by Home Nation • Published Dec 7th, 2023
Shipping container homes are becoming an increasingly popular alternative to traditional home
designs. The shipping container home industry has grown rapidly over the last few years and is
expected to continue to grow into the future.
With so many people out there clamoring for this unique home type, many are left wondering
what the fuss is all about. They want to know more about these homes to learn if they are a
good option for them.
If you’re one of these people, keep reading. This article will break down what you need to know
about shipping container homes.
Positives of Shipping Container Homes
There are a lot of benefits that shipping container homes provide. This is why they have become
such a popular choice lately.
Related: What Are the Advantages of Buying a Mobile Home Over a Regular Home?
Pre-Made Options
Most shipping container homes have pre-set designs and specifications. This allows you to look
through a catalog of home options and choose the one you like best.
While this may sound limiting, there is actually an incredible range of options out there. You
will be able to find a home that suits all of your needs because one of these options provides it.
Can Go Almost Anywhere
Shipping container homes are great because they can fit just about anywhere. Since they are
wrapped up in a nice, neat package, they just need enough land to set down on, and they are
good to go. So, to buy one, you just need to find land.
This makes them a great option for someone dealing with unique land specifications. They
may not have enough land to build a big house on the property or may have land far from a
major civilization hub, making construction more difficult. In either of these cases, a shipping
container home would solve the problem and work as an effective choice.
Think a tiny home would be the perfect option to fit on your lot? Check out our range of
options for tiny home plans.
Affordable and Straightforward Pricing
Container homes aren’t always as affordable as people believe. However, they still tend to offer
cost savings over traditional alternatives. This makes container homes one of the cheaper
options for building a home.
However, one way container homes truly stand apart in pricing is their straightforward nature.
These homes are produced for a specific price. On top of that, the only variables are a few
factors relating to the location where the home will be installed. This means that the price you
expect to pay is very close to the price you’ll actually end up paying.
Negatives of Shipping Container Homes
While shipping container housing has its positives, it has its negatives, too.
Lack of Recycling
Many people initially consider shipping container houses because they assume these houses
are a unique form of recycling. They think these homes are made from containers that have
been used for years, with a house forming their final resting place.
However, this isn’t exactly true. To get good-looking shipping container homes, the containers
that are used are one-use containers.
Problems with Construction
There is a reason most homes are constructed like homes and aren’t built with shipping
containers. This is because shipping containers have inherent flaws that prevent them from
functioning perfectly as houses. The biggest example is that the roofs are generally insufficient
for a house and, thus, require something more to be built on top.
Related: (Almost) Everything You Need To Know About Kit Homes
Difficulties with Renovation
Shipping containers aren’t built with change in mind. So, when you go about cutting windows
into them or attaching two together at unorthodox angles, the process isn’t straightforward. In
fact, it can be incredibly difficult. This means that many forms of renovation that involve shipping
containers will cost more time and money than most would expect.
How Big Are Shipping Container Homes?
Shipping containers are eight feet wide and eight feet and six inches high. These containers
form the basis for homes made with them.
However, that doesn’t mean all of this space will be used by the occupants. Part of this space
will be used to run utilities and other essential aspects of the home.
How Are Shipping Container Homes Insulated?
Because of their size, container homes don’t have a lot of room to install insulation. So, most
container homeowners just go with a layer of spray insulation. This is effective but isn’t as
effective as traditional approaches.
Are Shipping Container Homes Legal?
You can build shipping container homes in many locations across the country. There aren’t any
states out there that have outright banned shipping container housing.
However, many places have banned them on a local level. In addition, some states have strict
regulations that make it more difficult to build container homes. So, to find out if a container
home is an option for you, you will need to look into your local laws.
Looking for a site-built home but still want to keep the price down? Take a look at our
prefab homes available with a wide range of options.
What Is the Average Lifespan of Shipping Container Homes?
Most shipping container homes will last for at least 25 years. However, many can last a lot
longer. Making them last longer simply requires a little maintenance and taking steps to reduce
and eliminate rust.
What Is the Cost of Shipping Container Homes?
The price of a shipping container home varies, just like the price of a traditional home. A tiny
home made from a single container will be much cheaper than a luxury house made from many
containers. However, size isn’t the only thing that influences the price. Changing the container is
expensive, so adding alterations or additional amenities will usually drive the price up as well.
Despite the variety, these prices do fall in a few groups. Small and basic container homes tend
to cost between $10,000 and $40,000. Meanwhile, larger, more elaborate homes can cost
between $100,000 and $200,000.
Keep in mind, though, that location still matters. A tiny container home in the middle of London
ended up selling for the price of a much more expensive home.
Understand the Basics of Shipping Container Homes
Shipping container homes are viable alternatives to traditional housing structures. They present
a number of unique advantages but still do come with some downsides as well. Ultimately, you
need to consider these together to decide if a shipping container home is right for you.
Related: Manufactured, Modular, and Site-Built Homes: What’s the Difference?
