Home Tip Tuesday: Shipping Container Homes


A used shipping container might be last on your list of unconventional materials that might make a beautiful home. But half the shipping containers sitting in US ports will never make it back to their original destinations. With this abundance of inexpensive material sitting around, it was only a matter of time until some innovative architects and DIY builders came up with smart ways to turn these affordable “blank slates” into comfortable homes.



The Specs
Containers come in 20-foot and 40-foot models. They can cost between $1,500-$3,000 depending on size and condition. If you’re considering purchasing a container, look for “one-way” vessels, they’ve only made s single passage from their home port to the US. One-way containers are typically in better shape than those that have made several trips. Models known as “high cubes” offer a tall ceiling of over nine feet and are preferred by many home builders. You can find containers at ports, on Craigslist and ebay or at local warehouses.

The How To
If your skill set is better suited for picking out throw pillows than for constructing a home out of a huge metal box, don’t worry. Pre-fab container homes can be purchased from online companies and shipped directly to your site, ready to connect to utilities. For those who want input in the design process, an architect skilled in green and recycled homes can help you create an amazing, one-of-a-kind home from these utilitarian objects.

If your dream is to build your own home from shipping containers, keep these tips in mind:

·  Don’t buy a container sight unseen, if a deal seems too good to be real, it probably is. Also remember not all containers look the same, designs vary from country to country.

·  You’re not going to save a ton in building costs.  Building a container home can cost nearly as much as a traditional house. Costs can be cut by minimizing the amount of welding in your construction.



·  Don’t skimp on the insulation. In cold country or in warmer climates, insulation is necessary to stay comfortable, save in utility costs and eliminate environmental noise such as wind.

·  Work with a contractor who is experienced in building with containers and can take your project from beginning to end.

·  Know the building regulations in your area, or make sure to hire a contractor who does. Try to find another container home in your area and speak with the homeowner. Ask if they encountered any legal zoning obstacles. And of course, talk directly to your city’s planning commissioner’s office.

Follow these tips and your construction experience can be as enjoyable as living in a unique and comfortable home for years to come.

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