Container House

Qingdao KXD Steel Structure Co.,Ltd

 

 

As a pioneer in steel structure building industry, Qingdao KXD Steel Structure Co.,Ltd has been dedicated to design, engineering, detailing, manufacture, erection and management for various structural steel building projects with 20 year warranty whether for industrial, commercial, residential and agricultural sectors. Our goal is to be the leading and irreplaceable supplier, contractor and solution provider in terms of prefabricated/pre-engineered steel building business!

 

 
Why Choose Us
 
01/

KXD's Strength
Our goal is to be the leading and irreplaceable supplier, contractor and solution provider!

02/

Rich Experience
Providing technical support, troubleshooting, and maintenance services.

03/

Our Service
Our service runs throughout the whole production process from the pre-sales, product design, production and after-sales.

04/

One-stop Solution
Support to customers to ensure a smooth transaction.

First 123 Last

What Is a Shipping Container Home

 

Shipping container homes are single- or multi-family residences that use new or used shipping containers as their primary material. The containers, built for holding cargo on transoceanic crossings, are made of heavy-duty, corrosion-resistant steel. Because they're designed to hold tons of cargo and be stacked one on top of another during long ocean voyages, shipping containers are extremely durable and weather- and water-resistant.

They offer homeowners the versatility to build a tiny home with a single container; connect several containers to form a larger one-story residence; or stack, often cantilever-style, multiple containers to create a unique and modern multi-story home. In low-income or densely populated areas, shipping container projects provide a way to create safe, affordable, high-density public housing.

Steel Structure Shed in Chile
Steel Structure Shed in Chile

What Are the Pros of Building a Container Home

 

Pros: Versatility. Container homes can be stacked up to eight containers high, "they're modular units and can be arranged in almost any way with the right structural engineering."

Durability: The shipping containers were built to withstand extreme conditions at sea and rough handling in transit, so they are safe and durable in every kind of weather and environment. According to container builder , shipping containers go through a rigorous verification process that ensures they can withstand winds of 180 mph — stronger than most hurricane-force winds.

Cost-savings: Building a DIY container home can be cost-effective. But even buying a ready-made or custom-made model is usually significantly cheaper than the same-sized traditional "sticks and bricks" house.

Quick construction: Once permitting and site prep are done, pre-fab container homes can be built in as little as 10 weeks. Timing on DIY projects will vary depending on the complexity of the build. But having the basic structure ready at the outset is a time-saver in any case.

 

How Do I Select The Right Shipping Container For My Home
 

When selecting a shipping container for your new home, you have two options: new or used. With new shipping boxes, you'll pay the most and get the best quality. With used, it's a great way to save money. However, used usually carries a negative stigma, but it doesn't have to.

Some of the best shipping containers you can find are One-Trip containers. These are generally manufactured overseas, shipped to the United States, unloaded, and sold. Their one-time-use gives them their name, which means you'll get the best bang for your buck without worrying about issues that would cost you more in the long run.

If you're unable to find One-Trip containers, carefully inspect and avoid second-hand shipping containers that:
Have doors that won't seal.
Have noticeable holes throughout its structure.
Were used to transport dangerous substances such as chemicals.
Don't have certification labeling containers as, for example, watertight. This factor also goes for selecting new and One-Trip containers.

Long Span Steel Structure Warehouse

Are Container Homes Cheaper Than Traditional Homes

 

Steel Structure Vegetable Storage

The answer depends on how elaborate you want to get with your creation. While more complicated designs - with many shipping containers - have a price tag higher than $100,000, their smaller counterparts cost a lot less. If you look hard enough, you can find them under $40,000.
If you opt for purchasing pre-made homes, the price gap between traditional and container homes shrinks significantly. However, with how durable shipping container homes are, they require less maintenance and can withstand more weather conditions.

If you're building a container home, factors that can raise the cost include:
Deep-cleaning services from buying used containers.
Mandatory insulation installation.
Maintaining structural integrity if you cut it open.
Electrical and plumbing installation.
Transporting the box once you buy it.
What property you invest in.

 

 

Who Are Shipping Container Houses Good For

If you're looking for an affordable, small-scale home, a shipping container home might be the right choice. While it might not be ideal if you have a large family or enjoy entertaining friends at home, it could be perfect for a smaller family unit or person who embraces the smaller home lifestyle.

Who could benefit from a shipping container home?
Homeowners: These are very affordable compared to more traditional homes, which can make them great starter homes. The smaller size also makes them a wonderful opportunity for downsizing for people who want to pivot from a larger house to a more modest one.
Investors: The affordability is an excellent way for established or potential investors to test the waters of investing in real estate. If you don't want to buy an entire property, consider adding a shipping container house to your own property as an accessory dwelling unit.
Entrepreneurs: The increasing popularity has helped create space for entrepreneurs to jump in and take advantage! There's a huge market for the containers themselves and prefabricated units. Entrepreneurs who customize features and components to make these units even more stylish can take part in this shipping container home trend.
Those in need of temporary housing: The affordability and simplicity of shipping container homes are a great solution for those who need temporary accommodation due to natural disasters or being unhoused. There are several communities around the country utilizing shipping container homes for people experiencing homelessness.

Steel Structure Fertilizer Workshop in Malawi

 

4 Benefits of Living in A Shipping Container Home

Whether you've been dreaming of your own shipping container home or you have no idea why anyone would be possessed to live in a house built from a steel box, we think you'll find the following information very interesting.

H Section Steel
 

Low cost

The low costs involved with building a shipping container home is undoubtedly the biggest advantage of choosing to do so. They are a lot more affordable than building a traditional house – shipping containers are cheaper to buy than materials such as brick and steel.
Another reason for their affordability is due to the fact they are already structured and durable when bought. A shipping container already includes flooring too, so you don't have to spend money getting it fitted. You just need to make sure that your building is appropriately insulated before moving in.

Cement Foam Board
 

Quick construction

Another fantastic benefit of choosing to build a shipping container home is because they are exceedingly quick to be constructed. Whilst a traditional home could take anything from 5 months onwards to be living worthy, a shipping container home could take less than a month.
Again, this is because the walls, floors and ceiling are already constructed upon buying the shipping container. You just need to properly insulate and decorate how you wish. A lot of the construction takes place elsewhere too and then is moved to your plot of land when it's finished.

Mineral Wool Sandwich Panel
 

They are durable

There is a reason why shipping containers are used to ship cargo and fragile items right across the world; they are extremely tough and durable. They are made to resist extreme weather that they may face whilst in transition, so they are definitely resilient. In fact, they are a lot more durable than any other type of eco-friendly building. All in all, they are a brilliant and ideal building material

EPS Cement Board
 

They look unbelievably cool

There are lots of advantages to building a home out of shipping containers, such as price, durability, environment reasons, flexibility; we could write about the benefits all day, However, more than anything, a huge benefit of shipping container living is that they look amazing! Your build will draw attention and interest from around the world! With the flexibility involved in shipping container homes, you can make it look as incredible and unique as you like!

Did any of these shipping container benefits surprise you? Are you now determined to start planning your very own site cabin masterpiece? If so, we can help you get started. Supplying steel containers in a range of different sizes, we can give you plenty of advice on how to transform them into your very own pop up home.

 

 

Where Do Shipping Containers Come From and How Do You Buy One

Most shipping containers are fabricated in China, filled with cargo and shipped around the world. New containers are often used only one time - on a one-way trip - because it's more advantageous for the shipping company to sell the container than it is to return it empty to its point of origin. These are sold either as "one-trip" or new containers.

Used shipping containers that made more than one trip are less desirable for container homes. Why? Their water-tightness may have been compromised, and they are more likely to be damaged.

To build a container home, prospective owners must purchase new or used containers and have them delivered to their building site. Containers are available from resellers across the U.S.; simply Googling "shipping containers near me" should turn up a range of options. They mostly come in two sizes, 20 feet or 40 feet, although 45-foot models are also available. These containers have an internal width and height of seven feet, 10 inches.

Forty-foot containers are also available in what's called "high-cube" models. These shipping containers have another foot of height and are popular for container homes. New, standard and high-cube 40-foot containers cost between $3,800 and $5,000 each. Buyers must pay for the delivery of the containers to their building site. Fees are based on distance, but figure on paying at least several hundred dollars per container.

C Profile Steel

 

Shipping Container Home Building Process
 

Design discussions
We offer container homes in multiple sizes and styles, but suppose you want to add onto an existing home or pair multiple units together to make a larger living space. We can help you out with the logistics and tell you what to expect, no matter what you have in mind.

 

Factory prefabrication
Much like other types of modular homes, shipping container houses are converted in large, enclosed facilities that give workers complete control over their workspace. Whereas traditional homes are subject to weather conditions and the availability of crews and materials, these facilities are climate-controlled and have equipment available on site.
Meanwhile, a crew will prepare your foundation to make the next steps as smooth as possible.

 

Module delivery
Once you've chosen your dream house design and the builders have finished converting your container into your future home, our staff will deliver it. Delivery times vary depending on availability.

 

On-site assembly
Once your shipping container home is on site and placed on its foundation, the rest of the setup tasks will begin. Among other things, this includes:

  • Hooking up utilities
  • Installing stairs and handrails, if applicable
  • Finishing drywall and repairing any cracks from transport
  • Installing cabinetry and furniture
  • Testing utilities
  • Laying flooring

 

Two Storey Steel Structure Warehouse

 

How Much is A Shipping Container Home

Generally speaking, this is one of the most affordable housing options available today. While they typically cost less than other home types, pricing depends on several factors:

Size: Stacking or attaching multiple containers for a full-size container home will generally cost more than buying single-unit tiny homes.
Design: Generally speaking, intricate layouts and custom floor plans will cost more than some of the standard options we have available.
Customization options: Including bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen layouts, and appliances in your converted container space will generally cost more than buying one unfurnished.
To learn more about the pricing options for specific models, reach out to our staff and we'll help you know which options might be best for you.

 

 

 

Popular Shipping Container Home Designs

Let's look at some of the most popular designs and configurations.

Single Container

The single container is a one of the most popular designs. It's a single-story rectangular home, and its interior is reminiscent of a shotgun house, where one room leads to the next.

Stacked

A stacked container layout adds a second story. The interior layout retains that long layout of the single container home, just with double the space!

Side By Side

Two or more containers snugly together add more space and more interior separation.

Crisscross Stack

Perhaps the most exciting popular design, two or more units are placed perpendicularly on top of each other. The interior layout is more unique with this design.

 

 

Our Factory

As a pioneer in steel structure building industry, Qingdao KXD Steel Structure Co.,Ltd has been dedicated to design, engineering, detailing, manufacture, erection and management for various structural steel building projects with 20 year warranty whether for industrial, commercial, residential and agricultural sectors. Our goal is to be the leading and irreplaceable supplier, contractor and solution provider in terms of prefabricated/pre-engineered steel building business!

 

FAQ
 

Q: What are the benefits of living in a container home?

A: Eco-friendly: Using shipping containers as homes is an eco-friendly option as it reduces waste and repurposes existing resources. Mobility: Shipping container homes can be moved easily, making them a great option for those who like to travel or move frequently.

Q: Is a container home a good investment?

A: Prefab container homes are low-risk investments because they can be considerably cheaper to build and maintain, and may hold their value more so than a traditionally built home.

Q: Is it really cheaper to build a container home?

A: Smaller, more basic container homes can range between $10,000 to $35,000. Large homes built with multiple shipping containers and amenities can range in price from $100,000 to $175,000. Shipping container homes, in some cases, can cost half as much per square foot than traditional stick building.

Q: Why do shipping container homes only last 25 years?

A: The container walls will degrade in quality over the decades, especially if they're not cared for. Once those exterior walls degrade enough, they will no longer be ideal for a living space. But this doesn't mean you'll have to tear down your entire home!

Q: Do container homes get hot?

A: In hot climates, particularly in the summer, shipping containers can easily reach more than 100 degrees. So, to keep the inside cool and keep your contents safe, you'll need to plan ahead.

Q: What is the lifespan of a container home?

A: Around 25 years
Depending on the local climate, the average lifespan of a container home is typically around 25 years but the couple put in extra insulation, used specialty paint and put a 50-year roof on it.

Q: Is it safe to live in a container home?

A: Shipping Container Homes Can Be Just as Safe as Regular Homes. Shipping container homes can be equally safe as traditional homes when proper construction and safety measures are implemented. Despite concerns about toxic chemicals and harmful paint coatings, there are ways to address these issues.

Q: Can a container home last 50 years?

A: Container homes can easily last well over 50 years with no problem. If you plan to build a container home, the first thing you should do is buy your containers from a reputable source. They will be able to guide you through the process so that you buy the right container(s) for your needs.

Q: Are container homes legal in the US?

A: Currently, no states prohibit the use of shipping containers as homes, according to Boxhub, but that doesn't mean there aren't restrictions. Each states' counties and municipalities have their own building permits, safety requirements, and building codes.

Q: Do container homes rust?

A: However, climatic conditions play an essential role in triggering rusting of such container homes. There are two types of rust that may show up on a shipping container house: Structural rust– this happens to those houses situated in areas with high humidity, high rainfall, and frequent fog.

Q: Are shipping container homes safe in tornadoes?

A: A container home would withstand a tornado better than a traditional house. This is why container homes are often used in disaster-prone areas as emergency shelters. So, if you are worried that natural calamities will destroy your container home, you can relax, as that won't happen.

Q: Can you put AC in a shipping container?

A: Shipping Container Air Conditioning: For Storage, Offices, and Living Spaces. Think of the packaged terminal air conditioner (PTAC) units you've likely seen in hotel rooms. These PTAC units are the ideal size for single containers modified into storage, offices, and living spaces because of their compact cooling power.

Q: Do shipping container homes sweat?

A: If you've done any research into shipping container homes, you know that condensation is a common concern for a lot of people. It can even go by a few names, like container rain, container sweating, wall moisture, and others.

Q: How long would it take to build a container home?

A: We've seen container homes built in just a few weeks and some which have taken the best part of a year to build. It really all depends on you and what you want to accomplish. Leave a comment below if there are any activities or stages which you think we need to include.

Q: Are container homes waterproof?

A: Are shipping containers waterproof? Yes, they are. These waterproof shipping containers are a sustainable housing option and require less structural maintenance than traditional stick building.

Q: Is it hard to build a container home?

A: Building a container home, just like any other home, will take a lot of time and effort. It is not impossible to do if you have a job, it is just a little more difficult to juggle all of the balls. We do know people who have managed to work and build their home.

Q: Are container homes safe in storms?

A: It's important to note that while container homes can be built to be storm-safe, they are not indestructible. As with any type of housing, it's important to have a plan in place for evacuation or emergency shelter in case of a severe storm.

Q: Can a hurricane lift a shipping container?

A: With that said, having contents loaded inside a container will help it withstand higher winds. In essence, an anchored shipping container can withstand up to 180mph without budging. It would take a Category 5 hurricane or F3+ tornado to move a shipping container.

Q: Why are container homes cheaper?

A: They can be more cost-effective than traditional housing.
They are typically more cost-effective than conventional housing because they require fewer building materials and labor to construct. You can lower the cost of customizing your container housing by renovating the dwelling using your DIY skills.

Q: How much can you fit in a 40 ft container?

A: Since a 40-foot shipping container provides about 67 cubic meters of space, you can load boxes of goods amounting to about 55 - 58 cubic meters of volume.

We are professional container house manufacturers and suppliers in China, specialized in producing prefabricated building with low cost. If you are going to wholesale custom made container house at cheap price, welcome to contact our factory for quotation.

modular house design