How To Build A Wooden Shipping Container Home

The process

Building a home out of wooden shipping containers is becoming a popular trend in sustainable housing. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to build your own:

Research and Planning:

Research local building codes and regulations to ensure you can legally build a home using shipping containers in your area.

Determine the number of containers you’ll need based on your desired living space. Consider factors like room layout and necessary permits.

Prepare a budget and create a detailed plan, including architectural drawings and design elements.

Obtain Shipping Containers:

Contact shipping container companies or explore online platforms to find suitable containers. Make sure they are in good condition and free from toxic chemicals.

Assess the container’s structural integrity, ensuring the roof, floor, and walls are not heavily corroded or damaged.

Site Preparation:

Clear the area where you plan to place the containers. Level the ground and make necessary foundation adjustments, such as pouring a concrete slab or constructing concrete piers.

Container Placement:

Position the containers on the foundation based on your design plan. Use crane services or forklifts for efficient placement.

Weld together multiple containers, reinforcing the connections for added stability and structural integrity.

Cutting and Framing:

Determine where windows, doors, and other openings will be located. Use chalk or a laser level to mark the cut lines.

Use an angle grinder or plasma cutter to carefully cut out openings, reinforcing the edges with steel framing.

Insulation:

Apply insulation to the interior walls, floors, and ceilings. Use non-toxic and sustainable insulation materials like rigid foam panels, spray foam, or natural fiber insulation. Ensure proper ventilation to prevent moisture build-up.

Electrical and Plumbing:

Install electrical wiring and plumbing according to your home’s layout. Seek assistance from licensed professionals for any complex tasks to ensure safety and adherence to local regulations.

Interior Finishing:

Install drywall or other preferred wall materials to cover the insulation.

Choose your desired flooring, such as hardwood, laminate, or tile. Install it according to manufacturer guidelines.

Paint or seal the walls, ceilings, and other surfaces using eco-friendly products.

Exterior Finishing:

Finish the exterior with siding, stucco, or cladding according to your design plan.

Install windows and doors, ensuring proper insulation and weather sealing.

Utilities and Final Touches:

Connect the home to power, water, and sewage systems.

Install the necessary fixtures, such as light fixtures, faucets, and appliances.

Add personal touches like furnishing, decorations, and landscaping to make it feel like home.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

1. Cost-effective: Wooden shipping containers are generally less expensive than other types of containers such as steel or aluminium.
2. Sustainable: Using repurposed shipping containers reduces the demand for new construction materials and reduces waste.
3. Quick construction: Building a wooden container home is often quicker compared to traditional construction methods, as a large part of the structure is already in place.
4. Customizable: Wooden shipping containers can be easily modified and retrofitted to suit individual preferences and needs.
5. Mobility: Containers can be easily transported and relocated to different sites if needed.

Cons:

1. Durability: Wooden shipping containers may not be as durable as other materials, particularly in extreme weather conditions or when exposed to pests like termites.
2. Limited space: Shipping containers have a fixed size, which may limit the overall living space in the home.
3. Insulation: Wooden containers may require additional insulation to regulate temperature, particularly in extreme hot or cold climates.
4. Building regulations: Some areas may have strict regulations and restrictions on using shipping containers as homes, making it challenging to obtain permits and approvals.
5. Noise and condensation: Wooden containers may not provide the same level of soundproofing and insulation as traditional building materials, and condensation can be an issue without proper ventilation.

Remember, building a home out of shipping containers requires advanced DIY skills and knowledge. It’s crucial to consult professionals for specific tasks and to ensure compliance with local building codes and regulations.