The idea to use shipping containers to make a home seems to be floating around a lot these days. People love the idea of having a great shelter for themselves for a decent price. And it makes sense: shipping containers are pretty darn sturdy.
Although building a shipping container house seems like an awesome idea, there are some things you need to know first. There are some pros and cons to building a home of shipping containers. Let’s take a look at both.
Pros of Building a Container House
A shipping container home can be a great choice for some people. To help you figure out if it’s right for you, let’s take a look t some advantages of container homes.
Sustainability
Shipping containers are made of steel and are therefore durable. They can withstand harsh weather conditions.
Using them as a building material reduces the need for traditional building materials such as wood and brick. This helps reduce deforestation.
Building a shipping container house also reduces the amount of waste that goes into landfills. Recycling shipping containers helps the environment by reducing the amount of steel that goes to waste.
Cost-Effective
Shipping containers are inexpensive compared to traditional building materials. They can be purchased for as little as a few thousand dollars.
Shipping container houses require less labor and time to construct, which reduces building costs.
They are also energy-efficient and require less heating and cooling, which reduces energy bills.
The modular design of shipping containers makes it easy to add or remove sections as needed. This reduces the cost of renovations and modifications.
Versatility
Shipping containers come in different sizes and can be combined in various ways. This makes it possible to create unique and customized designs. Shipping container houses can be built as small or as large as needed.
Therefore, stacked, combined, or arranged in different configurations.
Also, easily modified and adapted for different uses, such as office spaces or guest houses.
Cons of Building a Container House
Building a container home could be a wonderful choice for you. But it’s not all sunshine and roses. Let’s take a quick look at some disadvantages of container homes.
Structural Considerations
Shipping containers, not designed for living spaces, compromise structural integrity. Cutting or welding the steel structure can weaken it and cause damage.
The weight of additional floors or roofs may also require additional support. Moreover, shipping containers are not insulated, which can lead to condensation and mold. Insulation and ventilation must be carefully planned for avoiding issues.
Design Limitations
Shipping containers have a fixed width and height, which can limit the design possibilities. Therefore, corrugated steel walls and the industrial look of shipping containers may not appeal to everyone.
It can also be difficult to create large open spaces due to load-bearing considerations. Cutting and welding the steel structure may be necessary to create larger openings, which can compromise the integrity of the container.
Get Your Perfect Home Today
Container homes have their pros and cons. At the end of the day, it’s all about your personal preferences and circumstances. Want to make your dream home a reality but not sure where to start? So, let us help you out. Contact us today.