Frequently Asked Questions

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This is probably the most asked question by anyone who has ever considered a build.  The simple answer is that there is no exact price but single containers can range from. The build is relative to how simple or fancy you decide to go.  You can save a good amount if you have a relatively normal design and don’t get too fancy with the extras. 

Make a list of every room and amenity you'll need or want (don't forget kitchen space and a bathroom or two). Most containers are 8 feet wide and 40 feet long so it's easy enough to design inside using a measurement of 320 square feet.  Be sure not to forget that you'll need room for HVAC, plumbing, and electrical. 

They can be. Like any home, they can be solar powered and utilize nearly every energy-saving idea out there. Plus, building a home with shipping containers means you're reusing a product that's already served its original purpose and is simply being discarded or left to rot on someone's property. 

Just like a house, you must have the utilities ran on site before the build date.  Shipping containers can be on or off grid structures. You may use local utility companies to provide service such as sewer and electric, or off grid applications with well and solar options. It all depends on the property you choose

Essentially, the container acts like a thermos.  If your container home is properly insulated and ventilated, your container can last in hot and cold climates. 

They are as safe, if not safer, than the standard framed home or modular home. Their steel construction and reinforced frames are manufactured to withstand not only a trip across the ocean through unpredictable weather like ice storms and hurricanes with high winds. With steel construction, you are avoiding issues that come with wooden framed homes like water damage (and the associated mold), dry rot,  and termites. Sprinkler systems are required, keeping yourself and your valuables safe 

They are durable and affordable. Repurposing these containers takes a lot of the guesswork out of how a building will come together. The modular design of a shipping container makes it an easy choice for building whether you want an emergency shelter, a guest house on your property, or want it to be your modern, primary living space.

Just like traditional homes, shipping container homes must comply with all local building codes. This includes passing a final inspection. Each house is design to code based on local guidelines and requirements. 

Shipping container homes are a new concept to many areas. In most cases, you’ll need land for your new container build. The rules for permitting and zoning are different from state to state, county to county and city to city. Contact us to find out 

Standard dimensions are 20 and 40 feet long by 8 feet wide and 8.5 feet high.

There are several specialty containers that come in sizes of 8, 10, 45, 48 and 53 feet long. “High-cube” containers are taller than the standard size, measuring 9.5 feet high.

*The most common containers that are readily available are usually the 20’ and 40’ variations.

 You’ll need to speak to a mortgage broker to find out what your options are. You might find it challenging to get a traditional mortgage on a container home as it’s considered more of a modular installation.

As shipping container homes become more popular, some of these challenges may lessen and project financing through traditional lenders may improve.

Rust on your home could lead to structural damage, so it can become a concern for owners of container homes. You’ll need to inspect your home from time to time for areas of rust, call us to remove any rust, and treat the surface to prevent future rust from occurring. The good news is that you can repair small patches of rust relatively easily without having to refurbish the entire home. If your purchasing used containers, make sure to treat the rust before the build process. Make sure to use the specialized oil-based paint. This will protect the container from additional rusting and corrosion.

The numbers range from about 700,000 all the way to a whopping 15 million.  According to the Intermodal Steel Building Units (ISBU) Association, the news media and many industry professionals have confused global surplus with seasonal inventory, leading to a mis-statement in the number of containers available for other uses. Like many industries, the shipping industry has peak seasons where the shipment of goods between countries increases. Peak seasons vary between countries and are dependent upon the kind of commodities being shipped. 

If you don’t want your new house to look like a shipping container home, it’s perfectly ok. We can add facades or other claddings.

Of course! Our projects are 100% custom. We’ll tailor all of our services to fit your budget and  style. If you’re not sure what you want, we have some existing designs we can use to create your new home or a modeling system to design yourself.

People around the world have come up with some cunning and innovative uses. Here are just a few that we’ve found:

· Airbnb’s

- She sheds 

- Man caves

· Offices

· Multi-story hotels, “pop-up” hotels

· Mobile military barracks, weapons systems, and command centers

· Medical centers

· Farmers markets

· Coffee shops, restaurants, and retail shops

· Food/Alcohol vending facilities

· Mobile boutiques

· Student housing and classrooms

· Emergency housing in disaster areas

· Research stations

· Combination home and art galleries for artists

· Showers and restrooms

· Laboratories

· Sales offices

· Warehouses and security storage

· Bed and breakfasts

- Multi-container barndominium styles

- And many many more........

No! Custom shipping container homes are all about efficiency. When we design your new home, we’ll make sure your HVAC system, water heater, insulation and windows are as efficient as possible.

Shipping container homes are perfect for families of all sizes. We build each aspect of the home to make sure it’s safe for each member of your family. To learn more about the steps we take to keep your house safe, contact us today.

Absolutely! If you want to build a hybrid unit that is a combination of container and traditional build, we can do that too. Modern container barndominium styles are becoming increasingly popular. Many are also turning to solar options for both on-grid and off-grid applications.  Let us know if you have any special requests.