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A shipping container home is made from steel containers used for transporting goods on ships. These units are large, reusable, intermodal containers available mainly in 10 ft, 20 ft, and 40 ft.Â
Shipping container homes are a choice for homeowners looking for lower construction and maintenance costs. The container units can be used as standalone homes or combined with multiple containers to create a multilevel residence.
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This article discusses the pros and cons of shipping container homes that must be considered to make an informed decision.
Pros of Shipping Container Homes
1. Cost-Effective
Shipping container homes are cost-effective compared to conventional housing options that demand building materials and labor. Anyone can purchase a container home for as low as $10,000.
2. Prefabricated Shipping Container Homes
Prefabricated shipping container homes are modular units manufactured at the factory and brought to the site, making construction simpler and quicker. In addition, the container building code inspections are performed at the factory, thus producing quality building units.
3. Modular Units
Several shipping containers can also be combined to create a house, with each unit acting as a module. Modular construction allows the use of different sizes, such as 20 ft with 40 ft shipping containers.
4. Mobile Home Units
A single-container house can be relocated to any other location by employing a shipping transportation service.
5. Durable
Shipping containers are made of corten steel. These are self-healing steels that protect cargo during transportation across water bodies. Hence, dwelling units made of these containers can likely withstand all weather conditions.
6. Predictable Cost
The manufacturing cost of shipping container homes manufactured at the factory is fixed. The only price that varies is for delivery, site preparation, foundation, assembly, and connections for utility.
Cons of Shipping Container Homes
1. Issues with Permits and Building Codes
Container home construction is a new concept in some regions. Hence, there are no proper permits and building codes for them.
In several regions of the United States, like Texas, California, Colorado, and Oregon, the regulations for shipping container homes exist.
Before planning for shipping container homes, the occupant must enquire with the local city planning authorities regarding codes, zoning restrictions, and permit requirements for container housing.
2. Not Completely Eco-Friendly
Shipping container homes are eco-friendly only when old, refurbished shipping containers are used for housing. If the containers are damaged or have a history of carrying chemicals, they cannot be used for housing.
3. Need Insulation
Shipping containers do not possess insulating properties. Insulation is provided based on the site conditions and required R-value for the occupant.
4. Need Reinforcement
Even though storage containers are made of durable steel, the roof unit can sag during heavy snowfall. The issue mainly occurs when the corner castings of the container aren’t strong enough. To resolve such issues, the load-bearing walls of the container need reinforcement or install a sloped roof.
FAQs
Shipping container homes are made from steel containers used for transporting goods on ships. These units are large, reusable, intermodal containers available mainly in 10 ft, 20 ft, and 40 ft.Â
Shipping container homes are eco-friendly only when old, refurbished shipping containers are used for housing. If the containers are damaged or have a history of carrying chemicals, they are not used for housing.
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