Global Portable Buildings
If your looking for that house for under $20k, look no further than Global Portable Buildings, Inc. of Santa Rosa, California. They make a standard storage container into a very livable structure, which is also very affordable.
Global Portable Buildings, Inc. build the “Ultimate” with its modern finished kitchen, bathroom and extra room (8′ x 40′ model). Their most complete portable building. Standard features include kitchen, bathroom (with shower, toilet, sink), AC electrical system, telephone/internet connection, 2″ rigid insulated finished walls and ceiling, windows, entrance door, finished linoleum/vinyl floor and utility room.
Unlike most of their competition, these are available now and all you need to do is place an order. They can be shipped anywhere around the world. These are not just fancy drawings and renditions of ideas.
According to Sean Taylor Vice President of Sales & Marketing. These can not officially be called homes, but what people do with them is their business. Although aimed at the construction industry, you the buyer will need to verify with your area what permits etc. are required.
Some suggested uses are: hunting cabin, guest cabins, mother-in-law cottages, retreats. These are very affordable with the 8 x 20 starting at $16,500 and the 8 x 40 starting at $23,500. Plus shipping to your destination.
Additional options such as solar are available.
Visit their site for a virtual tour and a movie by CBS news.
tyler on 12 May 2008 at 3:49 pm #
what’s the difference between this and just a plain old single wide mobile home? I fail to see the appeal. The interior is nice but you could easily pickup and older 1980 Governor and revamp it and get the same effect for cheaper.
Kent on 12 May 2008 at 4:01 pm #
Hi Tyler,
It’s really just another option. These are extremely sturdy, and there is no reason you could not buy or get a free storage container and convert one yourself. These are different than a mobile home in the way they are built and transported.
I agree with you on finding an old single wide and revamping it would be another great option.
Kent
Daniel on 13 May 2008 at 3:32 am #
I’ve been sent off to Afghanistan and on my way there now, At some of the smaller bases, they use extra storage containers and convert them into rooms for everybody. But, nothing looks this good over there.
These ones have a much cleaner look to them.
Kent on 13 May 2008 at 6:48 am #
Hi Daniel,
It sounds like the army needs to be directed to this company. Our soldiers should have the best in my opinion. Good luck in Afghanistan!
Kent
tyler on 13 May 2008 at 9:08 am #
Good points Kent, like I said the interior is quite nice. I wonder what the possibilities would be of rotating them end over end and establishing a second story element or a loft?
Good luck to you Daniel, come home safe.
Kent on 13 May 2008 at 12:18 pm #
Hey Tyler - You might want to check out this site on making second story elements. I was planning on writing a post on it when it gets near completion. I think you will find it interesting.
http://www.fabprefab.net/smf/index.php?topic=1439.0
Kent
Gus Smith on 07 Jul 2008 at 5:50 pm #
The advantage of container housing over mobile homes is they are sturdier construction from the shell. They are enormously stronger in the event of very high winds, i.e., tornado.
If constructed properly, they are also very secure from break-in.
Also, they can be moved on a wrecker, no need for a permit to transport.
I suggest you search more this method of recycling the vast quantity of these containers entering the USA.
Kent on 07 Jul 2008 at 7:37 pm #
Thanks Gus for your input on container construction. You have had personal experience with it and I have not and I appreciate your perspective on the subject.
Kent
Colette on 17 Jul 2008 at 1:55 pm #
What is the R value? Is this suitable for Canadian winters?