Cohousing-L Mailing List: Cheap buildings & Bike Storage

[Sharon Villines (sharon]

On Sep 27, 2013, at 8:50 AM, Diana Carroll <dianaecarroll [at] gmail.com> wrote:

> Seems like we could buy a used doublewide for under $10K!  Would that be 
> insane here in the
> bitter cold Northeast? What about those hideously ugly but cheap metal "kit" 
> buildings?

Don't forget cargo containers. There are companies, like Seabox below, that 
alter them to your specification adding windows, doors, interior fittings like 
shelves, etc. This link is to a fabulous one that shows want can be done. It 
even has a green roof:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rllayman/6392400403/in/photostream/

There are probably more on YouTube.

Cargo containers are used for offices, homes, etc. The US receives huge 
shipments of goods in them but it's cheaper to sell the containers here than 
ship them back empty. 

They are heavy metal, solidly constructed, and secure. Doors at one end or two 
ends. They can be placed without a construction permit because they are 
temporary and can even be put on wheels. They can be decorated and camouflaged 
with greenery, etc. Think morning glory.

Most common size is 8' wide, 8.5' tall, 20' or 40' long. 

Sea Box in NJ makes and sells new and used. All kinds of modifications of the 
containers — doors windows, shelving, hooks, etc. A 20' box can store 17 bikes 
with their set up which is very much like a closet with a shelf supporting a 
rod that holds clothes hangers. Each shelf bracket holds 1000 lbs so by adding 
more shelves, you can support more bikes.

http://www.seabox.com

Sharon
----
Sharon Villines
Takoma Village Cohousing, Washington DC
http://www.takomavillage.org