DIY simple container homes are an increasingly popular housing solution due to their affordability, sustainability, and modular design.
As we know, shipping containers are built from Corten steel (ASTM A588), a corrosion-resistant alloy designed to endure harsh marine environments.
When anchored properly, their walls (1.5-2.0 mm thick) and reinforced corner posts (6-8 mm) withstand wind speeds up to 120 mph.
A simple container home offers a wide range of benefits – financial, environmental, and practical. Whether you’re looking for an affordable housing solution, a minimalist lifestyle, or a sustainable alternative, container homes have a lot to offer.
Read this article to learn the DIY step-by-step!
Contents
Benefits of Having a Simple Container Home
1. Affordability
Building simple container homes costs less than building a traditional home. They only need budget-friendly materials and fewer construction hours to reduce labor costs.
Shipping containers are pre-built steel structures, which saves framing time. A basic container home can be finished in a few weeks, especially if you DIY or use a prefab kit.
This is great if you are first-time homeowners.
2. Customizable Design
For simple container homes, you can have an open layout that allows for creative floor plans. Furthermore, you can personalize the look inside and out. For example, wood siding, green roofs, minimalist interior, etc. This is great for DIY enthusiasts who want to put their own mark on the build.
3. Eco-Friendly
Reusing recycled shipping containers to build simple container homes can reduce steel waste.
Moreover, shipping containers are compatible with off-grid setups like solar power, composting toilets, and rainwater harvesting.
4. Durability & Strength
Containers are built with steel that can withstand harsh marine environments, so they’re strong and weather-resistant.
They are naturally storm- and earthquake-resistant due to their solid frame and low center of gravity.
5. Modular & Expandable
With the modular and expandable features, you can easily add more containers to expand your living space over time.
Moreover, containers are stackable and configurable in many layouts (L-shape, U-shape, 2-story). This is ideal for building in phases as your needs or budget grow.
6. Portability
Container homes can be moved to new locations, making them great for people who want flexibility or live in areas prone to relocation.
You can also place the container homes in off-grid locations where traditional building is difficult or expensive. This will reduce the need for transporting large amounts of construction materials.
Rooms Inside Shipping Container Homes
Living Room + Kitchen
Many container homes include a living room as a central or shared space. Shipping containers are large enough to house basic rooms like a living room, especially if you’re using a 40-foot or multiple containers combined.
To save space, you can place a loveseat or small sectional along one wall, use a wall-mounted TV or shelving, and use multi-purpose furniture like ottomans with storage.
A container home’s living room is best if combined with the kitchen in an open-plan layout (kitchen + living room combo).
Bedroom
Container homes are highly customizable, and bedrooms are one of the most common features included in their layouts. The bedroom can be located at the back of the house for more privacy, or even on the mezzanine (upper floor) to take advantage of the room’s height.
Bathroom
The most livable container homes include at least one fully functional bathroom. This should include a toilet, sink, vanity, shower, hot water system, ventilation fan, and washer.
To make everything simpler, install the bathroom near one end of the container for easier access to utilities and to simplify construction (fewer plumbing runs).
Open Area
Some container home concepts also allow for open areas such as terraces or inner courtyards, which can be used for relaxing or gardening. This is a popular design choice to make the space feel larger and connect indoor and outdoor living.
With an open area, you will have more natural light and ventilation. This will also encourage outdoor living and connection with nature.
DIY Simple Container Home Steps
1. Plan Your Build
Planning a simple container home properly is essential to save time, reduce costs, and avoid construction headaches later.
While container homes are simpler than traditional houses, they still involve structural changes, legal requirements, utilities, insulation, and budgeting.
Without proper planning, you risk wasting money, running into legal trouble, or building something unsafe or uncomfortable.
2. Choose and Buy a Container
Choosing containers to be repurposed as simple container homes is kind of tricky. For this intent, you’d better get “One Trip” containers in better condition.
At Tradecorp, we have various sizes of shipping containers. Whether you want to buy or rent them, we offer both new and used shipping containers to suit your needs.
We have a wide selection of shipping containers, brand-new or pre-owned ones; we’ve got you covered.
3. Prepare the Foundation
Shipping containers may be strong steel boxes, but once they’re placed on the ground as a home, they become part of a permanent structure that needs a solid base.
Soil moves over time with rain, frost, or erosion. Without a proper foundation, the container can tilt, sink, or crack. Uneven settling can damage walls, floors, doors, and windows.
A proper foundation can also support modifications. Cutting openings for windows, doors, or walls weakens the container’s original structure.
4. Modify the Container
The essential parts of container modification are cutting windows, doors, and ventilation. For this activity, you will need tools like an angle grinder, a welder for reinforcements or framework, and safety gear.
Remember to always reinforce structural areas where you cut, especially large sections like sliding doors.
5. Install Insulation
Shipping containers are made of steel, a material known for its high thermal conductivity. Without insulation, it can become unbearably hot in summer and cold in winter.
Here, insulation is the barrier that reduces heat transfer between the interior and exterior and ensures better temperature regulation.
The insulation types that you can choose from are spray foam, rigid foam panels, and blanket insulation.
6. Plumbing, Electrical & Ventilation
For the plumbing, electrical, and ventilation, you can DIY this or hire a professional, especially for code compliance.
Install wiring in surface-mounted conduit, as it is easier for steel walls. Then, use composting toilets or greywater systems if off-grid and add roof vents or mini-split A/C for airflow.
7. Doors, Windows & Interior
Doors, windows, and the interior are very important in a simple container home. Even though the structure itself comes pre-built (steel walls and roof), these elements directly affect how comfortable, livable, and functional your container home will be.
Therefore, install insulated windows, standard or sliding doors, and thin-framing interior walls in your house. Also, you can add drywall, tongue-and-groove panels, or even keep a minimalist metal aesthetic.
8. Exterior & Roofing
Exterior and roofing can protect your container home from heat and rain. For the roof, you can use a sloped metal roof or a green roof.
Meanwhile, for the exterior, paint your container with solar-reflective coatings and add cladding for looks and insulation.
Conclusion
Tradecorp has simple container homes at affordable prices, fast construction, unique designs, and added to their eco-friendly construction.
We also offer you a wide range of house customization, like additional doors, windows, insulation, and electrical systems.
We will help you find the perfect container solution for your housing needs at a reasonable price.
Fill out the contact form on our page to get container homes for sale at Tradecorp. We will respond to your inquiry promptly.