Frequently Asked Questions

Container homes are houses made from shipping containers, often repurposed into livable spaces.

Yes, shipping containers are built to withstand harsh conditions, making them sturdy and long-lasting.

You need to check with the wastewater board to see if you have capacity for a toilet, two sinks and a shower.

Most places require permits, so check local building codes and regulations.

Yes, these are just construction methods. They can

be  used  as  ADUs,  provided  they  comply  with the provisions   related   to   ADUs   and   all   applicablebuilding codes. 

1. ADU is an accessory or second dwelling unit that parking    The  ADU  regulations   allow  includes its own kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom occupancy  of  the  ADU  by  non-family  members,  facilities, and is attached or detached from the  require  only  one  off-street  parking  space,  and  limit  primary dwelling unit on the zoning lot. ADUs are the size of the ADU.

intended to be “accessory” to the main house, and

are typically much smaller.

An ADU can be built on any lot zoned Residential

(R-3.5,  R-5,  R-7.5,  R-10,  and  R-20)  or  Country District with a lot area of 3,500 square feet (SF) or more provided that there is adequate infrastructure and subject to meeting all other Land Use Ordinance provisions for  the  zoning  lot  and  there  are  no restrictive covenants.

An ADU can be  a  maximum  of  400  SF  for  lots ranging between 3,500 SF and 4,999 SF,   and 800

The governor just recently signed a law which allows up to two ADUs per property. Individual cities and Countys still need to list all the specifications for Having two ADUs to be placed on the property.

Anyone can reside in ADUs where Ohana dwelling units are reserved for family members only.

Yes, either the ADU or primary dwelling unit must be occupied by the property owner(s), or persons who related by  blood,  marriage,  or  adoption  to  the property  owner(s),   or   designated   authorized  representative(s),  except  in  unforeseen  hardship   circumstances  (i.e.,  active  military  deployment, 

Yes an ADU unit cannot be rented for less than 6 months.

One parking space is required on the lot per ADU, in addition to the required parking for the primary two-dwelling unit. Tandem parking and compact stalls are permitted. However, ADUs within one-half mile of a rail transit station do not require parking. 

The DPP has developed an ADU brochure to help guide homeowners and contractors  through  the permitting process. All ADU applications submitted will be treated as a ‘One Time Review’ (OTR) process, unless the applicants opt-out. The OTR process is meant to reduce the building permit processing time.

20 ft high cube 9 ft 6 in: The cost is around $39,999.00 to the port.
40 ft high cube 9 ft 6 in: The cost is around $69,999.00 to the port.

You’re required to pay for the tariffs once it clears customs. In December, the tariff fees were approximately $6000. As of March third, the tariff fees are currently $20,000. Tariff fees are fluctuating. Therefore, they may come back down or possibly go higher. Although it looks like the current administration realizes that raising tariffs is causing major economic problems, hopefully, the tariffs will come down.

You hire and pay for a trucking or towing company to transport the container on a flatbed truck or trailer from the shipping port to your location.

List of possible companies providing transport service below with links:
DHX-Dependable Hawaiian Express 1(808) 841-7311 Web Link
Young Brothers, LLC 1(808) 543-9311 Web Link

Yes, they require extremely minimal setup:

• Place the structure on wheels or blocks.
• Lower the wall/floor, then slide out the walls and roof as one piece.
• Install seals on the sides to secure the main container structure.
• Connect water and sewer.
• Hook up power (unless you’re using the solar power package with batteries).
• Move in and unpack your belongings.

The production and shipping time typically ranges from 30 to 60 days, depending on the current order backlog. This timeline begins after a 50% deposit is made and the contract is signed.

Yes, modifications are possible. However, please note that there may be additional time and costs involved, as well as the need for approval from the City & County of Honolulu’s building permit office. The extent of the time and cost depends on the scope of the changes. If the structure is placed on a foundation, you will also need to coordinate with the building department.

The container home comes with a one-year warranty on all components within the container, starting from the delivery date. Additionally, there is a three-year warranty on the physical structure, including welds and the roof, starting from the delivery date. We also offer an additional two-year home warranty, extending the total coverage to five years from the delivery date.