Container Homes are Economical and Eco-Friendly. But There Are Some Issues ….
Are you searching for compact urban quarters or an excellent abode on the open range? If yes, then perhaps a shipping container home is the right one for you! Shipping container homes have become a hot trend nowadays. They cater to the needs of people who are looking for an affordable, eco-friendly and easy-to-build home.
Container homes are made from remodeled used shipping containers. The concept is great for big ports – they can now unclog the huge spaces used by cargo containers.  And it’s also a great concept for creative homeowners who can now have an affordable and striking container home!
So if you are itching to know more about shipping container homes, then this article will serve as your guide about the basic things you need to know.
Pros of Living in Shipping Container Homes
Container homes were initially popular with people who wanted to live in an eco-friendly home as part of a green lifestyle. Â But container homes have since gone mainstream. Here is a checklist of the advantages of living in ship container houses.
- Economical – container homes are relatively cheap to build. Empty containers cost around $1,000 – $2,0000
- Durable – containers are made from galvanized steel, making them generally stronger than wooden frames.
- Easy to maintain – the materials are low maintenance and age well
- Safe – container homes are resistant to termites, mold and fire
- Speedy – a pre-built container home can be assembled in a few days
- Design – homes can made from more than one container, stacked side by side or on top of each other, so they can be large or small
- Green – They are a great way to re-use containers which otherwise take up space in ports, and re-using materials is very green and eco-friendly.
Cons of Living in Shipping Container Homes
Nothing is perfect, so of course there are disadvantages to living in a container house China made, but the advantages, affordability  and creative flair can quickly outweigh these issues.
- Cargo containers will usually need to be completely stripped and refinished before you can use them, as there can be traces of chemicals, pesticides and spills from the cargo they used to transport.
- Because of their shape, shipping container homes are often boxy and narrow. After you add insulation and interior walls, each container will end up about eight feet high and eight feet wide after the insulation and interior walls are added.
- Container homes need more insulation than traditional houses to stay cool / warm.
- Building permits for a shipping container home can be tough to process, or worse, these types of homes may not be allowed in the area of your choice. So always check first!
Variety of Containers
You need to know that not all shipping containers are created equal. There several types from which you can choose, and each with different features and costs. More than fifty different types of shipping containers are available, but not all would be ideal for a home foundation. Here are some general examples of containers.
- Open-top containers – are containers that have an open top for effortless loading of delicate materials like coal or grain.
- Dry freight containers – these are also called cube containers. They open in the front only, and the rest of the box is entirely enclosed.
- Insulated containers – were used to transport goods that need to be temperature controlled. They are insulated, but not refrigerated.
- Refrigeration containers – also called as reefer shipping containers and reefers. These containers have a built-in refrigeration unit as they were used to transport perishable goods.
- Tank containers –have the same dimensions as other shipping containers. However, tank containers are cylindrical and mounted on a rectangular steel base. Generally, they are used to ship bulk materials or liquid items.
All shipping containers have proportions regulated by the ISO despite their differences in purpose or characteristics.
- Height – standard containers are eight feet, six inches in height.
- Width – most containers are eight feet wide.
- Length – the most common lengths are either twenty or forty feet.
Conclusion
In summary, shipping container homes are innovative and economical. It is not surprising that it is a hot trend today. Like any other product, there are pros and cons that you must consider, but many people find the advantages outweigh the downsides. But remember to check first if you can get a building permit for one in your area!
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Warm regards,
P.S.  Don’t forget to download your free green living handbook “Live Well, Live Green” here.
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