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PROPERTY

container being transported to site which
will require a crane, labour, materials,
equipment hire etc. The average cost of a
simple high-end container home is between
R825 000 to R1-million - as with any build,
it is wise to include a contingency budget of
about 13%. This is for any unexpected items
or finishing that you may need once you
occupy the space.
The complexity of your design will determine
the amount of customisation needed. Most
building components, such as roof trusses,
are designed to fit onto brick structures,
which means that there will be instances
where you must develop your own clever
solution to achieve the look you envision.
These customisations may be challenging to
predict or show on the drawings. They might
require your attention when they are being
PLAN YOUR CONSTRUCTION able to monitor these costs. installed, to make sure the building team, the
As many container homes are built architect and the engineer are on the same
on vacant land, you need to install PHASE YOUR BUILD page.
infrastructure - such as foundations, It takes around three and a half months to
running water, power and sewerage have the container ready for occupancy, CHOOSE YOUR FURNITURE AND
- before you start your build. Luckily, depending on the amount of infrastructure APPLIANCES WISELY
container homes can be built off-site while you need. Have clear lines of communication You’ll most likely find that appliances and
you lay the infrastructure. This off-site with your building team, do regular site visits furniture have to be selected for a more
building method is ideal for remote builds and formulate a realistic, detailed building compact lifestyle. Not only must they fit
or smaller urban plots where neighbours schedule. This will keep everyone motivated, into the space, but there must be enough
are close by - building a container home reduce stress levels and ensure the budget room for you to move around them so
generates twice the amount of noise is not exceeded. you don’t feel claustrophobic in your new
compared to normal building. home.
Pre-order materials, such as fixtures
The South African building industry is and pre-cut timber. This is a great way To build in the box, you have to think outside
relatively new at handling modular framed to lower building costs and ensure the the box and container homes provide a
structures and it may be challenging at building schedule is realistic – you can wonderful opportunity to be truly creative with
first to find an experienced container plan according to the delivery dates of the your home. They give holiday home and first-
home builder who will quote a fixed price. materials. Keep in mind that you will need time builders a quicker, more economical way
However, there are experts such as a secure, organised, watertight space to of achieving their dream home.
Len Douglas of Inter Modular Concepts store all the materials and equipment if
(IMC) who will be able to give you a fixed you are building onsite. In the market for a container home?
quote. On any build, skilled labour is the Container Intermodal Trading welcomes all
chief variable; by planning and thinking SET A BUDGET FOR YOUR BUILD your enquiries. Simply visit their website:
everything through beforehand, you will be Your budget should include the cost of the www.citcontainer.com.
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