A shipping container home can be a single or multi-family residence that are constructed using single use and used shipping or sea containers, built initially for transporting cargo on trans-oceanic crossings.
Environmentally, using shipping containers for building material reduces waste as the containers are reusable. Use of shipping containers reduces the use of other materials such as wood and plastic, while making it possible to reduce your home’s environmental impact. These structures are made airtight, in turn using less energy for things such as heating, cooling, lighting, etc. They are the perfect size for solar panels making them cost affordable and a clean energy solution.
On March 26th, 2019 a report by Allied Market Research, reported container homes to be a 44 billion dollar a year industry. They predicted by 2025 container homes will be a 73 billion dollar per year industry.
Due to their structural integrity and their ability to hold many tons of cargo and the ability to be stacked 9 containers high. This rigidity offers a durable, secure and sustainable option a residential construction framework. They offer homeowners the versatility of building tiny homes with a single container design, larger one-story single family units, and ability of stacking multiple levels. It is common to see cantilever style designs to create a modern multi-story home. In densely populated or financially constricted areas, container homes are viable options for government or development investors to create affordable sustainable living.
Most shipping containers are fabricated overseas, for the purpose of shipping cargo around the world. New containers are often used only one time - on a one way trip - due to being more advantageous for the shipping company to sell the container, it is more difficult to return it empty to its point of origin. These are most sought for container homes mostly having minimal damage and being more structural secure. Shipping containers commonly come in 20 foot and 40 foot applications. 40 foot containers are also available in what are called "high cube" models, containing an additional foot in height.
40-foot Container: 320 sq ft, 40' long x 8' wide x 8'6” high, with mild variations depending on the shipping container manufacturer. Weighing 8775 lbs.
20-foot container: 160 sq ft, 20' long x 8' wide x 8' 6” high. Exterior Dimensions (in meters): 6.10m long x 2.44m wide x 2.59m high. Interior Dimensions (in feet): 19' 4” long x 7' 9” wide x 7' 10” high. Internal Dimensions (in meters): 5.898m long x 2.352m wide x 2.393m high. Weighing 5071 lbs.
To build a container home, prospective owners will have us purchase and deliver containers to build on their site/property, or fabricate off site at our facility. Different than typical residential builds, most designs are custom and require a fair amount of welding. As with any other residential structures, there are similarities such as needing land, septic/sewer, well/water availability, and foundations or piers. Additional similarities would include local permitting and code guidelines. We do offer zoning, permitting and structural approval in our qualifying and design services.
Cost savings: Shipping containers can be bought for relatively cheap considering their structure. It cost less to buy a container in comparison to traditional wood frame builds, which would include framing, sheathing, truss systems and roofing.
Versatility: The containers themselves may be simple by design, but they are extremely modular. They can be arranged in almost any way with the right structural engineer and can be a great choice for those looking to adopt a more minimalist lifestyle. With efficiency sized construction, you can enjoy a very simple life. Plan design can dictate enough room for just the basic needs, or be stacked to create spacious style living. It’s completely up to the client and design.
Durability and Security: Shipping containers are built to withstand extreme conditions at sea and rough handling in transit. They are safe and durable in every kind of weather and environment. Each container goes through a rigorous verification process which ensures they can stand up to 180 mph winds. This makes them great for building structures. There is less worry about wind, rain and sunlight eroding your home. This is something you don’t normally keep in mind during traditional building methods. This will help reduce the cost of ownership and maintenance of your home, saving you long-term money.
Speedy Construction: Building with containers is much faster than traditional home building methods. Smaller applications can be fabricated in as little as a month and larger homes within a few months (this includes fabrication only, not the land and permitting process)
Mobility: Unlike traditional residential building, containers offer the option of mobility if you happen to purchase a new piece of land and choose to move it. Take your house with you or add on!
There are many reasons why building a container home is beneficial, but in comparison there are also challenges:
Unpredictable condition of containers: When shopping for containers there are different grades of containers based upon use, condition, and types of cargo shipped in their lifetime. Rust on exterior and interior surfaces, as well as dings and dents are typical of containers used more then once.
Solution: To optimize your ability to get a container in good condition, it is recommended to purchase single use containers. This circumvents spending more money on metal fabrication to get the container back into aesthetically pleasing shape.
Permits and codes: Container homes are still relatively new in many municipalities. Because of this, many permits and building codes are still unsure of the permitting process.
Solution: You will need to reach out to your local permitting office. We offer permitting negotiation to help get your design approved through planning.
Space restrictions: There can be semi restrictive space if you are used to living in a larger square foot platform.
Solution: Make sure you have adequate living space to meet your needs. Scroll up to see the dimensions on the different size containers to make sure you are meeting your space needs.
Potential increased maintenance: . Just like working with other metals, paint maintenance could fall behind. Welding/panel work could be needed, resulting in more than normal expenses.
Solution: It is essential to deal with exterior paint related issues before they get worse. Keeping up with normal maintenance is relatively more cost effective over the long term
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