Buying A Shipping Container To Live In [WORK]
We started writing about shipping container homes over a decade ago because their potential for efficient, affordable housing was unmatched. Since then, these homes have exploded in popularity, and that trend will likely continue as demand grows for eco-friendly and economical homes.
buying a shipping container to live in
Backcountry Containers, based in Texas, custom builds shipping container homes with prices dependent on the size and number of the containers in the build. Homes can consist of single, adjoined, or stacked 20-foot or 40-foot containers. Additional features can be included, such as screened-in porches, rooftop decks, and storage areas.
Everything in a Honomobo home is customizable from floor to ceiling, and all of their homes are solar-ready for living off the grid. Depending on your needs and budget, you can go simple with a single-container home (HO1) or get fancy with up to 6 shipping containers (HO6).
TAYNR specializes in fabricating new structures from recycled shipping containers, with the option of building container homes on wheels for easier portability. Their unique container projects look modern, interesting, and beautifully designed.
We wrote about Meka in our prefab shipping container article, and they still stand out as a builder of fabulous, luxury container homes. Meka sells prefabricated and custom homes made from various configurations of 20-foot and 40-foot ISO steel frames.
Specializing in building a variety of modular structures out of shipping containers, MODS will build and deliver residential homes customized to your needs. In addition to homes, they create offices, retail stores, restaurants, dorms, apartments, and more.
Kubed Living is a California-based design firm founded by realtor and businesswoman Katalina Klein. Kubed offers several predesigned shipping container home options in a range of prices, or you can work with them to create a custom home.
The design team at Kubed Living is passionate about repurposing containers into modern, beautiful living spaces. Their shipping container projects are gorgeous, with every detail meticulously considered.
Based in Austin, TX, Logical Homes uses a combination of methods and building materials to create unique and modern homes. They utilize upcycled shipping containers and other eco-friendly materials to build environmentally-conscious and affordable homes.
Eco-friendly, quality, and affordable buildings finished in a timely fashion are some of the qualities Giant Containers strives to achieve in their builds. They seem to have the experience to back this up; they have the largest prefab shipping container development in North America.
If you live in the UK, MAC Container Housing can build you an affordable home of any size. They have been in business for over 40 years and have many residential and commercial shipping container projects under their belt.
MAC uses new containers rather than upcycled containers. They provide a structural warranty and endless options for customization. Homes are built and fully fitted at their factory. The entire process, from design to delivery, takes approximately 12 weeks.
Every state, county, and city is different, and permitting can be a beast even with a traditional stick-built home (ask me how I know!!). Some locations allow shipping container homes without much fuss and some do not.
There is no way to know what a used shipping container has hauled, and it may have chemicals lingering within. This, and structural integrity, is why many builders opt for containers that have only made a single trip from China.
The cost of a shipping container home will depend on many factors, most importantly, whether you build it yourself or hire a builder. As you see from this list, pre-built home costs vary considerably depending on the size and what amenities are included. They generally range from $29,000 to over $250,000.
There are many reasons why people are building shipping container homes. They offer a unique style and bold architecture that appeals to young Americans. They are more affordable than traditional homes and they offer more flexibility in where they are located.
How much does one of these shipping containers cost? And what does the process look like to turn a used shipping container into a home? Learn about the cost to build a container home and the different options that buyers face.
Shipping container homes range in size and cost. The average cost to build a shipping container home is around $10,000 to $35,000, while larger homes can cost up to $175,000. The cost of building a container home will also increase based on your desired amenities and materials used. The more features you want, the more your container home will cost.
Once you have your land, you can start to lay the foundation for the shipping container. A trench foundation is one of the more affordable options, where the concrete is poured into a shallow hole in the ground. A slab foundation is used when the ground is soft and the shipping container needs added reinforcement.
There is another foundation option for shipping containers. A pier foundation uses a series of cylindrical columns to support the structure that is placed on it. This elevates the home a few feet off the ground while the columns prevent the shipping container from sinking into the dirt.
You can secure a used container for around $2,000 on average. Some people report spending closer to $1,500 while others spent more. New container costs can range up to $8,000. The average size of a shipping container is 20 feet by 8 feet.
Once everything is in place, you can move forward with the amenities in your home. The amenities are where the cost to build a container home start to vary. While you can estimate the cost of land in your area and the going rate of a shipping container, there are dozens of amenities to include. A few popular features of most shipping container homes include:
With these features, your shipping container is just like any other home. You can opt for an affordable ductless air conditioning unit or install a full-size HVAC system. You can install laminate flooring that pops in or consider more expensive options. You can set your budget based on your home design goals.
One way to avoid the cost to build a container home is to buy an existing one. These shipping containers are meant to last up to 25 years. However, they can last longer with the right care. Look for a home without rust, with added siding, and a built-on roof for added insulation and protection.
Are you thinking about buying a shipping container for storage, a workspace, or even to build a unique living space? Shipping containers have become increasingly popular for a variety of uses, but before you make a purchase, there are a few important things you need to know.
From understanding the different types and sizes of containers available to checking for structural damage, the process of buying a container can be overwhelming. In this guide, we will break down the key factors to consider before making a purchase to help ensure that you end up with a high-quality container that meets your specific needs.
Shipping containers come in various sizes, so you have several options when looking for one that is appropriate for your needs. Standard shipping containers are 20 or 40 feet long, but there are also other sizes available, such as 10-foot and 45-foot containers.
Most shipping containers are made from Corten steel, a type of steel alloy designed to withstand corrosion and wear better than standard steel or other metals. Remember, containers are designed to sit on a ship in the corrosive salt air for years at a time, so they must be made from something that can handle the elements.
Before going through all the work of buying and transporting a shipping container, make sure to check with your local authorities regarding any permits you may need. These permits will vary depending on how you plan to use the container.
If building a home with your shipping container, let your insurance carrier know it is an ISBU or Intermodal Steel Building Unit. Likely, the outstanding fire and safety ratings will impress insurance companies and code officials.
Transportation costs will primarily depend on how far you have to move your container. Your seller might offer free or discounted shipping within a specific radius. If not, you can pay for shipping or save money by renting a truck with a tilting bed or trailer and picking it up yourself.
Living near a port will make shipping costs lower and logistics much easier, but there are containers scattered throughout the country, so there are usually options for purchasing a container no matter where you live.
We cover this a bit in our shipping container homes article, but generally, you can expect a container to last for around 25 years, depending on how well you maintain it. While containers are incredibly durable, they do require a bit of upkeep and maintenance if you want them to last as long as possible.
With proper modifications, shipping containers are safe to live in. As mentioned above, you should always verify what a container has been used to transport. Whenever possible, opt for containers that have not been exposed to hazardous materials and chemicals.
First, you need to look into the cost of land in the area you plan to live in. To create a shipping container home, you need to purchase a plot of land. This cost varies depending on the state. Your shipping container will have to stay in one place.
You can purchase a new or used shipping container to build your home. The used will always be cheaper. Typically, a used container will have been in service before it arrives at your land. A new container is only used by you.
While building a shipping container home costs less than building a stick-built home of a similar size, you'll still need to save up and budget accordingly to make sure you can afford it. As a general rule, the minimum cost for a small shipping container home will be $10,000, while something larger that uses multiple containers will be much more expensive. 041b061a72