Shipping Container Homes - Pros, Cons & Costs

Container homes are exactly what they sound like; homes made from the steel shipping containers that you see carrying goods everywhere on trains, trucks, and ships. From these giant Lego blocks, people are building homes of all shapes and sizes.

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Shipping containers are generally available in 10ft, 20ft, and 40ft. The smallest shipping container can provide about 100 square feet of floor space for a shipping container home. Eight larger containers together can make a two-story house at about square feet. Hundreds of container micro-apartments together can make a huge apartment building.

Table of Contents

1. Pros of Shipping Container Homes
2. Cons of Shipping Container Homes
3. Are Shipping Container Homes Safe?
4. What Is The Standard Size of a Shipping Container Home?
5. How Do You Insulate a Shipping Container Home?
6. Can You Add a Roof to a Shipping Container Home?
7. What States Allow Shipping Container Homes?
8. How Much Are Shipping Container Homes?
9. How Long Does A Shipping Container Home Last?
10. Do Shipping Container Homes Rust?
11. Do Shipping Container Homes Hold Value?

Why are shipping containers being used to make homes, studios, cabins, and offices? Well, with about 14 million ‘out-of-service’ containers in the world, there are lots of them available. And playing with giant blocks has a definite appeal!

Besides trendiness, interest in container homes is also part of a wider interest in saving money with prefabricated and modular homes. Many potential homeowners are looking for lower construction and maintenance costs. There is also a perception that container homes are contributing to recycling.

Could a container home be a good choice for you? Here are some pros and cons to consider.

Pros of Shipping Container Homes

Prefab Shipping Container Homes

Many shipping container homes are available as prefabricated modular homes, making construction time shorter. Some companies advertise delivery within 10 weeks! Most of the building code inspections are done at the factory, which makes things simpler and quicker. Or if you are designing a custom home or building a do-it-yourself project, the container gives you a fun prebuilt structure to work with.

Ease of Transport and Finding a Site

A worldwide system exists for moving containers around. Once they reach your site, they are relatively simple to set in place on a prepared foundation.

Shipping Container Homes Have Predictable Costs

Most of the work is completed on a factory floor for a fixed price. Delivery to the site, site preparation, foundation, assembly and utility connections are the only variable costs. That said, container homes are not always less expensive. Estimates vary, and some put the savings at 5-10%, depending on what you’re comparing against.

Recycled Shipping Container Homes

The environmental appeal of a container home is the idea that you are re-using a leftover product of the shipping industry to make a home. This can be a good thing, but as we will see, it’s not always true or the best thing.

Some of the advantages, like short construction time and predictable pricing, are the same for all prefabricated and modular homes, not just those made with shipping containers. But container homes benefit uniquely from the worldwide infrastructure built to move shipping containers. Even container home skeptics admit they can be useful where local building expertise is lacking or for emergency shelters that can be moved easily. In these scenarios, the versatility of container transport is a huge advantage.

Container homes are often marketed as being environmentally friendly because they are said to be made from used containers, thus conserving metal resources. There are lots of old shipping containers out there, no longer in circulation, and repurposing them into homes has a strong appeal. But is a container home really the best use of a container, from a sustainability perspective? Many would disagree.

Cons of Shipping Container Homes

Shipping Container Homes Are Not Always Effective Recycling

Most factory-built container homes are built from ‘one-use’ containers that have only had a single trip. These containers tend to be in good shape, without dents or rust, so they are nice for building with, instead of containers that have gone ‘out-of-service’ and may be damaged from years of use. Taking a box with lots of shipping life out of service after a single use isn’t effective recycling. And there is way more steel in a container than you need to build a house - if recycled as steel, it could make enough steel studs for 14 framed houses the same size.

Shipping Container Homes Could Have Structural Issues

A shipping container is very strong at the corners, but the roof is not that strong, so typically you need to build another roof over it, especially where there will be snow. Also, the corrugated steel walls are essential to the strength of the structure. This means anywhere you cut out a large window, or door opening requires new reinforcement. And when they are stacked together to make larger homes, welded (expensive) reinforcement is needed wherever two containers join at a spot that is not a corner. Any later renovations require significant engineering and welding.

What States Allow Shipping Container Homes?

Suburban and rural areas tend to be more open to shipping container homes; however, some states are visibly more open to alternative living. Texas, California, Tennessee, Louisiana, Missouri, Oregon, and Alaska are among the more progressive states that have, to some level, opened their doors to shipping container homes. Texas already plays host to many container homes. Even though California is known for its red tape, it has been open to container homes and hybrid container homes. Louisana and Tennessee experience some of the most lenient and forward-thinking zoning regulations in the United States. As alternative living options continue to grow, it's only a matter of time before more states in the country begin to allow shipping container homes in designated areas.

In recent years, foldable container houses have become a rising star in the world of prefabricated structures. Their unique blend of portability, durability, and affordability makes them an intriguing option for a diverse range of uses. However, understanding how these key attributes differ can be crucial in making informed decisions about their application.

Understanding Product Types in Foldable Container Houses

Foldable container houses come in a variety of designs and functionalities, catering to different needs and environments. Generally, they can be categorized into three main types: basic foldable units, luxury foldable homes, and customizable foldable units.

Basic foldable units are often the most affordable and are ideal for temporary applications such as disaster relief or construction site offices. They are lightweight and easy to transport, though often with fewer amenities than their more luxurious counterparts.

Luxury foldable homes, on the other hand, are designed with comfort and aesthetics in mind. These homes frequently come with advanced insulation, modern interior designs, and additional features that make them suitable for permanent living. They offer enhanced durability and can withstand various environmental challenges effectively.

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Customizable foldable units allow users to tailor the design and features to their specific needs. This flexibility can be beneficial for businesses or individuals who require a space tailored to specific requirements, such as an office with custom shelving or a clinic with dedicated examination rooms.

Comparison of Different Types: Which One Stands Out?

When comparing these different types, one must consider what aspect is the priority: portability, durability, or affordability. For example, while basic foldable units are the most affordable, luxury foldable homes provide more in terms of comfort and lifestyle. Meanwhile, customizable units offer flexibility but can vary widely in cost depending on the customizations.

For instance, a company working on a remote project might prefer basic foldable units due to their ease of setup and portability. Conversely, a family looking for an affordable permanent dwelling might lean toward luxury foldable homes, valuing the added durability and comfort over lower costs.

The Price Spectrum of Foldable Container Homes

The market for foldable container houses presents a diverse range of pricing options, catering to various budgets and investment levels. At the entry-level, basic units offer a cost-effective housing solution, with prices starting at just a few thousand dollars. These units are particularly affordable when purchased in larger quantities, taking advantage of bulk pricing from reputable manufacturers. This affordability makes them an attractive option for those looking to invest in housing with a limited budget.

On the other end of the spectrum are the luxury models, which boast a higher price point. These premium units can cost tens of thousands of dollars, but this increase in cost brings with it a suite of upscale features and superior build quality. The higher investment for these luxury foldable container houses is often warranted by their enhanced durability and the level of comfort they afford to the occupants.

For buyers with specific requirements, customizable units are available, though they necessitate a more strategic approach to budgeting. The price for these tailored units can escalate quickly, depending on the complexity of the desired features and the quality of materials selected. Despite the potential for higher costs, the ability to customize offers a significant advantage, delivering a personalized space that can meet the exact needs of professional applications or individual preferences. This level of customization ensures that each foldable container house can be adapted to serve its intended purpose flawlessly, whether it's for residential, commercial, or emergency use.

Versatile Uses of Foldable Container Houses

The versatility of foldable container houses makes them applicable in numerous settings. They are often deployed in disaster-stricken areas for emergency housing, thanks to their swift assembly and sturdy structure.

In urban settings, they can serve as pop-up retail spaces, cafes, or even art galleries, offering a unique aesthetic and functional advantages without the need for permanent construction.

Businesses might find them beneficial as temporary office spaces during renovations, while eco-friendly resorts use them as guest accommodations nestled in nature, minimizing construction impact on the environment.

Selecting Your Ideal Foldable Container Home

When it comes to selecting the perfect foldable container house, a careful evaluation of your needs and constraints is essential. Begin by considering the primary purpose of the container house. Whether it's for a temporary shelter during a construction project, a permanent residence for minimalist living, or a flexible solution for your business, the intended use will heavily influence the type of container house you choose.

Next, take into account the location where the container house will be placed. Different environments, particularly those with harsh weather conditions, may necessitate a more robust construction with enhanced durability to withstand the elements. This consideration ensures the longevity of your investment.

Budgetary considerations are also key in the selection process. Establish a clear understanding of your financial limits and investigate potential financing options that may be available to you. This financial planning will help you narrow down your choices to what's realistically affordable.

Another important factor is prioritizing the features that matter most to you. Whether it's the size of the unit, the level of insulation for energy efficiency, or specific interior amenities for comfort and convenience, knowing which features are essential will guide your search for the right container house.

Finally, if your situation demands a highly tailored solution, look into customizable units. These allow you to adapt the layout and design of the container house to meet your precise needs, whether for personal use or specialized professional applications. By taking these steps, you can confidently choose a foldable container house that aligns with your requirements, ensuring satisfaction with your portable, durable, and cost-effective living or working space.

Conclusion

Foldable container houses offer a fascinating blend of practicality and innovation in prefabricated buildings. By understanding the distinctions between portability, durability, and affordability, you can better navigate the options available and choose a solution that meets your needs and budget.

FAQs

Q: Are foldable container houses safe?
A: Yes, when built by reputable manufacturers, they are designed to meet safety standards for wind and load-bearing requirements.

Q: Can I customize the interior of a foldable container house?
A: Many manufacturers offer options for interior customization, from partitioning to installing specific amenities.

Q: How long do foldable container houses last?
A: With proper maintenance, they can last several decades, similar to traditional homes.

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