With the rise of modular construction and sustainable design,the Container Home is fast becoming the“new living”option across the globe.But before making the decision to invest or build,it's important to understand the core issues surrounding this form of housing.In this article,we will sort out the five most commonly overlooked issues to help you make a more rational judgment before making your decision.
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1.Is the container structure really suitable for living?
The original shipping containers themselves were not designed for human habitation and,if not properly remodeled,perform poorly for habitation and need to be insulated,ventilated and legally treated.Choose a new or treated pristine box with sound internal remodeling,including insulation,screen insulation,and window and door remodeling.
Core of the problem:Freight containers were originally used for the transportation of goods,and their size,materials and ventilation were not designed for human habitation.
The standard container size is 20 feet(6×2.4m)or 40 feet(12×2.4m),and the net height is usually less than 2.6 meters,making the space confined.
The metal material is easy to absorb or dissipate heat quickly,and the untreated condition is stuffy in summer and cold in winter.
After long-term transportation and use of the container there may be chemical residues,such as pesticides,preservatives or motor oil,etc.,which need to be professionally cleaned or lined to isolate.
✅Suggestion:If you intend to live in the container for a long time,you must carry out thermal insulation renovation(such as polyurethane spraying),add ventilation system,and make sure that you purchase“non-polluting”used containers or brand new boxes.
2.Container housing law and building codes are allowed?
Container house must comply with local building codes,some areas refuse to carry out legal applications or can not handle real estate certification.Some cities or economic development zones have sampling,forced transformation or prohibition of container houses.Non-civilian buildings are not allowed to be listed,access to water and electricity systems.
The core of the problem:Containers converted into housing are not allowed in all areas,especially in urban residential areas or rural areas with strict planning.
In the United States,Canada,Australia and other countries,some states or cities have included containerized housing in their building regulatory systems,subject to building codes(e.g.,insulation,fire protection,structural safety).
In some areas,they are considered“temporary structures”or“portable buildings”and may not be allowed to connect to permanent utility networks or apply for property rights.
✅Suggestion:Before construction,be sure to consult the local construction bureau to understand the legality of the place on the container housing,the approval process and related restrictions,to avoid the investment is forced to dismantle or can not be accepted.
3.Is the cost of containerized housing really lower than traditional housing?
Container unit cost save save save,but the complete become accommodation system after the cost is not low,very easy to violate the difference.The price of pure container is$2,000~$6,000/pc,but after utilities,insulation and interior decoration,the total cost should be$700~$1,200/sqm.More than 2 floors need to solve the structural reinforcement problem.
Core of the problem:Although the price of individual containers is low,the overall construction cost may be underestimated.
Used containers cost around$1,800~$3,000 each,while new containers are around$4,000~$6,000.
However,when converted into a habitable house,additional lining,insulation,windows and doors,water and electricity systems,anti-corrosion treatment,etc.are required,and the cost per square meter often reaches$700~$1,200.
If multiple containers are involved in the splicing,and the design of more than two floors,professional structural reinforcement will be required,which will further inflate the cost.
✅Suggestion:Container house can be used as“temporary residence”,“small vacation home”or“studio”;if used for permanent residence,please prepare sufficient budget and hire experienced designers and builders.For permanent residence,please prepare sufficient budget and hire experienced designers and builders.
4.How can the comfort and quality of life of containerized housing be guaranteed?
Unremodeled containers hide problems such as poor ventilation,poor sound insulation,and temperature defiance,requiring a high level of design and construction.It must be retrofitted with heat insulation system,adopt sound insulation elements and form practically quiet dormitory through clear partition and coordinated color block.
Core of the problem:Most container houses are prone to problems such as poor ventilation,poor sound insulation and uneven temperatures,which affect the living experience.
Metal walls cause the indoor temperature to be 5~10℃higher than the outside in summer,and if no insulation is done,the living experience is extremely poor.
The metal structure transmits sound strongly,and if it is close to the road or construction site,the noise pollution problem is serious.
Single-space design lacks a“sense of hierarchy”and privacy,which is easy to cause long-term living depression.
✅Suggestion:The key to improve comfort lies in:reasonable window opening+mechanical ventilation system,soft package inner wall+sound insulation material,flexible partition and module combination,and if necessary,introduce floor heating and solar energy equipment.
5.Container housing resale and value retention capacity is weak?
Container housing due to the inability to apply for real estate certificates or to comply with the proposed regulations,in the sale of market abstract become“non-standard products”,it is difficult to carry out loans or large transactions.As a self-use or free relief place,the assembled house is a good choice for consumption;as an investment product,you need to ensure its legality and proof of residence,in order to prevent the later responsible.
The core of the problem:Containerized houses have weaker asset attributes in the market than brick or timber-framed homes.
Most containers are categorized as“non-permanent buildings”or“portable structures”and cannot be mortgaged or loaned out in the same way as traditional homes.
Container homes that lack stable property rights or certificates of compliance have very low resale value,and no one will even take them over.
Failure to obtain formal approvals will make it difficult to convert to commercial or rental use later on,thus lengthening the return cycle.
✅Suggestion:If you intend to hold it for a long time and use it for yourself,container house is a good personalized choice.However,if you consider it as an investment asset,please ensure that you can obtain legal use certificates and infrastructure approvals,and consider its value retention and liquidity.
Summary
Containerized housing,as a modern and modular building form,has been rapidly emerging in the global wave of“asset-light”and“environmentally friendly construction”,and it does have the advantages of being fast,flexible,and aesthetically pleasing.However,it is also accompanied by multi-dimensional challenges such as structural adaptation,legal compliance,comfort and cost control.
If you are:
a personalized housing enthusiast,you can try to customize a set of small container house with strong design and easy to relocate;
Tuolu Product Page
Featured content:The Versatility and Practicality of Sandwich Panelsa commercial developer or camp host,you can use it as a pilot for camping lodging,point of sale,office area,and other functional places;
you want to invest in building assets,it is recommended that you give priority to the standard building projects with clear property rights,loanable,and easy to resell.
Shipping container home designs and inspiration
There are several different designs that can be used to create a shipping container home. Here are some of the most popular options to consider:
Single container
The single container is one of the most popular designs because it’s easy to get your hands on and easy to work with just the single container. It’s a single-story rectangular home, and its interior is reminiscent of a shotgun house, where one room leads to the next.
The benefit of a single container home is that it is simple to make and very straightforward in design. However, it will give you less space and is less visually interesting than some of the other options that use multiple containers in different ways.
Stacked
A stacked container layout adds a second story. The interior layout retains that long layout of the single container home, just with double the space!
The increased space is obviously a benefit of the stacked containers. You will just need to take extra measures to ensure that everything is done safely and securely and you won’t have any issues with the taller structure. You’ll also need to do some form of staircase, either inside or outside the containers to utilize them both.
Side-by-side
Two or more containers sitting snugly together add more space and more interior separation.
This might be easier to do than stacking containers and still gives you double the space. It will, however, take up more ground space. This may or may not be an issue, depending on your building area, but it could be easier to create an entry between them than the stacked format that requires stairs.
Crisscross stack
For more of a visually interesting design, two or more units are placed perpendicularly on top of each other. The interior layout is more unique with this design.
This gives you the bonus of the extra square footage with a more interesting exterior look.
Sculptural
Shipping containers can also be positioned at unique angles and in artistic clusters to create a sort of sculptural home. This is the most artistic and visually interesting layout, but you may need to spend extra time designing how the inside will be cohesive with this setup.
Cabin
If you like the idea of a shipping container home but not the visual look of it, consider wrapping it in wood boards or stacked logs to give it more of a cabin aesthetic. You’ll get the solid basic frame from the container, but then can make it look however you want.
How much do shipping container houses cost?
Here are some of the most common costs of a shipping container house, though keep in mind the cost will depend on such factors as the size, age, condition and location of the container and any features you add onto the home.
Type of shipping container home
Average cost
Single (no plumbing)
$10,000-$20,000
Single (with plumbing)
$15,000-$25,000
2-3 containers
$25,000-$130,000
3-4 containers
$130,000-$180,000
For DIYers
At its most basic level, building a shipping container home on your own is one of the cheapest ways to build a house. Expect to pay about $2,300 – $8,300 for a single container, according to Angi. This cost fluctuates depending on several factors, such as the size and quality of the container and supply and demand. If you want a high cube container, which adds a foot of height, expect to pay more. If you live near a port, your costs might skew lower.
While the prices are lower for DIYers, it’s essential to remember that the container itself is just one expense. You’ll have other costs associated with making your container into a livable home.
Along with the factors stated above, here are some others affecting the cost of a shipping container home:
- Land: The cost to buy land to put your shipping container home will vary widely depending on your location and local market.
- Size: The size of the living space impacts overall cost as far as how many containers you will need as well as the amount of materials that will be required to finish that amount of space.
- Customization: The finishes and elements that you choose to decorate and finish your home will greatly affect the final total price.
Shipping container home FAQs
Here are some common frequently asked questions about shipping container homes:
How long do shipping container homes last?
Shipping containers are extremely durable and should last 25 years or more if cared for properly.
Do storage container homes hold value?
It’s too early in the trend to be able to tell for sure, but signs point to them becoming a staple in home choices. Their affordability and eco-friendliness make them an attractive, achievable option for many.
How long does it take to build a shipping container home?
Shipping containers can be turned into homes in as little as a month, depending on the amount of work you choose to do and the size of the space.
What’s the standard size of a shipping container home?
The two general sizes of shipping containers are 160 or 320 square feet. A 160-square-foot shipping container is 20 by 8 feet, and a 320-square-foot container is 40 by 8 feet. Both are 8.5 feet tall, and high cube containers are 9.5 feet tall.
Can I get a mortgage for a shipping container home?
It depends. Many lenders won’t offer mortgages unless the home is on a permanent foundation. Keep in mind that you may encounter appraisal problems, since these homes are rather unique and without comparables. You may have to take out a personal loan to finance your place.
If you want to learn more, please visit our website Modern Prefab Container Homes.
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