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  Geebo 8:00 am on August 5, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: Scams ( 1,322 ), shipping containers ( 2 ), tiny home   

  Shipping container craze brings scams 

  

  By Greg Collier

  In recent years, shipping containers have become a popular choice in the tiny house movement due to their affordability, durability, and eco-friendly nature. These pre-fabricated steel structures offer a sturdy and weather-resistant shell, ideal for transforming into compact living spaces. Many people are drawn to shipping containers because they repurpose existing materials, reducing the need for new construction resources and contributing to sustainable living practices. Their uniform size and shape allow for creative architectural designs and flexible housing solutions in both urban and rural settings.

  Using shipping containers for tiny homes also presents several drawbacks. One significant concern is insulation; the steel walls of a container can make it challenging to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature without proper insulation, which can add to construction costs. Modifying a shipping container to include necessary amenities, such as plumbing and electricity, can be complex and may require professional assistance. Furthermore, not all areas have zoning regulations that accommodate container homes, potentially complicating the permitting process. However, if someone is still interested in converting a shipping container into a home, there is another potential pitfall to watch out for, scammers.

  As the demand for shipping containers increases, so do scams involving their sale and lease. The Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) in Colorado recently issued a warning about a scam where individuals falsely pose as businesses that lease or sell shipping containers. These scammers create fake listings and websites, often using photos of containers that don’t exist. They ask for payment upfront, promising delivery that never happens, leaving victims thousands of dollars out of pocket.

  The PCSO advises the community to be cautious and conduct thorough research before engaging with any company offering shipping containers. This includes searching for information on rating sites like the Better Business Bureau and studying the company’s website carefully. If a physical address is provided, it’s wise to verify it using Google Maps to ensure it is not an empty lot or residential address. Checking customer reviews on third-party sites can also help identify potential scams or dishonest business practices.

  Additionally, it’s crucial to be skeptical of extremely low prices and non-traditional payment methods. Scammers often employ aggressive sales tactics, creating urgency to prevent potential buyers from thinking through their decisions. If the seller refuses to allow you to see the product in person or insists on upfront payment, it’s likely a scam. By taking these precautions, you can protect yourself from falling victim to shipping container scams while exploring their innovative potential in the tiny house movement.

   

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  Geebo 9:00 am on December 14, 2021 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: real estate ( 126 ), Scams ( 1,322 ), south carolina ( 5 ), tiny home   

  Scammers are selling tiny homes 

  

  By Greg Collier

  For the past few years, there’s been a trend on social media of people building or buying tiny homes. Most of the people who do so cite financial reasons for why they became enamored with tiny home living. While tiny home living isn’t for everyone, it can’t be denied that rising housing costs have created this relatively new market. But just because you may be thinking about taking the leap into a tiny home lifestyle, that doesn’t mean you should take the decision lightly.

  In South Carolina, The Manufactured Housing Institute of South Carolina is warning residents of the Palmetto State about scammers who are claiming to sell tiny homes. According to the MHISC, scammers are trying to pass off modified storage sheds as tiny homes. The scammers are said to be selling these structures from the roadside. These structures are said to have the barest of amenities added to them and are still considered illegal structures by the state if they were to be used as a home. They are said to lack proper ventilation and other safety standards required in most homes.

  In many ways, moving into a tiny home is more work than buying a ‘standard’ size home. If you’re thinking about taking the plunge into a tiny home, there is a ton of research that needs to be done before you even start building. We think it’s pretty obvious to say that you shouldn’t buy a home from a side of the road vendor with a spray-painted and misspelled sign. Unless you stop at a vegetable stand, there’s not a lot you should be buying off the side of the road. Most importantly, you need to check your state and local regulations regarding tiny homes. Some jurisdictions have banned them outright. You also have to worry about financing, as most traditional housing lenders won’t give loans for tiny homes. Then you have to worry about your new home being up to code as well.