The 8 Pros and Cons of Shipping Container Homes

As alternative housing is on the rise, so are shipping container homes. Oftentimes, people can transform a standard shipping container into luxury container homes, fit for living or used as an office space. In fact, it is predicted that shipping containers homes will have a global compound annual growth rate of 6.5% from 2019 to 2025.

With homes made from shipping containers being rapidly on the rise, we wanted to take a closer look at these modern homes and explore the pros and cons of this way of living.

What are shipping container homes?

Shipping container homes or luxury container homes are dwellings made from large steel containers known as shipping containers. Generally, these containers come in a range of sizes and styles as they are normally used for a range of different storage needs.

The different sizes of shipping containers benefit those looking for a home made from shipping containers. Essentially, the containers are ‘stackable’ and therefore you can fully customise the size and shape of luxury container homes. Some of the best shipping container homes are the ones that have a personal touch and have been designed uniquely.

What are the pros and cons of shipping container homes?

Interestingly, there are a lot of different pros and cons of living in a shipping container. It may sound like a bizarre idea, but the list below demonstrates all the advantages of this, as well as the drawbacks.

Pros	Cons
Shipping container homes can be more cost effective Basic shipping container homes can range from £10,000 to £35,000	It may be more difficult to obtain a building permit This is only applicable in a number of countries, such as the United States. Currently, the UK does not typically require planning permission for storage container homes, as they are not considered being a permanent home.
They are relatively quick to construct  Some storage container homes can be completed in under a month. They are much quicker to construct than, say, a house.	Not always the most eco-friendly  Shipping container homes take metal out of the recycling cycle. Metal is one of the most commonly recycled materials and therefore a key player in the recycling industry Living in a shipping container takes valuable metal out of the recycling process
They are modular homes, which leaves room to change things  Luxury container homes are the way to go if you want a fully customisable home. They come in a number of sizes and can be arranged to suit your individual needs. They can essentially be ‘stacked’ and positioned however you see fit.	Modern appliances could be tricky Whilst shipping containers are a great choice for off-grid living, if you are going to want electricity and all your home comforts, you need to think first. You will need to find a reputable electrician who has experience in shipping container homes.
They are very durable Most shipping containers are made from corten steel. This is a highly durable material. If you have a shipping container home, you are certain to have a very strong home. Shipping containers are made to withstand the shipment, storage and handling processes.

Some top tips for owning a shipping container home 

So now you know the pros and cons of owning homes made from shipping containers, where do you go from here?

Well, if you’re looking to get started on a luxury container home, we’ve listed some top tips to get you started with the process.

• Be aware of the costs

Although a lot more cost effective solution than a house, shipping containers can still be an expensive purchase. In addition to this, making it a liveable space will require a good amount of money when you consider everything that will need doing.

• Consider natural lighting

Obviously, a shipping container will not have windows or doors when you move into it and fitting them will be a huge part of your project. This is something to factor into both the lighting and the costs of your shipping container home.

• Realise and understand your limitations

You must go into the project with a clear understanding of your limits. At the end of the day, you are going to be living in a shipping container, not the ritz. It is important to understand that you will not be able to achieve everything you could with a house.

• Thoroughly inspect the container before purchasing or making changes

Ultimately, this container is going to be your home, therefore it needs to be suitable. This is why a thorough inspection is essential. This ensures that you will spot any faults before purchasing, potentially saving you thousands of pounds.

So are shipping container homes worth it?

Luxury container homes are a great option for affordable alternative living; but they have to suit your lifestyle and needs.