In a world that is moving towards sustainable living, container homes have sparked interest as a new form of easy to build sustainable housing. Container homes are generally small homes made from discarded or used steel shipping containers.. Around the world, there are around 14 million out-of-use shipping containers that are now very creatively being looked at to create homes for many. Varying in size, containers can range from 10 ft to 40 ft and like lego blocks can be stacked together to create a much larger double-storey or multi-tenant space.
During the pandemic and global lockdown, people have been taking more of an interest in do-it-yourself projects, may it be home building, designing, or decorating. The container homes are the perfect opportunity for a project like this.
Why choose container homes?
There are many benefits to container homes. These homes can be built faster than concrete homes as setting the foundation becomes easier with shipping containers. Some companies even offer delivery of a fully built container home within 10 weeks.
Shipping containers are inherently strong as they are designed to be used in difficult sea weather with rough handling. These containers are also metal and fully sealed on the bases thus making them more pest-resistant to things like termites, insects, etc.
Container homes aim to be minimalistic and sustainable while also being cozy, and these container homes provide the perfect size and dimensions for a very small budget. One container used as a home can save as much as 3500 kilograms of steel. These sustainable homes require minimum maintenance and can last up to 15-25 years without requiring any major repairs.
Container homes are also an excellent fit for far to reach areas like farms, homestays, etc. With added wheels, these homes can also be converted to become portable, excellent for the people who need to move or relocate them.
What do container homes cost?
The prices for a container will vary according to the size, quality, and lifespan of the steel used but one can find a shipping container for as little as $2000, though prices are expected to rise with a global increase in commodity prices. Fully built smaller container homes can cost between $10,000 to $35,000 and the larger homes with more amenities can range anywhere from $100,000 to $175,000.
What to look for when choosing a container home?
There are various options available to choose from while building a container home. Many homes are being built out of shipping containers that may have only been used once. Though these containers are in a better shape than the ones that have been used many times, these do not serve much towards the eco-friendly or sustainable factor of it. The homes made out of older containers may need initial repairing for a longer lifespan but have a considerably reduced footprint. All container homes will generally require the addition of a solid roof before settling in as a home.
Rust is one of the only big concerns that have to be addressed carefully while building these homes. Hence, it is suggested that container homes are more suitable for dry areas, with less rain, humidity, and areas with salt-laden air.
Where can you buy a shipping container?
Buying shipping containers can be slightly tricky as there has to be an availability of these containers around the area one wants to make a home. One of the best options is to contact a local port for understanding the availability of containers as well as if they are available for sale for the public or not. There are property dealers, local as well as online, who can make this procedure easier for you.
