Got Power?

We now have power to the containers.  One step closer to living like a sardine.  The men from the power company showed up early, caught Tom off guard, he wasn't expecting them for another few weeks.  But no matter, things went smoothly, despite the fact that they broke their rock drill bit.  All in all it took about 2 hours for them to drill two holes for the poles, string the wires and set the guide wires.

Waterproofing and French Drains

Due to winds of 15 to 20 mph with gusts even higher, Tom has decided to do some waterproofing instead of finishing the roof.  We've also had to get ready for the power to be brought down to the containers, so Tom has waterproofed the back side with some foundation waterproofing compound, laid the french drain and began the berm process.  Our soil is clay based and very acidic at times, so Tom ordered the product most suited for our area from the local hardware store. If you are thinking about doing a similar project, I suggest going into the building supply or hardware store near you and speaking with them concerning the type of product you will need.  There are many different types of  products available, some clear spray on types and others are thicker and paint on like tar.  We chose a thicker product due to the acidity of the soil and Tom needed two coats before he was satisfied with the results.

Waterproofing the containers.

Waterproofing.

Tom applying the first coating.

French Drain

A French drain (also known as rubble, blind, rock or tile drain) is a trench covered with gravel or rock used to keep ground water away from an area. A pipe perforated on the bottom allows water to seep up into it which will then drain off in another area.

French Drain

As you can see, we are covering the pipe with a cheese cloth-like product which allows water in and keeps dirt and such out of the pipe preventing clogging. This is an important step if you elect to use a french drain.

The Roof, part 1

After a few false starts, the guys have managed to get things in order to start on the roof. The metal has been cut and they are starting to weld it into place so they can attach the roof. We've also had to purchase a new welder as the old one went belly up on us. After the welding is finished, Tom and Ronnie will start to attach the standard metal roof complete with trusses and insulation. We decided to go this route rather than a flat concrete roof due to the weight involved with the concrete when it is wet. More to come as we move along.

This is Ronnie welding the metal into place.

Tom bringing the trusses to the top of the containers.

Lifting the trusses onto the roof of the containers.

Trusses lined up.

Trusses being raised.

Leveling the trusses.

Almost finished!

Tom and Ronnie Video

Setting the Containers

We had a beautiful couple of days here in eastern Oklahoma and managed to get a few things done. We were supposed to get a dozer in, but at the last min we received a call saying they wouldn't be able to deliver the equipment, instead they sent us a mega-sized forklift, which Tom says turned out to be a blessing.  Tom and Ronnie got started moving the containers onto the concrete runners. They had to fine tune it a bit to get the containers lifted onto the concrete because there is a half foot drop to the ground. They decided to use old logs and planks.  Ronnie lifted the containers with the forklift while Tom pushed the logs under the container, which they then used to roll the containers into place in front of the footings. Then Ronnie began pushing the container back onto the runners with help from Tom and his tractor.

The Equipment....A mega Forklift

Push Me, Pull You...Ronnie is dragging the container while Tom helps by pushing the other end over the humps and bumps.

Lining up the containers so they can be lifted onto the footings, they placed a log under the container and then Ronnie rolled the container until it was lined up.

Success!

Lifting the containers, Tom placed planks under the container on each side and in the middle to keep it raised up and level with the footings.

With the container lifted onto the footings, Tom and Ronnie can now work it down to the end of the footings.

Putting a vapor barrier into place before the final shove to the end of the footing.

The first one in place, only two more to go.

It took Tom and Ronnie 4 hours to set the first container, 1 1/2 hours for the second and 45 minutes for the last.









Both Tom and Ronnie worked very hard to get the containers set into place in one day. It was dark by the time they finished. But they did a fine job. Next we move onto the welding part of the project.

The Road Home

We had two loads of gravel delivered.  This is the beginning of our new road to the containers from the entrance of our property.  We'll need to add a couple more loads of gravel after we have the containers in place.  The man from the power company came out and put up his flags for the poles to the containers. Tom will be working on moving the containers this coming weekend, so I should have another update soon. We are also in the process of prepping the containers. Tom has been sanding them down in the areas where they have been showing signs of rust. I've been helping him a bit by painting them with rust proof paint.

The Foundation...

Hi, it's been a few months since I've last posted.  Tom and I were on the road but we are now officially retired from the road! Woo Hoo!  We can start in earnest creating our container home.  We have been trying to get the foundation poured since Aug of last year.  First it was too hot, then too wet, then too cold, however, we've gotten a break in the weather, so we had the foundation poured today.  Next Tom will be working on removing the rust areas on the containers and then using a foundation and roof coating which will waterproof the tin cans.  Here are a few shots of the foundation being poured from earlier today.

The Septic is In! Hoorah!

     While Tom and I were out running around the country, my Teri and Ronnie were keeping the home fires going and taking care of business for us. They say you can pick your friends but not your family. However, every now and again one gets lucky, and you get a great family to go with your really nice friends. So I just want to say a big Thank You to both Teri and Ronnie for doing all that you do for us.   
     We have a rock shelf, so they had to dig through that to get low enough to set the tank in place.  Ronnie took some great pics of the process. According to Teri, it took them all day long, to dig the trench, lay the pipe and drop the tank in.  Next is laying the foundation, sanding the containers, painting them with rust resistant paint and sealing them to keep them waterproof.