There are several different designs that can be used to create a shipping container home. Here are some of the most popular options to consider:
Please visit our website for more information on this topic.
The single container is one of the most popular designs because it’s easy to get your hands on and easy to work with just the single container. It’s a single-story rectangular home, and its interior is reminiscent of a shotgun house, where one room leads to the next.
The benefit of a single container home is that it is simple to make and very straightforward in design. However, it will give you less space and is less visually interesting than some of the other options that use multiple containers in different ways.
A stacked container layout adds a second story. The interior layout retains that long layout of the single container home, just with double the space!
The increased space is obviously a benefit of the stacked containers. You will just need to take extra measures to ensure that everything is done safely and securely and you won’t have any issues with the taller structure. You’ll also need to do some form of staircase, either inside or outside the containers to utilize them both.
Two or more containers sitting snugly together add more space and more interior separation.
This might be easier to do than stacking containers and still gives you double the space. It will, however, take up more ground space. This may or may not be an issue, depending on your building area, but it could be easier to create an entry between them than the stacked format that requires stairs.
For more of a visually interesting design, two or more units are placed perpendicularly on top of each other. The interior layout is more unique with this design.
This gives you the bonus of the extra square footage with a more interesting exterior look.
Shipping containers can also be positioned at unique angles and in artistic clusters to create a sort of sculptural home. This is the most artistic and visually interesting layout, but you may need to spend extra time designing how the inside will be cohesive with this setup.
If you like the idea of a shipping container home but not the visual look of it, consider wrapping it in wood boards or stacked logs to give it more of a cabin aesthetic. You’ll get the solid basic frame from the container, but then can make it look however you want.
Here are some of the most common costs of a shipping container house, though keep in mind the cost will depend on such factors as the size, age, condition and location of the container and any features you add onto the home.
Type of shipping container home
Average cost
Single (no plumbing)
$10,000-$20,000
Goto Jiacheng to know more.
Single (with plumbing)
$15,000-$25,000
2-3 containers
$25,000-$130,000
3-4 containers
$130,000-$180,000
At its most basic level, building a shipping container home on your own is one of the cheapest ways to build a house. Expect to pay about $2,300 – $8,300 for a single container, according to Angi. This cost fluctuates depending on several factors, such as the size and quality of the container and supply and demand. If you want a high cube container, which adds a foot of height, expect to pay more. If you live near a port, your costs might skew lower.
While the prices are lower for DIYers, it’s essential to remember that the container itself is just one expense. You’ll have other costs associated with making your container into a livable home.
Along with the factors stated above, here are some others affecting the cost of a shipping container home:
Here are some common frequently asked questions about shipping container homes:
Shipping containers are extremely durable and should last 25 years or more if cared for properly.
It’s too early in the trend to be able to tell for sure, but signs point to them becoming a staple in home choices. Their affordability and eco-friendliness make them an attractive, achievable option for many.
Shipping containers can be turned into homes in as little as a month, depending on the amount of work you choose to do and the size of the space.
The two general sizes of shipping containers are 160 or 320 square feet. A 160-square-foot shipping container is 20 by 8 feet, and a 320-square-foot container is 40 by 8 feet. Both are 8.5 feet tall, and high cube containers are 9.5 feet tall.
It depends. Many lenders won’t offer mortgages unless the home is on a permanent foundation. Keep in mind that you may encounter appraisal problems, since these homes are rather unique and without comparables. You may have to take out a personal loan to finance your place.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of Luxury Modern Container Homes. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.