Over the past few years, there has been a growing trend of people choosing to live in container homes, made out of shipping containers. The rising popularity of the ‘tiny house’ movement means that there is plenty of inspiration out there for making the most of limited space, and they are usually cheaper and faster to build than traditional homes.
But living in a container home is not for everyone. In this blog post, we will explore the pros and cons to help you decide if this model is right for you.
Cost. Container homes are cheaper to build than traditional homes. This is because they are made out of recycled materials and require less labour to construct. Many places around the world are struggling with a cost of living crisis, thus making traditional homes less affordable than ever – containers may mean that more people can get their own space.
Speed. Container homes can be built very quickly. It often takes just a few months to construct a container home, whereas it can take over a year to build a traditional home.
Long-lasting. Container homes are durable and can withstand extreme weather conditions. This is because they are made out of steel, which is one of the strongest materials available.
Sustainability. Container homes are considered to be eco-friendly. This is because they are made out of recycled materials and use less energy to heat and cool than traditional homes.
Style. These days, container homes can be filled with a mix of modular and upcycled furniture in order to make the most of the space. This creates a unique style that is growing in popularity, especially with those who want to practice minimalist design.
Insurance cost. Shipping container homes can be more expensive to insure than traditional homes. This is because they are made out of steel, which is a more volatile material than wood or bricks.
Limited supply. Shipping containers can be difficult to find, because there is only a limited supply of them available. This is especially true if you want yours to be in perfect condition.
Noise. Container homes can be loud. This is because they are made out of steel, which conducts sound better than many other common building materials.
Heat. Container homes can be hot in the summer and cold in the winter, due to the steel, which is also very good at conducting heat.. In order to keep your home’s temperature stable, you may need to budget for some extra work.
Resale. Container homes can be difficult to sell .This is because they are not as common as traditional homes, so there may not be as many potential buyers interested in them.
Rama Architects designs Container House in Church Point, Sydney, Australia. Image © Toby Peet
There are both pros and cons to living in a container home, so it's important to do your research and consider all factors before deciding if they might be right for you. If you're looking for an eco-friendly, stylish and affordable home, then a container home may be perfect.
However, if you're looking for a traditional home that will appreciate in value over time, then you may want to stick with a more conventional option. Whichever route you choose, be sure to make an informed decision.
By Liliana Alvarez
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