Container homes are made from steel containers that are used for transporting goods on the ship. You can get shipping containers the size of 10 feet, 20 feet, and 40 feet. Each of the standard containers has a width of 8 feet and a height of 8 feet 6 inches. This value might defer depending on the container size.
Image: Chad McMillan
Image: Airbnb
The cost
Container homes can cost between 10,000 to 35,000 for a small one and 100,000 up to 175,000 for a bigger one. Compared to normal houses the cost is much lower but it can go up depending on some criteria
- The design and number of containers needed
- multiple room addition
- electrical and plumbing
- windows, door, and insulation
- Cleaning and renovation
Image: living in a container
Pros and Cons
Today we will check the pro and cons of these container homes.
Image: “THE JOSHUA” MODEL STARTING AT $75,075
Pros
1) Availability
These types of containers are highly available most of the time. After using the containers to transport any type of goods, some of them will be stored and these are readily there to be bought at any time.
2) Faster construction
Container homes are very fast to finish construction. When we are living in a container home, they are assembled not built. The smaller ones will take only a few weeks meanwhile the bigger ones a few months. Compared to normal houses, this is very fast. Furthermore, small modifications can be done at the site before bringing the container to the construction place.
3) Eco friendly
Most of the time these containers that carry the goods are not sent back. Instead, they are stored. By getting them and building you can do good for the environment. At the same time, the more container you use the less wood is used to make cabins and houses.
4) Modular units
Rather than making one, you can use different types of modules and sizes to make the assembling easy and with more options. You can easily assemble together a 10 feet container with a 40 feet container to make a better and more beautiful design.
5) Secure and strong
A steel container is not an easy place to break into thus it is very safe and at the same time, the steel is very strong making it not vulnerable to any outside elements.
Image: Shipping Container Pools (SCP)
Cons
1) Heat
The container can get hot very easily. In summer times or during hot weather it is not easy to stay inside a container unless you have good insulation on them. This might cost you more but without them, it is not a pleasant place to stay.
2) Not really safe
We never know what was used to transport inside these containers. They might use it to transport dangerous and toxic chemicals. It can have a long-lasting effect on our health if this kind of container is used. Even the paints used on the container could be toxic.
3) Rust
The container is metal and as all of you know metal is prone to rust. A container can last about 25 years or more if taken good care but if rust started to pile up, the life cycle of the container will be shortened and you might be looking at a new container very soon.
4) Not enough space
The container has a standard height and width of about 8 feet which is not very big compared to normal homes which can have multiple spaces. this can limit your movement when all your furniture and work are done inside the container. Cheaper option but less freedom of movement.
5) Building permit
When building a steel home it is not always easy to get a building permit. Some places don’t even allow this kind of building. SO depending on which place you are building it, you might have difficulties to even starting.
Conclusion
Container homes are very fun, easy, and cost-effective to build. At the same time, they have cons too. So whenever you are building one of these, remember all the pros and cons and decide carefully.
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