All Forum Posts by: Dennis Vo

@Christian, it's a great idea.

My company had looked into this a few years back, but the numbers didn't work for us.  The containers are cheap, but the labor cost is pretty substantial.  Since most of our subs hardly work on this prototype, we have to hire specialists to erect our structures... and the cost really add up.

If you find a good architect and GC who are familiar with the area planning and building requirements as well as this type of construction, then you can go very far.

Good luck.

Here are the two "shipping containers" buildings in our area:

http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-shippi...

https://inhabitat.com/costa-mesa-waldorf-school-is...

@Susan, congratulations on your new venture.

You indicated that you are new at REI and never done a new construction from ground up... then here are my honest suggestions.

If you plan to proceed with the new construction, then partner up with someone that have already gone through this process a few times (and check his/her record).  

However, it might be too early for you to tackle such complicated tasks like building new structure from ground zero.  I have worked with "green" owners who wanted to build new homes, but have very little experience... at the end they paid dearly during construction.  

@Todd Fry, thank you for sharing your "bad" experience with us.  It's definitely educational.

I am new here on BP, but have been investing in RE for 10+ years now.  I am an owner of a design/build company in S. CA since 2002, and I know the RE market here is CRAZY high.  I hear many investors want to invest OOS, which I know you will make profit there... or anywhere.  However, PLEASE have a team on the ground in place... especially on your first couple of deals, that way you protect your assets.

I have been practicing architecture and construction since 1995, and I can be certain that you cannot rehab class C or D home for less than 20K... and have a nice turnkey home.

Please do your homework before buying... at least see your first few home in person before signing your saving away.

@Anwar, the best way to acquire competent contractor is to go to your city building department, and request for information on construction companies that are currently working in your area.  Once you get the list/names, check them out at their jobsites.  This way you know that they are active, and you also have an opportunity to ask the owner questions about them.

What are you planning to do with this house?  Live in? or rental?