video transcript

If building your dream home seems impossible, take a cue from Michele Bertomen and David Boyle. When construction on their house became too pricey, the couple got creative. SOUNDBITE: Michelle Bertomen saying (English): "We had a very nice little, conventional masonry building designed and it came in at three times what we thought 'cause we sent it out to bid. And then one night, we were having more than a bit of wine and David said..." SOUNDBITE: David Boyle saying (English): "How about shipping containers?" Bertomen ran the numbers and it made sense. Shipping containers can be purchased for under $2,000 (USD), depending on their age and condition. SOUNDBITE: David Boyle saying (English): "There was a moment of euphoria." After hitting a few snags with permits and financing, Boyle and Bertomen started building in 2009. They used supertherm paint to help insulate the home and installed concrete radiant floors to aidn in heating. Three years and six containers later, they moved into their brand new home. SOUNDBITE: Michelle Bertomen saying (English): "Everybody recognizes these things and it kind of looks like a home, you know, and people respond to the notion of shelter and 'I can do it.'"