Shipping container homes offer a unique and affordable way to build a home. Not only are you able to save money by using repurposed materials, but you're also able to build a home that is eco-friendly and can be adapted to any climate.

If you're thinking about building a shipping container home, there are a few things you need to know first.

What is a shipping container?

A shipping container, or intermodal container, is a large, standardized, reusable box used to store and transport goods by ship, plane, train, or truck.

What is a shipping container home?

A shipping container home is a dwelling made out of one or more shipping containers. They are often used as temporary or emergency housing but can also be used as a unique take on a permanent home.

What are the benefits of shipping container homes?

There are many benefits to shipping container homes, including:

• Affordability. The cost of construction is on the rise. Shipping container homes provide an affordable alternative to traditional construction methods.
• Eco-friendly. By reusing a disposable product, shipping container home construction reduces waste and helps to preserve the environment.
• Durable. Shipping containers are made to withstand harsh weather conditions and rough handling during shipping. They are an ideal choice for a home.
• Unique. Shipping container homes have a unique, industrial look. While they can be painted any color the homeowner wants, they often look best with the original shipping marking and even graffiti left in place.

Can any container be used for shipping container home construction?

Not all shipping containers are suitable for home construction. The best containers to use are ones that have been used for only one trip and are in good condition with fewer dents.

Additionally, all shipping containers come standard at eight feet wide, eight and a half feet tall, and are available in two lengths: 20 feet long and 40 feet long. Both options work well for shipping container home construction. There is also a hard-to-find Hi-cube version with nine-and-a-half-foot ceilings.

How are shipping container homes constructed?

Shipping container homes can be constructed in a variety of ways, including:

• Welding. The most popular method is to weld two or more containers together to create a larger living space that is 16 feet wide or more.
• Stacking. Shipping containers can also be stacked on top of each other to create a multi-story home.
• Offset. Shipping containers can be offset and joined together to create a unique space.

While contractors need to work around the undulating interior walls of a shipping container, the interior is finished off the same as a stick-built home.

Shipping container home construction is not common practice, although it is growing in popularity. If you're interested in learning more about shipping container homes, contact a company like Smart Barndominiums.