Pros and Cons of Shipping Container Homes

Posted on April 7, 2020 by Garrett Crocker

If you’ve spent any amount of time perusing the Container Stop blog — and we hope you have! — you’ve no doubt noticed our enthusiasm for shipping container homes.

That enthusiasm for the shipping container business was there from the get-go. It’s one of the reasons we got into this line of work in the first place. We saw right away what a unique opportunity shipping container homes presented both in terms of eco-friendly housing and creative possibilities.

Still, like all things (even the best things), there are pros and cons of shipping container homes. 

With that in mind, we thought we should write a blog post discussing the advantages and disadvantages of building and living in a shipping container home.

Naturally, we think the pros (positives and advantages) far outweigh the cons (negatives, disadvantages).

Furthermore, we think the work we do at Container Stop and the friendly, expert, thoughtful way in which we go about our business is a solid plus in the pros column.

But don’t take our word for it. (Actually, do take our word for it — but also take our customers’ words!)

Fabulous service, good box, perfect delivery. We recommend Garett and his team. They delivered a good quality box — on time and with courtesy!

— Mills Geological

Whenever I need a container or someone I know needs a container the first thought in my mind will always be Container Stop!

— Eric Adams

Shipping Container Home Pros

  • Affordable
  • Expandable
  • Quick and easy to build
  • Waterproof. You won’t have roof leaks — or any kind of leaks. Remember, these rugged and sturdy containers are meant to weather the massive swells and storms of deep-sea travel.
  • Safety and Security. Lock that bad boy up when you’re away. Let someone try to get inside!
  • Floodproof
  • Fireproof
  • Pest Proof. (Unless termites evolve to start chomping on steel.)
  • Eco-friendly. Your carbon footprint will be reduced by a significant amount if you choose to inhabit a shipping container home.
  • Relocatable
  • Customizable. They’re ideal for housing, office space, and commercial spaces. But since our focus here is on shipping container homes, the fact that their customizable means we can add any number of doors and windows and skylights. Just ask!

Shipping Container Home Cons

  • Size. It’s small. Limited storage space — unless, of course, you’re using it only to store things.
  • You’ll need to insulate it thoroughly. Otherwise, summers are too hot and winters are too cold — and both of those scenarios will make your container uninhabitable.
  • It can be rather noisy. The container amplifies sounds, so you’ll need to do a fair bit of soundproofing.
  • The containers themselves come bare-bones. You’ll have to add all the luxuries and amenities, such as electricity, plumbing, windows, doors, etc.
  • Some containers are of uncertain origin and are, therefore, often coated with lead or unknown materials. This is one of many reasons to stick with a reputable company like Container Stop for your shipping container needs.

Any questions? Don’t hesitate to ask! We’re here to help.

Contact Container Stop today. Or request a quote!

Our Box, Your Dream!

We’ve built cabins, garden sheds, and tack rooms with our containers. Have an idea for your shipping container? Let us know!

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