PREP Foldable Portable Houses

[Sandcastle76]

Just came across this type of housing….they are for sale on Amazon and Tesla is also supposed to be making them. They are brought in on a flatbed trailer, like shipping containers are transported on. They are rolled off onto your prepared foundation. From what I can tell it could be on a slab or conventional - your choice. Would think it would be more affordable w/ a convention foundation and it would more easily allow you to relocate them at a later date.

They are less expensive than a travel trailer and look pretty cool…not many review on durability, stability, etc., but I see that changing fast. I was looking into them for setting up a “Glamping” campsite for hunting and fishing. Rent them out during hunting season, then close / fold them up during off season. Not sure how hard or doable that would be but it would keep the squatters out of them and prevent vandalism.

Prices start at approximately $12,000.00. At that price you can pay for one with your rental income from just one / two seasons. Just go to Amazon and put “foldable houses” in the search bar. Note for permanent housing they go up to approximately $50,000.

Y’all give it a look and tell me your opinions on the feasibility of this as a secondary income stream. All feedback is welcome - both negative and positive… I’m really in a weird feeling place / mood with all that is going on right now. Trying to think outside the box for a new source of revenue…using them only during hunting season would limit the time & amount of work I would need to do to rent, clean, etc. Besides my husband needs something else to do since he is semi-retired and I’m working full time mainly for health insurance.

Thanks in advance.

 

[bassgirl]

I have been watching the production of these. Elon supposably actually lives in one in Texas. (could be total BS)

They are made out of a concrete composite that is light but durable. It takes a crane to unfold them and fold them back up so I don't think you can just fold one away for the season less you want to pay a crane to come out and lift the roof.

It truly is a viable living alternative, because it looks to be a durable as a shed house but made with longer lasting material. They are already wired with outlets plumbing is in place, not sure if they have the sinks etc with them or not.

R/T 20min ish you can see them at the first part. Do not have tho watch the whole thing.

View: https://youtu.be/0Cdqs2Q1Vis?si=PvVpVo4Pdjc4HKkp

 

[Meemur]

I think it's fine if you want to buy one for your / your family's use as a cabin at the lake or other sort of vacation home. Be sure to check code / zoning, first (see below).

I wouldn't count on it for income from renting it to strangers. A lot of renters are hard on homes, and I image they'd quickly tear up the concrete composite in various ways, and I'm not sure how easily it can be repaired and whether repairs will last. Remember, drinking at night is generally a part of the hunting culture.

Next, there's the insurance aspect. Are you going to insure it? Will your agent insure it? If you're not going to insure it, can you afford the site clean-up if the renters or Mother Nature destroys the structures?

Lastly, research code / zoning laws for the area where the structure will be placed. The days where one could build a hunting shack in one's own woods with a little outhouse no longer exist in many places. Many counties, prodded by the EPA, have banned outhouses and septic tanks in some areas. You may be able to use a composting system, but they are still quite spendy.

Have that aspect fully researched and planned before buying/building any sort of structure, unless you're like a gnarly vet I know who put up a tiny house with an outhouse in the middle of his heavily forested, partial swamp land. The county may not like what he is doing, but no one is brave enough to go out and bother him about it, LOL!

 

[Zardoz]

When I was a kid, a fold up portable houses was a refrigerator box...

 

[Meemur]

When I was a kid, a fold up portable houses was a refrigerator box...

What a memory! I spent the night in one in the back yard in August when I was about 8 or so. It was fun! (Yes, I had a sleeping pad and a light sheet. It was in the upper 70s.)

 

[Sandcastle76]

I think it's fine if you want to buy one for your / your family's use as a cabin at the lake or other sort of vacation home. Be sure to check code / zoning, first (see below).

I wouldn't count on it for income from renting it to strangers. A lot of renters are hard on homes, and I image they'd quickly tear up the concrete composite in various ways, and I'm not sure how easily it can be repaired and whether repairs will last. Remember, drinking at night is generally a part of the hunting culture.

Next, there's the insurance aspect. Are you going to insure it? Will your agent insure it? If you're not going to insure it, can you afford the site clean-up if the renters or Mother Nature destroys the structures?

Lastly, research code / zoning laws for the area where the structure will be placed. The days where one could build a hunting shack in one's own woods with a little outhouse no longer exist in many places. Many counties, prodded by the EPA, have banned outhouses and septic tanks in some areas. You may be able to use a composting system, but they are still quite spendy.

Have that aspect fully researched and planned before buying/building any sort of structure, unless you're like a gnarly vet I know who put up a tiny house with an outhouse in the middle of his heavily forested, partial swamp land. The county may not like what he is doing, but no one is brave enough to go out and bother him about it, LOL!

Yep, the Boxable that Musk owns is probably too much to put away each season. I was leaning to getting 2 or 3 of the 12K ones from Amazon then have a central outdoor covered kitchen and dining area. I could incorporate one counter w/ sink and a dorm fridge into the living area so the rest of the house would be bunk room style sleeping. In the bathroom I might see if I can make it a little bigger. Don’t know …until I actually see how it’s constructed…also not an engineer...lol

Per the videos of ones on Amazon, they do not require cranes…just roll off and they seem easy to fold up, per their videos.

ETA…some of the amazon fold-up houses do require a crane because some are multi-level.

 

[Blacknarwhal]

Somewhere, someone is thinking that $12k houses plus a big chunk of empty ground plus an idiotic federal government equals a huge pile of money.

 

[Intestinal Fortitude]

thought it said: Foldable Portable Horses

 

[Cardinal]

thought it said: Foldable Portable Horses

That comes next.
Once we are outa oil.

 

[summerthyme]

Those flat roofs don't seem too practical in snow country.

Summerthyme

 

[Tex88]

“Foldable portable houses”… mumbles, counts on fingers… a tent?

 

[ShadowMan]

Hmmm will it fold up on you in an earthquake or tornado? What about snow load on a FLAT ROOF!! Otherwise it's a pretty cool idea. Imagine their use after a disaster. Looks pretty sturdy and roomy for such a small footprint. Reminds me of something like a shipping container homes that are becoming a popular alternative.

 

[Meemur]

I'm not recommending that anyone here do this, but I knew another retired vet, down on his luck, who went around buying (stealing?) used mobile homes and campers. He dug some outhouses and then parked the "homes" in his back 40, near this mostly dried-up lake. He rented those all summer by the weekend or week. I think he asked for cash. Anyway, he bragged about making $500 - $800 / week during the summer and being able to live on that money all winter.

I think the county finally caught up with him and fined him thousands of dollars. I think he ended up deeding over the property to them and skipping town. Something like that.

I suspect something more legal could be done with tiny homes if one were handy and lived somewhere where zoning was friendly to that sort of business.

There is a tiny home community in NC. I don't remember the name of it right now. Let me think . . .

Here it is . . . something like this, maybe . . .

The Village | Cottage Homes | Flat Rock NC | Simple Life

The Village is Simple Life's original cottage home community located in Flat Rock, NC. The community is sold out, but check out the resale listings.

simple-life.com

 

[WalknTrot]

Yeah. Flat roofs, no info on insulation. What about heat, and wiring and plumbing. Might be OK for friendly climates.

 

[bassgirl]

They are definitely better than a trailer. And trailers are quite popular all over the country. In fact there are a couple here in town that look like they are from the 1960's and people are still living in them. They are the skinny 4 inch wall ones. These are cheaper than a trailer. At least as efficient ,or more efficient, than a trailer, for a lot less cost.

Snow would be an issue. I guess you could build a slanted pole roof covering over them just to keep the snow off the roof. Would be easy to do.

As for tornados and earthquakes ain't nobody surviving a direct hit from either one. I don't care how well your house is built. An F4-5 is going to scrape everything to the ground.

I am sure you could modify some hurricane clamps to the slab or blocks to help it be a bit more secure. Or just put in an underground tornado shelter and start over like everyone else after one of those events.

 

[Jeff Allen]

They are definitely better than a trailer. And trailers are quite popular all over the country. In fact there are a couple here in town that look like they are from the 1960's and people are still living in them. They are the skinny 4 inch wall ones. These are cheaper than a trailer. At least as efficient ,or more efficient, than a trailer, for a lot less cost.

Snow would be an issue. I guess you could build a slanted pole roof covering over them just to keep the snow off the roof. Would be easy to do.

As for tornados and earthquakes ain't nobody surviving a direct hit from either one. I don't care how well your house is built. An F4-5 is going to scrape everything to the ground.

I am sure you could modify some hurricane clamps to the slab or blocks to help it be a bit more secure. Or just put in an underground tornado shelter and start over like everyone else after one of those events.

ICF homes have withstood all manner of tornados (although the roof is likely to be ripped off and the windows blown out, the walls stand with all the siding ripped off in an F5), still "destroyed" but owners live.
Monolithic dome homes shrug off tornadoes without trouble, little if any damage and no risk to the occupants.
Your assertion that "ain't nobody surviving a direct hit" is categorically false with regard to the above. You are likely 100% correct with regards to the "boxable" homes mentioned in the OP.

J

 

[Sandcastle76]

They are definitely better than a trailer. And trailers are quite popular all over the country. In fact there are a couple here in town that look like they are from the 1960's and people are still living in them. They are the skinny 4 inch wall ones. These are cheaper than a trailer. At least as efficient ,or more efficient, than a trailer, for a lot less cost.

Snow would be an issue. I guess you could build a slanted pole roof covering over them just to keep the snow off the roof. Would be easy to do.

As for tornados and earthquakes ain't nobody surviving a direct hit from either one. I don't care how well your house is built. An F4-5 is going to scrape everything to the ground.

I am sure you could modify some hurricane clamps to the slab or blocks to help it be a bit more secure. Or just put in an underground tornado shelter and start over like everyone else after one of those events.

I didn’t factor in snow…it doesn’t snow here. I did look at the flat roof, and since we get a lot of wind/rain in the deep south, IF I bought one for myself, I would consider putting a peaked roof with an overhang to block the heat and create shade. However, since it would be in the fall when renting them out, I didn’t deem it necessary…if it should become a year round rental I would probably do that once they are paid off.

According to what I’m reading, the electrical is run as well as plumbing. Like I said earlier..I would like to change interior footprint to a bunk house type dwelling. The bathroom and a single sink in one counter, that houses a mini fridge is all the “kitchen” they would need. The outside central kitchen and dining area would be separate.

 

[Tundra Gypsy]

And, what happens when the winds come up and is relentless? Hopefully you can get them well anchored. Great idea for a second place to put visiting family who are staying for a while or kids returning to the nest.

 

[Sandcastle76]

I think it's fine if you want to buy one for your / your family's use as a cabin at the lake or other sort of vacation home. Be sure to check code / zoning, first (see below).

I wouldn't count on it for income from renting it to strangers. A lot of renters are hard on homes, and I image they'd quickly tear up the concrete composite in various ways, and I'm not sure how easily it can be repaired and whether repairs will last. Remember, drinking at night is generally a part of the hunting culture.

Next, there's the insurance aspect. Are you going to insure it? Will your agent insure it? If you're not going to insure it, can you afford the site clean-up if the renters or Mother Nature destroys the structures?

Lastly, research code / zoning laws for the area where the structure will be placed. The days where one could build a hunting shack in one's own woods with a little outhouse no longer exist in many places. Many counties, prodded by the EPA, have banned outhouses and septic tanks in some areas. You may be able to use a composting system, but they are still quite spendy.

Have that aspect fully researched and planned before buying/building any sort of structure, unless you're like a gnarly vet I know who put up a tiny house with an outhouse in the middle of his heavily forested, partial swamp land. The county may not like what he is doing, but no one is brave enough to go out and bother him about it, LOL!

Good info…but we’re talking unincorporated area, in the middle of BFE. Needless to say I would definitely do my homework. We currently have a single-wide mobile home that we use while “at camp”. It came w/ the land and we’ve upgraded it slowly on a budget. Won’t be giving tours to Southern Living magazine anytime soon…lol

 

[summerthyme]

@Sandcastle76 ...Very nice!

I'd actually love to be able to buy one of the OP buildings, but without the kitchen, etc... it would make a great "she-shed" for my business, herbs, crafts and sewing/quilting! If I could do that for under 5 grand, I'd order one tomorrow! I'd use a minisplit for climate control, and plan on breaking it down and taking it with us if our planned/hoped for move farther South takes place.

If it was possible, in our permanent location, I'd put in a full basement under it... food and prep storage, and tornado and fallout shelter.

Summerthyme

 

[TheGatherer]

We used something like that in the late 70's early 80's when I was in the Rep of Congo (Zaire then). The ones we had were about 8'x20' and folded down to about 18"... Unfolded it had two rooms 8'x10' with a door to pass through. I spent many days in different camps, but even with the 'AC' on high everything leather turned green in the rainy season... I lived there about 3 years...

 

[Sandcastle76]

And, what happens when the winds come up and is relentless? Hopefully you can get them well anchored. Great idea for a second place to put visiting family who are staying for a while or kids returning to the nest.

In truth I don’t know how the anchoring and set up is done..I’m hoping to find out more about that. If we do this, we wouldn’t finance it…probably couldn’t get insurance affordable enough to make it profitable…that being said, where this place is, it is not in hurricane territory but we do still have tornados. The saying in the south is that mobile homes are “tornado magnets”, but the one pictured has been around a good long while. Now, my luck would probably bring down lighting and wind as soon as we put it/them in and got our first rental …lol. We are prepared to take the loss should that happen…in the hopes of turning a quick profit. It would hurt, hurt a lot but… I’m not going to gamble w/ money I can’t afford to lose. I’m far from rich but the CBA is one we should re-cap all capital outlay within 2 seasons which covers a time period if 18 months. We already have a hook-up with an outfitter that guides hunts..they would have exclusive rights to book it/them out and be liable for a hunt failure due to weather and/or client damage, should we take that leap of faith.

 

[Sandcastle76]

@Sandcastle76 ...Very nice!

I'd actually love to be able to buy one of the OP buildings, but without the kitchen, etc... it would make a great "she-shed" for my business, herbs, crafts and sewing/quilting! If I could do that for under 5 grand, I'd order one tomorrow! I'd use a minisplit for climate control, and plan on breaking it down and taking it with us if our planned/hoped for move farther South takes place.

If it was possible, in our permanent location, I'd put in a full basement under it... food and prep storage, and tornado and fallout shelter.

Summerthyme

That sounds awesome !! Sounds like we’re on the same wave length…find an affordable, movable way to generate income…I’m getting too old to learn new tricks but I can embrace a new product and tweak it to utilize established income streams.

Men will always hunt and pay good money to do it. “Bling it up” w/ an outfitter and the amount will go up exponentially not to mention, in the best place to get a banded bird on the flyway south of Stutgardt.

 

[Sandcastle76]

“Foldable portable houses”… mumbles, counts on fingers… a tent?

Did that twice - first time and last time…lol. It rained, rained and rained some more…I’ve never been so miserable in my life and I’m not a “whiner”. I was the “boy” of the family since there were no real ones. I’m not the least bit “she-she”. Now that I’ve gone through “the change” I only have one demand….roof, no bugs and AC. (Oops that 3) A tent is a foldable portable piece of fabric. I do enjoy your comment, it is really funny…just not “do-able” at this stage of my existence YMMV.

 

[Barry Natchitoches]

Just came across this type of housing….they are for sale on Amazon and Tesla is also supposed to be making them. They are brought in on a flatbed trailer, like shipping containers are transported on. They are rolled off onto your prepared foundation. From what I can tell it could be on a slab or conventional - your choice. Would think it would be more affordable w/ a convention foundation and it would more easily allow you to relocate them at a later date.

They are less expensive than a travel trailer and look pretty cool…not many review on durability, stability, etc., but I see that changing fast. I was looking into them for setting up a “Glamping” campsite for hunting and fishing. Rent them out during hunting season, then close / fold them up during off season. Not sure how hard or doable that would be but it would keep the squatters out of them and prevent vandalism.

Prices start at approximately $12,000.00. At that price you can pay for one with your rental income from just one / two seasons. Just go to Amazon and put “foldable houses” in the search bar. Note for permanent housing they go up to approximately $50,000.

Y’all give it a look and tell me your opinions on the feasibility of this as a secondary income stream. All feedback is welcome - both negative and positive… I’m really in a weird feeling place / mood with all that is going on right now. Trying to think outside the box for a new source of revenue…using them only during hunting season would limit the time & amount of work I would need to do to rent, clean, etc. Besides my husband needs something else to do since he is semi-retired and I’m working full time mainly for health insurance.

Thanks in advance.

In this day and age - with squatters and delinquent renters being given more rights than landlords - I would be afraid to rent a place I owned nowadays.

 

[summerthyme]

In this day and age - with squatters and delinquent renters being given more rights than landlords - I would be afraid to rent a place I owned nowadays.

Ah, but what Sandcastle is proposing is a whole different deal... short term hunting camps. The only potential issue *could* be local vagrants getting wind of the existence of the camp, and trying to squat in it off-season. But periodic checks of the property, including making sure doors and windows are secure (game cameras connected to cellphone app means you wouldn't have to even go out physically) would prevent any lasting problems.

Summerthyme

 

[Toosh]

I like the idea! Just keep your eyes open to potential problems every step of the way. We don't know what we don't know. Observe, Decide, Act.

 

[Peachy]

I think the little houses would be durable enough.

The forest service has "concrete vault toilets" or concrete outhouses that are very nice and sturdy. The exterior resembles wood.