Shipping containers fill a vital void in the global economy. They are substantial and strong enough to transport goods uniformly but compact and lightweight enough to move by cranes and forklifts.
First, it is best to start by providing information to define a shipping container house before going further: A shipping container home is a structure made of steel shipping containers, which are large, reusable intermodal containers used to transport goods.
You can combine several containers to make a multilevel home or use them individually as a home or office. As prospective homeowners look for alternatives to conventional multi-bedroom houses, shipping container homes, tiny houses, RVs, and silo homes are growing in popularity.
It is possible to reuse shipping containers by building homes out of them.
Without significantly accelerating climate change, you can construct a new house. In order to make an informed choice, the advantages and disadvantages of shipping container homes are discussed next section.
Advantages of Shipping Container Homes
- Durable
Shipping containers are very durable. Compared to traditional homes, homes made of containers also offer greater durability. Manufacturers typically use Corten steel to construct shipping containers.
This self-healing steel safeguards cargo while it is being transported across waterways. Weathering steel shipping container homes are probably more resilient to extreme weather than conventional homes.
- Fast to Build
A shipping container home can be constructed more quickly than a typical house. Depending on how much finishing work your design requires, even the simplest and smallest container homes can be constructed in a few days or weeks. New home construction typically takes seven months to complete.
However, you might have to wait close to a year to move into your new home after considering the time needed to obtain a loan and begin construction.
Noting that shipping container homes are still susceptible to typical construction delays, more complicated homes will typically still take at least a few months.
Look for companies that manufacture most of the structure offsite before transporting them to your land if you want the quickest shipping container home. The majority of the necessities for immediate occupancy are prebuilt in these smaller prefab-style shipping container homes.
Quick move-in readiness for your new home may make it simpler to fit your needs into the construction schedule.
- Customizable
Modifications to shipping container homes are simple. Many different floor plans and layouts are available, or you can work with a builder for a custom design. They are modular homes. Containers can be arranged in countless different ways by builders.
Containers can be connected in a variety of ways to make multiple different layouts and stacked to floors. Each container serves as a module in constructing a house made of several shipping containers.
Using different sizes is possible with modular construction, including 20- and 40-foot shipping containers.
- Energy Efficient
A shipping container home can be significantly more energy-efficient than a typical home with the right design decisions. The smaller size of these homes makes it simpler to heat and cool them.
Additionally, you can include energy-saving features such as solar panel systems, green roofing, spray foam insulation, efficient appliances, etc. Compare your construction options and the available appliances for your new home.
After relocating to a container home, good insulation, a sturdy roof, and energy-efficient appliances can significantly decrease your energy usage. In addition, a great way to build with recycled materials is to reuse a safe shipping container.
Shipping container homes can also promote using fewer other building materials, such as wood and masonry, and leaving a smaller environmental footprint.
Other environmentally friendly features, like solar panels, wind turbines, water recycling systems, and rainwater harvesting systems, are frequently added by owners open to alternative living arrangements like container homes.
- Cost Effective
The factory-produced shipping container homes have a fixed manufacturing cost. The only costs that differ are those related to delivery, foundation, site preparation, assembly, and utility connections.
The exterior walls, flat metal roof, and metal frame that serves as a foundation for a shipping container are frequently mentioned as cost-saving features.
However, you will still have to pay for the container’s transportation to your location, insulation, and interior finishing.
Additionally, the land will still cost money. However, it is frequently possible to erect container homes on land that may not be suitable for conventional construction without a lot of site preparation on properly zoned land.
Instead of spending money on expensive excavation, shipping container homes can be raised on sturdy pilings on a rocky or steep piece of land.
However, they typically cost less to build than conventional housing because they need less labor and building supplies. Of course, more money will be spent on newer containers than on used ones.
Besides all these advantages, we can also mention a few important disadvantages of shipping container homes.
Disadvantages of Shipping Container Homes
- Finding the perfect location can be challenging.
- They regularly need to be strengthened.
Conclusion
Their environmentally friendly features make shipping container homes a common housing trend. Given their advantages and disadvantages, shipping container homes are not suitable for everyone.
However, compared to traditional homes, shipping container homes are also significantly more cost-effective.
A container home can be constructed for less money and with fewer resources. Your new container home should offer years of energy-efficient living with the appropriate design choices. Ultimately, people looking for reasonably priced, environmentally friendly housing should consider shipping container homes.
FAQ
- What is the lifespan of a shipping container?
A shipping container home has a 30-year lifespan on average. You can extend its lifespan by strengthening certain parts of the containers and taking care of repairs right away.
- Is it safe to live in a container?
Shipping containers are built to last and protect the cargo being shipped around the world. Because of this, homes made of shipping containers are also very secure.
Your container home’s safety can be raised even further with a few adjustments and high-quality windows, doors, and openings. Alarm systems can be installed to increase the security of your container home.