Containerized Homes - Shipping Container Homes Pros and Cons

Although containerized homes‘ cost often equals or exceeds the cost of the traditional house, there are a few advantages that a lot of people really like. We’ll look at the main shipping container homes pros and cons.

Consequently, you can make a decision whether to go “containerized” or “traditional” with your house project.

Storage containers are made with COR-TEN steel, which is weathered steel that can withstand harsh weather conditions, earthquakes, and elements like salty ocean water. The rust on weathered steel creates a protective patina to keep it strong. On the opposite, rust on regular steel would actually eat it up significantly weakening it.

Are there any benefits to having containerized homes?

Containerized homes face virtually no termite problems and less wood-rotting which are pretty common problems in many states.

We often forget about bad things that could happen. Unfortunately, in many parts of the World and even in some areas in the US the famous saying “My Home is My Fortress” should be put first on the list of building requirements.

Storage container homes with entry doors made of steel can protect your family and belongings far better than any traditional structure.

The idea of building a house with containers is usually associated with saving a lot of money, eco-friendly upcycling, and speedy construction.

Guess what? Unless you want to live straight up in a decommissioned beat-up sea container ‘house’ purchased through one of the auctions without much customization then all these good things are not true.

There are actually more cons and potential problems related to containerized homes that you definitely should be aware of. Knowing all these things upfront and doing your homework will definitely help you with designing or ordering the best ship container home.

Let’s start with the list of Containerized Homes Misconceptions

1. Shipping container homes cost is lower than the cost of traditional homes

Real-life experience shows that large and medium-size container houses are often more expensive to build than traditional ones. The only scenario which may help you to save money would be getting just one small container and cutting out 1-2 windows to create a backyard studio or she-shed.

2. Containerized homes are fast to build

This is somewhat true but only for tiny containerized homes. With multiple containers, the building process could be as long as building a traditional home or even longer.

3. Steel container homes are structurally sound

Yes, they are but only until you start cutting out large doors and windows. Cutting containers create structural weaknesses.

4. Container homes are eco-friendly

Not all containers are eco-friendly. New clean containers can be considered environmentally friendly but keep in mind that many used cheaper ones were probably used for transporting toxic products.

Sometimes, resellers may sell those as “clean” since many of the containers don’t have proper historical documentation.

5. Shipping container homes are portable

Single-container homes may be portable considering that the owner didn’t change the width of the container.

6. Used shipping containers are as safe as new ones

A great number of used containers have their structural integrity compromised during multiple loading and unloading procedures. Rust, dents, bent posts, and damaged walls are just a few things that you have to watch for when buying your used container.

7. Steel container homes eliminate wood-rotting problems

Well, if your whole house will be made out of steel, then this is true. However, wood is widely used for finishing both interior and often some exterior parts of the containerized homes. In a humid climate, this wood-rotting problem may still be a significant maintenance issue.

8. Living in a metal container can shield you from harmful magnetic fields

There were no official studies that confirmed this statement. In reality, it could be quite the opposite – your metal container home may act as an amplifier or a resonator of the magnetic fields.

It all depends on where your containerized home will be located and what kind of EMF fields will be there.

Top Common Mistakes to Avoid Before Building a Shipping Container Home

Buying Very Old Containers;
Over Modification of Containers;
Ignoring Building Planning Laws and Regulations;
Buying the Wrong Type of Shipping Container;
Using the Wrong Type of Insulation;
Assuming Container Homes are Cheap to Build;
Using Inexperienced Contractor or Builder.

Containerized homes advantages

Why would someone build a house with containers?

The steel shipping container was designed to simplify and streamline long-distance shipping after World War 2. There are millions of these containers in existence and many are out of use.

Recently, increasing environmental concerns made architects and builders come up with solutions that would help to eliminate waste while using the structural integrity of containers for building affordable containerized homes and even apartments.

In this post, you’ll learn about containerized homes that you can build by yourself or simply order online. Although the cost of shipping container homes can be as high as the cost of traditional ones, you can build a structurally sound home from a shipping container for a reasonable price.

Containerized homes can be perfect for seismically active regions. Steel containers also have a better chance to stand against hurricanes and floods since they are WWT – wind and water-tight.

If you live in one of these areas, take a look at different options for building your house using containers.

Containerized Homes – Shipping Container Homes Pros and Cons