Have you ever considered living in a shipping container home in Atlanta? Meet Jen and Erik, the couple behind The Grove House, a 40ft container home nestled in the woods of Blue Ridge, Georgia. As a home builder in Georgia, Erik has overseen the construction of over 200 single-family homes ranging from $250k to $1m+. When the pandemic hit, they decided it was time to create their own eco-friendly dream home.
Jen, a UX/UI Designer and Graphic Designer, had always been passionate about creativity and design. She had seen a container home advertisement and was intrigued by the concept of the rigid, man-made metal box against the organic greenery of nature. By combining Erik’s construction talent with her design eye, they came up with The Grove House.
Before purchasing the land, they contacted the city inspectors in the locations they were interested in building. Blue Ridge was their top choice, and the city allowed them to build a container home as long as they used a new container to ensure there was no chemical residue and built it to code for a single-family home. Once they passed inspection, they built the rest entirely home project on their own (with a little help from friends).
Image from: Airbnb
One major challenge was getting the container set on the foundation. The delivery truck was not equipped to get the container where they needed it, so it was placed in the middle of their driveway. They spent weeks looking for a company that had the proper equipment to move the container.
The Grove shipping container house includes all normal requirements for a living space such as heating, air conditioning, and insulation. However, Jen wanted it to feel like a bolder container home that is made with materials you can’t find at the local hardware store. All of the wood used inside the container is from the 100-year-old barn on their property. They hand-made the concrete countertop in the kitchen and installed custom glass doors and windows to give the feeling of “bringing the outside in”. The giant indoor/outdoor shower is Jen’s favorite part.
The couple wanted to give their shipping container Airbnb a modern feel, unlike the traditional wood cabins found in the area. It feels like a weekend getaway upscale hotel room placed in the middle of the woods.
Images from: E.J Acres
For shipping container home builders, Jen advises checking with the city or county municipality to make sure it’s allowed. Plumbing can be tricky as there is limited room under the container to work with. Careful layout planning is essential in tiny square feet home where every inch matters.
The most rewarding aspect of living in a tiny home for Jen and Erik has been taking the leap to chase a crazy idea. After throwing everything they have into this project and seeing their vision come to life, they are proud to show their kids that no matter how impossible something seems, anything is possible.
Images from: E.J Acres
In the future, they plan to build another shipping container home in Georgia with a fire pit and hot tub where their property is located hopefully within the next two years. The Grove House is just the beginning of its shipping container home journey. To book their vacation rental, head to this link.
Living in a shipping container home may not be for everyone, but for Jen and Erik, it has been a dream come true. Who knows? It might just be the perfect fit for you too!
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
States like California, Texas, Tennessee, Missouri, Louisiana, Alaska, Oregon, Minnesota, Massachusetts, Montana, Mississippi and Michigan. These states have regulations and zoning laws that permit the construction of shipping container homes. It’s essential to understand that building codes and permits can differ not only between states but also within different local areas.
Shipping container homes are cost-effective due to their lower construction costs and shorter build times compared to traditional homes. However, factors like location, customization, and necessary modifications can influence overall expenses. With proper planning and design, they can provide affordable housing options for certain individuals and communities.
The legality of shipping container homes depends on the local building codes in a specific area. Generally, these types of homes must meet certain requirements according to applicable zoning and building regulations.
Yes, shipping container homes can be moved. They are designed to be portable and can be transported by trucks, trains, or ships. This mobility allows for flexibility in location and the ability to relocate the home if desired. However, proper preparation and coordination are necessary to ensure a safe and successful move of the shipping container home.
Obtaining a loan for a shipping container home is possible. Traditional home loans can be utilized to finance the purchase of a shipping container home. Furthermore, there are specialized lenders and financing options accessible specifically tailored to cater to the unique needs of financing container homes.
