Plumber Ron Hartshorne has teamed up with carpenter Jesse O’Connor to build units out of shipping containers. Picture: Alan Barber
A pair of Geelong tradies is cashing in on demand for affordable housing options by building custom self-contained apartments out of shipping containers. Folding Container House
Business is flourishing for plumber Ron Hartshorne and carpenter Jesse O’Connor as orders flow in from customers looking to beat steep house prices.
Changes to Victorian planning provisions introduced late last year means a planning permit is no longer required to install a granny flat up to 60 square metres in most back yards.
RELATED: Where you can still buy a Geelong home for under $400k
Magical Otways patch perfect for chasing waterfalls
Rooftop deck with sea views at luxury Torquay home
Mr Hartshorne said he and Mr O’Connor saw a gap in the market when they decided to launch their company, Geelong Tiny Homes (GTH) Living, 12 months ago.
He said their first studio-style home triggered a wave of inquiry, which has since led to more orders.
While that small dwelling had a steel frame, the business is now building with shipping containers that can be converted into a unit in as little as a month.
Jennifer Owen looks after the interior design on the shipping container granny flats. Picture: Alan Barber
Plumber Ron Hartshorne has teamed up with carpenter Jesse O’Connor to build granny flats/small apartments out of shipping containers. Picture: Alan Barber
The bathroom has floor to ceiling tiles. Picture: Alan Barber
“We look at granny flats and they’re getting expensive, they are like $150,000 or even more,” Mr Hartshorne said.
“We can do these for, it depends what people want obviously, but if they want standard stuff we can probably do one for about $70,000.
“We have got one on site at the moment that’s like a luxury apartment – it has got all the flash stuff so that is probably nearly $100,000.”
The shipping container homes come with either one or two bedrooms, a living area, kitchen and bathroom/laundry.
It can be self-contained with a composting or macerating toilet or connected to existing plumbing systems on site.
The display suite has sliding doors onto a deck. Picture: Alan Barber
The units come with either one or two bedrooms. Picture: Alan Barber
Mr Hartshorne said the customisable small homes were a great solution for those seeking to accommodate older children priced out of the rental or housing markets or elderly parents.
“I’m doing one for someone and it’s for his son out the back, just to keep him around home,” he said.
“We have got another lady who wants one for an art gallery. We’re also thinking of doing one with a sauna in it as well, like a health retreat.”
The Victorian Government’s decision to cut red tape around granny flats as part of its Housing Statement is aimed boosting housing supply across the state.
Building permits are still required to ensure the dwellings meets siting and safety requirements, while planning permits still needed in areas with potential bushfire or flooding hazards.
Disclaimer: The information published in this section is of a general nature only and does not consider your personal objectives, financial situation or particular needs. Where indicated, third parties have written and supplied the content and we are not responsible for it. We make no warranty as to the accuracy, completeness or reliability of the information, nor do we accept any liability or responsibility arising in any way from omissions or errors contained in the content. We do not recommend sponsored lenders or loan products and we cannot introduce you to sponsored lenders. We strongly recommend that you obtain independent advice before you act on the content.
Personalised advertising: We show you more relevant advertising based on your activity. Prefer us not to? Opt Out of personalisation
Modern Container House realestate.com.au is owned and operated by ASX-listed REA Group Ltd (REA:ASX) © REA Group Ltd.