Shipping container homes: All the information and inspiration you need

Shipping containers – those corrugated metal boxes – are used for moving freight on cargo ships, trains and trucks. Once they reach the end of their lifecycle, they’re relegated to landfills or junkyards. But now, shipping containers are finding second lives as new types of houses!

Shipping container homes are popular due to their affordability, durability and eco-friendliness. Keep reading to get details about container houses and find inspiration.

What is a shipping container home?

A shipping container home is a type of alternative housing that is constructed from metal shipping containers. Containers are usually only 160 or 320 square feet, so their small size, durability and modular design make them easier to work with than traditional house building materials. Those looking for an eco-friendly type of home appreciate the recycling aspect too. This makes them an excellent addition to the tiny home movement.

Shipping container home designs and inspiration

There are several different designs that can be used to create a shipping container home. Here are some of the most popular options to consider:

Single container

The single container is one of the most popular designs because it’s easy to get your hands on and easy to work with just the single container. It’s a single-story rectangular home, and its interior is reminiscent of a shotgun house, where one room leads to the next.

The benefit of a single container home is that it is simple to make and very straightforward in design. However, it will give you less space and is less visually interesting than some of the other options that use multiple containers in different ways.

Stacked

A stacked container layout adds a second story. The interior layout retains that long layout of the single container home, just with double the space!

The increased space is obviously a benefit of the stacked containers. You will just need to take extra measures to ensure that everything is done safely and securely and you won’t have any issues with the taller structure. You’ll also need to do some form of staircase, either inside or outside the containers to utilize them both.

Side-by-side

Two or more containers sitting snugly together add more space and more interior separation.

This might be easier to do than stacking containers and still gives you double the space. It will, however, take up more ground space. This may or may not be an issue, depending on your building area, but it could be easier to create an entry between them than the stacked format that requires stairs.

Crisscross stack

For more of a visually interesting design, two or more units are placed perpendicularly on top of each other. The interior layout is more unique with this design.

This gives you the bonus of the extra square footage with a more interesting exterior look.

Sculptural

Shipping containers can also be positioned at unique angles and in artistic clusters to create a sort of sculptural home. This is the most artistic and visually interesting layout, but you may need to spend extra time designing how the inside will be cohesive with this setup.

Cabin

If you like the idea of a shipping container home but not the visual look of it, consider wrapping it in wood boards or stacked logs to give it more of a cabin aesthetic. You’ll get the solid basic frame from the container, but then can make it look however you want.

Pros and cons of shipping containers as homes

There are both positives and negatives to a shipping container home. Here are some things to consider before investing in one:

Pros

Some of the biggest pros of a shipping container home include:

• Affordability: Constructing a shipping container home or tiny home is one of the cheapest ways to build a house. Even on the higher end of prefabricated units, shipping container houses still cost less than many standard homes and even some tiny homes. Homebuilding costs tend to be lower because the footprint of a container home is smaller and not built from scratch. As always, total costs will depend on the finishes and features you choose.
• Durability: Shipping containers are typically made of durable, weather-proof materials that make for great home exteriors. Their steel and metal structures can withstand harsh elements on the land and the sea, and even though the exterior can rust over time, they’re strong and solid.
• Efficient construction process: Shipping containers are built for mobility, making their delivery time faster. Though it takes additional time to add doors, windows, a roof and all the interior materials, the construction time tends to be much shorter than building a standard home. Some prefab shipping container homes are move-in ready and take only a few weeks to finish.
• Customizability: One of the most convenient features is their modular design. Whether you choose to live in a single container or use several to construct a bigger home, you can configure the structure of your home. The same goes for inside – you have the ability to make the home as simple, stylish or luxurious as your imagination and budget can handle!
• Eco-friendliness: One of the most attractive benefits is the sustainability of the lifestyle. These homes are environmentally friendly, due to their smaller footprint and the fact that they’re recycled. Giving a shipping container a second life as a home is great for living off the grid. You can customize your eco-friendly home even further by installing energy efficient features.

Cons

However, there are some potential cons to consider before purchasing a container home, including:

• Legal restrictions: Because these homes are a newer trend, states and counties often don’t have regulations. You’ll need to look into zoning and land permitting issues to ensure your shipping container home is legal.
• Limited insulation: Because shipping container homes don’t include much insulation, you’ll need to insulate the home. However, keep in mind that bulkier insulation takes up valuable interior space.
• Possibility of structural issues: Because you’re adding doors and windows, you’ll be cutting the shipping container. It’s important to ensure your home is stable and that you’re not compromising the integrity of the structure.
• Risk of toxins: Unless you’re buying a brand-new container, you might encounter hazardous chemicals or materials that may have been used in a shipping container previously. Because they’re built to be sturdy and non-corrosive, the materials used to build the container may contain toxins, including lead.
• Limited availability: In a perfect world, all containers would be recycled. But in reality, shipping containers need to be in good condition to be used for housing. Rusted and dented ones can’t be used easily. Keep in mind that you’ll also be adding plenty of non-recycled materials to finish your home.

How much do shipping container houses cost?

Here are some of the most common costs of a shipping container house, though keep in mind the cost will depend on such factors as the size, age, condition and location of the container and any features you add onto the home. 

For DIYers

At its most basic level, building a shipping container home on your own is one of the cheapest ways to build a house. Expect to pay about $2,300 – $8,300 for a single container, according to Angi. This cost fluctuates depending on several factors, such as the size and quality of the container and supply and demand. If you want a high cube container, which adds a foot of height, expect to pay more. If you live near a port, your costs might skew lower.

While the prices are lower for DIYers, it’s essential to remember that the container itself is just one expense. You’ll have other costs associated with making your container into a livable home.

Along with the factors stated above, here are some others affecting the cost of a shipping container home:

• Land: The cost to buy land to put your shipping container home will vary widely depending on your location and local market.
• Size: The size of the living space impacts overall cost as far as how many containers you will need as well as the amount of materials that will be required to finish that amount of space.
• Customization: The finishes and elements that you choose to decorate and finish your home will greatly affect the final total price.

Shipping container home FAQs

Here are some common frequently asked questions about shipping container homes:

How long do shipping container homes last?

Shipping containers are extremely durable and should last 25 years or more if cared for properly.

Do storage container homes hold value?

It’s too early in the trend to be able to tell for sure, but signs point to them becoming a staple in home choices. Their affordability and eco-friendliness make them an attractive, achievable option for many.

How long does it take to build a shipping container home?

Shipping containers can be turned into homes in as little as a month, depending on the amount of work you choose to do and the size of the space.

What’s the standard size of a shipping container home?

The two general sizes of shipping containers are 160 or 320 square feet. A 160-square-foot shipping container is 20 by 8 feet, and a 320-square-foot container is 40 by 8 feet. Both are 8.5 feet tall, and high cube containers are 9.5 feet tall.

Can I get a mortgage for a shipping container home?

It depends. Many lenders won’t offer mortgages unless the home is on a permanent foundation. Keep in mind that you may encounter appraisal problems, since these homes are rather unique and without comparables. You may have to take out a personal loan to finance your place.

The bottom line

If you’re up for the smaller footprint and lifestyle that alternative housing options offer, you can explore ways to make your shipping container home a reality! Ready to buy a shipping container home? It helps to have a real estate agent. Partner with an agent through Rocket Homes^SM.