Creating your Shipping Container Tiny Home

Tiny homes are a new trend in home construction as people seek to consume less and live more cost-effective lives. Shipping containers offer an inexpensive way to create a tiny living space in an already constructed shell. They offer a modular solution to traditional home construction and are stackable to create additional living space.

*Image Courtesy of iContainers

Eco-friendly – The main purpose of a shipping container is to provide storage for items that need to be shipped. Once the container is no longer in use, it simply takes up space. It is estimated that 30 million shipping containers are unused around the world. This offers great potential for individuals who are looking to create a unique living space.
Creating a plan – The standard container is approximately 8 feet wide and 8.5 feet high and 20 to 40 feet in length. Most shipping container home plans utilize about 150 square feet of living space; however, they can be stacked or set end-to-end to create a larger space.
Permitting – Each municipality’s permit requirements are different. It is crucial to check with your town officials to determine what is needed. Additionally, some areas do not allow this type of residential construction.
Weather – Keeping a shipping container insulated can be problematic. Areas with extreme weather climates might not provide ideal conditions for living in a shipping container home because it could lead to moisture problems within the unit. Additionally, wind can increase the noise level inside the container.
Shipping the shipping container – An average 20-foot container weighs nearly 5,000 pounds when it is empty. Because of this, you will most likely need hire a trucking company to deliver it to your construction site. Additionally, you could also require the service of a crane to lift the container into place once it is shipped.
Toxins – Because the previous life of shipping container was to ship goods, it may have been sprayed with pesticides to keep the unit free from vermin and insects during ocean travel. Do your research before you determine which container will be your home.
Architect – If you don’t have an eye for design, you might want to retain the services of an architect to ensure that your tiny home meets your specific needs.