A couple builds an amazing container home for a mortgage-free life

Waking up without debts and mortgages is one of the most beautiful feelings in the world.

Living in one’s dream home comes at a cost, and most homeowners in this country spend almost a quarter of their lives paying for it.

The high amounts of monthly payments and interest for a livable home have prompted others to find more creative solutions.

This is exactly what Jaimie and Dave, a couple from Cowlitz County, did.

Dave is not a fan of mortgages. Moreover, he is a skilled blacksmith.

„…we thought, how hard can it be to assemble some containers? It’s like playing with Lego, right?“ joked Jaimie.

Every aspect of the container home is self-built, from the plumbing, electrical wiring, house foundations, to welding work and everything related to construction – all the result of Jaimie and Dave’s labor.

Despite the unconventional design and unique layout, the couple’s home has all the necessary permits.

They even gained full support from the county.

Their house was approved, and they were able to complete everything in record time.

What inspired Jaimie and Dave to live differently is the desire to break free from the routine.

It seemed like everyone was busy with the daily grind, paying one bill after another.

Before deciding to build their container home, the couple lived in an apartment in Kalama, Washington, after renovating a house in Vancouver.

But the journey to their mortgage-free home was not as cheap as some might think.

Jaimie and Dave calculated the total cost for building and designing their home, including the costs for connecting to water, sewage, and electricity.

Since a traditional mortgage for their dream home was not an option, the two worked on the project for ten months, from Monday to Thursday and during weekends.

Before entering the couple’s home, visitors are welcomed by a large and beautiful garden.

The entire property is filled with plants, giving the impression of being in a garden of Eden.

The lush greenery, trees, rocks, and earth are a refreshing sight in the midst of the city’s hustle.

Upon entering the house, framed photos of the couple’s children and numerous succulent plants that Dave collects with great love catch the eye.

The living room exudes a modern atmosphere.

Jaimie opted for a regular sofa, unlike custom sofas with built-in storage space.

The two fit comfortably on the couch, which proved to be a cozy retreat during fall and winter when they huddle near the fireplace.

For a small-sized home, Jaimie and Dave’s kitchen is larger than one might expect.

Luxurious granite countertops serve as a dining area for six people.

The kitchen, similar in size to a traditional one, is equipped with full appliances like a dishwasher, stove, a large refrigerator, and numerous cabinets.

The bathroom is separated by a door. And like the kitchen, it looks almost like a regular bathroom one would find in any suburban home.

Jaimie and Dave wanted a laundry area where they could move around while getting dressed.

Right behind the bathroom is another storage space, which served as a closet and pantry.

Previously, this was their son’s bedroom, but now that he has grown up, he moved into the shop.

To reach the second floor, where the bedroom is located, you need to climb a spiral staircase.

Jaimie and Dave’s bedroom is quite simple. It has a queen-size bed with three windows.

The couple’s bedroom offers a beautiful view of the woods.

They even placed bird feeders near the windows to attract additional chirping friends.

Although their mortgage-free home is so beautiful, the couple spends most of their time outdoors, taking care of plants and getting to know nature better.

Now that the house is completed, Dave is planning to build a suspension bridge connecting the two decks.

Also, he is determined to build a landing platform and a zip line that traverses the property.

But before their dream home became a reality, the couple had to overcome obstacles.

In the middle of construction, Dave suffered a spontaneous brain hemorrhage.

„I came home right away, and when I got there, he was halfway up the driveway… I could tell from his face that he had had a stroke or seizure or something,“ Jaimie recounted.

Dave waited for his wife to arrive before he could sleep.

As it turned out, the doctor told the couple that Dave would not have survived the hemorrhage if he had slept.

Dave had to attend many therapy sessions before he could return to contributing to his project.

The two have overcome significant challenges to realize their dream.

„I think we learned that we can do really hard things, but if we do them together, we will definitely make it,“ Jaimie said with a wide smile.

You can see a complete tour of their home in the video here.

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