CPA wrestles with ‘container homes’
(CNS): The Central Planning Authority wrestled over what to do with two applications for container homes, when it met Wednesday. Faced with two very different proposals — one for a two-bedroom home on a site in North Side, which was elaborate and well designed, and a more basic one-bedroom container conversion on a smaller site in West Bay — the members opted to adjourn all container applications until a draft policy for dealing with this relatively new type of application could be considered.
Previously the CPA had ruled out the concept and would not accept applications for such conversions for residential dwellings. But in recent months two container home conversions were approved by the CPA in Cayman, which has fuelled wider interest in the idea. Members heard that the planning department is now receiving an increasing number of inquiries about this method of creating low cost homes as well as applications.
The concept of ‘tiny homes’ made from containers is gaining traction from a green perspective as well. Social media is littered with examples of stunningly designed small homes made from containers using alternative energy and recycled materials.
However, the members were clearly divided during their deliberations, which gave rise to some lively discussions. Some were very open to the idea of well designed conversions, provided the structures did not look like shipping containers, and if they were aesthetically pleasing they should be given planning permission.
Chairman A.L. Thompson appeared to support the concept, as he advised his colleagues on the authority to Google container homes and see what people are doing. “Some of them look really great,” he said.
But others said that the CPA “should not even entertain this idea”. Concerns were raised that it would set a bad precedent and without strict oversight cheap container conversions could pop up everywhere and become a problem.
However, some members noted that the CPA had “already opened the door” to container home conversions, so the authority needed to define a policy and set standards on what would be acceptable from an aesthetics point of view. The members therefore agreed to put a hold on decisions regarding all container home conversions for a few weeks until they could review a policy proposal that has been drafted by the planning department.
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Category: development, Local News
Can CNS check whether CPA followed through with this decision?
The borough I live in the UK has container homes and take it from me, they are unsightly, insufferable in the summer and winter and not big enough to swing a cat in.
The question we need to ask is why they are proposing such a “solution” in the first place and it has nothing to do with the environment and everything to do with cost.
Every politician I now in Cayman, live in big house, built with concrete and steel. Yet, their residents are struggling to afford that same dream and rather than address the issue of cost of living etc, they are selling the cheap dream of a container house. We want homes to raise families in!
Please don’t be fooled by the hype.
Well this is one of the worst of the worst ideas that has been brought forth recently. Just looking at the damages of Dorian you would never think that anyone would entertain such an idea. Come on Mr Miller and Bob please stand up for us. We know that you both are witty and strong men. I just heard today that some Spanish church was refused planning permission as well. If so good for you. When a Spanish speaking individual comes to Cayman nd applies for a work permit they have to answer the question ‘DO YOU SPEAK ENGLISH”. Of course the answer is yes. So why do you have to have a Spanish church? there are far too many churches on this little Island. In my opinion its just a money making business. Why cant these folks coming here don’t join the already Cayman established churches. It only goes to show don’t like us.
Why can people not talk to their imaginary Gods in the sky in a lamguage othet than English?
You know… I was originally against the idea of container homes, but I went to the link someone posted and checked out the render gallery. I was quite surprised that they didn’t look like the cardboard cutouts I envisioned. These were contemporary units that looked like regular upscale houses.
I’m not a contractor or have any building experience, but if it was logistically feasible for us in the Caribbean, and planning agreed that only well designed homes were allowed to be built, not shanty hole in the walls, I wouldn’t have an issue with them being made.
The prices were very affordable as well. Too lazy to look for the link, but i think it was steal dreams development dotcom.
Also, before I get lynched, I’m caymanian (which shouldn’t matter).
What generation?
Does it matter? No, it doesn’t.
Pain or plane? And yes it does.
Some of the Camana Bay restaurants were manufactured in China and just re-assembled here. No different , prefab is prefab.
All that’s needed is that the exterior should be clad to disguise the fact that it is a
container .
‘you ever seen a hurricane beat in the roof/wall of a container’? – No, I haven’t. But I’ve never seen a container secured down so that when the tree is blown down on it the container doesn’t shift before the tree pummels it to pieces. So your question is false logic. What you need to be showing is that the container has the same structural strength as reinforced concrete. And the windows are set in with the same strength as ‘normal’. Etc.
There are two kinds of container home the flimsy prefab and the sturdy sea high cube made of thicker metal. and yes it should be anchored down.
One serious hurricane and this will prove to be disastrous! Imagine these being thrown around by hurricane winds! Smh!
They get anchored down, dummy. And stop being such a RACIST. Architecture has nothing to do with skin color.
Do Shipping Container’s Contain Harmful Chemicals?
Has anyone in a tropical climate has checked it for VOCs (Volatile organic compounds)? VOCs often don’t have any smell, but some of them do, such as formaldehyde. So you better test VOC levels in your container home. In fact, no occupancy permit should be issued until after it is concluded safe by an appropriate authority.
1. Wooden floors used in the majority of shipping containers are treated with hazardous chemicals such as pesticides
2. Some shipping containers are coated in paint which contains harmful chemicals such as phosphorous and chromate
Are Shipping Container Homes Hurricane Proof?
Someone had tried to proof it. “The home was placed on nine meter deep micro-pile foundations, the piles were capped with concrete piers and the containers were then anchored down on top of these concrete piers.”….he claims “…this home is very hurricane resistant due to the foundations and anchoring used”.
The rest is in the article.
The good thing is- they are secure.
https://www.discovercontainers.com/are-shipping-container-homes-dangerous-to-live-in/
Read this story, if you are considering a container home. It is about living in an RV, in Florida.
“When we decided to sell our home, move to another state, and travel for an RV for a year in between, the last thing on my mind was picking a RV without chemical exposures. It just didn’t even cross my mind.
It should have. It REALLY should have.” https://www.getgreenbewell.com/how-to-test-voc-levels-in-your-home-home-air-check-review/
Darts new pop up beach bar is a all built with containers and siding so you don’t even know.
Quit your complaining containers can be secured to the ground so hurricanes don’t take them away.
Containers vs 10-20 story hotels.
Cayman has no concept of green or earth homes.
Start questioning critically. Otherwise you’re going to end up with 20 story buildings AND container homes.
PS> Others are claiming the Dart ‘pop-up’ bar is pre-fab, which is different from a repurposed shipping container, regardless of similarity in material. So, question critically what people are saying.
This is actually REALLY funny:
If you live in tropics, to keep your shipping container home cool
– do not let the heat into your home in the first place
– keep the majority of your house in the shade, plant trees or bushes if you have the space.
-If the sunlight gets through your shade-blocking plants, the next best thing you can do is painting your roof white
-Make sure your home is exceptionally good at letting heat out. Otherwise, it will feel like you’re living in a sauna 24/7. Both your insulation and ventilation should be properly designed and installed.
And we are not even talking yet about humidity, mold,hurricanes, etc.
Exactly the right kind of house for tropics! Living 24х7 in a sauna might be what some people dream about. Unless you plant lots of trees 👍🥵
Insulation. It’s just a matter of insulation, just as with every other type of construction. You want to keep the heat out, and retain your interior cool temps.
One word for you. INSULATION.
Do you have an identity issue? Do you want your rock to look like Miami? NYC? Dubai? Make up your mind.
On the other hand does CPA has Master plan it must follow to the T? Seems weird that they are confused. It should be a clear cut set of building codes
I wonder what would it take in electricity cost to chill a container home? What carbon footprint of such homes would be, taking into account how much insulation and hurricane proofing it would require? Those who say that it could be bolted down (to what?) so it wouldn’t endup in Kansas city during hurricane are fools.
You know that the siding doesn’t have to be Miami like
Most of the people who would do this are not going to be paying for top notch design. They are going to cut a couple of window and door holes for cheapest windows and doors. Two sheetrock partitions and good to go. Container parks next.
Such a structure as you are describing would not pass building code. It is up to all of us to report structures being built which are not in compliance.
A proper contain home would first require a foundation, rough-in plumbing, rough-in electrical, septic/sewer, framed roof and interior walls, insulation, plywood decking on the roof, floor bolted, along with roof joists and rafters, ice and water shield, code-compliant doors and windows, bathroom, shower, kitchen, floor, interior and exterior paint, final plumbing and electrical and septic/sewer hook-up. Final inspection. No beginning the project without a red card on site. No red card, call planning and get an inspector out there.
Just like with other construction. The difference being primarily that unlike masonry homes, wind loads and earthquakes don’t crack it and break it down. Unlike wooden homes, it won’t ever blow down.
It’s new to us, but it’s old hat to the rest of the world, which has been using ingenuity and innovation for decades to create strong, pleasing spaces with shipping containers.
i would like to draw your attenshion to 3 containers blown of the port pier at george town into the sea ? 2 recovered 1 still in the sea ? were iam going with this is show me a house blown into the sea and still in one piece and ready to use again and again ? also i had a 20foot container dropped from over 30 foot in the air to the port floor caymon port authority the contents atotal loss but the container could be used again and again ? sure you can anchor down the island is sat on the top of a mountain bolt it down simple
Aahem. Were they bolted down? Hell containers were flying during Ivan also but they were not bolted down. This is the part you are missing. You need do research to see what can be done with container homes.
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=most+amazing+shipping+container+homes+
Rich people have better taste.
Rich people tend to have more money.
caymanians…who the ppm appointed chair of Central Planning Authority? yet ya all gonna vote them back in next time…cgeez…time to see a shrink as we all mad!!!😯😢😴
Caymanians why are you selling yourself so cheap? Why you are so blind, deaf and dumb? Why financial windfall this country experiences benefits just few, who already are rich? Instead of demanding that special funds, low or no interest, are set aside to benefit current and future generations of caymanians, you are settling for container houses? Because it is cheap? Don’t you deserve proper houses that would last? It is your birth right to have a proper house in your own country. Instead your fat and shameless cats are wasting YOUR money, traveling the world and living high.. Demand sovereign find. Demand secretion of funds to finance housing, proper housing, not trailer, containers or low income boxes. Demand that no land is sold to foreigners, but preserved to current and future generations of Caymanians.
Why do rich people use steel in their NYC penthouses, skyscrapers, commercial buildings, shopping malls etc etc? Why is it that before now people chose cement because it was the stronger alternative to wood but cheaper alternative to steel?
Would a concrete house stand strong without its steel rebar? There are too many people commenting that speak on a topic they know nothing of.
NYC is not a Caribbean island in the hurricane belt. Grand Cayman is not NYC. For Pete’s sake have some architectural standards, some identity, some VISION how do you want your country go look!
Madness has spread wide on this island and there is no cure.
calm down Drama 4:51 am!! Take a Google search for Container Homes, you’ll find they aren’t all cheap and some do have architectural standards and their own identity and way more vision than you seem to have!!!
I think your view is a bit naive!!
This is about two things not one. One is the ability to have a home for cheaper than a normal concrete home yes but there is also the creative aspect of a container home that you do not see. It’s like painting with different styles on a different canvas. Why do people pain murals and not on canvas? Its an expression. There are container homes that are built as sturdy or sturdier than some cement homes that are much better looking and at a fraction of the cost.
I think a lot of people on here are just naive.
I agree with standards. It’s not just about cutting some doors and windows but about giving people options that are affordable.
I sure hope they got a good thick coat of Zeibart on them.
I hadn’t heard of Ziebart before. Thank you!
It is for cars, not residential buildings. Might turn it into a gas chamber.
This won’t be allowed to happen as there are too many vested interests. No concrete or hardware from a certain hardware store. End of story.
Did you even read the story of who was defending them within the CPA???????
He actually supports the idea and that says a lot.
Its their job to know and they don’t know and they don’t have a clue on how to find out. Fact: Container homes have been built, are being built, and will be built all over the world. As usual some are well built and some are containers with a door. Its obvious to an experienced builder that it could be done well and easily. You only have to google it to see many examples. CPA is wrestling with this because of a huge lack of experience and intelligence. Does Cayman islands have to build simpler homes just so they can keep up?
The geographical location…not wise…government should reduce planning fees, infrastructure fees, etc… thereby affording new home owners a an opportunity to build by the codes…cost quit a fortune before you get your plans pass…by gosh..
What a short memory people have. Just weeks ago, Hurricane Dorian picked up a shipping container and sent it flying like a paper airplane. When it landed, it added 6 more people to the casualty list.
And if it had been bolted down it would have been one of the only structures left fully standing….
The container homes when built to the building codes in place in cayman are perfectly fine in every way…. stop fighting the modern world you have bigger problems.
And what about the salt air all around? Won’t the container start rusting after a couple of years on island?
They are literally made to withstand being blasted by salty sea winds on ships for decades. The paint is protective, but like all houses, needs occasional maintenance.
Modern world? Your best argument? Or did you mean The MAD world? Do you know that in your modern mad world your metal container will become an antenna for man made EMF? And don’t come back with your “tin foil hat” response unless you have slightest idea what I am talking about.
Your Dump is also quite modern, enjoy its poisons!
No, it would not. Nothing, no substance is an “antenna” for an EMF, not even in the event of a coronal mass ejection or a nuclear explosion. That makes about as much sense as the people who falsely believe that lightning is attracted to metal roofs.
What it WOULD be is a nearly perfect Faraday Cage, which is about the safest place to live in, if a person is concerned with EMF.
Cheers.
Or the popular myth that the rubber tires on your car are what keeps you safe from lightening strikes. A bolt that can travel through miles of clear air is thwarted by a few inches of (often wet) rubber? Does that really make sense to you? Look up Faraday cage if you don’t understand.
Do you want to attract tourists or chase them away? Do you want 50 story high tower or container homes? I think if you had building codes, there would be no questions.
Don’t turn your rock into a freaks attraction. At least have some basic design and structure standards. This is a Caribbean island, not Mobile, Alabama.
White roofs and foot thick stone walls in Bermuda serve two purposes- visual attraction and safety during hurricanes.
We have excellent building codes. Remember, nobody should brag about having merely passed the building codes, as they are the minimal acceptable standard. Our building codes here are fully as stringent as Miami Dade, and in some cases more stringent.
We have a good cadre of inspectors, but perhaps not enough of them.
We have to make sure that all structures submit to CPA for planning approval. No more rogue buildings. That’s it. Simple as that. Same codes apply to the container buildings as any other.
My primary concern would be safety, but if that can be addressed then this would be a great solution not just from an environmental perspective, but it could also be a great low cost alternative.
Housing is extremely expensive in Cayman and getting more so. If done right and at a fair cost I would support these types of homes enthusiastically.
There is a company called steel dreams development that may be the ones that got the approval? I could be wrong. But here is the link to their gallery which shows the proposed images of how the container home would look like a regular home and not a container…
https://www.steeldreamsdevelopment.com/property-renderings-gallery
What is there to think about? Even if they are hurricane safe, they are an eyesore and do not fit in with the rest of the island! DO NOT APPROVE THIS GARBAGE!!
found the developer shill. These are no more an eyesore than half the homes currently being built on islands and at least these would offer affordable housing for the up and coming generation.
You clearly haven’t looked at any of the high-end container construction. They are beautiful. Far, far better looking and eye pleasing than the boring crap West-indian or Floridian square house block construction you see over and over and over and over and over.
But they will rust.
Change the cladding, it doesn’t have to be “new edge”.
Does this country have building codes or not? One ASSUMES that all buildings must be build to withstand at least category 1 hurricane.
This is what is said in the FAQ of steel dreams development that have apparently can build container homes here
“Q- I read that shipping container homes are Hurricane proof. Is that true?
A- Yes, either single units or multiple units connected, can withstand 175 MPH winds on a solid foundation,..extremely solid in Tornadoes, Hurricanes and even earthquakes.”
https://www.steeldreamsdevelopment.com/faqs
If aesthetics were a real concern why didn’t they deny that garish monstrosity that is nearly complete on 7 Mile? I’m truly baffled every single time I drive by.
the new fosters box???
They spent zero on architects fees on the new Foster’s box. A disgrace that something can be so ugly and built in 2019. Wait till we see the new 50 storey building.
it’s a grocery store, what the hell kind of design do you want it to have ffs?
Which one are you referring to?
The Turkish “palace” that is an architectural nightmare from the 1970’s
That ridiculous house that is gaudy and out of the 1970’s
I agree. It looks like someone without any taste, has built a shiny temple more fitting to be a whorehouse!!
as an indigenous native caymanian…i would live to get one of those vans with small bedroom..bath y tiny kitchen….or a mobile home here…but they say they pose a hurricane risk…tha crap…nowhere gets more hurticanes than florida where the people are allowed to live within their means and not support the rich so much…😯😯😯😢😢😢
The next big hurricane will quickly wipe these container homes out.
I know someone who lived in a container home in Cayman during Hurricane Ivan. Survived (better than many) and still lives there.
I know someone who actually lives in a trailor home still from after Hurricane Ivan.
what is going to be done about that?
If that happens you can guarantee the entire island is gone too; the day a hurricane flattens a container or tears its roof off we are all dead.
Many regular homes built to code did not survive Ivan. The reality is that if a Cat 5 hits us, there would not be much home left standing.
Simple answer to building with shipping containers in the Cayman Islands – no thanks.
While there may be some people who will build fancy, elaborate, exotic looking container houses – I can also foresee that some will be set up as shanties for low-income expatriate workers or even our own people who are struggling in such an expensive economy
Instead of throwing together some T-111 shacks, as done now – just plop down a container somewhere, put in some partitions and bingo – you got your own apartment complex or custom-made home!!!
And why in the hell would CPA/DCB even want to consider allowing this to happen in our country? To both of the respective Chairman – this is something that is being watched – in anticipation of the onslaught that will follow if this is allowed.
Right now we have the ICC code on building wood frame and concrete block houses. A shipping container would seemingly need to be put on a solid foundation, it would need to be somehow anchored to it, windows/doors need to be cut in the sides, plumbing,electrical and AC components would mean more cutting of container, got to fasten something over the sides to protect from rust and some sort of roof needs to be put on – lot of damn work to dress up a container.
Can I cut off the top of my container and put a trailer home inside of it? Seriously that is what I want to do – so put that under consideration for your new container house guidelines – that is just how absurd this is going to get.
container homes are not as cheap as people think….so in the influx will not happen.
cheaper options include timber framing and prefab homes……which are all perfectly fine as long as they meet code
All of those concerns — roof, windows, structure, foundation, plumbing, electrical, insulation etc. etc., would still need to be in compliance with current building codes. It wouldn’t be legal to merely build a “shanty” with containers than it is now with wood framing.
Yes, there are people who build structures without planning permission; the laws seem to only apply to those who observe them. I don’t see a problem with shipping container homes, as long as building codes are met. We have experienced building inspectors that do a good job.
There is one pending application with the Development Control Board (DCB) for combining containers into a home over in Little Cayman – further information is in the DCB minutes dated 13 August 2019, item 6.01.
Actually I rather like the idea of one of these sitting on top of a muliti million dollar home
aesthetics point of view????????? How about from hurricane category 1-5 point of view?
I thought nothing can surprise or shock me anymore.
Built properly a steel container is far stronger than the ugly square cement and breeze block houses littering Cayman now. Do some more research.
But it will rust on our island after a few years due to the high salt content of our air.
Bermuda’s extensive hurricane preparedness and strict enforcement of its building codes, which are designed to withstand sustained wind speeds up to 110 mph and gusts up to 150 mph, favorably helps the island to limit both its economic losses and loss of life compared with other hurricane-prone nations that are less developed.
Are they safe in hurricanes? What prevents them from flying around and destroying everything in its path because it wasn’t secured properly?
building code…same as any other building……zzzzzzzzz
Ummm… you secure it properly. That’s what prevents them from flying around and destroying everything. Just like securing a cement house to its foundation would prevent Dorothy and Toto from flying around.
Yet Dart seemed to have no such CPA problem when tabling their container bar pop-up, even while such structures where specifically prohibited. Strange that.
Can you send a link to the minutes where Dart made an application for container use? I’d really like to read them.
Does anyone remember the containers that were strewn everywhere after Ivan? When are we ever going to get rid of this CPA Board..Do they ever not approve anything? They are so conflicted they can’t do any better.
Never underestimate the power of ignorance. None of those containers were secured to a foundation as someone’s home. Wow. Just wow.
They were also prefab from China, thin siding and not secured
Jeez, what’s next floating docks?
Why don’t you PUT DOWN THE COST OF LIVING, and locals won’t have to be living in containers !!
Finally, someone who gets it.
He we go, the flood gates are opening. Trailer homes not allowed but now two container homes have been approved – precedent set! What is the difference between a container home and a trailer home? Answer: Nothing! Just as the disaster seen at our Seven Mile Public Beach, where authorities didn’t have the guts to say no to vendors, will shall see another disaster with container homes everywhere of every standard.
Just finished reading about the dumping issue in Industrial Park and more of the same will happen with this bright idea!
Such a gravely misinformed comment – have you ever seen a 10,000 sq ft trailer? There are hotels and Starbucks built from shipping containers – shipping container construction takes a load of the ocean eco-systems whereas concrete piles it on. After a massive hurricane entire concrete buildings crumble – did you see a shipping container crumbling from hurricane or earthquake damage? The most important thing is to set a standard and that is what will be done.
“What is the difference between a container home and a trailer home?”
Uh, literally everything. Educate yourself. They are often quite modern and appealing. And when the next Cat 5 hurricane comes, they will be one of the few buildings left standing.
Poor Caymanians now have to resort living in container homes in their own country.
I’m Caymanian and I’d LOVE to live in a custom built container home! Why don’t you google it before making silly comments like that!? They withstand hurricanes too and look tons better than some of the dodgy homes I drive past every day!
If approved, I am already presuming that there will be only one “local” person/entity that you will be able to buy Cayman Islands Hurricane Rated/Approved Shipping Container Dwellings – with that same person/entity being the only authorized agent for Commercial/Industrial/Condominium Uses.
Container homes are are sturdier than mobile homes, can be more securely fixed to a concrete slab and during a hurricane those corrugated metal walls are a lot safer than of a trailer. Plus with a little imagination they look a whole lot nicer.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhC5Tcl5LvM
Why don’t you live in one then, but your air conditioning bill will be a godsend to CUC.
With spray insulation and radiant barrier my electric bill will be cheaper than yours with my a/c running all day on 70.
https://www.insofast.com/about/insofast-insulation-panel-customer-reviews-comments.html
Don’t use spray, the toxic fume that render a perfectly good living space hell.
Spray is a closed cell foam, https://www.insofast.com/about/insofast-insulation-panel-customer-reviews-comments.html is open cell…
Geeez guys, get your heads outta the sand and go put on some HGTV shows about this concept for cryin out loud!!! These homes look amazing!! I really hope they approve it. Plenty of other things for them to focus on- —
I agree that they can look stunning but all research I have done warns you away from them in climates like ours…high humidity with high salt concentrations do not bode well for the materials used.
Your research didn’t take into account that most containers spend most of their lives on ships floating in a vast salt water pool. Paint/treat the shell and as long as you don’t the crap out of it it will last longer than your house.
Are you that stupid? Not in the hurricane zone.
Yes, THOSE homes do look amazing, but I’m skeptical that all homes will be of that standard. If you’re honest, you have to recognize that someone will eventually find a cheap way of setting these up and will not maintain it properly and will become an eyesore and safety issue for all.
Anonymous at 7:41 it is planning dept., job to supervise and control quality of build. Bear in mind that even though these homes are economical not only “poor people” are constructing them. Some of them look amazing’ especially with proper landscaping and by that I do not mean scraping off every native plant from the site.
You’re right, they DO look good….in Oregan, Missouri and Texas, where there are no hurricanes or IRC/IBC Hurricane codes to conform to.
Yeah cause there has never been a hurricane in Texas.
SMH
So how can your approved 2 already and no more?
Because they shouldn’t have been approved in the first place and at some point ppl can realize the mistake that was made and stop. Instead of repeating mistakes you know are clearly wrong.
Container houses are not wrong.
They are if they aren’t allowed in the code. Whether they should be is a different question.
(I agree they should. Even though I think even the ‘pretty’ ones are ugly I recognize they can be built to code.)
Oh stop it with your pretentious garbage. It’s fake people like you that are creating this marketplace. Live and let live. If you live in a big, bloody fancy house, be thankful.
Yup, cheap homes will pop up and the next hurricane will have it sitting on top of my multi-million dollar home, no thanks.
Not everyone can afford a million dollar home, geniac!
you mean your washed out canal/ocean front home????
Unfortunately, not everyone can afford multi-million dollar homes.
Well I assume you have insurance on your “multi-million dollar home”. 😂 containers aren’t the only thing that can destroy your “multi-million dollar home” in a hurricane.
Last hurricane it was the multimilion dollar homes lying around the island, even Miss Lassie’s wattle and dub house faired better in Ivan than the mansions of South Sound – steel is the material of choice when robust strength is a desire – hence commercial buildings , skyscrapers and war tankers are built with steel as main enforcements.
These container homes will out-survive your run-down McMansion after the next Cat 5.
More likely to have your multi million dollar house sitting on top of a container home. You ever seen the roof or walls get torn off a container? And this notion they are cheap is ludicrous. They are not cheap to build. They are no more similar to a mobile home than your monolithic monstrosity.
You’re an idiot.
I will be laughing when your multi million dollar roof fly’s off and the container home is untouched
So let me see, I can buy a container in Miami pretty cheap – fill it up with a bunch of stuff for family/friends/neighbors/co-workers, etc – pay my shipping and stamp duty.
And just like that I have the shell for my house. Then I can take it to my interior piece of land across the street from all the multi-million dollar beach houses and bam – I suddenly got me a residence.
Sorry Mr/Mrs multi-million dollar beach house owner, I am Caymanian this is what the law allows and this is what I can afford and I AM GOING TO DO – period. Pay attention to the CPA agenda, you will have your chance to have your say and I prepared for any legal battle with unna expatriate owners and any of the lackeys on the CPA board.
you are a dreamer
You will lose. Do you think you can order plywood and lumber and tack up a shed and live in it? No, you can’t. Whatever construction you choose, it has to pass Planning approval, compliant with our current building codes.
heaven forbid the rich be inconvenienced.
A single container bought brand new is in the vicinity of around US$50,000 for a 400sqft area and that’s just the box not everything else that will go in it. Cheap housing at $125 / sqft? I think not.
You can buy very good used containers in Miami – the 20 footers are around US $1,500 and the 40 footers less than US $4,000 – which works out to well under US $15 per square foot