Shipping Container Homes
Frequently Asked Questions

Shipping container homes are actual houses, that are made out of pre–fab containers.
Shipping containers were originally used to ship items (small to large) with freight ships.
Someone decided that these structures would make good, sturdy homes.

Now, container homes have improved to add more durable metal materials, insulation, and other improvements to make it a nice home for anybody looking for an alternative to the pricy housing market.

One of the best things about container homes are the fact that they are so affordable.

A typical container home can cost less than $80,000.

Depending on what you add to your container home and the size, these can range from $8,000 up to over $100,000+ per unit.

The best thing about Off Grid Dwellings is that we have complete kits that are already
pre–fabricated. All of our kits do not need (or need very little) installation. Many of our kits, in fact, have sinks and bathrooms included.

Insulation is a very important thing to consider when owning a container home.

Without proper insulation, your home can become too cold, or unbearably hot. Insulation can be tricky. Done wrong, it can become a huge problem for your new home.

We suggest looking into professionally installed insulation in your local area.

At any container home designer or builder. They come complete with sink, bathrooms, and electrical circuit board for power.

Make sure you get a basic insulated container homes in which you can plan with your
builder/architect. We suggest you plan it with someone experienced or a professional.

Container homes can last up to 25+ years. This will also depend on how well you can maintain your dwelling. If you clad the outside with something to protect your container home, such as wood, it can last even longer.

One important aspect to mention is the danger of rust. Though container homes are treated with anti–rust, without proper maintenance and care, your container home can still be in danger of rust. We suggest you regularly check your container home for rust and treat it properly.

As long as you container home is properly insulated and ventilated, your container home can last in most hot or cold climates.

Not at all. As long as you take precautions, and properly build and maintain your container home, it is truly safe.

The best way would be to look at your local area for contractors. Ask friends or family if they know anyone experienced in building. You can also look at your local papers, or online postings (like craigslist.com) to find builders in your area.

** Be careful in choosing a contractor. It is important to do your due diligence to find a
trusted builder/contractor.

The two biggest reasons people live in container homes are:

• They are very eco-friendly and efficient
• Very low-cost and economical

If you are prepared, and the container has good insulation, container homes can be just
as safe.

No. Shipping containers were built to last in ocean-salt rich environments. A shipping
container is specially made to battle the humidity and is made with non-corrosive corten steel (also coated with anti-corrosive ceramic paint) so it is virtually rust/mildew-proof.
Highly anti-septic.

With the popularity of container homes in the rise, the latest model actually look like modern permanent homes. All of our containers can be covered with wood, stucco, vinyl siding, etc.

Lately, container homes have become something of a trend, that does not look like it will go away in the near future, with rising housing costs. It definitely is a talking piece when guests see it for the first time!

Because of the reputation, efficiency, and economical nature of our container homes it should be fairly easy to be approved with your local council office/planning commissions.

Because regulations and approvals vary wildly for each state and county, the easiest way to be approved to show them exactly what you plan to build and ask them directly what is needed.

You can also bypass this necessary step by hiring a local builder who would have a better understanding of the local codes and conditions.

Yes they are. Container homes can withstand up to 100 MPH to 150 MPH winds when properly secured to the foundation. You can also easily anchor with pylons, or tie down cables for even more protection. Very solid in tornadoes and hurricanes as well.

Your container home would be 100 times safer than a traditional home. You can rest
easily knowing your container home is safer than a traditional home when it comes to earthquakes. Your home may shake and move around a bit, but I would rather be in a
container home when the “Big-One” hits than a home structure.

It is the most practical and logical choice for customers. Below are just some of the
plethora of reasons to choose a container home over any traditional space:

•  They are usually the strongest structure available (over traditional homes and
buildings). They are stronger than wood, concrete, and normal steel buildings.

• Lowest cost per square foot than traditional structures.

• Extremely Eco–friendly and efficient living. Most are made of recycled steel and
can be fully recyclable when demolished.

• Repurposes an extreme surplus of wasted shipping containers being stored
near harbors, ports beaches, etc.

Three recommended foundations types::

1. You can dig and pour concrete piers for your foundation. Then place gravel
around the piers to allow for water to drain underneath your container home.

2. The most popular option: follow Step 1 and then adding a concrete slab on top
of the piers to provide a solid surface for you container home. This will help
keep anything from digging under your home.

3. The last option would add a partial crawl space (if needed) to either options
above. Best for really cold climates where you would need to connect all of
your plumbing. Most of our customers have a base–board–type heater
mounted in the crawl space for added heat during the cold weather.

*** All of these options are recommendations, you will need to check with the local
jurisdiction to see if they have any requirements.***

Delivery for your new container home will be approximately 5–10 weeks (depending on
customizations and/or size)

You will need to choose a type of concrete foundation for your build. From there you will have to securely fasten your container home to the foundation using any method of attachment you prefer.

*** important to note, it is not recommended to use a wooden foundation for ANY
container home kits.***

Steel shipping container walls are made from corrugated sheet steel panels that are
welded for form the container. The steel used to build modern shipping/cargo containers are a corrosive resistant, high–strength steel.

Depending on which package you choose (expandable, fold out), construction methods
will vary.

The utilities (electric, water, sewer/septic) are connected the same as they would be in a normal house. Of course, we can customize this based on your needs and work with you to add any customizations so that you are ready to roll as soon as your new home
arrives.

That would depend on which type of container home it you choose. All container homes
(depending on customizations) should take no more than a couple of hours to setup the
basic kits.

Use closed cell spray foam insulation in both the walls and the ceilings of container homes. This not only provides the maximum insulation possible, it also reinforces what is already the strongest construction available.

As these are containers and not traditional wood construction, they start out wind and water tight. The only holes in the container are those that are cut for doors and windows (and raised ceilings if applicable). Because of this, the containers heat and cool very quickly.

The responsibility of the setup falls with the customer. Though some companies do offer FREE SHIPPING with all of their products (which is unheard of in our industry).

p>They definitely can, however we recommend finding a local profession tow company to help you with the transport. This is something you definitely cannot do on your own.