7 Steps to Building a Shipping Container House (2024)

Are you considering the idea of building a house using shipping containers? You're not alone! Shipping container homes are becoming increasingly popular due to their affordability and sustainability. While the process of constructing a shipping container house may seem daunting, it doesn't have to be. In fact, with the right tools and a little bit of guidance, it is possible to build a shipping container house in just seven steps.

Before beginning your project, it is important to do your research. Read up on the building codes and regulations for your area, as well as any necessary permits. You should also decide on the size and layout of your house, as this will determine the number of containers you will need.

Once you have all the necessary information, you can start the actual construction process. Here are the seven steps to building a shipping container house:

1. Secure Your Site

Before you begin building, make sure that your building site is secure. This will ensure that the foundation of your shipping container house is secure and stable.

A secure building site is essential to the foundation of your shipping container house. Make sure that your building site is free of debris, level, and not prone to flooding. If needed, consult a surveyor to ensure that your building site is suitable.

2. Level The Ground

Before you start laying the foundation, make sure that your building site is level. If the ground is not level, it can cause problems in the future.

Using a laser level, check that the building site is perfectly level. If not, use a shovel to level the ground and then use a tamper to compact the soil. Make sure to check the level of the ground in multiple locations to ensure accuracy.

7 Steps to Building a Shipping Container House (1)

3. Building The Foundation

Once the ground is level, you can start laying the foundation for your house. This will usually involve pouring a concrete slab or using metal girders to support the containers.

When laying the foundation for your shipping container house, make sure to use high-quality materials. Start by excavating the area and pouring a concrete slab for the foundation. Alternatively, you can use metal girders to support the containers.

4. Install Containers

Once the foundation is complete, you can begin installing the shipping containers.

Using a crane, move the containers into place and secure them to the foundation, making sure to line them up evenly. Check that each container is level and secure them with bolts before moving onto the next one.

If you are looking for a container to be delivered to your specific building site then checkout the selection at ContainerOne.

Simply enter your Zip Code and we will match you with containers in your area. The quote given also covers delivery costs so you will know exactly how it will cost to deliver to you.

5. Connect the Containers

Next, you will need to connect the containers. This can be done either by welding the sides of the containers together or using a specialized joining system.

When connecting the containers, use either a welding method or a specialized joining system. If welding, make sure that all connections are secure and free of any gaps. If using a joining system, make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper installation.

6. Build the Roof

Once the containers are in place and connected, you can start building the roof. You can either use traditional roofing materials or opt for a metal roofing system.

When building the roof of your shipping container house, make sure to use materials that are designed to withstand the elements. Traditional roofing materials such as asphalt shingles are a great option, as they are durable and easy to install. Alternatively, you can opt for a metal roofing system, which is more expensive but is also more

7. Finish the Interior

Finally, you can start finishing the interior of your shipping container house. This includes painting, installing fixtures, and adding insulation. Installing windows and doors, running electrical wiring, and plumbing are also part of the finishing process.

Extra accessories for your container like windows, doors and vents can be acquired here.

By following these seven steps, you can easily and efficiently build a shipping container house. With the right preparation and guidance, anyone can create a beautiful and sustainable home made from shipping containers. Plus, with their affordability, shipping container homes are an excellent option for those on a budget. So if you're looking for an affordable and sustainable solution to home building, shipping container homes are the way to go!

7 Steps to Building a Shipping Container House (2024)

FAQs

7 Steps to Building a Shipping Container House? ›

Sure, it's theoretically possible to build a container home by yourself. However, you'll either need enough skill to take care of all the plumbing, electrical, carpentry, and other finish work or plan a relatively primitive home without some of these systems.

How to build a shipping container home step by step? ›

6 Steps to Building a Shipping Container Home
  1. Choose Your Location. Before you can start your container home build, you need a plot of land. ...
  2. Plan Your Project. ...
  3. Get Approval for Your Building Plans. ...
  4. Prep Your Site. ...
  5. Lay the Foundations and Buy Your Containers. ...
  6. Await Delivery and Installation.
Mar 25, 2021

Can I build a container home by myself? ›

Sure, it's theoretically possible to build a container home by yourself. However, you'll either need enough skill to take care of all the plumbing, electrical, carpentry, and other finish work or plan a relatively primitive home without some of these systems.

What is the foundation of a shipping container home? ›

The four main foundation types which can be used with container homes are pier, pile, slab and strip.

Do you need concrete slab for shipping container home? ›

Concrete slab foundations make the best foundation for container homes. This is the most expensive option, but if you are looking to keep your home in the same location long-term it is a viable option.

Is it really cheaper to build a shipping container home? ›

According to HomeGuide, the average cost to build and install a container home is $25,000 to $250,000. While that's no small chunk of change, it's significantly less than you'd expect to pay for a traditional house in most parts of the country.

How much does it cost to build a single container home? ›

For most homeowners, this eco-friendly, small-space living solution costs anywhere from $25,000 to $250,000 or more, with luxury options reaching $10,000 . Overall, you can expect to spend $150 to $350 per square foot for a shipping container home.

Do container homes rust? ›

According to containerhomehub.com, rust occurs on shipping containers when they are exposed to moisture and oxygen, which leads to oxidation (the breakdown of iron-based metals). Rust can weaken the structure of a shipping container home and lead to additional problems, such as leaks and water damage.

How long does it take to build a shipping container home? ›

Since you already have the appropriate infrastructure in place, the building time won't take as long. Contractors can build a container home in less than a month. Larger dwellings can be finished in a few months, while the smaller ones can be fabricated off-site in a shorter period of time.

What are two disadvantages of using a shipping container to build a home? ›

The Cons of Living in a Shipping Container Home
  • Appliances Don't Always Fit. ...
  • Building Permits Can Be Difficult to Get. ...
  • Contractors Are Hard to Come By. ...
  • Issues With Insulation. ...
  • Need to Consider the Climate. ...
  • Safety Concerns for Used Containers. ...
  • Shape & Size Limitations. ...
  • Reinforcing Sometimes Needed.
Aug 22, 2022

What is the best base to put a shipping container on? ›

The easiest and most affordable option for a shipping container foundation is using wooden beams. Less material is needed as you only need to build support for the four corners of the container, however supporting the middle points on the long side of the container can provide extra stability.

What is the best surface to put a shipping container on? ›

Standard Shipping Containers bear their weight entirely through the corners and so placing concrete slabs underneath the four corner posts, or using railway sleepers underneath the corners of your container, will typically prevent racking out and keep your container level and secure.

How to insulate a shipping container home? ›

Using Styrofoam as the insulating material doesn't require any build-out of stud walls to secure the panels (as batt insulation does). The panels are glued directly onto the walls of the shipping container or mounted on bars that are flush with the walls, making it the most economical insulation method.

What size shipping container do I need for a house? ›

Most moderately-furnished 2 to 4-bedroom homes will fit in a 20′ BigSteelBox, however, not all 4-bedroom homes are the same size and may need an additional 10-foot container if it is heavily furnished or you're moving appliances. For example, if you have a 4-bedroom, 4,000 sq.

What is the construction method of a shipping container? ›

How It's Made: Shipping Containers
  1. Step 1: Making the wall panels. Wall panels are made by slicing steel sheets to a size of 8 feet x 3 feet. ...
  2. Step 2: Assembling the floor frame. "The floor frame is predominantly made up of I-beams. ...
  3. Step 3: Making the container doors and corner posts. ...
  4. Step 4: Assembling the box.

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