A Basic Guide to Shipping Container Homes

For several years now, tiny homes have been popping up on Pinterest and across social media as unique and inviting living spaces. However, most recently, the tiny home trend has evolved into an even more eco-friendly option - shipping container homes.

Shipping container homes are residential dwellings that are created out of empty shipping containers that are no longer being used. Some people create their house out of just one shipping container, while others stack, pile and lay several shipping containers out in order to design a larger custom floor plan.

Wondering if this eco-living trend is right for you? Here's everything you need to know about shipping container homes:

What are Shipping Container Homes?

Shipping container homes are houses that are created out of shipping containers that are no longer being used to transport goods and products across the world. Shipping containers are often stacked high on freighter ships and on train beds, and they take all the things we need on a daily basis from point A to point B. However, they can only be used so long for transportation, and often end up sitting unused for years. Now, in order to give these old products new life and to prevent the need for further manufacturing, people are transforming these containers into houses where they can live, work and play.

Where Can You Live in a Shipping Container Home?

If you are interested in purchasing and renovating a shipping container home, then you should start looking for a place that will allow you to reside in one of these properties. Some of the states that allow shipping container homes include Texas, Oregon, Alaska and California. If you are wondering if shipping container homes are allowed in your community, reach out to your local government officials for more information and guidance.

How Much Does a Shipping Container Home Cost?

Similar to a traditional single-family home, the cost of a shipping container home can vary significantly. A container home that is made out of only one shipping container and features minimal upgrades may cost as little as $10,000, while a more luxurious home with an elaborate design can cost up to $200,000.

Why Should You Consider a Shipping Container Home?

There are many benefits that you may want to consider if you are thinking about buying a shipping container home, such as:

• Shipping container homes are a budget-friendly option for those who want to stick to a certain price point. It's easy to predict the cost of your home and plan accordingly.
• Shipping container homes can easily be transported, given the fact that a vast network to move these containers from place to place already exists.
• Shipping container homes are an eco-friendly option. When you buy one of these homes, you are giving new life to a shipping container that would otherwise be left to decay. In addition, you are opting for a smaller living space that will require fewer resources to operate on a daily basis.

On the surface, a shipping container home may seem like it has limited options. After all, shipping containers come in standard sizes, and they do not have the flexibility that other prefabricated or modular homes have. However, if you are willing to think outside the box, you may find that this is the perfect sustainable living solution that you have been searching for.