wanting more privacy/visual privacy means that having different pods for different functions is more helpful - have a courtyard/garden in thte middle with covered area for year round access and mental health/comfort levels will multiply..

[@brianpterson4293]

Great video and glad you made it. Many people do not think too extensively about a major change like this. This sheds some light on that. I am thinking of a tiny home but I want some space so looking at large lots and how to accommodate my hobbies outside of the home

[@innerlight7018]

I never have seen such an thin coffee. Amazing!

[@Neighborhood-mechanic]

Thank you for the amazing video, If I am being really honest all the things you have pointed out are related to your lifestyle change problems not the shipping container. You have to remember this is not your conventional home even if it was you have to do cleaning add maintenance of the house. This house being built on shipping container is going to have its drawbacks. Again thank you so much for sharing your experience. It is a informative for those trying to live in tiny homes and helps them mentally get ready for the challenges.

[@RobertMurray-b1e]

Tiny homes are more designed for people like you stated. A single person or young couple who are just starting out. That being said, I have seen several videos on families that live in them quite well. I myself moved out of a 1200sf home into a 600sf home, and it is a bit bigger than what I was wanting. I’ve looked at several tiny homes and found that the price of them are more than I would want to spend. They are generally categorized as an RV which entails depreciation. If you watch your spending and budget carefully you can probably build a small house to fit your needs for about the same price. Plus a permanent house will more than likely appreciate in value!! My opinion!

[@destrocrimson]

Ive seen people add a 2nd one for a living room, bonus room for some extra space.

[@g.pearson4726]

Thank you I appreciate your honesty 🥰💕✨💖

[@slydale]

I live in a 16X40 cabin conversion. I did most the work myself. And I'm no carpenter. I'm no builder. I can barely place a nail in a piece of wood. But I'm proud of it. I'm 4 years in and noticing settling issues. I had a trailer here before, never noticed any settling. Lost that in a divorce. So when placing the cabin never thought I'd have an issue. But I do. My other issue is part of the home is untreated wood. To combat bugs n termites I spray bifen U/T once a month. I've noticed that's kept the pests down greatly. Another thing I use is spraying diesel under my home. A work bud suggested this, I do it bout twice a year. It has kept the strays from moving in I bet it'll work with your gopher issue.

[@crobinson2624]

Some of your problems concerning space can be solved with an addition to your home by adding another shipping container.

[@theoracle6881]

Or they can loose a little weight !

[@katedaniels9623]

Having no emf frequency enter sounds good to me. And your working idea solved getting service! The house settling is a real issue. But u would know going in theres no room for guests. You would know adjusting to less stuff would be a challenge.

[@never_ever_harm]

Thank you ! These seem like minimal problems! But having a container house moved after it's done ! Anything moved after is going to cause damage!

[@Comm0ut]

Not the way industry, the armed force or I do them. People should not try to use a container to make a conventional home because it is not one. I have four 40' High Cubes as machine and welding shop space and if I needed to would have no problem fabbing a home from say three more. Containers are for people like Andrew Camaratta, hardcore DIYers and metalworkers who live that stuff.

[@Anne-Aster]

I think you may have missed something huge! When you use wireless devices inside a metal home, electromagnetic waves bounce everywhere and you end up way much more radiated than if you were in a wood home. Get good EMF meters and measure it. Itˋs very unlikely that you are living within safe levels of exposure. Check wireless signals frequencies but also low frequency band such as electrical frequencies. Check also the list of symptoms known about radiation poisoning and electrosensitivity. If you have those symptoms, turn off everything for 1-3 days and see if symptoms disappears. When you turn on everything back, check if the symptoms come back. Then, if you have health issues, go wired and get help for electrical shielding and problem solving.

[@gingernotturno5365]

Great video, glad you pointed out a few things that would help others. I want a Tiny home on wheels and it's just me. I do have kids and grand kids so I want two lofts ...I have searched and searched all kinds of Tiny homes and know exactly what I want & don't want...first thing is I don't want to climb a ladder and second I don't want a lot of stairs so I want a loft I can stand up in and walk around two sides of the bed ( it can be done ) . second is I want it to be 10 wide and not 8, that extra 2 feet makes a difference...I do a lot of sewing and crafts so I want enough room for a shed to make into my sewing/craft room. maybe even enough room for a small bathroom incase I do have more than one grand kid staying with me .. I think what would be great for you is another smaller container with a bed and bath that is connected with a porch

[@charlesstratford1612]

Seems your issues come down to poor planning: 1) no room for guests: Just add another shipping container to the build or add on to the existing one with another room. 2) Settling issues cracking your finishing: It all comes down to bad foundation support. Probably would have been better with a slab 3) Concerns hanging items on wall: install min. 5/8 plywood (it matches better with 5/8 drywall) on areas where traditional hanging is expected 4) Heat and Cool: Might be easier to say it than do it but could have added good insulation which would keep a consistent temperature all year around. Still, all things considered, this video may serve as helpful warnings on things to consider before planning your life in a box

[@bfgbfg6515]

Thank you for the truthful review ! I have been doing some research on living in shipping containers and have found some needed addition on this topic . 1 - You have to have a flat cement based floor under your container , either have some raised piling foundation or not is up to you but its better to have it as it will provide with additional storage area for all your stuff . Piping from the kitchen and toilet could be easily maintained if needed , electrical wiring and what not can be run under the container too . 2 - Multiple shipping container is definitely needed for visiting family and friends , 1 single 40ft shipping container ain't gonna cut it in my humble opinion . 2 is minimum but I would go for 4 as a minimum number frankly speaking . 3 - Look into installing a Quonset roof on that flat cement floor so that your shipping container is shaded against the elements , slows down the rust from forming on your shipping container . The longer Quonset roof , the more surface area it protected against the elements , have a look in youtube by typing Quonset roof . Hope this helps !

[@ricdale7813]

You had too know going into this that a 300 something sqft home and having friends and family over was not gonna work. As cool as that place is its the size of a med size 1 bedroom Apartment. I have contemplated such a container home but my vision is 2-3 of them. Very interesting observation about the metal box issues. Heat and Cold can be amplified and signals may not pass through as expected. I like the idea of the them though. Nice place btw.

[@adamlanglois563]

Have you thought of buying a decent sized camper as a guest room? All the amenities built in and you can probably find one you'd like for under 3k

[@NvrGoATM]

For under 3k whatttt? Have you looked at campers?

[@RMMomma4Eva]

@@NvrGoATMI think they're talking about a reeeaaally small, used camper that you could make nice for guests.

[@NvrGoATM]

@@RMMomma4Eva ive been looking for a camper... from what im seeing a decent sized tear drop or square drop start at 9k but really need 14k to be outfitted

[@RMMomma4Eva]

@@NvrGoATM I hear ya, most people making a comment like the OP can do this stuff themselves. And swear everybody else can too 😂 Nope

[@waynecmontgomery]

Great video !!! It does NOT sound like these are real problems. You can expand and add on with another shipping container and you need better planning.

[@mafurock33]

I have never heard someone say that if they could go back and choose again that they would choose a shipping container house.

[@MageSkeleton]

one of the things i like about "tiny homes" is especially depending on where you end up having it placed, it's more a "main base" with all your essentials you need. And then, again depending on space and ability, you can build other structures independent or attached to the "main base" as needed to have more area(s) where you can be, or have things. And the best part is, since you already basically have everything you need, you can make these "additions" at your own pace. i would recommend covering your stuff with a tarp though.

[@gheechiedan9299]

Thank you for your honesty! 👍🏾

[@edpal7402]

Thanks for sharing! I'm thinking about building one myself. Would probably add another one on top it, or side by side considering your experience.

[@CH-jk6bf]

I was living tiny in 1994. 2 beds a small kitchen, closet,bathroom. My daughter and I moved in a little bit bigger trailer across the yard 16x60. My husband and I still live in the trailer all updated floors,faucets painted and landscaping done! The land and trailer paid for and very happy 😅

[@agranero6]

Do you call that a cup of coffee? It is transparent! They are kind of expected problems, nothing unfixable I think. In fact those it was less problematic than I anticipated. But all I think depends on the price. It was really cheaper than another kind of home?

[@dogfilms7753]

Starts at 1:05

[@gbrown9273]

Is it possible to move another container next to the current container and "lag bolt" them together and "add on" to your current situation??? When I was a kid, my parents moved 2 old 1950s trailer houses side by side, cut the living rooms open between the 2 and "Lag bolted" them together. and "paneled" them off, and it was not visible that there was 2 trailers stuck together. They then put a "snow shed" over both of them and sealed it all in...These were the old trailers that were like 8 feet wide initially, and it gave them alot of extra room.. Just a suggestion

[@tommywolfe2706]

I live in a poured concrete home and my phone doesnt get service for crap as well. I have to go towards the windows or even go outside sometimes. It is great exercise in not living a life that revolves around a phone.

[@lindah6954]

You can get a cell phone antenna for a R/V and run the lead into the house somewhere. I was having the same trouble with an all-aluminum old model trailer. Couldn't use cell phones or get wi-fi inside.

[@joshz7712]

For the grandkids portion, an easy remedy to that, depending on age of course and season, is turn it into a little camping adventure when they come to visit.

[@season3612]

Thank you for sharing this information. The thought of moving into a Container Home is new to many of us so this helps! Amazon sells devices to run those pesty animals away. Ultrasonic Repellents for your yard. They are helpful. Happy New Year!

[@pristinepersians]

Most people use at least 2, usually 3 but they don't keep them rectangular. They take off the side wall from each and then weld together. Also, they don't put walls like you did. They have the container wall showing. If you guys got a nice outdoor screen tent, you could put a huge table for guests and it's weather proof. I saw this on a tiny home build, and it was beautiful with all the lights, plants, fire pit. They had an entire outdoor kitchen so the indoor space was only living area except for the sink and medium sized fridge. God bless you guys! Appreciate the video.

[@bddmhopp5]

No foundation, multiple settling cracks…all these complaints are obvious, and no sympathy

[@mimsley5]

For more privacy, you could have a she-shed and a he-shed! I would put a little wood stove in mine and a comfy chair and read books…and hang with my cats..

[@hamo6442]

My heart goes out to you brother! It sounds like you had to go it alone… and that’s a hard way to go. Listening to you… it sounds like you just needed to talk to some professional container builders that would have pointed out a lot of your issue’s you’re dealing with now…. Thank you brother, and I wish you well. 🙏

[@jimt6151]

Looks to me like he used a professional container builder. Otherwise, I doubt it would have been built on-site, instead of a delivered pre-fab.

[@cynvision]

I keep thinking that the builder sort of didn't promote the installation of external wi-fi antenna and repeater system. Seems a no-brainer to add one before container buildout. Even an RV style amplifier wouldn't break the bank, so I guess the lesson is shop around for a container builder who understands the AC and wi-fi problems shown in this video.

[@CyberFleamarket]

You were very very informative and got many people to actually thinking past the novelty of getting a tiny home. Thanks

[@carmelopappalardo8477]

First I have lived in a mobile home that was about the same size. It was a Disney mobile home used in their campgrounds. It worked for me. It would work for two people. My wife and I have discussed about a container home but we agreed it would have to be two put together or the ability to put two together. One of my friends actually bought several hundred acres in West Virginia and somebody burned down his cabin so he bought two shipping containers welded them together and is building his new home out of them. I wish you luck.

[@richard-fy2mu]

I have no family, and I am over-housed. While container is not allowed locally, a small or tiny house is an alternative for the shortage of affordable senior housing. One trick about space under home is steel netting partially buried. It keeps skunks, rabbits, cats, etc out and we put a sonic repellant under our trailer to rid us of rats, mice, etc.

[@mtvrtvr7029]

With the exception of the cell service , all the "big problems" are not that big, in fact most of what is mentioned is very common in any type of home build, cracked shower tiles, doors sticking , avoiding drilling and nailing plumbing and electrical in walls "stud finding", building settling , i believe most people have had some or all problems mentioned and then some, as far as space goes you can add another container or build a garage , deck or covered porch...., requesting blue prints of the home can also be help full, bottom line is most housing construction of any type is built to " thats good enough" standards, the 2 things new homes ,mobile homes , tiny homes ,and rv homes have in common are cheap materials and shoddy workmanship, also dont expect nature to move out just because you moved in

[@ginagonzalez6547]

For the wall issues you can buy 4x4s and nail them on the floor against the wall so you don't have to nail anything around the existing studs. You can put as many 4x4s as needed and to cover them you can have nice plywood over them, pegboard to hang things on, add shelves or cabinets. Whatever you need.

[@jaredkyle2399]

Just buy one more container..... problems solved 😊😊😊

[@billlovelace1522]

i built a 5 container house.... 5 twenty foot container side by side. big big big mistake, very expensive. I wish i would have bult a pole barn and finished a portion of it off. Would have been cheaper and more room, plus a barn. I lived off grid for 15 years.... very painful experience. I finally ran a electric line a mile and a half. that was very expensive. I did have a well put in. i had the same problem with phone.... installed a wilson unit and all is good. Container houses are very problamatic. I would never do it again. nor do i suggest anyone do it. I acquired a 12 foot by 16 foot garden shed and modified it for guests...

[@NORIEGA200]

Come on now! Things like no room for guests and lack of privacy you should have known would be an issue right from the start!😒

[@amiralions2681]

Very informative; so duct the A/C, run the wiring in a conduit, use only furniture with storage in it, and add a storage shed to make a guest room. I actually thought you were going to tell us the metal was too hot or noisy, so I'm happy I found your video!

[@jimt6151]

None of these problems are "container home problems", they're all lack-of-planning problems. Pocket doors have all those same problems, no matter what building you're unfortunate enough to have them in. Tile in any pre-fab, to-be-moved structure is an automatic tile repair job in the immediate future. All of the sheet rock problems you mentioned exist in every sheet rock wall that exists. They are the reason that stud-finders exist. Cell/internet signal...same in a metal-sided rural mobile home. Put them in the window...or don't, and enjoy the peace and quiet! Any HVAC tech with 6 months of experience should have seen the zone problem coming before they ever opened the first mini-split box. And it's amazing how many don't. There are plenty of 5000 square foot McMansions with the same issues, because of poor HVAC functional planning. I personally know a P.E. that made the same mistake in a commercial building expansion, even though I told him beforehand it wouldn't work, and why. The settling issue could have been prevented by installing deep, pour-in-place concrete pilings prior to the container delivery to set the container onto. A thin concrete footing, six inches below grade and level with the top of the pilings around the perimeter would have kept out the critters. They'll dig up to it, hit it, and give up without trying to go deeper to pass under it.