Shipping container homes are rising in popularity as homeowners continue to look for housing alternatives to the traditional multi-bedroom houses.
Some homeowners choose shipping container homes because of the trendy structure. Some choose to build container homes due to a minimalist lifestyle.
While shipping container homes can be unique and stylish, there is actually more to it.
There are a lot of advantages if you choose to live in a shipping container. But there are also issues you have to handle before you build your own shipping container home.
Let’s weigh further the pros and cons of shipping container homes.
The Pros of Building Shipping Container Homes
Here are some of the reasons why shipping container homes continue to thrive in today’s generation.
1. Cost-effective
One of the main reasons why people flock to buying shipping container homes is their cost. Building shipping container homes can save you more money than conventional houses yet with the same usage and area.
Depending on the size and quality of the container, you can purchase a container home for as low as $7000. If you will buy the shipping container by yourself, you can get it anywhere from $1400 to $4500.
Also, container homes are cost-effective than traditional homes because they only need fewer building materials and labor during construction.
2. Easy to Construct
A shipping container home is definitely easy to construct. It only takes 2-3 weeks to build a cozy container home than a traditional home which usually takes 4-6 months.
One of the best things when it comes to constructing a shipping container home is the availability of prefabricated parts that can be easily assembled within a day or two.
The small details and modifications can be done off-site. You can then build your dream container home once it reaches your location with the help of a few people.
3. Durable
What makes a shipping container home one of the best housing alternatives is its durability. When it comes to strength and durability, container homes surpass traditional homes.
Shipping container homes can withstand inclement weather conditions better than traditional housing. Its structural stability makes it earthquake and hurricane-proof.
4. Transportable
Another advantage of choosing a shipping container to be your home is its portability.
You can easily move a shipping container home from one place to another whether it's the prefabricated version or the fully built container home. You can have it built at the manufacturer’s location then delivered to your site ready to house in.
If you need to move to another location for work or simply for leisure, you can have it transferred through shipping transportation.
5. Eco-Friendly
A lot of cargo containers are being discarded in ports across the globe. But because they are repurposed into a home, their numbers are reduced thereby helping the environment.
Furthermore, since shipping containers are repurposed instead of being melted down, it helps conserve energy. It also lessens the use of conventional construction materials such as wood, cement, and bricks.
6. Safe structure
Since shipping container homes are intentionally built to withstand the harsh conditions of the environment, they make the best option in rural infrastructure.
Shipping container homes are not only safe from earthquakes and hurricanes but are also safe from possible break-ins in the remote infrastructure.
Shipping compartments need a blowtorch or explosive to break into. They are also too weighty to lift or snatch without anyone noticing. This adds to making them a sheltered structure for use in far-off places.
The Cons of Choosing Shipping Container Homes
Along with the notable advantages of shipping container homes, there are also potential pitfalls that should be overcome during the construction process.
Let’s take a look at them one-by-one and see what should be done.
1. Temperature control problem
Shipping containers are made of steel which absorbs and transmits heat and cold temperature greatly. This can lead to the problem of controlling the temperature inside.
Temperature can be controlled by using the correct type of insulation and paint. It can also be controlled by having energy-consuming ACs.
2. Need further modifications
To build a comfortable home out of the used shipping containers, further modification is needed.
While shipping containers are built to withstand harsh weather conditions, there are instances that the weight from the heavy snow causes the roof to bow. This needs reinforcements and sometimes requires a contractor to help you install a sloped rooftop.
With further customization, you might need to spend a little more which could sometimes hurt your pocket if you are on a tight budget.
3. Tend to rust quickly
Although shipping containers are intentionally built to withstand the rough environment of open-air sea shipping, it can still get rusty if greatly exposed to sea salt and harmful UV rays.
Rust could affect the lifespan of your shipping container home if not treated well. Thus, it is recommended to have the container repainted so it could last 20 years more.
4. Health risk
Shipping containers are not manufactured for human habitation. They are made using non-human-friendly elements like chromate and phosphorus.
Cargo containers have lead-based paints used on the walls. Arsenic and chromium are infused into the wooden floors of the container to deter pest infestation.
Also, these shipping containers carry different types of goods including toxic and radioactive materials.
If not thoroughly cleaned, used shipping containers can pose a threat to our health. Breathing the vapors of harmful elements is not good for human health.
Make sure that your contractor is dealing with the possible hazards before building your shipping container home. Inspect your refurbished container to ensure that it has been thoroughly cleaned and is safe to use for home construction.
5. Difficulty in the permit application
As a new house trend, it can be difficult to obtain the necessary building permits to make your shipping container home. Since it is relatively new in most cities or states, permits and building codes are not designed for it.
Some residential areas restrict the types of houses that can be constructed. Shipping container homes are not allowed in other areas. This can raise issues when applying for a permit within the residential zoning.
Make sure you are allowed to build a container home in your area before having one. Do your own research to ensure you are legally able to build your dream shipping container home.
Make sure you comply with all current zoning and construction regulations. Consult with the local authorities to confirm your new container home meets all local building codes.
If you do not comply with the planning regulations, you might be forced to take the home down even if the construction is complete.
Ready to Build Your Own Container Home?
Building your own container home does not have to be difficult. Buy a prefabricated, customized, and furnished container home for your family.
Miranda has a 40-ft ready-to-install shipping container home that can be shipped to your location. Check out their listing now and see if it fits within your budget.
Conclusion
Having a shipping container home can be one of the most rewarding experiences in life. Although there are challenges when building a container home, they can be remedied using the right approach.
There will always be pros and cons when building any type of house. As with building a shipping container home, it’s now up to you to decide if it is doable for your current status or not.
It would be best to consult with design experts before embarking on your dream container home.
