A single mom builds a container home and uses DIY techniques to save on costs – and she managed to make it look so beautiful, despite not being an architect herself. Isn’t she awesome?
Single Mom Builds Beautiful Container Home
As a single mom, Kim Manzo wanted to build a budget-friendly yet durable home for herself and her son.
Because she has been working in the shipping industry for over 15 years, she has always dreamed of living in a shipping container house.
She’s done extensive research on container homes, but her dream would finally come true in 2020. Although the house construction suffered setbacks due to the Taal Volcano eruption in January 2020 and the lockdowns during the height of the pandemic, they were finally able to move in before the year ended.
Manzo shared that they moved in when the house was already “suitable for living,” even if it wasn’t actually complete yet.
Construction Budget and DIY Projects
This impressive mom shared that although she commissioned an architect to design her house, she didn’t hire a contractor. Instead, she hired a skilled mason, an electrician, and some helpers, then did many DIY projects herself.
She shared that her budget was set at Php1.2-1.5 million for the house project.
The basis for the house was the shipping container she bought for Php80,000, but spent an additional Php30,000 to ship and put into place at the actual house location.
“I really tried to stay within my budget. Unfortunately I had to downgrade some areas during construction but honestly, as long the home is functional and durable, I’m satisfied. There were also some projects that I did by myself to cut down the costs,” she told Cosmo PH.
“I DIY-ed all interior paintings of the walls up to the ceiling. I also painted the toilet and bath area, and DIY-ed my bedroom to make it pretty and comfy. I was the one who painted my son’s room too, to make it the way he wanted. In the future, I plan to upgrade when my budget permits!”
But seeing pictures of her DIY projects, it’s hard to tell that a novice did them! She’s awesome.
