In recent years, shipping containers have become a popular choice for alternative housing options. The use of dry containers as homes, also known as “container homes”, has been growing in popularity as a sustainable and affordable solution to the housing crisis.
The idea of turning shipping containers into houses is not new, but it has gained significant traction in recent years due to its many benefits and unique design possibilities.
The term “container home” itself refers to a building constructed from repurposed steel from used sea containers that may have served as a cargo compartment for truck, train, or ship transports. Container homes are regarded as environmentally beneficial because they are compact and multipurpose. They can also be substantially less expensive than a conventional home, even though they have special expenses like licenses and land ownership.
Pros of Shipping Container Homes
- Affordability
Shipping containers, or specifically used shipping containers for sale, are relatively cheap compared to traditional building materials and construction methods. This means that building a container home can cost less than traditional home construction, making it a more affordable housing option. Besides, if shipping container homes are well taken care of, they are more valuable and survive longer than other forms of compact houses. - Sustainability
Shipping containers are made of corten steel, which makes them highly durable and long-lasting. Shipping container homes made from weathering steel can likely withstand inclement weather conditions better than traditional housing. This makes them a more environmentally friendly option, as they can be repurposed and used again and again. Not only do shipping container homes have quick building times and predictable costs, but the adaptability of shipping containers is also a great benefit in other circumstances, such as mobile emergency shelters. - Mobility
Shipping containers are designed to be transported easily, making it possible to move your container home from one location to another if necessary. This makes container homes ideal for those who may need to move frequently, such as military families, nomads, and those in search of adventure. Also, container homes are also able to be stacked, which makes it easier for homeowners to add more room and space. - Design Flexibility
Shipping containers come in standard sizes, which makes it easy to combine multiple containers to create larger homes. If the homeowners have strong DIY skills, customizing a container home is a lot easier and more cost-effective. Hence, container homes allow for a wide range of design possibilities, from small and compact homes to spacious and luxurious ones. - Energy-efficient Living
Shipping container homes can be far more energy-efficient than a typical home with the appropriate design decisions. Due to their reduced size, these houses are simpler to heat and cool. Additionally, you can include energy-saving features, such as spray insulation foam, green roofs, efficient appliances, and solar panel systems. Compare your construction options and the available appliances for your future house. After relocating to a container house, your energy usage can be significantly decreased with good insulation, a green roof, and energy-efficient equipment.
Even though there are a lot of benefits to shipping container homes, there are also a few issues you need to tackle when building container homes.
Challenges of Shipping Container Homes:
- Zoning and Building Codes
Shipping container homes may not meet local building codes and zoning regulations, making it necessary to research and obtain the necessary permits before building. However, no worries; states and counties are becoming more open to container homes and giving building permits. - Insulation
Shipping containers are designed for cargo, not for living, and may require insulation to ensure they are comfortable to live in. - Sensitive to Outside Temperature
Shipping containers can become very hot in the summer and very cold in the winter, making it important to install proper insulation or room temperature control systems. - Finishing Work
Shipping containers come in their raw form, so interior finishing work is required to turn them into livable spaces. This can include installing electrical and plumbing systems, flooring, and walls.
Despite the challenges, the rise of shipping container homes shows no signs of slowing down. With their affordability, sustainability, mobility, design flexibility, and durability, shipping container homes have proven to be a viable solution for affordable housing.
Whether you are looking for a unique and affordable home or a sustainable and mobile one, shipping container homes are worth considering! If you are looking to buy used shipping containers for sale, you can buy them from a dealer with years of experience. At Tradecorp, you can buy or rent a wide range of quality used sea containers according to your needs and requirements.
To find out which containers you are looking for, simply browse our product collection on our site and fill out a quote to tell us your needs. No need to wait any longer, our representative will contact you as soon as possible.