Having a cabin is a wonderful way to experience the great outdoors. For those still dreaming of a cabin in the woods, a shipping container cabin may be a great option.
A shipping container cabin also called a shipping container home, is just what it sounds like: A prefabricated shipping container built to be habitable. The shipping container has become the go-to minimalist material for many building projects both big and small. They are durable, sustainable, easily accessible, easy to modify for personal taste and needs.
In this guide, we’ll help you understand what a shipping container cabin is, its pros and cons, how to build one, and where to get quality shipping containers.
What Is a Shipping Container Cabin?
Shipping container cabins are popular because they are an affordable and sustainable option for building a home. The shipping container is a prefabricated pan that comes with a floor, four walls, and a roof. It is a great option for those looking for an affordable, sustainable, and easy-to-build home.
A shipping container is also a great option for those looking for a home that can be easily molded to fit their personal taste and needs. You can customize your shipping container with windows, doors, insulation, and siding to make it the perfect home for you.
Overall, it’s an innovative concept in which a steel building or ship construction is simply repurposed into a living area.
Shipping Container Cabin Pros and Cons
Shipping container cabins are a great option for those looking for an affordable, sustainable, and easy-to-build home. But there are also some cons to consider before making the decision to build a shipping container cabin. We’ll take you through the advantages and disadvantages of shipping container cabins.
Pros of Shipping Container Cabins
Cost-effective
Creating a shipping container cabin can be much more cost-effective in comparison to conventional housing because they require less labor and fewer building materials to construct. The shipping container itself can cost a significantly lower amount than a traditional home of the same size.
Sustainable
Sustainable shipping container cabins are a great option for those looking for an energy-efficient, sustainable home. The shipping container that the cabin is made with high-quality materials to ensure it can be used in marine shipping.
Many shipping containers have become solariums and sheds, so they’ve already gone through years of exposure to the elements. If you’re looking for a shipping container cabin that is sustainable, your shipping container has already been tested to withstand heavy exposure to sun, rain, wind, and snowmaking shipping containers an ideal material for building cabins.
Quick to Construct
Shipping container cabins are quick to construct, and some contractors can even build the cabin in under a month. This is a huge plus for those who are looking for a quick and easy build.
Durable
Shipping containers typically consist of corrosion-resistant steel that protects cargo when transported across water bodies. Shipping container cabins made from weathering steel can therefore withstand inclement weather conditions. Thus, shipping container cabins are a great option for those who live in areas with extreme weather.
Versatile, Modular Homes
Shipping container cabins can easily be modified to your liking. For instance, shipping container cabins can be built with two shipping containers to make a long office space. Or, you can add insulation and siding to create a comfortable living space.
You can also stack multiple containers to build a larger cabin or add a shipping container garage or shipping container greenhouse. This provides the shipping container cabin with versatility and makes them great options for people looking to design their dream space.
Cons of Shipping Container Cabins
Installation of Modern Appliances Can be Difficult
You’ll need to hire a licensed and reliable electrician who’s familiar with the architecture of shipping containers to help you design and install all the custom electrical setups.
If you live in an area without access to electricity, you’ll need a professional contractor to install solar panels. In addition, you’ll have to enlist the help of a plumber to complete the required plumbing work.
They Need Reinforcements
Even though shipping containers can endure a variety of weather conditions, they aren’t strong enough to handle the weight of heavy snow. As a result, you’ll need to have load-bearing walls reinforced by a contractor or opt to add a sloped rooftop.
It Can be Difficult to Obtain Building Permits
In some areas, obtaining building permits for your shipping container home might be difficult. Before beginning construction on your shipping container cabin, seek out more information on local building regulations and taxes. Visit the city planning offices in your area for permit rules.
How to Build a Shipping Container Cabin
When building a shipping container cabin, there are several steps you need to take for your project.
To begin, you’ll need to devise a strategy for understanding the project you’re about to start. Consider available resources, potential issues that may arise, and solutions you’ll implement. Finally, make a list of your objectives.
The next step is to determine how small or large your building will be. For instance, is it a single or multi-story building? And how many storage rooms or bedrooms do you need?
Based on what you’re building, you’ll determine the necessary experts to consult on building requirements and regulations. Seek a professional that has experience with the designing and building of shipping container cabins. After obtaining your building permits and assembling your team, select whether you’ll construct in a modular or on-site environment.
Shipping Container Cabin Tips for DIYers
If you’re constructing your shipping container cabin by yourself, you’ll need to conduct thorough research to find quality material suppliers that fit your cabin project.
Consider your schedule and budget while also keeping an eye on your timeline. However, we recommend that you hire a specialist with experience working with shipping container structures to assist you with your project. This will allow you to avoid potential pitfalls that might prevent you from finishing the job on time and being under budget.
Other tips to consider:
- Label each container with its purpose
- Inspect your shipping containers for any potential damage before beginning construction
- Be sure to use the appropriate screws, nails, and bolts when putting the cabin together
- Keep an inventory of all the materials you’ve used during construction. This will help you with future repairs or modifications.
A shipping container cabin can be a terrific way to get back to nature and experience all that the great outdoors has to offer. With a little bit of research and some careful planning, you can have the shipping container cabin of your dreams in no time.
Shipping Container Cabins for Your Project
We can supply the shipping containers you’ll need to get your cabin up and running. Shop for reused storage containers and check out our 20 and 40 foot storage containers for your next project. Don’t hesitate to contact us with any queries or concerns.