Jan. 13, 2025
Boxy, right-angle-filled shipping container homes are still something of a novelty in most places. But expect to be seeing a lot more of them. A report on shipping container homes predicts that by , container homes will be a $73 billion global industry.
Popular as a DIY project for small building lots, with tiny home enthusiasts, and as a public housing solution in overcrowded areas, shipping container homes can solve a lot of housing needs. Let's take a closer look at shipping container homes, and whether one is right for you.
Shipping container homes are single- or multi-family residences that use new or used shipping containers as their primary material. The containers, built for holding cargo on transoceanic crossings, are made of heavy-duty, corrosion-resistant steel. Because they're designed to hold tons of cargo and be stacked one on top of another during long ocean voyages, shipping containers are extremely durable and weather- and water-resistant.
They offer homeowners the versatility to build a tiny home with a single container; connect several containers to form a larger one-story residence; or stack, often cantilever-style, multiple containers to create a unique and modern multi-story home. In low-income or densely populated areas, shipping container projects provide a way to create safe, affordable, high-density public housing.
Most shipping containers are fabricated in China, filled with cargo and shipped around the world. New containers are often used only one time ' on a one-way trip ' because it's more advantageous for the shipping company to sell the container than it is to return it empty to its point of origin. These are sold either as 'one-trip' or new containers.
Used shipping containers that made more than one trip are less desirable for container homes. Why? Their water-tightness may have been compromised, and they are more likely to be damaged.
To build a container home, prospective owners must purchase new or used containers and have them delivered to their building site. Containers are available from resellers across the U.S.; simply Googling 'shipping containers near me' should turn up a range of options. They mostly come in two sizes, 20 feet or 40 feet, although 45-foot models are also available. These containers have an internal width and height of seven feet, 10 inches.
Forty-foot containers are also available in what's called 'high-cube' models. These shipping containers have another foot of height and are popular for container homes. New, standard and high-cube 40-foot containers cost between $3,800 and $5,000 each. Buyers must pay for the delivery of the containers to their building site. Fees are based on distance, but figure on paying at least several hundred dollars per container.
Costs for shipping container homes vary, depending on how many containers are used, how large the containers are, and how elaborate the design and finishes are.
A 'keys-in-hand' container home from Texas-based Stackhouse Container Homes costs from $50,000 for a 20-footer. For $200,000 and up, the company will build on your lot a spacious two-story home composed of several containers, complete with a roof deck. If you buy your own containers and hire contractors to do all the work, figure on spending between $15,000 and $25,000 per container. This article from 24hPlans.com shows several finished container homes and what it cost to build them.
Future container homeowners with advanced DIY skills can save money by doing most of the work themselves. Jessica and Vaillant are the couple behind Pacific Pines Ranch, an ambitious container home on the Oregon coast comprised of seven containers. Jessica says the pair have done all the work themselves, including pouring foundations and digging their septic tank drainfield.
'Container projects usually require a lot of custom work and welding, which can make the overall cost astronomical,' she says. 'We've also bought a lot of our materials second-hand or made them when needed, and this has allowed us to stay on track.'
Though she declined to say how much they've spent so far, Jessica says they stayed within budget and expect the two-year project to wind up in late .
Versatility. Container homes can be stacked up to eight containers high, and, as Jessica says, 'they're modular units and can be arranged in almost any way with the right structural engineering.'
Durability. The shipping containers were built to withstand extreme conditions at sea and rough handling in transit, so they are safe and durable in every kind of weather and environment. According to container builder Falcon Structures, shipping containers go through a rigorous verification process that ensures they can withstand winds of 180 mph ' stronger than most hurricane-force winds.
Cost-savings. Building a DIY container home can be cost-effective. But even buying a ready-made or custom-made model is usually significantly cheaper than the same-sized traditional 'sticks and bricks' house.
Quick construction. Once permitting and site prep are done, pre-fab container homes can be built in as little as 10 weeks. Timing on DIY projects will vary depending on the complexity of the build. But having the basic structure ready at the outset is a time-saver in any case.
Lots of work for a little space. Unfinished shipping containers require a lot of work to be livable. Gary Wentz, Editor-in-Chief of Family Handyman magazine, points out that all of the framing, plumbing, wiring and insulation take up space inside the container, and often derail the budget. 'All you really save on is the cost and labor of siding,' he says. 'And with framing inside, an already small space gets even smaller.'
NIMBY. Container homes are not permitted everywhere, and owners often have to purchase land in rural areas with looser zoning restrictions. Check your local zoning rules before you start planning that shipping container dream home.
Structural issues. Your shipping container could have invisible damage that compromises its structural soundness. And Wentz says cutting windows, doors and passageways into the sides of the container, aside from being difficult, means those areas will need to be reinforced and sealed.
Dubious eco-cred. When good-as-new shipping containers are taken out of circulation and turned into homes, that's not exactly good for the environment. Containers contain at least 10 times the steel that would be used for a traditional home.
Ultimately, constructing and living in a shipping container home is a lifestyle choice for those who like the novelty, modern style and ability to use containers to custom-design a modular home.
If you're looking for an easy, compact way to live in a home of your own without causing as much environmental impact, shipping container homes may be for you. Explore everything you need to know about owning one of these unique houses in Michigan and what to expect when buying one.
Shipping container homes are houses made of new or upcycled shipping containers. Because these containers are made with corrosion-resistant steel and other heavy-duty materials, they make great building materials for houses after they're done hauling cargo across the ocean and the country.
For more information, please visit Zhongxinjian.
These unique homes are easy to customize, as they're stackable and combine like other types of modular and manufactured homes. However, because they use existing materials and keep containers out of the scrap piles, they're also considered sustainable housing.
As experts in creating safe, modern homes of all types for residents in West Michigan, Clayton Homes of Grand Rapids is proud to offer shipping container houses from Blox, one of the top manufacturers in the industry.
We offer container homes in multiple sizes and styles, but suppose you want to add onto an existing home or pair multiple units together to make a larger living space. We can help you out with the logistics and tell you what to expect, no matter what you have in mind.
Much like other types of modular homes, shipping container houses are converted in large, enclosed facilities that give workers complete control over their workspace. Whereas traditional homes are subject to weather conditions and the availability of crews and materials, these facilities are climate-controlled and have equipment available on site.
Meanwhile, a crew will prepare your foundation to make the next steps as smooth as possible.
Once you've chosen your dream house design and the builders have finished converting your container into your future home, our staff will deliver it. Delivery times vary depending on availability.
Once your shipping container home is on site and placed on its foundation, the rest of the setup tasks will begin. Among other things, this includes:
Generally speaking, this is one of the most affordable housing options available today. While they typically cost less than other home types, pricing depends on several factors:
To learn more about the pricing options for specific models, reach out to our staff and we'll help you know which options might be best for you.
If you're thinking about making a house out of recycled shipping containers, it's important to get familiar with the pros and cons of using them to build your dream home.
Some of the reasons why you might choose a shipping container home include:
Like any other housing type, shipping container homes come with a few unique drawbacks you might not experience with other types of housing:
However, it's important to note that at Clayton Homes of Grand Rapids, we can work with you to accommodate these drawbacks. We have years of experience helping people move into homes of all sizes and types. We're proud to work with Blox, a dedicated shipping container home manufacturer, to make sure these drawbacks aren't a problem.
As mentioned, these containers are designed to survive some of the worst storms the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans have to offer. Because they're durable, homes made from shipping containers can last 25 years on their own at least.
However, this estimation assumes that you aren't carefully maintaining your home, or you let the steel exterior be the only siding on the house. If you add external siding or take other steps to prevent rusting, they can last even longer.
Shipping container homes offer great security compared to traditional and manufactured homes. They're less likely to experience the wear and tear manufactured homes might experience during transit and are easier to move than traditional manufactured housing.
There's a reason why converted shipping containers are also frequently used as emergency shelters in tornado-prone areas. Unlike traditional manufactured houses, shipping container homes can withstand tornadoes because they're too heavy for most winds to move.
Shipping containers were built to withstand 50-foot waves and winds exceeding 130 knots per hour on massive ships. While we still recommend sheltering in a basement during a tornado warning, your shipping container house is far more likely to withstand a tornado than a traditional home.
Pre-built and new shipping container homes are allowed in Michigan, and we have years of experience navigating the regulations and local requirements throughout our service area. While there may be some local zoning regulations in place, Michigan does not have any statewide laws preventing the construction of container homes.
At Clayton Homes of Grand Rapids, we understand that your home is your sanctuary'a place perfect for your growing family and an ideal spot to relax after a long workday. We strive for excellent service and an incredible experience while you're looking for your new home. We'll work with your budget and requirements to customize the perfect shipping container home for all your needs.
Ready to find a shipping container home to call your own? View our available container home floor plans and then schedule a tour with us to get started.
Although their exteriors are usually steel, container homes can be easy to keep cool during the warm summer months, especially when they're outfitted with heating and air conditioning units, awnings, and a larger roof to insulate the house from the heat during Michigan's hottest August days.
Shipping container homes are subject to state-level building regulations. While some local governments may have specific requirements for homes that aren't set on permanent foundations, Michigan's state-level requirements for manufactured and modular homes also apply to container houses.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of container house for sale. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.
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