blog

Top 7 Common Items that Shipping Containers Beat in Value

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 13:26:50 -0600

1. Storage Shed

Why go through the hassle of assembling a newly manufactured set of parts when you can have a sustainable, prefabricated container shipped right to your backyard? And when you’re ready to move or you don’t need it anymore, it gets picked up in one piece and in a single afternoon—not too many traditional sheds can boast the same.

2. Trailer Home

In America trailer homes carry a bad reputation for being unsightly and low-class, but for many people they are one of few affordable living options (especially given the current economy). What if inexpensive, transportable living got flipped on its head and was suddenly an Industrial-Modern symbol of a low-impact lifestyle? Shipping container homes could do just that.

3. Office Building

Take it from us—working in a building constructed out of layered shipping containers is remarkably practical, comfortable, and even fun. The containers work like giant building blocks and can be used to create spaces as open or private as you’d like, with interior finish styles ranging in anything from sleek, raw and industrial to polished and traditionally refined. The best part? When it comes time to move or expand, things like demolition, transportation and additions are a snap!

4. Pedestrian Bridge

Maybe you need to span a small creek, or create a catwalk for a playground structure, or build a nature-and-night-sky-observation deck next to your cabin in the woods. Flat-pack shipping containers are ideal for use in these projects and so many more, as their 20- and 40-foot spans are structurally sound, arrive in one piece, and often require only solid anchoring and safety railings.

5. Hotel

No one likes the dull, uninspired aesthetics of inexpensive hotel lodgings, but often when traveling on a budget there exists the need for a simple place to lay one’s head, no matter how musty or cramped the space may be. Imagine instead that the sprawling Super 8’s and Motel 6’s of the world were replaced by colorful stacks of shipping containers, each containing a compact, bright space with equal the amenties and quadruple the charm of a traditional cheap hotel room. Even the remotest of areas could take part—just transport and assemble.

6. Storefront

In the retail world, advertisers know that the most tried-and-true way to sell a product is to simply put it where everybody can see it. If your business is buried in a mall or away from a busy thoroughfare, you will likely spend much more time and money on advertising your presence than a more prominently-displayed storefront does. Why not take advantage of the mobility and aesthetic flexibility of shipping containers to sell your products in plain view? The “cool factor” alone is enough to draw anyone in!

7. #1 Value Meal at McDonald's

Better for the environment, better for your health (whip up some healthy food in your mobile container kitchen!), better quality for your money—value is value, no matter on what scale, and shipping containers have it in droves. If you would like to learn more about the abundant possibilities or if you have any questions for us, please don’t hesitate to call us toll-free at 877-704-0177 or email us at info@falconcontainers.com.

Shipping Containers and Sustainability, Pt. 3

Fri, 01 Jul 2011 14:56:20 -0600

The following is part three in a three-part series on sustainability by Falcon Boxpert and architectural interior designer Sarah Ellis.

So far, we've covered four big reasons that shipping containers are excellent sustainable building materials: their ability to be upcycled, their modularity, their compactness and their structural integrity. In this final installment in our blog series on sustainability, we will address two additional "green" aspects of shipping container architecture that help prove their viability as part of a sustainably-designed future.

5) Ease of mobility. Because their standardized dimensions allow for easy transport on our existing ship, truck and rail infrastructures, container buildings can easily be moved from one location to another when necessary. This also allows for the prefabrication of entire buildings that can be quickly assembled (and later disassembled) on-site, which is always a greener alternative to on-site construction; building everything in one place that already has the means and resources available to do so (such as Falcon's workshop) greatly reduces the carbon footprint associated with bringing in the necessary people and materials to each new job site. "Prefab" architecture techniques have long been perceived by most designers as necessary methods of reducing environmental impact, but often there is still a vast portion of the work that must be done on-site; in most cases, shipping container buildings can be constructed almost entirely before they reach their destination, leaving only assembly and systems integration (plumbing, electrical, etc.) to be done upon arrival!

6) Relatively Low Cost. A major factor in the ability of building systems to continue is their accessibility to the general population. While we are inundated every day with the latest and greatest achievements in "green" technology, the reality is that unless something is affordable enough to become widespread, its contribution to environmentalism is negligable. Shipping containers are a low-tech solution that cost as much as or less than normal building types, and the amount of money put into customizing and improving them is completely up to the owner. They are feasible options for much-needed low-income housing and flashy high-end design pieces alike.

In this new age of environmental consciousness, Falcon Containers has stepped up to supply the public with sustainable shipping container buildings of all kinds. If you are interested in taking a tour of our facilities or if you have any questions for us, please don't hesitate to give us a call toll-free at 877-704-0177 or email us at info@falconcontainers.com.

Shipping Containers and Sustainability, Pt. 2

Fri, 24 Jun 2011 10:49:19 -0600

The following is part two in a three-part series on sustainability by Falcon Boxpert and architectural interior designer Sarah Ellis.

Last week I discussed two qualities of shipping containers that make them great sustainable building options--their upcycled nature and their inherent modularity. Today, here are two more reasons container buidings are a great choice in the pursuit of a greener future.

3) Compact and customizeable. Smaller spaces equate to lower energy costs, fewer materials used and reduced cost. Think of shipping container buildings as giant Lego sets, spaces that can be easily expanded in any number of creative ways as need increases. This is in contrast to typical construction, in which wasted spaces are commonly seen when planning for future expansion; the extra space sucks up more resources and energy regardless of whether or not it will ever be used, and should more space eventually become necessary the costs and complications of an addition can be overwhelming.

4) Structurally sound. Shipping containers are designed to withstand the harsh sea environment, and can also be stacked up two twelve containers high while still retaining their structural integrity. This excellent durability makes for buildings that can weather the elements and remain useful with relatively little maintenance for years and years.

Next week: the final installment in this three part series on sustainability offers two more reasons to go green with shipping container buildings.

Shipping Containers and Sustainability, Pt. 1

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 07:57:25 -0600

The following is part one in a three-part blog series on sustainability by Falcon Boxpert and architectural interior designer Sarah Ellis.

With concerns about enviornmental issues like global warming and trash buildup increasing every day, the topic of sustainability has received unprecedented public attention. Businesses (at least, those that are shrewd and responsible) have picked up on this phenomenon, and have begun vigorously marketing their more sustainable qualities and attempting to offer products and services that aid the modern consumer in leading the "green" lifestyle. Falcon is no exception to this, with the container construction we engage in consistenly being heralded as a creative, sustainable alternative to typical building techniques. But, what exactly does it mean when something is "sustainable," and how do our shipping containers abide by that definition?

Simply put, sustainability is the capacity to continue. Within the context of construction, one would consider such issues as whether a building practice could be employed perpetually without depleting finite resources, filling up limited landfill space, or requiring vast amounts of energy to be built and maintained, to name just a few qualities. Shipping container buildings fit this description in a large variety of ways, and in this blog series I've narrowed down the top six reasons that they are a smart choice in the march toward a sustainably designed future; below are the first two.

1) Not recycled, but upcycled. Traditional recycling of plastic, metals, glass and even some building materials often requires a significant amount of energy, and harmful chemicals and byproducts aren't uncommon in the process. This is because recycling involves changing something's physical state in order to recreate it as a raw material for re-use. Upcycling, on the other hand, simply consists of utilizing an object for a new purpose after its original purpose has been exhausted. Shipping container buildings are an excellent example of this concept, with little more than patching and paint needed between shipyard and construction site. Additionally, these containers are doomed to sit idly in a port and deteriorate if they are not re-purposed, and considering the fact that many of them make only one trip overseas before being retired, that adds up to an enormous amount of waste!

2) Modular design. Shipping containers are designed to conserve as much space as possible on overseas trips in order to cut down on lead time and transportation costs (which in turn reduces the carbon footprint associated with gas and energy consumed during their transit). The resulting standardized dimensions allow for excellent stackability and mobility, simplifying the design process and allowing for accessibility by people of all geographical locations. Furthermore, these straightforward, utilitarian modules are flexible enough in their design to be adapted into an enormous range of building types, from sleek commercial spaces to raw storage facilities.

Next week: two more reasons shipping container buildings are outstanding options in the shift toward sustainable design.

Falcon is Famous!

Thu, 02 Jun 2011 15:18:07 -0600

It's been a busy month here at our Area 51 Falcon headquarters, and with construction on the new Falcon Nest almost completed we've gotten quite a bit of attention from the press and a curious public! Our "big break" came in mid-May, when Falcon Containers was featured on front page of the print edition of the esteemed Austin Business Journal. ABJ Reporter Cody Lyon paid a visit to Area 51 for a tour of the compound and an interview with CEO Stephen Shang, and the resulting article really stirred up some attention.

Click here to read the Austin Business Journal article written about us >>

The ABJ must have really liked what they saw, because that very evening its editor Colin Pope appeared in a video clip on the Austin YNN (Your News Now) website to speak about us some more. The design of our new Falcon Nest is a hot topic in the clip, with praises for its sustainable aspects and "Austin-style" qualities being sung all around.

Click here to view the Austin YNN clip about us>>

After receiving attention from print- and web-based press sources, what was left to be explored? Radio, of course! On May 16th, Nathan Bernier of KUT's Morning Edition invited our Austin Business Journal reporter (and new friend; thanks Cody!) to speak with him about Falcon and concept of shipping container buildings. In keeping with Austin's love for all things entertainment-related, there seems to be the most excitment where new bars and restaurants built with them are involved.

Click here to listen to the KUT Morning Edition segment about us>>

With all of this media attention we have had quite a few curious people arrange to come out to Area 51 seeking tours and more information. If you are interested in a tour or just have a few questions for us, give us a call at 512.231.9603 or email us at info@falconcontainers.com.

Falcon moves to Area 51

Wed, 27 Apr 2011 09:39:06 -0600

Falcon Containers officially moved its headquarters to a new site just East of Austin. The new 51 acre facility, as shown below, will house Falcon’s conex-based offices, a new fabrication/ manufacturing facility, and the majority of its rental & sales inventory.

The site, now coined “Area 51”, will facilitate Falcon’s growing operations as well as expansion capability, new product development and testing. The name given to the new location by Falcon employees appears fitting, not only due to its geographical size of 51 acres, but, also coincides well with the name given to the airspace above the true Area 51 in Nevada by military pilots: "The Box" or "The Container”.

On the site, Falcon is building Central Texas' first fully mobile container-based structure to serve as its headquarters (rendering below). This 2,500 square foot mobile building will be assembled from eight repurposed 40' shipping containers with five on the first floor and three on the second floor. The interiors will have "clear span" areas that give dimensions greater than the standard 8' width of a container, but at the same time will maintain the industrial look and feel of the container. For more renderings, click here >>

Future plans for “Area 51” include a demo area for shipping container cabins, showcase for military training solutions, and other new products that "think inside the box".

Falcon’s CEO Stephen Shang is hopeful that “Area 51” will continue the company’s commitment to “spend more time connecting with customers” [1], as he was quoted in Fortune Magazine. He went on to say:“we’d love to give you a tour of our Area 51 facilities and see what 'inside the box' ideas you have.”

Area 51 is located at 7717 Gilbert Road, Manor Texas at the intersection of Texas State Highway 130 (SH130) and FM 973. The facility is less than 8 miles north of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (approximately 10 minutes by car) making it easily accessible for visitors. To schedule a visit, please email tours@falconcontainers.com. For directions, click here >>

For more information, please contact us at (512) 231-9603 or email us at gboykin@falconcontainers.com.

The Container Bar made from Shipping Containers

Tue, 15 Mar 2011 11:21:09 -0600

I've heard this idea being tossed around a lot over the years here in Austin, Texas, but to see it finally coming to fruition is awesome! Living in central Texas we have ten months of summer and only two months of winter so designing a bar completely out of shipping containers is such a fantastic idea. We love being outdoors. Our most popular bars and restaurants have patios or rooftop decks to enjoy the weather. The way they have laid out these shipping containers has given them a lot of versatility; different rooms could mean different themes. Here's the link http://bit.ly/dKFKNt if you want to read the entire article.

Here are just a few things I think make this project such a success.

Versatility of using shipping containers- If they want to change the layout or design it can easily be done.
In Austin we're all about going green and this project is definitely Green.
Costs are minimal
Great outdoor space to have live bands-after all we are the Music Capital of the World

Plus, the new Shipping Container Bar is going to be situated right in the heart of our famous 6th Street area. As we all know, location is always key and this place definitely hit the mark.

I'd love to hear what you think about this bar being made from shipping containers.

nboykin@falconcontainers.com

Ideal Guesthouse Made From Shipping Containers

Tue, 15 Mar 2011 10:19:47 -0600

Having a second home to getaway and just relax just isn't that common in todays economy. Take a look at what one central Texas woman http://bit.ly/idGjwj did to a shipping container to take advantage of her acerage plus give her some additional living space for guests. I've never seen a shipping container look so cute and retro. With this design she's made it possible for everyone to see themselves spending weekends on their remote property. Here are just some of the neat details she put in....

Color is key. Bright bold colors work so well in this small space
Furniture created for small compact spaces is a must because her couch converts into a king size bed.
Her walls and floors have been redone so you no longer feel like you're in a shipping container.
The sliding screens and outdoor feel is my personal favorite. She put in awnings for nice afternoon shade so enjoying the outdoors is a little more tolerable in Texas.

Living in the Austin, San Antonio or central Texas area we have such vast open spaces. I could really see myself spending weekends on my property relaxing in this exact 40' shipping container.

I'd love to hear what you think...nboykin@falconcontainers.com

Why Falcon is trying tablets - and why we're picking Xoom over iPad2.

Fri, 11 Mar 2011 13:00:39 -0700

It's three hours before the iPad2 is available in Austin. With SXSW launching and the Spring Break for techies descending upon our city, the tech buzz here in the heart of Texas is undeniable. I thought I'd share with you why we're launching a pilot to move our container company toward tablet computing and why we're picking the Xoom over the iPad2.

First - why tablets?

In late 2009, when Steve Jobs announced the coming iPad, I could barely contain myself. I was so excited about the promise of tablet computing. Of course, the first release left much to be desired in the actual machine, but the idea of a truly portable computing device could really improve the execution of our brand promise of being easy to work with, resourceful, and dependable.

Our "office" is a 3 acre yard that has so many disparate components that a tablet could help us stay on top of. Portable storage containers for rent, conexes being modified in a variety of ways, repairing shipping containers, inventory - the list goes on and on. Also, we've really bought into cloud computing at Falcon. Most of our documents are shared in the cloud. Our CRM is on the cloud. All of our digital assets are in the cloud. We keep track of workflow and tasks through Google Docs. All of our project control and quality control documents are migrating to the cloud.

Carrying a notebook computer around simply is not feasible. Paper becomes inefficient very quickly. A tablet computer is awesome because efficient access to all this information would enable our Boxperts to make better decisions.

Beyond our yard, we take better care of our customers through outside salespeople and delivery personnel. Again, a tablet computer could greatly enhance our brand promise of being "easy to work with". Imagine the benefit of having an "always on" tablet for entering and executing orders. For re-routing.

Second - why Xoom instead of iPad2?

The iPad2 no doubt surpasses the Xoom in number of Apps. But most of the Apps are not relevant to our business of repurposing shipping containers, if any business at all. I don't want my guys becoming champions at Angry Birds.

Because the Xoom is an Android based system, we know that it will have awesome integration with Google Apps which we've become intertwined with. Also, the integration with Google's voice recognition for input is something that few have written about, but I think will help a great deal instead of typing on the software keyboard. Finally, we won't have any "Wi-Fi only" devices; that said the ability to go from 3G to 4G was a big selling point as connectivity and speed will really drive user adoption.

The hardware between the two devices seemed comparable. The points that the iPad2 wins on were not key selling points to us. The fact that the iPad2 is thinner and 15% lighter was cool, but not key. Same goes with the new case for the iPad2 - cool but not key.

So we concluded, the Xoom won out over the iPad2 for our needs. That's our rationale at Falcon. Please let me know what you think as we're still in our pilot phase. Either that or let me know if you're trying something similar. I'd love to compare notes as we go.

Modified Shipping Container

Wed, 09 Mar 2011 12:36:22 -0700

When you start to think about all the interesting things that can be done with a modified 20' foot shipping container that has 160 square feet or a 40' shipping container which has 320 square feet you start feeling like your options are endless. Take a look at how they modified this shipping container to fit their needs. http://rowbox.wrch2010.com/

Four flat screen televisions were mounted to the wall for viewing purposes
Stationary rowing bikes were also mounted for stability and ease of transport
The set up and break down of a display like this is so easy
Transport it anywhere you have your next event

I could easily see something like this being used in Austin for SXSW or even the Austin City Limits festival. And, San Antonio has just as many events and shows. Just let your imagination run wild.... "If you build it...they will come".....

I'd love to hear what you think nboykin@falconcontainers.com

40' Shipping Container Home

Wed, 09 Mar 2011 10:23:39 -0700

It's exciting to see what can be done with 40' shipping containers. Who knew a shipping container could be modified in this way? This family has put so much thought into their design that once you think "inside the box" your imagination can take you anywhere. It's been completely modified to fit their creature comforts. Take a look at their blog http://leegreenberg.wordpress.com/ and to see all their photos. They've documented their progress from the beginning stages of construction to adding the hot tub on the roof with it's breathtaking views. This particular project is three stories enabling them to have a garage door on the bottom level and a beautiful rooftop terrace. Take a look at some of the modifications they've made.

Rooftop terrace with hot tub- After a long day in the central TX sun couldn't you just imagine sitting on the roof enjoying a refreshing drink and relaxing in your hot tub.
Screened in porches are ideal to keep all pests and critters out but keep the breeze flowing nicely.
The floor was upgraded to hard woods which makes for a nice visual appeal and makes it feel more like a home.

Coud you see yourself living in this shipping container home here in Austin or San Antonio Texas? Let me know what you think nboykin@falconcontainers.com

Some Common Misconceptions about Shipping Containers

Fri, 25 Feb 2011 11:19:28 -0700

There are several misconceptions about shipping containers in Austin TX. and San Antonio TX. I'd like to take a minute to dispell some of the more common myths surrounding Shipping containers and explain why these don't apply here in Texas.

The most common misconception is that there are shipping containers stacked up to the sky in all our major ports. The exact opposite is true here in Texas. In Texas we export a lot of cotton and all that cotton is shipped over seas in shipping containers and that combined with other factors has created a shortage supply and an increase in prices.
Another misconception is construction using shipping containers is cheap and easy. While using shipping containers as a living space or office can be relatively inexpensive when compared to ground up construction it certainly is not easy. Shipping containers provide a convenient ready made structure but they are constructed for a specific purpose in a very specific way. They aren't constructed to be be placed on their end, buried or have the sides cut out of them. All of these things can and do work but they all take a very high level of structural engineering and are far from easy.
Finally, all shipping containers are the same. They aren't all the same, each one of them is different even the newest one trip shipping container will have minor cosmetic blemishes. If you are considering purchasing a shipping container you should purchase on from a reputable company who is willing to let you pick out the exact shipping container you want from their inventory. If you take the time to inspect your shipping container before it's delivered you will save yourself from potential headaches down the road.

If you have any questions about these or anything else pertaining to shipping containers feel free to email me at crobson@falconcontainers.com and follow me on twitter at twitter.com/boxpertchris

Innovative ways to use Storage Containers

Wed, 23 Feb 2011 11:19:18 -0700

At Falcon Containers, we have taken storage containers to a whole other level. We have been modifying storage containers in almost any way imaginable from portable office units, to training villages for the Army, and even container homes! Storage containers seem to spark interest and imagination in other people as well, and people have begun using them for all different sorts of things all around the world. Here's some examples of what we've been hearing about lately:

A company in New Zealand has built what they call a "row box." Basically, it is a 20' storage container that folds out using hydraulic lifts. The inside of the storage containers are four rows of TV's, and in front of the TV's are actual rowing machines that people can use. The TV's show a lake, and keep your time like you are actually in a lake rowing. Row Box holds challenges for corporate businesses as well as individuals who compete against one another. How cool is that? Check out the pictures and a video of the Row Box in action at http://rowbox.wrch2010.com/index.php.

Another company, out of California came up with an idea to build trade show booths out of the storage containers. They opened up both the front and the back of the container in order to make the storage container open-like. You can see in the corners how they used the hinges to hold it together. Using the storage container for a trade show is a good idea since they are portable and you can use the same one at different trade shows anywhere. You can see some pictures of how one company builds them at http://gallery.me.com/setshop1#100092.

Make sure to check back as I am sure we will be posting many more ideas that we have been hearing about. So the question is, what can YOU do with a storage container?

Shipping container home interior dimensions

Tue, 15 Feb 2011 12:01:54 -0700

When converting a shipping container for use as a home, the interior dimensions of the container are important elements to consider. Even though the exterior dimensions are standardized with minimal variances, it will have some variance in its interior dimensions, based on the manufacturer's design. For a 20 ft. container, the average interior length is 19 ft., 4 in.; the average width is 7 ft., 8 in.; the average height is 7 ft., 9 in. Once you finish out the interior with framing and wall coverings, the dimensions could be as little as 18 ft., 4 in. length, 7 ft., 0 in. width, and 7 ft., 3 in. height.

High Cube containers are 1 ft. taller than regular containers, so the average interior height is 8 ft., 9 in. However, High Cubes are not common, and you mostly find them in 40 ft. length containers. It is rare to find a 20 ft. High Cube container.

What does this mean to you? One thing is that the average home furnishings, fixtures, and appliances will not always fit into the space. Always double-check your measurements, and be prepared to select an alternative at the last minute. I ordered a wardrobe cabinet that was supposed to fit, according to the retailer's measurements, but when it arrived, it was taller than the measurements had indicated. So, back it went...

Storage Containers Make Business Easier

Tue, 08 Feb 2011 08:16:05 -0700

I've recently worked with several businesses in the Austin and San Antonio who are using storage containers to make doing business easier. There are a lot of different ways that storage containers can be used in different creative ways to make conducting business easier and more efficient, here are just a few them

Storage containers are being used in Austin by a paint supplier. The supplier provides their best customers with storage containers and fills them with supplies. By using a storage container the supplier saves time and money on deliveries and the customers are ensured that they won't run out of product.
We recently supplied a local hospital with cool box storage containers so they could store heat sensitive electronics during a renovation.
A local retailer retailer recently purchased a couple of storage containers to store supplies at their facilities management location.
Several local construction companies in Austin and San Antonio use storage containers to stage materials and store tools on-site during construction and renovation projects.

These are just a few ways I see companies using storage containers every day. If you see anything you'd like to share you can email me at crobson@falconcontainers.com and follow me on twitter @ twitter.com/boxpertchris

Foundation options for Shipping Container Homes

Wed, 02 Feb 2011 12:21:09 -0700

Your foundation options depend on whether you want the home to be mobile, semi-permanent, or permanent. For mobile use, you should consider mounting the home to a trailer chassis. There are commercially available chassis, from single-axle gooseneck trailers designed for hauling by a pickup truck, to trailers designed to be hauled by over-the-road truck tractors. For semi-permanent use, you can use concrete blocks to support and level the unit, which is the simplest approach. You also can use ISO container leveling legs, and concrete or steel piers with a welded twistloc mount attached, which fits into the corner fittings. For permanent use, you can use concrete or steel piers with a welded twistloc mount, concrete foundation footings along the entire perimeter, or a concrete slab foundation.

Why should I purchase or rent a storage container from Falcon Containers?

Tue, 01 Feb 2011 15:20:14 -0700

Why should I purchase or rent a storage container from Falcon Containers?

Good question. What makes Falcon Containers so special? There are many other places out there I'm sure you could find a container. Here's a few points that I believe makes us stand out at Falcon:

Being located in Austin and San Antonio, our friendly Boxperts are ready to take your call, we won't have you talk to an operator or call center.
Unlike many other box companies, we are able to make many different modifications to your container. Whatever your needs, we will work with you to understand what you want. You can even come out to our facility and check out our inventory and examples of some of our custom boxes. Visitors are always welcome.
If deciding to purchase from Falcon, we guarantee to put our money where are mouth is. If the container is not to your liking, we have a two week full money back guarantee. Unlike some out of state companies, you will know exactly which container you are purchasing and where it is coming from.
If you are a construction company renting our containers on job sites, we understand how important the delivery and pick up are to you. We will not make you wait for a container to be picked up. Our drivers will work with you to make sure the delivery and pick up are on time and that they go smoothly, delivered exactly where you want it. We are the only company that offers a two-hour delivery window. Of course, you will pay a little more, but sometimes a specific time is important.
Lastly, our team at Falcon uses the "4-way test" in every conversation we have. This is what I'm talking about: 1. Is it the truth? 2. Is it fair to all concerned? 3. Will it build good will and better friendships? 4. Will it be beneficial to all concerned? At Falcon, we create a safe place for others by following this test in all that we do.

Okay, I could go on forever about how awesome we are... You be the judge. Give us a call with any question you have.

Financing your Shipping Container Home

Sat, 29 Jan 2011 08:38:44 -0700

Shipping containers come in standard sizes that are easily transportable, and can be used as an alternative to an RV, a motor coach, a Park Model trailer, a mobile home, a manufactured home, a section home, a pre-built or pre-engineered modular home component, and a kit construction home.

Most lenders focus on the “transportable” feature of a shipping container home, and therefore treat it as personal property like a boat or car. Some banks offer manufactured housing loans, which may be an option to explore. They will usually require 20% down, with a 10-15 year term on the loan. The interest rate will likely be higher than a home mortgage rate as well.

Some tips I found in bankrate.com’s article on financing manufactured housing:

Shop around for financing. Loans for manufactured housing vary widely in their terms.
If you also own the land, make certain you can obtain the tax benefits of having the property titled as real property. Yes, it will go on the tax rolls, but the real estate taxes you pay become tax-deductible.
If you must title the home as personal property, find out if your state will require you to pay annual motor vehicle fees. If your shipping container home is on a trailer chassis, this may apply to your situation, so check it out.

My best advice is to start with your own bank, where you (hopefully) have a long term relationship. If you’re buying land at the same time, you may be able to work with your banker to include the shipping container home amount as an “improvement” to the land.

Comments? Email me at prickert@falconcontainers.com

Where should I rent Conex Containers?

Thu, 27 Jan 2011 12:15:16 -0700

Lately I have had several calls from Tool and Equipment Rental companies looking to rent storage containers for their customers. These equipment rental companies are trying to be the one stop shop for the general contractor or subcontractor on construction jobsites. They will get pricing and rent everything from the plastic cups to the jobsite offices. This may seem like a great idea and it is, if you aren’t on a budget and, who isn’t on a budget?

I have talked to some local Austin companies that I work with from time to time and found out that you will pay quite a bit more per month to rent a conex or jobsite office from an equipment rental company than if you were to rent it directly from a Container company, like Falcon Containers. Depending on what you are renting you could pay anywhere from $20-$50/month more for a basic storage container. This figure doesn’t include the higher rate you will pay for delivery and pickup fees.

I can’t speak for all Container companies but I can tell you that by going directly to the source and working directly with Falcon containers, not only will you get the best pricing you will get easy, friendly, and dependable service. I encourage you next time you look into renting storage containers and jobsite offices for a new construction site, instead of calling an equipment rental company, find the local container company and give them a call! In the end this is probably who you would end of working with anyways.. you might as well get the best rates!

Storage Containers in the New Year

Tue, 25 Jan 2011 14:07:46 -0700

I love this time of year, everything feels fresh and new and everyone is ready to take on new projects. The weather in Austin TX.and San Antonio TX. is beautiful and people in both cities are eager to take on new projects. On the subject of new projects I have recently spoken to a bunch of prospective customers who are taking on some really interesting projects using storage containers this year. Here are a few of the highlights:

I've heard of storage containers converted into houses, bunkhouse but never a hotel. Here's a really cool example of a hotel built using storage containers in Malaysia. I found it very interesting because the exterior as well as the interior is made of entirely re-purposed and recycled materials www.trendhunter.com/shipping-container-hotel-41-berangan based on some of the things I've been hearing recently we may have something like this in Austin or San Antonio someday, pretty exciting!!
I recently discussed the benefits of using storage containers to build an art gallery with some local artists- I have seen this done on a small scale and would love to see one use multiple storage containers.
Finally I know this isn't something I heard here in Austin but I was recently watching T.V. and I saw someone using a huge generator that was built in a 40' storage container. What a great idea!! It's portable so you can power equipment in remote locations but more importantly it's secure when it's not in use so you know your generator will be there when you need it. I know a San Antonio construction company that did this on a smaller scale using a container but to see something on such a large scale on T.V. was pretty cool.

These are just a few of the things that have come to my attention early in the New Year. As I come across more I'll share them with you, in the meantime if you see something you'd like to share with me email me at crobson@falconcontainer.com and follow me on twitter at twitter.com/boxpertchris