What Are Shipping Container Homes? Everything You Need To Know | (2024)

What are container homes?

A container home is a residence made from one or more shipping containers, also called cargo containers, storage containers, or conex boxes. Typically used for transporting goods, these containers are made of corrugated steel and are designed to be durable, secure, and weather-resistant, making them well-suited for temporary or permanent homes. Shipping containers are available in a variety of sizes, offering flexibility depending on your preferences and lifestyle. Shipping container homes can be built quickly and often inexpensively, making them a popular choice in areas with high costs of living. Some people choose to build shipping container homes for this reason, while others choose them as a sustainable alternative to traditional homes. Others are simply attracted to the unique look and feel of the containers! They are often associated with a minimalist and industrial aesthetic but can be designed and decorated to suit a wide range of styles.

What is the average cost of a shipping container home?

The price of container homes varies widely depending on a number of factors, from home size and number of containers used to location and materials used in and outside of the home. It also depends on if you are building the home custom or buying prefabricated. In general, though, these homes tend to fall between $25,000-$80,000 for a single container model and $80,000 to $250,000 for a multi-container house. Don’t forget to factor in the cost of land and labor to your overall budget! Learn more about the cost of shipping containers →

Are shipping container homes cheaper?

Shipping container homes are typically less expensive than traditional homes. This can vary based on materials used, square footage, etc., but comparing homes with similar dimensions, container homes typically clock in around one- to two-thirds the price of traditional homes. If you want to cut costs and save even more money, you may want to repurpose a used shipping container rather than buying new, assuming it is still in good, weather-resistant condition.

How long do shipping container homes last?

Because they were built to safely transport goods over long distances and often-harsh conditions, shipping containers are extremely durable, making them an ideal choice for homes. With proper care and maintenance, these homes can last decades - an average lifespan of 25-30 years. The biggest risk to shipping container home longevity is rust. Rust-resistant paint can ward this off, but even if the structural integrity of the corrugated sides is threatened, these may be replaced without altering the home’s frame.

Are container homes safe?

Shipping containers are just as safe and secure as traditional homes. Just like a “stick-built” or wood constructed home, the safety of a container home depends on property construction and maintenance, but they are otherwise no less safe than a traditional home. After all, storage containers were built to safely transport cargo over long, sometimes treacherous journeys without compromising the goods inside. This makes them secure and safe in a variety of weather conditions. Be sure to avoid toxic materials when building a container home, as often the floor on a new / one-trip container can be sprayed with heavy pesticides. And - as with any metal home - ensure it is grounded to provide safety in a lightning storm.

How do you insulate container homes?

For all their benefits, one of the tricky things about container homes is that their walls are thin, posing a challenge for insulation. There are two ways to get around this: building out or building in. By building walls slightly separated from the sides of the shipping container inside the home, you can keep the quintessential container exterior, but take up more square footage inside the residence. Alternatively, you can do this on the exterior, and leave the corrugated steel look inside the home. Next, you’ll need to choose the type of insulation you want to use. Spray foam insulation is popular for shipping containers due to its ease of use. However, its chemical makeup means this is not the most sustainable option. Cotton, wool, and cork are also viable options. Wool and cork are both fire resistant, and cork has the added benefit of absorbing extra sounds from the metal of the shipping container. Learn more about shipping container moisture control →

Which states allow shipping container homes?

All 50 states in the U.S. allow shipping container homes - some are simply easier to build in than others due to zoning laws and building codes. Alaska, California, Louisiana, Tennessee, and Texas are particularly easy states for building these types of residences.