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Shipping container construction

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JaMaat
  3/17/2019 09:57 EST

My family and I have visited Belize five times in the past two years, and prefer it as a location for our future vacation/ retirement home. My sons are suggesting we transport remodeled shipping containers to Belize and assembling them with a Belizean based construction company, versus building from scratch once we arrive. Can anyone recommend a builder we can talk to as we finalize our decision? My husband and I return in early April and would like to schedule a meeting. Thanks in advance.

terrific
  3/17/2019 14:07 EST

HI due to the climate I presume, I have never seen Containers used as housing in Belize. For storage and workshops and offices just not homes. Have you seen any such in the last couple of years? I have not been to every area so I could be wrong.

If the idea of container home is to save Money I doubt it could work out cheaper than the wooden houses, usually called Menonite houses even though now many non Menonite local builders make similar houses,
These can be ready made and transported to your land, or built in situ.
A container is about 200 sq feet to 450 sq feet a similar sized Menonite house would cost about $15k to $25k Bze base price. A larger home can be assembled easily with multiples of the smaller sized units connected together.
if you already have containers the cost of transporting hem and paying duties to import them may be in that same price range but with a lot more work needed to become habitable. If you will have buy the containers in the US then I do not think it could be a lower cost excercise.
I do not know of any building companies specifically working with containers in Belize.

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JaMaat
  3/17/2019 21:08 EST

Thank you for your prompt response, and tips on the Mennonite housing option. We'll inquire about that as well.

We've traveled to Panama and Costa Rica, and have seen lovely (and yes lower cost) container based homes in CR.

We haven't seen them in Belize, but there are builders willing to customize a fairly "weather" proof dwelling in Costa Rica and transport it to land. We're taking one more trip to visit Corozal and Orange Walk - all of our trips have been to Southern Belize and the Hopkins areas. Fingers crossed we can make a final decision this trip, but we've loved our time no matter what.

terrific
  3/17/2019 22:49 EST

OK tipping my hand here. Have you explored the west from Belmopan to Cayo.Belmopan is Central for transport to all of Belize and all roads go to or through Belmopan. the Biggest Mennonite Community is Spanish lookout in Cayo The southern coastal towns are an hour to two hours away, and most of the major tourist destinations in Belize are within that tim frame too. Belmopan and San Ignatio both have major market days and lots of stores, All government ministries are in Cayo, I live near Belmopan and it was not the area I was looking at when innitialy looking for a place to retire, but once I really discovered the area I realised it was exactly where I wanted to be.
I am selling nothing in the way of properties or services, this is just my own reality.
Everything you import will be liable for customs duties plus sales tax on those duties so your containers could be as much as 40% of your purchase and transportation costs in duties. I love Belize but I am not blind to it's shortcomings, which are not insignificant. It is Belize and a Unique experience for each individual who visits or moves here. Have Fun.

hrlee7804
  3/18/2019 09:55 EST

With a inquiry on the search window on this site you will find building with containers. Long story short they are metal which is exactly the wrong thing in a jungle environment. Rust and heat retention being among the most obvious problems and CAN NOT be overcome and still be cost effective. A great idea some places but not in Belize.

JaMaat
  3/18/2019 18:07 EST

Hi Terrific, thanks for the candid assessment of the central Belize/Cayo area. I've had meetings in Belmopan but hadn't really looked around. I think the QRP program will cover the duty taxes, but your point about the roads is well taken. The adventure of back road access in Belize is lovely once in a while, but not everyday, smile.

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JaMaat
  3/18/2019 18:16 EST

Thank you for your response. Our sons are analysts and engineers, so we're pretty comfortable with the feasibility of remodeled containers, including marine paints, moisture repellent materials, and a variety of ways to ensure comfortability. I'm pretty confident the lovely models in Costa Rica will have similar success in Belize, although we will include the Mennonite structures in our review.

ENJOYIT
  3/18/2019 21:27 EST

JaMaat, is there some reason you asked for advice on the forum? you seem to have already made your mind up so why keep asking? People living in Belize keep trying to help and you just seem to think you have a much better understanding of what Belize really needs. imo

JaMaat
  3/18/2019 22:45 EST

Terrific, I thank you again for your advice. I've watched and read this forum for years, fully aware of both the level of support of most, and the unfortunate lack of grace of a very few others.

Enjoyit, I have no idea why you felt it necessary to interject yourself into a courteous exchange, nor why my level of competence and due diligence would trigger you. If you're aware of a builder who can support this very specific request, wonderful. If not, no need to respond.

Peace and blessings.

Kenubelizeit
  3/20/2019 08:55 EST

Hello I have through my years working with expats a list of contractors and those to avoid please feel free to contact me email [email protected]

elgordo42
  3/26/2019 11:55 EST

Just west of Belmopan on the Western highway is a large structure made of possibly 10 shipping containers variously stacked and bridged.
It is a new restaurant called Unique. Great food and nice wide open seating area (between containers, not inside!).
If you make it to Cayo, it would be worth taking a look and asking questions about logistics with cranes and paints and such.

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terrific
  3/26/2019 17:36 EST

Is this very New, or hidden from view of the highway have not seen such an establishment west of Belmopan. I was last in Belmopan January and february this year. I live off the highway in Belmopan.
There was a collection of "container" units stacked very close to the little Belmopan airport that was being worked on. Is that the restaurant? If so I can pop in Next month to check it out.

Garpy
  3/26/2019 19:10 EST

Terrific
The Unique Restaurant is I believe in Camalote at mile 49. Twice I drove past it in February meaning to stop in but never made it.

JaMaat
  3/26/2019 19:38 EST

What a lovely suggestion. Thank you!

JaMaat
  3/26/2019 19:40 EST

Thank you for this offer. As we approach our arrival we'll be in touch and perhaps meet referrals for a quick bite.

terrific
  3/27/2019 13:22 EST

Garpy Thanks I will be down in April we will be sure to visit. Always like to find the new additions to our Neighborhood. Ok about 6 or 7 miles from us but I'll count it.

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