If you’re looking for an easy, compact way to live in a home of your own without causing as much environmental impact, shipping container homes may be for you. Explore everything you need to know about owning one of these unique houses in Michigan and what to expect when buying one.
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What Are Shipping Container Homes?
Shipping container homes are houses made of new or upcycled shipping containers. Because these containers are made with corrosion-resistant steel and other heavy-duty materials, they make great building materials for houses after they’re done hauling cargo across the ocean and the country.
These unique homes are easy to customize, as they’re stackable and combine like other types of modular and manufactured homes. However, because they use existing materials and keep containers out of the scrap piles, they’re also considered sustainable housing.
As experts in creating safe, modern homes of all types for residents in West Michigan, Preferred Homes is proud to offer shipping container houses from Blox, one of the top manufacturers in the industry.
Shipping Container Home Building Process
Design Discussions
We offer container homes in multiple sizes and styles, but suppose you want to add onto an existing home or pair multiple units together to make a larger living space. We can help you out with the logistics and tell you what to expect, no matter what you have in mind.
Factory Prefabrication
Much like other types of modular homes, shipping container houses are converted in large, enclosed facilities that give workers complete control over their workspace. Whereas traditional homes are subject to weather conditions and the availability of crews and materials, these facilities are climate-controlled and have equipment available on site.
Meanwhile, a crew will prepare your foundation to make the next steps as smooth as possible.
Module Delivery
Once you’ve chosen your dream house design and the builders have finished converting your container into your future home, our staff will deliver it. Delivery times vary depending on availability.
On-Site Assembly
Once your shipping container home is on site and placed on its foundation, the rest of the setup tasks will begin. Among other things, this includes:
Hooking up utilities
Installing stairs and handrails, if applicable
Finishing drywall and repairing any cracks from transport
Installing cabinetry and furniture
Testing utilities
Laying flooring
How Much Is a Shipping Container Home?
Generally speaking, this is one of the most affordable housing options available today. While they typically cost less than other home types, pricing depends on several factors:
Stacking or attaching multiple containers for a full-size container home will generally cost more than buying single-unit tiny homes.
Generally speaking, intricate layouts and custom floor plans will cost more than some of the standard options we have available.
Including bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen layouts, and appliances in your converted container space will generally cost more than buying one unfurnished.
To learn more about the pricing options for specific models, reach out to our staff and we’ll help you know which options might be best for you.
Pros and Cons of Shipping Container Homes
If you’re thinking about making a house out of recycled shipping containers, it’s important to get familiar with the pros and cons of using them to build your dream home.
Benefits of Choosing a Shipping Container House
Some of the reasons why you might choose a shipping container home include:
Container homes cost a fraction of the price of regular homes while still offering many of the same amenities and benefits. This makes them an ideal solution in markets experiencing a shortage of affordable housing.
Instead of scrapping shipping containers at the end of their service, converting them into container homes allows people to upcycle them for better energy efficiency while using fewer resources.
Even true tiny homes made from single shipping containers can be customized to include the comforts you’d expect from a designer home, such as balconies, multiple floors, and modern interiors.
Much like other manufactured houses, shipping container homes are as easy to move as putting them on the back of a semi and taking them to your new property.
Compared to traditional homes and even some types of modular or manufactured homes, container houses are usually available with faster delivery times, making it easier to move into your new space.
Challenges of Choosing a Shipping Container House
Like any other housing type, shipping container homes come with a few unique drawbacks you might not experience with other types of housing:
Shipping containers may require more customization if you desire a larger layout.
Shipping container homes typically require very specific types of zoning permissions and permits, since most agencies consider them non-permanent structures.
Shipping containers may require reinforcement and installation of hookups for plumbing and electricity.
However, it’s important to note that at Preferred Homes, we can work with you to accommodate these drawbacks. We have years of experience helping people move into homes of all sizes and types. We’re proud to work with Blox, a dedicated shipping container home manufacturer, to make sure these drawbacks aren’t a problem.
How Long Do Shipping Container Homes Last?
As mentioned, these containers are designed to survive some of the worst storms the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans have to offer. Because they’re durable, homes made from shipping containers can last 25 years on their own at least.
However, this estimation assumes that you aren’t carefully maintaining your home, or you let the steel exterior be the only siding on the house. If you add external siding or take other steps to prevent rusting, they can last even longer.
What Makes Shipping Container Homes Safe?
Shipping container homes offer great security compared to traditional and manufactured homes. They’re less likely to experience the wear and tear manufactured homes might experience during transit and are easier to move than traditional manufactured housing.
Are Shipping Container Homes Safe in a Tornado?
There’s a reason why converted shipping containers are also frequently used as emergency shelters in tornado-prone areas. Unlike traditional manufactured houses, shipping container homes can withstand tornadoes because they’re too heavy for most winds to move.
Shipping containers were built to withstand 50-foot waves and winds exceeding 130 knots per hour on massive ships. While we still recommend sheltering in a basement during a tornado warning, your shipping container house is far more likely to withstand a tornado than a traditional home.
Pre-Built Shipping Container Homes in Michigan
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Pre-built and new shipping container homes are allowed in Michigan, and we have years of experience navigating the regulations and local requirements throughout our service area. While there may be some local zoning regulations in place, Michigan does not have any statewide laws preventing the construction of container homes.
Why Choose Preferred Homes?
At Preferred Homes, we understand that your home is your sanctuary—a place perfect for your growing family and an ideal spot to relax after a long workday. We strive for excellent service and an incredible experience while you’re looking for your new home. We’ll work with your budget and requirements to customize the perfect shipping container home for all your needs.
Find Shipping Container Homes for Sale Near You
Ready to find a shipping container home to call your own? View our available container home floor plans and then schedule a tour with us to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are Shipping Container Homes Hot?
Although their exteriors are usually steel, container homes can be easy to keep cool during the warm summer months, especially when they’re outfitted with heating and air conditioning units, awnings, and a larger roof to insulate the house from the heat during Michigan’s hottest August days.
What Building Codes Do Shipping Container Homes Adhere to?
Shipping container homes are subject to state-level building regulations. While some local governments may have specific requirements for homes that aren’t set on permanent foundations, Michigan’s state-level requirements for manufactured and modular homes also apply to container houses.
Wondering if container living is right for you? Homes built from shipping containers are a trend on the rise across the country—from the California coastline to the Tennessee mountain ranges! Whether you’re considering joining the tiny house movement or stacking containers to save money on building materials, here’s everything you need to know about shipping container homes!
Shipping container homes (also known as “cargo homes”) are homes built out of large steel boxes traditionally used for intermodal shipments. Architects, builders, and DIYers have begun converting the containers into environmentally-friendly houses and cabins. These homes are typically narrow and rectangular, unless multiple containers are welded together. Many are open-concept, though some have narrow hallways and sectioned-off rooms. Some feature modern amenities, while others are totally off-the-grid. And as time goes on, they continue to become more and more popular!
While container homes are trendy now, they’ve been part of several design movements throughout history. Before being used for homes, shipping containers were used for schools, office buildings, pools, greenhouses, and storefronts around the world. Then, in the mid-2000s, shipping containers started being repurposed by architects into homes.
Before you design your shipping container home, it’s important to understand the different types of containers! Each has benefits and drawbacks, so you should choose which style best fits your needs.
General purpose (or standard) shipping containers are typically made in three different sizes: 8×10, 8×20, or 8×40. These standard containers are 8.6 feet tall. Since standard containers were made to fit on trains, they’re relatively compact. The smallest container has just under 100 square feet of living space, but containers can be stacked or placed side by side to provide more space as well.
High cube shipping containers are nearly the same as any standard shipping container, but they’re a foot taller. Many homeowners have said the extra height is helpful when building a shipping container home, especially when it comes to insulating the house. An important thing to know is that high cube containers cost around 50% more than a standard container.
Refrigerated shipping containers are often referred to as reefer containers. They’re traditionally used to transport food products like dairy, meat, and produce. One of the benefits of using a reefer container for your home is that it’s already insulated, unlike the high cube and standard containers. However, there are other challenges associated with reefer containers, such as the cost, refrigeration system maintenance, and unique flooring.
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SearchBelieve it or not, there are several reasons why people are choosing to live in shipping containers! From decreasing waste in the shipping industry to adopting a low-key minimalist lifestyle, cargo homes offer a modern appeal to tiny home hunters, people who live off-the-grid, and sustainable homeowners.
Some shipping container homeowners are drawn to the project for suitability and recycling purposes. While you can order a brand new shipping container to make into a home, you can also recycle old ones. Repurposing old shipping containers retired from the shipping industry can be a helpful way to cut back on steel waste. However, converting them must be done properly to ensure no dents or rust compromise the structural integrity of the home.
A top reason why people are drawn to cargo homes is that they have a faster build time! Cargo containers provide the shell of the home so that no time is wasted waiting for the exterior to be constructed. Small container homes can be built in a few days or a few weeks. You can even buy prefab shipping container homes that are made at the manufacturer and ready to live in upon delivery.
While the size of a single shipping container is limited, they’re actually scalable. These Lego-like blocks can be stacked up to eight containers high, equaling the size of a traditional two-story home! Scaling your container design may require additional architectural planning, but it’s not impossible to do.
Shipping containers are much more customizable than you might think! You can develop a variety of floor plans, add personal touches, and make them your own. Consider adding floor-to-ceiling windows, building a rooftop for friends to enjoy, stacking containers to create a loft, or designing a front porch. Whether you’re DIYing your new container home or choosing a prefab home from a company, you can design your shipping container home to look and feel however you want!
One of the main benefits of shipping container homes is their durability. If they’re well taken care of, they can last for over 25 years! The metal structure means it’s resistant to fire, holds up against harsh weather, and isn’t susceptible to rot or mold. The one thing you have to keep your eye out for is rust, but if you treat rust spots properly to prevent corrosion, there’s not much left to worry about!
Shipping container homes don’t just appeal to tiny house hunters. The modular appearance is perfect for anyone looking to hop on the industrial home trend! Container living could be ideal for someone looking for sleek lines and metal accents in their modern, homey space!
Container living doesn’t come without its struggles, but if you understand what you’re up against, they’re easy to combat. Many of the disadvantages of shipping container homes can be overcome with simple solutions like space-saving furniture, steel rod reinforcements, or an experienced contractor.
Tiny house living is not for everyone! One of the clear drawbacks of container homes is the small living space. Unless you’re willing to spend more money to weld containers together, you’ll be living in a 8×20 or 8×40 home. The narrow space can be difficult to plan around, but there are ways to maximize space in a tiny home so that it doesn’t feel cramped.
Since shipping containers are made from metal, they don’t offer much insulation. While you may think it’s easy to add insulation, the limited space makes things more difficult. Most container homes use cork, wool, cotton, or spray foam insulation to prevent bulkier insulation from taking up too much space. The best material depends on whether you’re looking for natural insulation material and what your budget allows.
The more you cut into your shipping container, the more reinforcement it needs. To prevent structural issues in your home, you’ll need to reinforce the roof and walls. Additional reinforcements like steel rods are needed every time you add a new door or window. And stacking containers on top of each other requires welding shipping containers together.
If you’re not trying to live off the grid, it can be difficult to get modern amenities in your container home. It’s a good idea to find professionals experienced in container home builds when planning your HVAC, electricity, and plumbing needs, but these experts may not be available in your area.
One of the most important things to take into consideration when purchasing a shipping container is the condition it’s in. You can purchase a new, used, or one-trip container. Used and one-trip containers are popular for those trying to help eliminate waste in the shipping industry. However, they can require more time and effort because they often need to be cleaned and repaired.
If you purchased a used shipping container, you probably want to consider redoing the floors. Hazardous chemicals used in waterproofing the container can be dangerous if you’re going to live in a used container. To be safe from the toxins, remove the original flooring and replace it with plywood from the hardware store. If you’re concerned about the cost of replacing flooring, you could also treat the floor.
The cost of your cargo container home will depend on its size, scale, condition, and amenities. Typically, the cost of small shipping container homes falls between $10,000 and $35,000, while larger container homes with more modern amenities can range anywhere from $100,000 to $175,000. (Keep in mind that these figures don’t include purchasing and prepping the property where you’ll place your container home.)
Shipping containers by themselves generally cost anywhere from $1,400 to $6,000, with new containers or larger containers being more expensive than recycled or smaller containers.
In many cases, prefab container homes are the more affordable option for home buyers, as prices have been set by the manufacturers, and the homes usually include built-in amenities. Custom-built container homes, on the other hand, can be more expensive due to the materials, labor, and design customizations.
Ready to build your container home? Whether you’ve chosen to purchase a prefab container home, DIY your own, or hire a contractor, there are a few necessary steps to take throughout the building process.
The first step in building your new shipping container home is to pick a location! Almost every state allows shipping container homes (or are considering allowing them), but it’s good to check city and state regulations before you start the process. Wherever you decide to build, you’ll need to buy a plot of land. The size of the land necessary depends on how big of a container home you plan to build. Once you know where you’re going to put your container home, it’s time to tackle the rest of the building process.
Every state has different rules and regulations for container homes, so before you start building your new tiny home, make sure you obtain the necessary permits! You’ll want to check on building codes and zoning regulations and restrictions to avoid any problems in the future.
There are a number of places to buy new and used shipping containers. You can look at retailers like Shipped, or Boxhub, as well as places like craigslist and eBay. You can also purchase prefab homes from companies like Honomobo, Container Homes USA, Custom Container Living, or Backcountry Containers. Just remember to inspect the quality of the container you’re buying, especially if it’s used so you’re fully aware of the repairs it needs!
Perhaps one of the most exciting parts of building your home is designing the shipping container floor plan! You’ll need to decide how many containers you’ll need to achieve your design. The number of containers will depend on the number of bedrooms you want or the size of living space you need.
Are you planning to tackle a giant DIY shipping container project, or will you hire contractors? Depending on your skill level and desired amenities, you can find a lot of DIY tutorials online. But if you’d like help building your home, you can also find contractors who are experienced in shipping container home construction and design. Just make sure to consider the cost of contractors as part of your budget if you go that route.
Make sure you prepare your land properly before you pour or place your foundation and install your shipping container home! This can range from leveling soil to actually installing the necessary utilities you want in your home like water, gas, or electrical.
You’ll want to choose one of the four main types of foundations for your shipping container home. A pier foundation is a relatively inexpensive (and quick to construct) shipping container foundation made from concrete blocks, or piers. Pile foundations are made of cylinder steel tubes hammered into the ground and capped with a concrete block. Another option is a slab foundation, which is when a slab of concrete is poured beneath your shipping container to provide a solid base for your home. A combination of a pier and slab foundation, a strip foundation uses strips of concrete that are poured to support the container around the perimeter. Once your foundation is in place, you can install your shipping container!
While you don’t technically have to put a roof on your shipping container home because it already has one, most architects recommend you do. There are four common roof styles to choose from. Traditional pitched roofs are usually best for places with varying climates, especially if there’s lots of rain or snow. Flat roofs are the simplest, fastest to install, and least expensive, but they’re often more costly to maintain. Green roofs, or living roofs, involve planting plants and greenery on top of your container home, which provides natural cooling and insulation. Or you could add a terrace roof to increase your living space by putting a patio or deck on top of your container home.
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Looking for a secure place to store extra belongings while living in a shipping container home? Extra Space Storage has eco-friendly storage locations across the U.S. that can help. Find available storage units near you!
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