Container homes have created a great deal of buzz. But, are they as good as they sound?
Where most see a problem, a leader sees an opportunity. In this age-old adage lies the birth of container homes, a concept that has become a rage since the mid-2000s. The problem of plenty in the shipping industry led to innovative building architects suggesting the idea of recycling shipping containers to solve the global housing shortage.
A concept that has created a great deal of buzz due to its convenience and environment-friendliness, shipping container housing may become more popular amid the plummeting prices in the second-hand container market in 2023.
Innovative living: The rise of container homes
According to a Container xChange report, the average container price has been declining globally since September 2021, due to an oversupply caused by a series of reactionary market disruptions that began soon after the outbreak of the Coronavirus pandemic.
This would increase the affordability of container houses, making them a viable choice for home buyers who are interested in mobile, environment-safe housing options and wish to contribute to the larger good by solving the world’s waste problem. That said, it is important to make an informed decision about container homes before one can make that ultimate decision of purchase.
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Container house: Average size
In length, shipping containers are available in 10, 20 and 40 ft sizes with a width of 8 ft and height of 8.5 ft. The smallest container can provide 100 sq ft of carpet area. Thus, to build a 15,000-sqft residential unit, you will need nearly nine shipping containers of 40 ft.
Container house: Average pricing
Container homes are well-marketed for their affordability. However, neither the outright purchase cost nor the maintenance is cheaper than the average spending on a traditional unit.
If you add the cost of delivery to the site, site preparation, foundation, assembly and utility connections to the cost of the basic unit, you will have to currently spend between $10,000 and $15,000. For a more sophisticated unit, the cost will rise to $100,000 to $175,000.
Container house: Average building time
This is a criterion where prefab-style container homes win against traditional homes. A simple, made-to-order container home would take about two weeks to be built. Even a complex structure would take only about a few months.
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Container house: Maintenance
Any residential unit, container homes included, requires regular maintenance. A container home is highly susceptible to corrosion and rusting and would require maintenance and repairs at regular intervals. This is particularly true if the unit is located in a wet, humid area.
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Design possibilities with container homes
They are not just great as a housing option; container homes can be quite aesthetically pleasing too. Find out for yourself!
Container house by the sea.
Container house by the sea.
Containers house on the mountain.
Container bakery shop.
Modern container house design.
Container house: Are they for you?
Even if you are comfortable with all the factors, you will have to find out about the local regulations before you can order a factory-made container home.
FAQs What is the average lifespan of a container house?
A container house can last up to 25 years, depending on regular maintenance and repair.
How much can a simple container home cost?A simple container home may cost between Rs 8 lakh to Rs 15 lakh.
If you have any questions on prefab container home builders. We will give the professional answers to your questions.