Before fancy tiny houses on wheels became a rage on the internet it were the shipping container homes that ruled the roost. Dwellings made out of steel containers not only offered people a choice to break free from the ordinary but also allowed them to embrace a truly unique living experience. But what made these dwellings so special?
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Well, two factors contributed in its favor. In times when people were struggling to pay rent and there were a handful of tiny house manufacturers across the globe, shipping container homes provided a sustainable and remarkably versatile option to live in. Secondly, these repurposed metal box container homes were cheap yet durable options in comparison to regular homes that would cost an arm and a leg.
Unlike tiny homes though, where we have a plethora of manufacturers spread across the globe, it is not to be the case with shipping container homes. If you buy a fully-finished container home from a marketplace or e-retail store, there is a possibility that it may be outrageously expensive. So, the only option the shipping container home enthusiasts are left with is to hire some construction workers or DIY their dwelling. This guide will walk you through the ten essential steps of planning and designing when building your shipping container house.
Before starting your shipping container home project, it&#;s crucial to research local building codes and regulations. Different areas have specific rules governing the use of shipping containers as homes, and you may need special building permits or approvals from local planning authorities. Ensure that the land you plan to build on is zoned for this type of structure.
Any home that is built of metal and concrete can take a toll on the environment. However, the biggest asset of living in a shipping container home is its sustainability factor. With minor interior and exterior tweaks, the shipping container not only turns out to be an energy-efficient home but also helps reduce carbon footprint. Long-story-cut-short, a shipping container home is sustainable. So, for anyone considering off-grid living, container homes can be an affordable and ideal option due to their adaptability and potential for self-sufficiency.
While shipping container homes are often seen as a more affordable alternative to traditional housing, it&#;s essential to plan your budget carefully. Initial savings on the container itself can be offset by costs related to modifications, insulation, foundation, and utilities. Be mindful of hidden expenses such as transportation fees, permits, and inspections. To get an accurate picture of the costs, consult professionals who have experience with container homes.
The idea of living inside a shipping container sounds fancy unless it starts decaying at its very first exposure to rain and Sun. This is why it becomes important to choose the right container that can withstand extreme weather conditions. When selecting shipping containers, it&#;s essential to consider the type and condition of the containers you will use. Standard containers come in 20ft and 40ft lengths, but high cube containers, which provide additional vertical space, are often preferred for residential projects. Make sure to thoroughly inspect the containers before purchase, as damaged or heavily used containers may have rust, dents, or even hazardous contamination.
While you may have the budget to buy a container home, do you have the accurate sight for hosting your container house? Selecting and preparing the site is a key step in building a container home. A well-prepared site will ensure your home is stable and functional, minimizing the need for adjustments after construction begins. Depending on the soil and climate, you may need different types of foundations, such as a concrete slab, piers, or a crawl space. Early planning for utilities, including plumbing, electricity, and sewage, is essential to ensure these systems integrate smoothly into the design. Combined, these factors not only make your home eco-friendly but can also save money in the long run.
Shipping container homes offer flexibility in layout and stacking options, but careful design is essential. Decide on the number of containers and how they will be arranged&#;whether stacked, placed side by side, or used in more creative configurations. Since containers have limited width, making efficient use of space is crucial. Open floor plans and multifunctional furniture can help maximize living areas. Additionally, make sure your design includes enough windows for natural light and ventilation, as a custom container can feel cramped. Lastly, proper insulation is also vital since steel containers can get extremely hot or cold, depending on the weather.
Whether it&#;s a tiny house, a van home, or a shipping container, interior design plays a major role in transforming any space into a comfortable abode. Many containers come with wooden floors, but these may have been treated with harmful chemicals, so it&#;s often advisable to replace or cover them with eco-friendly or reclaimed materials. For walls, options like drywall, plywood, or reclaimed wood can provide a cozy, modern look. Given the limited space, built-in storage solutions and multifunctional furniture can help maximize usability and keep your home clutter-free.
When modifying a standard container, consider how changes affect its structural integrity. Cutting into the walls to create windows, doors, or large openings can weaken the container&#;s strength. You may need to reinforce these areas with steel beams or other support structures. Depending on your location, additional modifications might be required to withstand environmental factors like earthquakes or high winds, so it&#;s essential to work with an engineer or architect who understands the structural needs of container homes.
The exterior of your container home can be just as important as the interior. To create a sustainable and low-maintenance landscape, consider water-efficient landscaping with native plants that require minimal irrigation. Xeriscaping can be a great way to design a visually appealing yard while conserving water. Additionally, incorporating outdoor living spaces such as patios or decks can enhance your home by extending your living area into the surrounding environment.
Building a shipping container home requires patience and realistic expectations regarding timelines. Depending on the complexity of the design, the construction time can take anywhere from several months to over a year. Setting clear deadlines for each phase of construction will help keep the project on track.
Building a shipping container home is a rewarding journey that allows you to create a unique and sustainable living space. By carefully considering factors such as container type, layout, insulation, and energy efficiency you can transform a repurposed metal box into a comfortable, stylish, and environmentally friendly home.
Building a shipping container home is an attractive option for many Australians nowadays, especially for those who are planning to move out of the city and establish their families in the country areas. If you are one of the many people who prefer using shipping containers to build your next home, you would find this write up extremely useful. Here, we will answer all the burning questions that you might have about shipping container homes. Browse through our FAQs to get the right information you need and to avoid serious problems later in construction.
Q: What are shipping container homes?
These are homes constructed using steel cargo containers. Cargo containers are dubbed as the "Legos" of the industry mainly because designers stack the boxes on top of each other to create amazing home designs. These homes are affordable to build, energy-efficient, durable, and eco-friendly.
Q: How many shipping containers do I need for my project?
This depends on the size of the home you're planning to build and the number of rooms you want to have.
You should know that there are various sizes of cargo containers.
Standard sizes are 8ft (2.43m) wide, 8.5ft (2.59m) high and come in two lengths; 20ft (6.06m) or 40ft (12.2m).
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Extra tall shipping containers called high-cube containers are available at 9.5ft (2.89m) high.
Take note of these dimensions when calculating for the number of actual square feet of living space you need.
Q: What is the estimated cost of building a shipping container home?
It is possible to build shipping container homes with a budget of $30,000 to $300,000.
Q: Are container homes safe to live in?
Cargo containers are usually treated with chemicals and hazardous paint. If you are planning to use a secondhand cargo container, you need to strip the old paint, remove the original flooring, and replace it with a new one. If you are buying a new shipping container directly from the manufacturer, you need to inform them to not coat and treat the floors with hazardous materials. This way, you can just lay the tiles or floorboards directly on top of the original flooring. You can be assured that this is safe. In addition, you need to make sure that your shipping container home is structurally sound to avoid serious damages that are costly to fix. Cutting a hole into a cargo container for a door or window affects the material's overall structural integrity. You will need the inputs from a structural engineer before you can stack these on top of each other.
Q: Can I make my shipping container home weatherproof and disaster-proof?
Yes. Cargo containers are constructed from steel and have reinforced frames that can withstand inclement weather, ice storms, hurricanes, strong winds, and even floods. These are highly fire-resistant as well. When built right, the home can survive earthquakes as well.
Q: Is it legal to build a shipping container home in Australia?
Yes! It is perfectly legal to use shipping containers to build a house in Australia. You just need the approval from your local council.
Q: Are container homes eco-friendly?
Your shipping container home is truly environmentally friendly when you choose to upcycle used or 'retired' shipping containers. Consider using more green and sustainable building materials and products to construct your home.
Q: How long is the life of a shipping container home?
When built right and maintained properly, shipping containers last for a really long time. The minimum is 25 years without any issues.
Q: How can I make my shipping container home energy-efficient?
Shipping container homes can heat and get cold quickly. You are going to need proper insulation to ensure comfort inside the house. Previously, our friends from Superdraft have discussed a few ways to naturally heat and cool your shipping container home here: How to naturally heat your shipping container home How to cool your shipping container home
Q: Who are the professionals I need to work with when building a shipping container home?
Similar to building a standard home, you are going to need a designer who specialises in building this type of home, a few consultants (e.g. land surveyors, structural engineers, thermal performance assessors, building certifiers, etc.), and a trusted builder to take on your project.
Q: Can I build a shipping container home near the city?
Of course! There is also a growing popularity of container homes in metropolitan areas too! You can go for prefabricated container home designs or customise your own shipping container home design with the help of an architect or a building designer. Either way, having professionals on board your project will increase building efficiency.
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