Are Shipping Container Homes the new wave?

Let’s be honest, the housing market sucks. But among this housing affordability crisis, there’s a glimmer of hope – an innovative solution that’s gaining traction around the world: shipping container homes. In this article, I’m thrilled to share with you a comprehensive guide to building or buying your own shipping container home. From DIY projects  to finding prefabricated homes ready to live in.

What makes shipping containers an ideal choice for residential housing?

In order to  understand why shipping containers fit the mole of living spaces, we have to first take a  look at the dimensions of a container and how we can utilize it for the ultimate comfort. 

There are two types of shipping containers that you can get for your project. There are Standard Cube Containers and High Cube Containers. You will usually find the high cube containers only in the 40ft shipping containers. For the average american height being 5 foot 9 inches, that leaves you with a lot of space from head to ceiling.High Cube Containers are 1 foot taller than your standard shipping container so that gives you a great idea of your high ceiling measurements for your space.

What’s The Benefits of Building a Shipping Container Home?

Affordability

With the average cost of housing hovering around $400,000, an increase from the 2020 average of approximately $330,000, it’s evident that prices are on an upward trajectory. What could be a better alternative and spending almost a half-a-million on a traditional home? Shipping Container Homes comes with a lot of benefits that help accomplish your goals in home ownership. Now the biggest question is, what can a container home do for you?

Nowadays it is pretty easy to find shipping containers almost anywhere. The prices of a single container can be very inexpensive. You’re looking at somewhere between $1500 for a used one, and up to $3500 for a brand new one give or take. This can give you a great birds eye view of your cost based on how many containers you need for your project.

Speed of Construction

One of the greatest advantages of shipping container homes is how fast they can be built. Traditional homes typically take months to build. My first home took about 7 months to finish. Shipping containers can have a shorter time frame. Usually you’re looking at less than 2 months.  

With the shipping containers being primary building blocks; These containers are modified and fitted with necessary amenities, such as insulation, windows, doors, plumbing, and electrical systems, before being transported to the final location for assembly. Prefabrication allows for faster construction and can offer cost savings compared to traditional on-site building methods.

Understanding Shipping Container Homes

Let’s delve into the concept of shipping containers and explore how they can be transformed into habitable living spaces.

• Intermodal Versatility: Shipping containers are designed for intermodal transportation, allowing them to move seamlessly between ships, trains, and trucks without unloading, making them crucial for global trade.
• Standardized Sizes: Shipping containers come in standard sizes, with the most common being 20 feet and 40 feet in length. This standardization ensures compatibility across various transport systems and simplifies the logistics of loading and unloading cargo.
• Structural Strength: Shipping containers are engineered to withstand the rigors of long-distance transport across oceans, making them incredibly durable and sturdy. Constructed from corrosion-resistant steel, they can endure extreme weather conditions, including high winds and heavy seas.
• Lifespan and Reusability: Despite their initial purpose for transporting cargo, shipping containers have a surprisingly long lifespan. With proper maintenance, they can last for decades, and even after their shipping days are over, they can be repurposed for a wide range of applications, including housing, retail spaces, offices, and art installations.

How do I go about designing for container homes?

Given the vastness of the internet, we can guide you towards locating shipping container home plans and pre-designed options, offering a clearer perspective on the possibilities with these steel storage units. Let’s take a deeper dive in the steps to designing your dream container home.

Effective home design is Important

When considering drawing out our container design, we need to understand what is possible and how previous homes were built using these containers. Here is few resources to get you started on your moodboard:

Inspiration:

• Pinterest is a fantastic resource for gathering ideas and inspiration. Your bond to find some homes that would make you forget about traditional homes.
•  Pinterest also has tons of different container floorplans that range from 1 to 3 bedrooms depending on the amount of containers being used.
• Here are the top 100 unique container homes that can give you some more cool container ideas on what you can do. From a single container to multiple ones connected.

Softwares

• Cedreo is a 3D Home Decorating Software that will help you see the vision before having to shed out any money on materials, contractors, or even permits.
• Roomsketcher is a great tool for doing interior design and creating beautiful 2D and 3D Floor Plans. Check out their instruction video. See if it’s a good fit for your project.

Premade Floor Plans

• Designing a shipping container floor plan is very simple. There are plenty of options to choice from to get you started on your custom layout.

Prefab Homes

• CMG Containers offers everything you can think of for these container homes. They sell containers as well as homes, cafeterias, modular homes, and even office space.
• BackCountry Containers Offers prefab container homes that are move-in ready. Although they do have pre-built modals, they also do custom builds as well.
• Custom Container Living offers prefabricated homes from off-grid floor plans to commercial. Their designs are definitely top-tier and have many standard homes to choose from.  Check out their process!

Purchasing New vs. Used Containers

Ultimately, the choice between purchasing a new or used shipping container depends on your budget, specific requirements, and preferences regarding condition and customization options. Some things to consider when choosing your fate:

• Condition: A new shipping container is typically in pristine condition, without any wear, tear, or damage. In contrast, a used container may have signs of wear, such as dents, rust, or scratches, depending on its previous usage and maintenance.
• Longevity: New containers generally have a longer lifespan compared to used ones since they haven’t been exposed to the elements or rough handling during transportation. However, with proper maintenance, both new and used containers can last for many years.
• Cost: New shipping containers are more expensive than used ones due to their pristine condition and longer lifespan. Used containers are often more affordable, making them a popular choice for budget-conscious buyers.
• Customization: New containers offer more flexibility for customization since they haven’t been modified or used for other purposes. However, used containers can still be modified and repurposed according to your needs, although they may require more extensive refurbishment depending on their condition.
• Availability: New shipping containers are readily available from manufacturers, while used containers may vary in availability depending on the local market and demand. Additionally, the size and specifications of used containers may be more limited compared to new ones.

What type of permits do I need for my container home?

Now before we say anything on this part, we should definitely tell you to contact your local planning or building department to determine the specific permits needed for your container home project. They can provide guidance on the requirements and application process based on your location and project specifications. Now let’s look at a few you may need to check up on further:

• Building Permit: Typically required for any new construction or structural modifications, including container home installations.
• Zoning Permit: Ensures that your container home complies with local zoning laws and regulations regarding land use and building placement.
• Electrical Permit: Necessary if you’re installing electrical wiring or systems in your container home.
• Plumbing Permit: Required for any plumbing work or installations, such as connecting to water and sewage lines.
• Foundation Permit: If you’re installing a permanent foundation for your container home, you may need a separate permit for this construction work.
• Environmental Permits: Depending on your area, you may need permits related to environmental impact, especially if your container home project involves land clearing or significant site work.

Do you want to live off the grid?

The coolest thing about container spaces is that they can be moved wherever you want it to be. This gives you every option to choose from location to any terrain. 

Living off the grid means doing everything by yourself! Like getting your own food, house, and even making your own energy and water. You’ll need to know how to take care of the land and animals around you. 

One of the most common goods you will need to live off-grid is solar panels. 

Fun Fact: You can also throw your solar panels on a pergola in case you don’t want to add it to your own roof. 

Solar panels are like the energizer bunny, keeping you powered up daily! 😄 Depending on nature feels so good—it’s like getting a big hug from the Earth!If it’s your first time, there are tons of communities that can get you started.

How to find land for your Container Home?

We first need to determine what you want to achieve with your new container home. Are you looking to live on the land for a while? Maybe you want to have the home to become mobile and you aren’t bound by any location. 

You can start by researching local zoning laws and regulations to ensure your container home is allowed. 

Next, consider unconventional options like backyard rentals, land-sharing agreements, or joining tiny home communities. Online platforms like Tiny House Listings or local real estate websites can also be great resources. 

Don’t forget to explore rural areas for more affordable options. And always, engage with the community and local authorities to navigate any challenges.

Can you get loans for your Shipping Container Home?

Yes, it’s possible to obtain a loan for a shipping container home, although the process may differ from traditional home loans. Since shipping container homes are considered non-traditional, lenders may have specific criteria and considerations for financing them. Here’s what you might expect:

• Specialized Lenders: Some financial institutions specialize in financing non-traditional homes like shipping container homes. They may have a better understanding of the unique aspects of these properties and be more willing to provide loans for them.
• Construction Loans: If you’re building a shipping container home from scratch or renovating one extensively, you might need a construction loan. These loans provide funds in stages as the construction progresses, which can be helpful for managing costs.
• Appraisal and Valuation: Since shipping container homes are unconventional, lenders may require a specialized appraisal to determine the property’s value. This appraisal may take into account factors such as the condition of the containers, the quality of construction, and the location of the home.
• Down Payment: Lenders may require a higher down payment for a shipping container home compared to a traditional house. This could be because of perceived higher risk or because these homes may not appreciate in value as quickly as conventional homes.
• Interest Rates: Interest rates for loans on shipping container homes may vary depending on factors such as your credit score, the lender’s policies, and the loan term. It’s essential to shop around and compare rates from different lenders to find the best option for your situation.
• Local Regulations: Be aware of local zoning regulations and building codes that may impact your ability to finance a shipping container home. Some areas have restrictions on the use of shipping containers for residential purposes, which could affect your loan eligibility.

Before pursuing a loan for a shipping container home, it’s crucial to research lenders, understand the terms and requirements, and ensure that your project complies with all relevant regulations. Working with professionals experienced in shipping container construction and financing can also be pretty helpful.

What Do I Do Next?

Ultimately, the journey toward owning a shipping container home involves careful planning, research, and adherence to regulations. With the right approach and understanding, these unique homes offer a cool path to affordable and sustainable homeownership in an increasingly challenging housing market. Make sure to find your ideal home so you can be happy with your decision.