Imagine spending $49,000 on this boxhouse, and then seeing this 72 airstream go for $35k: https://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/tro/6036307617.html
Launch HN: Boxouse (YC W17) – Shipping-container homes
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Re: Launch HN: Boxouse (YC W17) – Shipping-container homes
#52These prices seem too high. Low-end mobile homes are around the same price, are larger, offer nicer interiors, and face fewer legal complexities. I also know tiny home builders who can custom build homes with similar square footage as these for around the same price. I live in Missouri so housing is cheap, but isn't the advantage of pre-fab homes the ability to ship them for a much lower cost than building on-site? I…
We'll make it clearer on the website, but the 49k version includes a 1.5kw solar array, ~15kwh of battery storage, all water systems, full smart home functionality (ie 'alexa, trigger windows' to go from transparent to opaque), and furnishings down to the utensils. Our 9k barebones model is closer to how most mobile homes I've seen are outfitted (but with better insulation and design in a boxouse); looks like these average over 60k new: http://www.dailyyonder.com/manufactured-housing-sales-bounce... . am i missing something?
Re: Launch HN: Boxouse (YC W17) – Shipping-container homes
#53Not trying to be a hater. I understand what is pictured may be prototypes.. if they are you shouldn't be showing them unless you have that caveat in the picture. Both the design is poor, and the craftsmanship is low. If this is past the prototype stage, and this is what you will actually be selling. Then you really don't understand the pre-fab space nor the price points of the pre-fab space.
thanks for the feedback. what are the most compelling prefabs you've found that are actually shipping, and how much do they cost?
Re: Launch HN: Boxouse (YC W17) – Shipping-container homes
#54Does Boxhouse handle acquiring potable water and sanitary sewer on behalf of the owner?
Yes. Depending on the location and length of time the boxouse will be there, we can do off-grid (tanks monitored and filled/pumped as need, RV-style) or grid-connected (linked to existing house's plumbing)
Re: Launch HN: Boxouse (YC W17) – Shipping-container homes
#55I was under the impression zoning regulation, not construction costs, was the main challenge for development in urban areas. Can you seriously just drop these off in people's backyards and legally rent them out?
There's more than local zoning at play. There are health regulations regarding potable water and sanitary waste disposal for dwellings that occur at the state level. There's ADA and FHA at the Federal Level.
Also at the local level are things like occupational taxes and building permits. Unlike room and whole house rental, a container provides direct visible evidence of the activity from the air, over a neighbor's fence, or sometimes from the street.
Re: Launch HN: Boxouse (YC W17) – Shipping-container homes
#56Does Boxhouse handle acquiring potable water and sanitary sewer on behalf of the owner?
Yes. Depending on the location and length of time the boxouse will be there, we can do off-grid (tanks monitored and filled/pumped as need, RV-style) or grid-connected (linked to existing house's plumbing)
Does Boxhouse absorb the costs of permitting and construction for homeowners? What sort of duration is necessary?
Re: Launch HN: Boxouse (YC W17) – Shipping-container homes
#57Hi Luke! What is your initial market, and what are your scaling plans?
Hi Andrew! Initial focus is the Bay Area, where rents are particularly absurd. Unlike other tiny homes, we can stack these to scale existing locations to meet demand (with some zoning hurdles, of course)
Re: Launch HN: Boxouse (YC W17) – Shipping-container homes
#58Hi Luke! What is your initial market, and what are your scaling plans?
Hi Andrew! Initial focus is the Bay Area, where rents are particularly absurd. Unlike other tiny homes, we can stack these to scale existing locations to meet demand (with some zoning hurdles, of course)
Good luck! May your weekly growth be 10% or larger :)
Re: Launch HN: Boxouse (YC W17) – Shipping-container homes
#59How to you ameliorate the toxins inherent in shipping containers? Typically, those paints and pressure treated woods are not used indoors, and I would be worried about some of the chemicals? Second, in the climate here, how do you avoid mold? Metal is a prime target for condensation, and in the bay we are always around the dew point. If you insulate the walls, how do you avoid mold growth (maybe put insulation on the outside)? How about power/gas supply, HVAC, waste plumbing etc? How about moving it? Leveling it? it seems that they'll be substantially heavier than most mobile homes, so trailering with consumer vehicles will be hard, which makes them hard to deliver.
I've been in shipping container buildings before (e.g. Frietag store in Zurich) - they are not really a great size. Many Mobile homes that are comfortable feature pop-out sides. Any plans for expanding them?
Some real positives - fireproof envelope, Envelope can be welded to, several formats available - including ones with side doors can be "racked" can be made airtight (allows you to specify air exchanges, rather than estimate them) portability with the right equipment.
Re: Launch HN: Boxouse (YC W17) – Shipping-container homes
#60Earlier quoted context omitted.
Yes. Depending on the location and length of time the boxouse will be there, we can do off-grid (tanks monitored and filled/pumped as need, RV-style) or grid-connected (linked to existing house's plumbing)
Does Boxhouse absorb the costs of permitting and construction for homeowners? What sort of duration is necessary?
We're going to do this selectively: getting the first ADU design fully licensed in a given MSA is going to be important for us. We'll want to see a year+ commitment to justify the cost.