Shipping container homes are becoming increasingly popular as a cost-effective and sustainable solution to housing. Not only do they offer a unique and modern design aesthetic, but they are also built to last and are more affordable than traditional construction. With the right planning and preparation, you can build a shipping container home for a fraction of the cost. In this step-by-step guide, we will take you through the process of building a shipping container home at a low cost, from obtaining the necessary permits and materials to constructing the home itself. Whether you’re looking to create a tiny house or a full-blown dwelling, this guide will help you get started. So, let’s get started and explore how to build shipping container homes at low cost.
Benefits of Building Shipping Container Homes
Shipping containers have the ability to be repurposed in many different ways, making them a very sustainable and eco-friendly source of material. This is why they are a popular choice for building shipping container homes. Cost-effective – Shipping containers can be acquired for extremely cheap, especially if you buy them second hand. In addition, the costs of transportation are much lower as they are already built-in and can be easily transported by truck. This will help keep costs down as you have less materials to buy. Modular – One of the best things about building with shipping containers is that they are modular. This means that each container can be arranged in a number of ways to create multiple designs. This allows you to create unique designs that would not be possible with conventional building materials.
Obtaining the Necessary Permits
This will depend on the type of shipping container home you are trying to build. In general, there are three types of shipping container homes: Fully constructed shipping container: This consists of a shipping container that is fully constructed and ready to be moved and placed on a foundation. Shipping container frame-wall: This is a shipping container that has been modified to create a frame-wall. It is not yet attached to a roof or a foundation. Shipping container shell: This is a shipping container that has been fitted with a door and roof, but is not yet connected to a frame-wall, foundation, or interior. For the first two types, you will likely need to obtain a building permit. If you are building a shipping container shell, you may be able to avoid the permit process. This will depend on the local government and what they consider to be a shipping container home.
Selecting the Right Materials
The type of shipping container you will use will help you determine what materials you’ll need to use. If you are building a fully constructed container, your materials will depend on what type of shipping container you are using. For example, if you are building with an ISO shipping container, you will need to use an insulated wall panel to create the interior space. If you are using a non-ISO shipping container, you will use plywood to create the interior space. If you are building a shipping container frame-wall, your materials will vary depending on the design of the house. In general, you will need to select exterior grade lumber, roofing materials, and other framing materials. When it comes to selecting the right materials for your shipping container home, you want to make sure that you are purchasing high-quality materials that will last. This will help ensure that your home is structurally sound and will not need to be repaired or replaced prematurely.
Calculating the Cost of Construction
Building a shipping container home is more affordable than building a conventional house. However, it depends on the type of shipping container home you are planning to build. For example, if you are building a fully constructed shipping container, you will have to use a crane to lift the container and place it on the foundation. This can cost thousands of dollars in addition to the costs of the materials. If you are building a shipping container frame-wall, the costs will be significantly lower as you will only need framing materials. One way to calculate the cost of construction is to break down the project into phases. For example, the first phase might be obtaining the necessary permits and finding a suitable site to build the container home. Once this phase is completed, you can move on to phase two, which includes the initial material list and cost estimates. This will give you an idea of how much the project will cost.
Designing the Floor Plan
The design of the shipping container home is completely up to you. You can create any type of design, whether it be a small studio or a large family home. It’s important to consider how the containers are stacked and how they will sit on the foundation. This will help with the overall design of the home and where containers are placed. When designing the floor plan, you need to keep in mind that a standard shipping container is 8 feet wide and 8 feet deep. This means that you will have a 8’x20’ space to work with. You can then choose the containers you want to stack and create a design around them. You will want to make sure that the containers are structurally sound and can withstand the weight of the containers above them.
Preparing the Site
The site should be prepared for the foundation, especially if you are building with non-ISO containers. This will help ensure that the containers are properly supported. You will want to excavate the site and remove any rocks or debris. This will help prevent cracking and damage to the foundation. The site should be leveled and compacted using a plate compactor. You will also want to make sure that you have a sufficient amount of space between the containers. Depending on the design of the home, you will need to leave enough space for doors and windows. This will help with airflow and reduce the risk of mold and mildew. Additionally, you will need to leave space for utilities and wiring. Make sure to consult a professional when planning your wiring and that it is up to code.
Constructing the Shipping Container Home
First, you want to stack the containers in the correct order. This will help ensure that the containers are structurally sound and stacked properly. Once you have stacked the containers, you will want to bolt them together. You will then add the wall panels to create the interior space. You will also want to prepare the roof and seal the containers. This will help prevent leaks and water damage. Once the containers have been stacked and prepared, you will want to place a footing under each container. This will help support the weight of the containers and will prevent the containers from sinking into the ground. You will then want to place a ledger board between the containers for added support.
Finishing Touches
Depending on the type of shipping container home you are building, you may need to finish off the interior. This may include adding interior walls, flooring, and electrical work. Once these are complete, you can move in and start enjoying your new shipping container home. As with any construction project, there is always the risk of something going wrong. This is why it’s important to stay on top of the project and make sure that you are prepared for any challenges that may arise. From the beginning, you should keep track of all expenses and make sure you have a budget to follow. This will help you stay organized and on track and will help prevent any unnecessary spending.
Maintaining Your Shipping Container Home
Like any other home, you will have to maintain your shipping container home. This will include an inspection every couple of years to make sure that the containers are structurally sound. You should also keep an eye on the roofing materials to make sure they don’t start to wear out. It’s also important to clean the home regularly to prevent mold and mildew. If you are building a shipping container home, you can enjoy the benefits of a cost-effective and sustainable home that is unique in design. With the right preparation and planning, you can build a shipping container home at a low cost.
Resources for Further Information
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