Wanna Buy A Hot Lot?
Dear Friends in E.Mail Land.
As most of you know I have become enamored of old shipping containers to be used in multiples to produce modern termite proof housing. This to solve an often repeated problem here in Calif. housing (modest priced) for the newly arrived immigrant families.
I had been out buying hunks of land in not overly desirable parts of the Northern areas of Los Angeles.
Suddenly I look up and guess what, fire and smoke my god half the hillside areas are on fire. Beautiful residential tracts are being reduced to cinders and memories.
I wander out into the areas of refugees, Granada Hills High School etc. I talk to a few people. Most so far just want to pick up their insurance checks and go anywhere other then where their old home was situated. The Lots, covered with charred junk they just never want to see again. Remember the insurance only insures the house and belongings. Lots in essence do not burn. So, they want to just get whatever they can for the lot after all who would want to live there?
I am in negotiation to buy lots, my offer is low and little cash. Mostly paper with no performance on payment and interest until the new house is built. Good areas, very nice houses, people are the salt of the world. Most are heartsick and very allergic to areas that might catch fire.
What better place to build an all metal house that does not burn. You might even incorporate in the structure a water protection system that when activated puts a fine mist all over the house.
Strange is it not out of great calamities come great solutions. Containers of the world arise, you have nothing to loose but your chains and those big clumsy doors on the end.
Think, a $58,000 house in an area where everything else is over $400,000. I may move in.
Cheers Lucius <IMG SRC="images/forum/smilies/icon_cool.gif"> <IMG SRC="images/forum/smilies/icon_cool.gif"> [ Edited by Lufos on Date 10/27/2003 ]
Hi, Lucius,
I've often wondered why folks are still building with materials that will burn. I personally build with concrete, and fire certainly is a reason. You've got about 4 hours (actually, the forms are self-extinguishing) to get out of a concrete house. One thing I'd investigage about your metal houses is the temperature the metal can withstand, and how hot the fires get, and lots of questions like this. It's great that you're thinking about low income housing solutions. I heard yesterday that they are predicting a 30 million population increase over the next few years, with most probably in the middle to low income bracket, and they're gonna need reasonable housing. One more thing, you might want to consider the temperature of your metal houses, e.g., what will it cost to keep comfortable. In our concrete ones, some folks aren't using any air conditioning during our hot Alabama summers!
Take care,
Terry
This may be a little off topic, but it's real estate . Got this today. I don't personally care for the look of dome homes, but looks like the ferro cement sure stood up to the fire...
"RIPPLE OF GOODNESS IN SEA OF FIRE
Silica Creek, San Bernardino County, Ca. With over 1200 houses destroyed by
fires throughout the region, officials today expressed relief that the
flames that raced through the evacuated town of Ferro Forest did no harm or
destruction to structures, allowing critical firefighting resources to be
concentrated on fire lines west of highway 18. Crews there have held a two
mile wall of fire from entering Silica Creek Forest Reserve. Forest
officials credited fire resistant houses and cabins in Ferro Forest, La
Concretia, and the little hamlet of Bear Pozz for the decision to place
their thinly stretched resources nearer the beloved forest preserve.
Storeowner Lov McCrete of Cement Whistle General Store in Bear Pozz said, "I
told you so! Our covenant mandated FC/ECC dome bubble structures with PVA
fibers have the additional 'ripple of goodness' that helps firefighters be
more effective." Later Governor elect Arnold Schwartzenegger walked the
area, thanking firefighters for their fantastic job. He stated that the FC
'ripple of goodness' will pump up California's budget, save every home and
business at least 1/3 the cost of conventional construction, reduce
dependence on government infrastructures such as fire protection and insect
vector control, and make California the number one business state. Mr.
McCrete smiled when he heard that his beer is still cold, goods and supplies
are untouched in his general store, and the town folk will return to
unharmed homes. "
Any one had experience with metal frame houses?I have heat transfer and low frequency vibration is awful.A developer built a subdivison east of Vallejo Ca great views etc.when the wind blows there is a hum that resonates through the house,several were so bad they had to be torn down.
You might look into the new foam and stucco units energy efficieny is awsome
Good Luck
Mike
You all make good sense. But I have a cost consideration. These delivered and modified, foundation solar panels, radient heating etc. $28,000. Sell for $58,000 no down (grant) $375 a mo for 30 years. Insullated. No vibratory noise nada problems. We installed a Misty system that on activation by a heat sensor fine mists the structure complete. The tank has an additive to the water that changes slighly the molecular structure so the water clings to the side of the dwelling. Tank good for at least 4 hours of misting. Temps above 800 ok no problem. At 1800 you have too much heat. The metal does not burn but you better butter yourself cause you are toast..
Cheers Lucius
I have bought two lots close to Simi, the houses on the lots were $575,000 but all gone now. The lots sold for $21,000 and $24,000. The terms $100 down the balances at 3% int. Int only for 10 years starting upon completion of house and receipt of a Certificate of Occupancy.
Cost of houses complete with a few extra goodies, landscaped and sprinklers. $28,000. Each.
I can rent the houses for $1850 each my payments on the houses are $375 a month I borrowed $56,000 per house and my interest is 7.2% all due 30 years.
Or I sell the houses for about $200,000 a piece net to me.
Question which should I do?
Now I am rather elderly, yeah, me and Moses. So money for present time use is not a consideration. But my wife while charming lovely and kind is not too qualified in this line of work. She has to remove her socks on all calculations over 10. She thinks String Theory is some form of miniturized knitting. So with her best interests in mind. Which is best. I await with baited breath your responses. Oh yes she is a mere child of 55.
Lucius
It sounds like there is good money either way. I guess it really boils down to do you want to be a landlord? Or do you like the excitement of finding another project and making it happen? Since your wife isn't really interested in the financial end, perhaps another project that she could participate with you in some way might be nice.
Sounds like you have found a neat investment! Good luck.
Terry
im just a newbie but if i was you id feed both desires. id sell one and keep one.
either way both needs are met and you get to have your fun too.
just a thought
Justin
Are the houses that are going to cost $28k the metal ones you were referring to?
Thanks
Mike
[ Edited by joel on Date 11/02/2003 ]
Sash,
Yes they are the containers utilized in multiples of three one across the lot and two wings with an atrium in between. We are working on new designs. My god I have to learn to use a CAD. God I miss the good old world of yesteryear, All I needed to learn was to tie my shoes.
Cheers Lucius da container freek.