If you’re just about to build your own home, or perhaps you would like to have a new one that’s more to your creative and unique tastes, you may want to consider using shipping containers as your main building material. People now consider alternative uses for shipping containers, including building homes from them, after learning of the many benefits of doing so. Here are some of them.
Ease of Construction
Because of its modular properties, shipping containers are very viable for construction use. It’s akin to prefab houses ready to put together and scale up as needed or preferred. It also comes in different sizes and design types so you can be inventive and creative.
Whether it be a single studio type unit or a multiple room home, you can achieve this even with using 20 or 40 ft shipping containers. As far as the structure is concerned, all you have to do is add windows, doors and stairs for multi-level homes. It would be ideal, of course, to layout a clear plan with your contractor beforehand so that you can execute carefully the cut-outs. Otherwise, you might end up cutting through sections that do not have the sufficient bracing or support, which can then weaken the rest of the container’s body.
Cost-Efficiency
Because the shipping containers essentially make for a formed structure already, it eases the cost and burden of building homes. In fact, the cost itself of the shipping containers are affordable too, even if you buy brand new units.
Shipping containers are very durable, which adds to their cost efficiency. New containers are coated with paints designed to resist corrosion and the effects of the elements.
Versatile
Why limit yourself to just building houses when you can also use shipping containers for various other purposes? Some even convert it as an above-ground pool.
It can also even be used as a mobile shop or portable office. It’s also stackable, which is great because that allows you to add storage, working, or living space using a small plot of land.
Environment-Friendly
If you are particularly conscious about the carbon footprint you leave behind, you can take comfort in the fact that using shipping containers is essentially a form of recycling.
Companies like Equipment Management Services can help you find shipping containers to suit your needs. They can help with the design and will even modify containers to your specifications.
Sources
The Pros and Cons of Cargo Container Architecture, archdaily.com
7 Benefits of Shipping Container Home Design, marineinsight.com
