Used Shipping Containers as Small
Houses
If you have ever thought of building your own small home, chances
are the idea of using used shipping containers to do so did not
spring to mind. Oddly enough, though, these types of containers
are quickly becoming popular in the home building world, and there
are actually a number of good reasons why.
Used Shipping Container Small Home |
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The most obvious reason why used shipping containers is the
cost associated with doing so, but there are a number of other
great benefits, many of which we will get into in the rest of
this piece. It's impossible to talk about used shipping containers
as a tiny home without talking about the cost.
Building a blatantly ginormous home with bricks or timber can
become ridiculously pricy, but containers are still incredibly
affordable. The cost of the used containers may rise and fall
depending on their availability, but many can be bought for a
pretty penny
When there is a global economic recession, the prices may go
up, and they will only drop once trade between countries starts
to build again. The average price of a 305 square foot shipping
container comes in at about $1,500, which is a huge savings over
what you would pay for other construction types to create that
same amount of space. It goes without saying that even if you
were to use 2 or 3 used shipping containers to create your new
space, it would still be a whole lot more affordable than other
construction methods.
One of the biggest reasons that people cite for building a small
home from used shipping containers is the desire to go green.
And, of course, owning a recycled home is one way to do so. Many
people that go this route use solar panels to power their new
space. Another way that people go green with their shipping container
home is to add what's known as a Green Roof on top. This helps
keep the space insulated to reduce heating and cooling costs as
the seasons change.
Another great benefit of used shipping containers is their durability
and ability to withstand the harshest of elements. The containers
are usually loaded on ships and transported overseas in conditions
that can be less than pleasant. Since the goods inside need to
be protected from the elements, the containers are built to last,
repelling harsh weather conditions and sea spray that can inflict
a lot of damage over time.
Shipping containers are able to withstand all of that and still
remain strong and intact. Much of this has to do with the construction
of the containers, most of which are made from ultra-strong steel.
They are in fact so strong that they are perfect for areas were
earthquake activity, as well as other severe weather issues, is
common. Placed on a solid foundation, used shipping containers
will basically last for your lifetime and beyond, without any
real need for a lot of maintenance or upkeep.
There are many more benefits than those mentioned above, with
the fact that you will have a truly unique home being just one
of the others. So sustainable are these containers, some parts
of the world have started making full apartment buildings made
entirely from them. As their popularity rises, watch for them
becoming more and more common in your neighborhood.
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