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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
It&#;s often not possible to know what has been shipped in a used container &#; anything from harmless consumer goods to hazardous industrial materials &#; or what the container has been through. The paints and finishes used on containers are industrial and intended for shipping across the ocean, not residential homes, so that they could contain lead and toxic pesticides.
The size of shipping containers is quite limiting and can quickly be consumed by plumbing, HVAC, insulation, and other systems. A container was designed to fit on a train, which means it&#;s narrow, and ordinary furniture doesn&#;t fit right. A standard container is also only 8ft wide and 8 ft 6 in high, which doesn&#;t leave much headroom after insulation and wiring are installed.
The narrow shape of a shipping container doesn&#;t lend itself to insulating the exterior very well. To avoid using up interior space, a relatively thin layer of insulation with a high R-value per inch, such as polyurethane spray foam, is often used. Although spray foam is an effective and airtight insulator, the blowing agents used in many brands of spray foam are powerful greenhouse gases.
While shipping containers are reinforced at the corners, the existing roof may lack structural integrity. Those looking for container homes capable of support weight, such as weather, should consider if building a roof is right for them. A roof can also provide aesthetic and architectural flair that is common amongst homes in North America. While there are multiple styles of roofs that can be used for a shipping container home, flat roofs, pitched roofs, roof terraces, and living roofs are the most common.
Making a poor insulation decision can have a negative impact on climate change than other kinds of insulation. To construct a well-insulated wall, it would be better to build outward for more wall thickness and use a more environmentally sustainable type of insulation. But then what use is a heavy, corrugated steel exterior if it&#;s buried in insulation?
As container homes continue to rise in popularity, so do requests for homeowners to build homes with them. Repurposed shipping containers are even popping up as markets, hotels, fairs, and mobile shops at local events. Even with the increasing popularity, your ability to build a home with shipping containers relies heavily on zoning regulations and building codes set forth by the local government. It's essential to do your research, understand zoning and building codes, and speak with the proper housing authorities if anything is unclear.
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.
So what will a shipping container home cost? Smaller, more basic container homes can range between $10,000 to $35,000. Large homes built with multiple shipping containers and amenities can range in price from $100,000 to $175,000. Shipping container homes, in some cases, can cost half as much per square foot than traditional stick building. However, it isn't easy to compare apples to apples, and there are many factors to consider.
So what can increase the cost? While land costs and climate requirements are significant considerations, it can also depend on many factors, including:
There is a report of a simple shipping container home self-built by an engineer in Canada for only $20,000. But a pre-manufactured container home has a price tag that looks more like a regular home.
Shipping container homes should last at least 25 years but will last much longer if they are well maintained or if you use siding to protect the exterior. Rust is the single most common issue that can reduce the lifespan of a shipping container home. It's important to inspect your shipping container home and look for rust spots. Any problematic areas should be treated and repaired to reduce the chance of rust spreading.
Since shipping container homes are made out of metal, there is the possibility that they may rust. Some shipping containers are initially manufactured with alloys, a process commonly referred to as weathering steel or corten steel, which helps to form a surface level of rust that mitigates further corrosion. The climate where the container is located factors into whether a shipping container home will rust as wet and dry climates affect shipping containers differently.
A well-maintained shipping container home can retain its resale value much like a traditional home. They're relatively easy to resell since they can be loaded onto a truck and shipped almost anywhere. Before purchasing, you may want to inquire as to whether the shipping container home was manufactured for your climate and, if not, inquire as to the modifications you may need to make so that it's appropriate for its intended location.
Here is one example. Honomobo is a builder of pre-designed, factory-built container homes based in Edmonton, Canada. They create homes using one to eight containers with high-quality finishes. Their largest model, HO8, is a two-story home with just over square feet of floor area.
Tuolu contains other products and information you need, so please check it out.
You might love to have a container home because you like the idea, the look, the chance to play with blocks in a DIY design, or the quick delivery time for a manufactured model. But don&#;t assume it will cost less or that it&#;s necessarily more environmentally sustainable.
Disclaimer: This article does not constitute a product endorsement however Rise does reserve the right to recommend relevant products based on the articles content to provide a more comprehensive experience for the reader.Last Modified: -08-23T12:45:59+If you&#;re looking for an easy, compact way to live in a home of your own without causing as much environmental impact, shipping container homes may be for you. Explore everything you need to know about owning one of these unique houses in Michigan and what to expect when buying one.
Shipping container homes are houses made of new or upcycled shipping containers. Because these containers are made with corrosion-resistant steel and other heavy-duty materials, they make great building materials for houses after they&#;re done hauling cargo across the ocean and the country.
These unique homes are easy to customize, as they&#;re stackable and combine like other types of modular and manufactured homes. However, because they use existing materials and keep containers out of the scrap piles, they&#;re also considered sustainable housing.
As experts in creating safe, modern homes of all types for residents in West Michigan, Clayton Homes of Grand Rapids is proud to offer shipping container houses from Blox, one of the top manufacturers in the industry.
We offer container homes in multiple sizes and styles, but suppose you want to add onto an existing home or pair multiple units together to make a larger living space. We can help you out with the logistics and tell you what to expect, no matter what you have in mind.
Much like other types of modular homes, shipping container houses are converted in large, enclosed facilities that give workers complete control over their workspace. Whereas traditional homes are subject to weather conditions and the availability of crews and materials, these facilities are climate-controlled and have equipment available on site.
Meanwhile, a crew will prepare your foundation to make the next steps as smooth as possible.
Once you&#;ve chosen your dream house design and the builders have finished converting your container into your future home, our staff will deliver it. Delivery times vary depending on availability.
Once your shipping container home is on site and placed on its foundation, the rest of the setup tasks will begin. Among other things, this includes:
Generally speaking, this is one of the most affordable housing options available today. While they typically cost less than other home types, pricing depends on several factors:
To learn more about the pricing options for specific models, reach out to our staff and we&#;ll help you know which options might be best for you.
If you&#;re thinking about making a house out of recycled shipping containers, it&#;s important to get familiar with the pros and cons of using them to build your dream home.
Some of the reasons why you might choose a shipping container home include:
Like any other housing type, shipping container homes come with a few unique drawbacks you might not experience with other types of housing:
However, it&#;s important to note that at Clayton Homes of Grand Rapids, we can work with you to accommodate these drawbacks. We have years of experience helping people move into homes of all sizes and types. We&#;re proud to work with Blox, a dedicated shipping container home manufacturer, to make sure these drawbacks aren&#;t a problem.
As mentioned, these containers are designed to survive some of the worst storms the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans have to offer. Because they&#;re durable, homes made from shipping containers can last 25 years on their own at least.
However, this estimation assumes that you aren&#;t carefully maintaining your home, or you let the steel exterior be the only siding on the house. If you add external siding or take other steps to prevent rusting, they can last even longer.
Shipping container homes offer great security compared to traditional and manufactured homes. They&#;re less likely to experience the wear and tear manufactured homes might experience during transit and are easier to move than traditional manufactured housing.
There&#;s a reason why converted shipping containers are also frequently used as emergency shelters in tornado-prone areas. Unlike traditional manufactured houses, shipping container homes can withstand tornadoes because they&#;re too heavy for most winds to move.
Shipping containers were built to withstand 50-foot waves and winds exceeding 130 knots per hour on massive ships. While we still recommend sheltering in a basement during a tornado warning, your shipping container house is far more likely to withstand a tornado than a traditional home.
Pre-built and new shipping container homes are allowed in Michigan, and we have years of experience navigating the regulations and local requirements throughout our service area. While there may be some local zoning regulations in place, Michigan does not have any statewide laws preventing the construction of container homes.
At Clayton Homes of Grand Rapids, we understand that your home is your sanctuary&#;a place perfect for your growing family and an ideal spot to relax after a long workday. We strive for excellent service and an incredible experience while you&#;re looking for your new home. We&#;ll work with your budget and requirements to customize the perfect shipping container home for all your needs.
Ready to find a shipping container home to call your own? View our available container home floor plans and then schedule a tour with us to get started.
Although their exteriors are usually steel, container homes can be easy to keep cool during the warm summer months, especially when they&#;re outfitted with heating and air conditioning units, awnings, and a larger roof to insulate the house from the heat during Michigan&#;s hottest August days.
Shipping container homes are subject to state-level building regulations. While some local governments may have specific requirements for homes that aren&#;t set on permanent foundations, Michigan&#;s state-level requirements for manufactured and modular homes also apply to container houses.
Want more information on Container Portable Homes? Feel free to contact us.