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So, you have decided to buy a container house. Nonetheless, you do not know where to start, thanks to the numerous factors to consider. Do you pick a 40' container or a 20' unit? What about new vs. old? All these questions can be overwhelming, and that is why we have put together the guide below to help you make an informed decision when buying a container home.
Containers are popular for their standardized capacity and size. Their modular character and universal design make them versatile enough to be used to create tiny homes or complex two-story buildings with urban gardens. The most common containers measure between 20' and 40' long, and each comes in two heights: high-cube height, which measures 9'6", and standard height, which measures 8'6".
Container houses come in various materials like aluminum, steel, and composites. Steel is a popular choice for its long-lasting durability.
Also, there are containers measuring 10', 45', and 53' long. However, they are scarce, which makes them expensive. One thing you must know when buying a container house is that large containers do not always cost more. Consider 40' high-cube containers. Their prevalence in international shipping often leads to similar or even lower prices compared to standard-height units.
Consider how many containers and which kind of container size you need based on your home design plans and available space.
Different containers are built to serve different purposes. For instance, there are containers for storage, moving house, and shipping perishable products like pharmaceuticals, meat, fish, veggies, etc. Since you are buying a container home, it is crucial that you check if it meets the necessary standards and regulations for home use.
You should check the building codes and zoning laws before buying a container and setting it up in your area. To do this, ensure you obtain a container permit as advised by the International Building Code (IBC). Ideally, the laws governing containers vary from state to state; hence, it is recommended that you work directly with local authorities.
As their name suggests, new containers have never been used to transport cargo; they come straight from the manufacturer. Nevertheless, new containers still need CSC Combined Data Plates since they still have to be shipped to you even when empty. While new containers and one-trip containers are often used interchangeably, the two are dissimilar. That is to say, one-trip containers are relied on once to transport a single load of cargo from the country of manufacture to the U.S.
Like new, one-trip containers do not require upfront painting or maintenance; they are built to last and have a whopping lifespan of between 25 and 30 years. You must, however, note that some one-trip containers may come with slight dents and scratches. Nonetheless, this should not be a deal breaker since these types of containers offer more benefits than drawbacks. For instance, most one-trip containers come with generous warranties from suppliers.
Used and refurbished containers are obviously much cheaper than new and one-trip units. However, their lifespan is short and ranges from 10 to 15 years. Also, with used containers, you may be forced to cater to upfront maintenance and painting costs. Needless to say, they are really not recommended for someone looking to buy a container house for home building.
Container houses come in various materials like aluminum, steel, and composites. Steel is a popular choice for its long-lasting durability.
Furthermore, aluminum shipping containers are highly resistant to corrosion, making them a perfect purchase for places that occasionally experience extreme weather conditions. Shipping containers made of composite materials may be enticing, especially if you want an eco-friendly unit. Nevertheless, they are better suited for transportation purposes than building.
Most people overlook delivery when buying container houses for home building. However, this should not be the case, considering how challenging it can be to transport a container, particularly over long distances. With that said, be sure to ask your supplier if they offer delivery services.
If the supplier does not offer delivery services, you will need to organize transportation early enough and have equipment like forklifts and cranes on standby. Besides, you need to factor in the transportation cost as well as the cost of hiring forklifts or cranes to ensure you are getting the best deal possible during the purchase.
Selecting the right container houses narrow down to a few elements: size, condition, material, and budget. It is important that you understand these factors to increase your chances of finding a unit that aligns with your preferences. Furthermore, be sure to work with a reputable supplier with a proven track record to ensure a hassle-free buying experience.
