Shipping containers have a long history and they’ve always been incredibly popular; nowadays, they’re used for a variety of different applications, not just transport. Whether it’s restaurants, galleries or gardens, for example, containers are sturdy, durable units that can be transformed into anything you wish. Including as a home, such as the ones used for the Brighton Housing Trust’s homeless housing project.
However, despite its popularity, there are still many misconceptions about shipping container homes, which we are addressing below:
Shipping Container Homes Can’t be Buried Underground
While it is true that shipping containers are not designed to be buried, you still can build your dream home or bunker using shipping containers if you make sure they are structurally sound. When shipping containers are stacked on top of each other, their weight is transferred through the corners, which are stronger than the walls and the ceiling.
When containers are buried, the soil will weigh heavily on the roof and walls. Containers are not designed for this. However, you can still build your underground home or bunker, you can need supports to distribute the weight to the corners.
Shipping Container Homes are Too Expensive
Some container homes can certainly be a huge investment, depending on what you want to achieve. However, is it also true that most container homes can be a lot cheaper than their traditional options, which is why many people are choosing to build them. Take a look at our shipping container home cost breakdown to check out some of the essentials you’ll be needing and decide exactly what you want to do!
All Shipping Container Homes are Eco-Friendly
A common misconception is that all container homes are more environmentally-friendly than their conventional counterparts. However, this is not always the case. For example, not everyone chooses to build their home with a used container, opting instead for a brand-new one.
Making your container home eco-friendlier can mean recycling it and giving it new life. With the average container weighing 3,5 tonnes of steel, that’s an incredible amount of metal that is not rusting away somewhere. This isn’t to say you shouldn’t use new shipping containers, of course. It’s just a question of making the right option for you!
Shipping Containers Homes are Too Small
Many container homes are indeed tiny and compact – and cosy. In fact, it’s part of the reason a lot of people want to have a shipping container home. Other people prefer something a little bit roomier and build a home with more than one container. The options are limitless, as you can add storeys, rooms, decking, and much more. Shipping container homes don’t have to be small unless you prefer it that way!
If you have more questions about container homes that you’d love to see answered, please don’t hesitate to contact our friendly team or browse our steel container units at your leisure!
