5 Benefits Of Shipping Container Homes 09/05/2025 - FreightCenter

Shipping Container Homes

Shipping container homes are becoming ever more popular. Stephanie and Clark Evans built their shipping container home in the Chicago suburbs over the span of three years. They turned seven 15-year-old cargo containers into a 3,200-square-foot home. The home design plan initially attracted much negative feedback but was eventually seen as a masterpiece. “In the beginning, people just didn’t understand it, and no one 100 percent supported it,” Stephanie said. “But as progression goes on, a lot of people who hesitated about it at first started to come on board. People came to see it for what it was, and not just an extravagant trash can.”

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5 Benefits of Shipping Container Homes

1. Cost-Effectiveness – Shipping container homes can go for as low as $10,000. They are able to be purchased for so low because they require fewer building materials and less labor is needed to construct. Customization costs can also be lowered by DIYing different parts of your home.

2. Building Time – Homes can be built by experienced contractors in under a month. In contrast to this positive, hiring a professional to build your home can increase build costs significantly. To avoid these costs, you can purchase a prefabricated container home and modify it to fit your home preferences.

3. Customizable Home – Shipping container homes are easy to modify. Using a mix of different-sized containers, you can create any layout possible. You can also adjust your home size as time goes on by adding containers to increase living space. This is perfect for growing families!

4. Sturdy Architecture – Corten steel is often used by manufacturers to support the homes. This steel is self-healing and protects cargo during transport. This material is also more likely to withstand poor weather than the traditional house.

5. Mobile Abilities – Shipping transportation services such as FreightCenter can ship your containers to your preferred destination. This makes moving a breeze!

5 Difficulties of Shipping Container Homes

1. Building Permits – With the idea of shipping containers being relatively new, it can be difficult to obtain the necessary building permits. Contact your local city planning office for information on their building codes, zoning restrictions, and permitting requirements for container housing.

2. Electrical Applications – When dealing with electrical components of a shipping container home, they often are easily visible inside of the house due to the lack of space in between the “walls” (space between the containers). Electricians can often prevent the aesthetic look from being negatively affected by the electrical components by using coverings and tubing throughout the ceiling and walls

3. Reinforcements Needed for Expansion – The more expansion done to the container homes, the more 4×4 steel beam reinforcements you’ll need. If the lower container has cut-outs for windows or doors and there are plans to place more containers on top of it, then steel beams will also be needed.

4. Lack of Insulation – Shipping containers do not have insulating properties. When the homes are being built, there is no space for insulation materials. To insulate a shipping container home, you can use spray foam, cork board, and wool or cotton.

5. Potential Hazards – When shipping containers have been used, they can contain harmful chemicals or other materials. They often are also treated with zinc paint coat to prevent corrosion. Shipping containers spend most of their lifetime (before being used for homes) near the ocean, which is a perfect recipe for corrosion and rust.

Container Home Plans

Expected Shipping Container Home Build Cost

Shipping container homes range in size and cost. The average cost to build is around $10,000 to $35,000. Larger, more complicated designs can reach upwards of $175,000. Desired amenities or materials can also increase costs.

Land Costs

While building costs are relatively low for a shipping container home, you still need to consider where the home will go. Unlike tiny homes, which often remain on a trailer, a shipping container home typically stays in one place. With that being said, you will need to own the land to place the house on.

According to the USDA, the average cost for an acre of farmland in was $3,160. This average number increases significantly when looking at land in more populated areas.

Keep in mind that not all types of land are convenient. Raw land lacks road, sewer systems, and electrical grid access. It is also crucial that your home is placed in a residential living zone, not a commercial structure or farmland zones.

Laying The Foundation

Once you have purchased your land, the foundation can be laid for your shipping container home. A trench foundation is often found to be more affordable, where the concrete is poured into a shallow hole in the ground. A slab foundation is laid when the ground is soft and extra reinforcement is needed.

A pier foundation is another option that can be used. It includes a series of cylindrical columns to support the home placed on it. This causes the house to be elevated a few feet off the ground while preventing it from sinking into the ground. About $5,000 can be expected to be spent on laying the foundation.

Acquiring Containers

The next step is to find your container. You can choose between new and used containers. New being a “one trip” container (the trip to your house) and used being in service for a few months up to a few years. Used containers can be purchased for about $2,000. New containers range up to $8,000.

Tools Needed to Make The Home

Shipping container homes often are placed on their foundation using a crane. Using a crane has many benefits, such as safety, ease, and speed. You can hire a local builder or rent a rough terrain forklift to use if you don’t have access to a crane. You can use a large crowbar after placement for final adjustments.

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You will need to remove metal from the containers to place windows, door openings, electrical sockets, etc. There are many options for cutting through steel, including using a plasma cutter, cutting torch, grinder, or even a jigsaw.

It is crucial to contact professional help when removing parts of the container because too much removal can affect stability and safety. All gaps made by cutting will need to be sealed to protect the home from potential outside elements.

Final Touches

After the shipping containers have been delivered, modified, and secured into place, there are several steps left before your shipping home is move-in ready. These steps usually include finishing off windows and doors, including framing, flashing, thermal breaks, and glazing. All openings should be framed with steel to ensure durability and not be weaker than any other points in the home.

After the house has been fitted, insulation, heating and cooling, plumbing, and electrical systems should be installed, including all necessary fixtures. Oftentimes, Supertherm ceramic coating is applied to the outside of shipping container homes to help insulate them.

Plywood is used to build the flooring, which is then covered with the desired tile or carpet. The walls are finished with drywall as if it were a regular home. Only after all of this is it time to install large fixtures and appliances and start outdoor landscaping.

A Few Companies That Specialize in Container Homes

Current Shipping Container Homes

In Zack and Brie Smithey constructed their three-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bathroom, 3,000-square-foot shipping container home. The Smitheys were attracted to shipping containers because they offered a chance to recycle and to show off the couple’s unique style. But keeping the project on a budget meant doing almost all the work themselves—their work resulted in a gorgeous 8-container home full of quirky, fun, upcycled details.

Considering Shipping a Container Home?

No matter your experience, a shipping container home is a fast-to-construct, cost-effective, and sturdy yet mobile home that you can customize to your heart’s desire. Before building, it is essential to remember all the difficulties of constructing a shipping container home.

There are permits, wiring, plumbing, appliances, and even health hazards, all of which can make the building process more difficult than expected. Whether starting from scratch or enlisting professional help, shipping container homes are eco-friendly options where you can live big in your small home.

The Benefits of Modular Shipping Container Homes for Growing Families

As families grow, their housing needs evolve. Traditional homes may not always meet the dynamic requirements of a changing household, leading many to explore innovative solutions like modular shipping container homes. These modern, versatile, and sustainable dwellings offer a host of benefits for growing families, combining practicality with efficiency.

1. Affordability

One of the most compelling advantages of modular shipping container homes is their cost-effectiveness. Shipping containers are generally cheaper than conventional building materials, and their modular nature allows for efficient use of space and resources. This affordability makes them an attractive option for families looking to maximize their budget while still investing in a spacious and functional living environment.

2. Scalability and Flexibility

Modular shipping container homes are highly adaptable, making them ideal for growing families. As your family expands, you can easily scale up by adding more containers or integrating additional modules. This flexibility allows you to customize the layout according to your needs, whether you require extra bedrooms, a larger living area, or additional storage space. The modular design also facilitates future expansions or modifications, ensuring that your home can evolve with your family’s changing requirements.

3. Sustainability and Eco-Friendliness

With increasing awareness of environmental issues, many families are seeking sustainable housing options. Shipping container homes align with this ethos by repurposing old containers and reducing the need for new building materials. This not only helps in minimizing waste but also reduces the overall carbon footprint of your home. Additionally, container homes can be equipped with green technologies like solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems, and energy-efficient insulation, further enhancing their sustainability.

4. Durability and Strength

Shipping containers are designed to withstand harsh conditions during transit, making them incredibly durable and strong. This robustness translates into a safe and resilient home for your family. The steel structure of containers provides excellent protection against extreme weather conditions, including heavy rains, strong winds, and even seismic activities. This durability ensures that your home remains secure and stable, providing peace of mind for you and your loved ones.

5. Speed of Construction

Traditional home construction can be time-consuming, often involving numerous delays and complications. In contrast, modular shipping container homes offer a streamlined construction process. Containers are pre-fabricated and assembled off-site, reducing the time required for on-site construction. This efficiency not only speeds up the overall building process but also minimizes disruptions to your daily life, allowing your family to settle into their new home more quickly.

6. Customizability

Modular shipping container homes offer a high degree of customizability, allowing you to design a living space that reflects your family’s unique needs and preferences. From interior layouts and finishes to exterior aesthetics, you have the freedom to create a home that suits your style and functional requirements. Whether you envision an open-plan living area, a modern kitchen, or a cozy family room, the design possibilities are virtually endless.

7. Efficient Use of Space

One of the key benefits of shipping container homes is their efficient use of space. Containers are designed with a compact footprint, making them ideal for urban or densely populated areas where land is limited. By utilizing vertical space and integrating smart storage solutions, you can make the most of every square foot in your home. This efficient use of space ensures that your growing family has ample room to live comfortably without compromising on functionality.

8. Low Maintenance

Shipping container homes are low-maintenance due to their robust construction and durable materials. The steel frame is resistant to common issues such as rot, pests, and decay, reducing the need for frequent repairs and upkeep. This low-maintenance aspect allows you to focus more on enjoying your home and spending quality time with your family, rather than worrying about constant maintenance tasks.

9. Community and Lifestyle Benefits

Modular shipping container homes often encourage a sense of community and connection. Many container home developments are designed with shared spaces and communal areas that foster interaction among residents. This can create a supportive and engaging environment for families, enhancing the overall living experience and building strong community ties.

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