
Cargo container homes are a unique and sustainable way to live. They can be built using repurposed shipping containers, which are available in various sizes.
The most common size for a cargo container home is 8 feet wide and 20 feet long, but you can also find 40-foot containers. These containers are made of steel and can withstand harsh weather conditions.
One of the biggest advantages of cargo container homes is their durability. With proper maintenance, they can last for decades. They also have a low carbon footprint compared to traditional building materials.
To build a cargo container home, you'll need to consider the layout and design. You can add windows, doors, and insulation to make the space comfortable and energy-efficient.
Benefits and Advantages
Shipping containers are durable and weather-resistant, designed to withstand international travel. They're made of steel, which is perfect for withstanding harsh weather conditions.
One of the key advantages of shipping container homes is their modularity. You can stack multiple containers to create a larger living space, making it easier to design a home that suits your needs.
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The price of shipping containers is another significant advantage. You can buy a new container for between $1,500 and $5,000, or a used one for even cheaper. Buying in November or December can be a great time to snag a deal, as there's often a surplus of containers available.
Shipping container homes are also eco-friendly options, as they reuse existing materials rather than relying on new building materials.
Benefits of On-Wheels Options
Having an on-wheels option for your shipping container home can be a total game-changer. Simplified installation in most municipalities is one of the many benefits of this setup.
You can make your shipping container home purchase mobile and easily moveable with an on-wheels option. This feature is particularly useful for workforce housing.
The cost of an on-wheels option can vary, with some models starting at $11,900. This price includes mounting your shipping container home on a new heavy-duty steel, triple axle trailer.

A 30'-container home on-wheels option comes with a range of features, including RV Certification and economy wood entry steps. A 1-Ton truck is recommended for pulling this type of trailer.
On-wheels options like the Vision 30-30ft Model can be used as a guest house, providing a separate living space for visitors.
Advantages of a
Shipping containers are built to last, made of durable, weather-resistant steel that can withstand the rigors of international travel. This makes them a great choice for building a home that can withstand the elements.
One of the biggest advantages of shipping containers is their modularity. You can stack multiple containers to create a larger floor plan and living space, making it easy to design a home that fits your needs.
Shipping containers are also relatively inexpensive, with an average price of between $1,500 and $5,000, depending on size and whether it's new or used. This makes them a cost-effective option compared to traditional building materials.

Buying a shipping container during the holiday season, specifically in November or December, can be a great way to save money. According to Devon Loerop, owner and builder of The Pacific Bin, there's usually a surplus of containers in North America during this time, making it easier to find a deal.
Shipping container homes are a great way to utilize alternative methods to create more livable space, whether it's a guest house, vacation home, or workspace.
Advantages of Building
Building can be a cost-effective way to create a space that meets your needs, with construction costs averaging $150 to $300 per square foot.
One of the main advantages of building is that it allows you to create a space that is tailored to your specific needs and preferences.
Having a custom-built space can increase property value, with studies showing that custom-built homes can increase value by up to 20%.
Building can also be a sustainable option, with many modern building materials and techniques being designed with energy efficiency and environmental sustainability in mind.
A well-designed building can also provide significant returns on investment, with data showing that for every dollar invested in building, a 100% return on investment can be achieved through increased property value and rental income.
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Design and Planning

Choosing the right floor plan is crucial to creating a home that suits your needs. Our diverse range of shipping container home designs ensures you'll find the perfect match, combining functionality with aesthetic appeal.
Our team collaborates with you to incorporate desired features and finishes into your design, whether you're seeking a compact studio or a spacious multi-container residence. This means you get to design a space that aligns with your unique style and requirements.
From energy-efficient solutions to luxury upgrades, we ensure your container home is both functional and stylish, guaranteeing a durable and comfortable living environment tailored to your lifestyle.
Find Your Perfect Floor Plan
Choosing the right floor plan is crucial to creating a home that suits your needs. Our diverse range of shipping container home designs ensures you'll find the perfect match, combining functionality with aesthetic appeal.
With so many options available, it's essential to consider your lifestyle and preferences when selecting a floor plan. A well-designed floor plan can make all the difference in creating a comfortable and functional living space.
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Our shipping container home designs cater to various needs and tastes, so you're likely to find a plan that suits your style. From cozy one-bedroom homes to spacious multi-bedroom layouts, there's a floor plan to suit every requirement.
Ultimately, the right floor plan will depend on your personal preferences and priorities. By considering your needs and wants, you can find a floor plan that perfectly complements your lifestyle.
Your Dream, Designed
Choosing the right floor plan is crucial to creating a home that suits your needs. Our diverse range of shipping container home designs ensures you'll find the perfect match, combining functionality with aesthetic appeal.
You can opt for a compact studio or a spacious multi-container residence, depending on your vision. Whether you're seeking a cozy retreat or a spacious family home, there's a design to suit your lifestyle.
At CMG Containers, we understand that your home should reflect your unique style and requirements. Our team collaborates with you to incorporate desired features and finishes, ensuring your container home is both functional and stylish.

From energy-efficient solutions to luxury upgrades, we ensure your container home is tailored to your needs. Our commitment to quality craftsmanship guarantees a durable and comfortable living environment.
Here are some of the top prefab container home builders and floor plans to consider:
- ModBox Builders
- Honomobo
- Giant Containers
- Love Container Homes
- Uncontained Dreams
- The Pacific Bin
Ultimately, the design of your container home is limited only by your imagination. With the right guidance and support, you can turn your dream into a reality.
Cost and Logistics
Building a cargo container home can be a cost-effective option, especially for smaller or simpler designs. It's significantly cheaper than a traditional home due to the smaller footprint and materials.
The total cost of a DIY container home build should include the cost of land, containers themselves, delivery, site prep, a foundation, and permits. This can range from $30,000 to $40,000 for a completely finished 40-foot container home.
You can minimize costs by constructing a tiny home out of a single 20ft container and using low-cost materials. Alternatively, you can create a modular home out of multiple containers and upscale materials if your budget isn't an issue.
Costs

Building a shipping container home can be significantly cheaper than a traditional home, primarily due to the smaller footprint and materials.
The total cost of a DIY container home build should include the cost of land, containers themselves (from $1,500 to $5,000), delivery, site prep, a foundation, and permits.
You can save money on a container home build by doing it yourself, but hiring professionals or buying a prefab container home can be a pricier option.
A 40-foot container home DIY build can cost as little as $30,000-$40,000, depending on the materials and finishes.
The cost will increase if you opt for a larger floor plan, high-end fixtures and finishings, and add-ons like a rooftop deck or outdoor patio.
It's worth noting that a prefab container home will inherently cost more in exchange for a beautiful, high-quality dwelling.
In terms of materials, a shipping-container house can be similar in price to a traditional home, considering all the customization needed to make it liveable.
However, there are economic advantages to modular construction, such as minimizing on-site mobilization time and reducing project sequencing complexity.
Building Logistics
Building a container home can seem like a daunting task, but with the right guidance, it can be a straightforward and stress-free process. Our team at CMG Containers handles all aspects of the project, from design to final installation, ensuring compliance with local regulations.
You don't need a construction background to convert a shipping container into a home. Boxhub's affiliates offer courses to educate consumers on how to create a shipping container home, DIY-style.
The process of building a container home is guided by experienced teams, such as CMG Containers, who provide transparent communication and address concerns promptly. This ensures an enjoyable and seamless experience.
Container modification kits are available to help turn your shipping container into a home. For a full breakdown of what's available, you can call 888-356-2954.
Embracing eco-friendly practices, CMG Containers constructs container homes with sustainability in mind, offering energy-efficient solutions for a greener lifestyle.
On-Wheels Options
The on-wheels option is a fantastic way to make your shipping container home purchase mobile and easily moveable. This can simplify installation in most municipalities.

You can choose from three sizes: 20', 30', or 40' containers. Each size has a specific price point, with the 20' option starting at $8,900 and the 40' option at $15,900.
A 20' container on wheels requires a 3/4-Ton or 1-Ton truck for pulling, while a 30' or 40' container needs a 1-Ton truck. The 40' option also requires a dual-wheel truck.
Economy wood entry steps are included with all on-wheels container models, making it easy to get in and out of your home.
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Design and Architecture
Cargo container homes can be designed and built in a variety of ways to suit different needs and budgets.
The standard size of a shipping container is 8 feet wide and 20 feet long, but it can be cut down or combined to create unique living spaces.
A typical cargo container home can be built for as little as $20,000, making it an affordable option for those looking to live off the grid or downsize.

These homes can be designed to be highly energy-efficient, with some models using up to 90% less energy than traditional homes.
Insulation is a key factor in keeping cargo container homes warm in the winter and cool in the summer, with some owners using spray foam insulation to achieve this goal.
Some cargo container homes even feature large windows and skylights to bring in natural light and provide stunning views of the surrounding environment.
What Is a Home?
A home is a living space that provides shelter and comfort to its inhabitants. A shipping container home, for instance, is a small living space converted from one or more shipping containers.
Shipping container homes are typically around 160 or 320 square feet in size, depending on the size of the container used. This is because a standard high cube shipping container is usually 20 feet by 8 feet or 40 feet by 8 feet.
A shipping container home can be easily scalable by stacking multiple containers together, allowing for a considerable amount of square footage.
Do Houses Get Hot?

Houses can get hot, but it's not inevitable. Proper insulation and ventilation can make a big difference.
A shipping container home, for instance, shouldn't get hotter than any other building if it's well-designed. The key is to tailor the design to the local climate.
In extreme heat, a well-insulated container home can stay cooler than one that's not. This is especially true if it's designed with exterior circulation systems that shield the units from direct sunlight.
The Hilda L. Solis Care First Village, a shipping container village, achieved this by using an exterior circulation system that promoted interactions between residents while keeping the units cool.
The design of a house can make all the difference in how hot it gets. By paying attention to the local climate and using clever design elements, you can create a home that stays cool and comfortable.
Options and Sizes
Cargo container homes come in a range of sizes, from 8 feet wide to 20 feet wide, and lengths of 8 to 40 feet.

You can choose from a variety of sizes to fit your needs, from a cozy studio to a spacious three-bedroom home. The most common size is 20 feet wide and 8 feet tall, which is ideal for a single person or a couple.
Standard sizes can be combined to create larger homes, and custom sizes are also available for those who need something unique.
Buying Shipping Options
Buying shipping containers can be a straightforward process. You can purchase them directly through Boxhub's website.
To buy a shipping container online, you'll need to follow a few simple steps. The first step is to visit Boxhub's website.
You can also contact a member of Boxhub's team via phone, email, or live chat to inquire about purchasing a shipping container. This will give you the opportunity to ask questions and get personalized assistance.
House Sizes
Shipping container homes are available in various sizes, but most are either 20 or 40 feet long.
These lengths can be reduced by about 6 inches per side to account for insulation, leaving around 19 feet of interior room space in a 20-foot container.
High-cube shipping containers are recommended for housing to ensure ample vertical space.
Designers and Builders
CMG Containers lets you design a space that aligns with your vision, whether you're seeking a compact studio or a spacious multi-container residence.
Their team collaborates with you to incorporate desired features and finishes, ensuring your container home is both functional and stylish.
Some notable prefab container home builders include ModBox Builders, Honomobo, Giant Containers, Love Container Homes, Uncontained Dreams, and The Pacific Bin.
Certified Luxury Builder
CMG Containers is a certified luxury builder that offers a range of customizable options for your dream home. Their team collaborates with you to incorporate desired features and finishes, ensuring your container home is both functional and stylish.
You can choose from compact studios or spacious multi-container residences, with energy-efficient solutions and luxury upgrades available to suit your lifestyle. From initial consultation to final installation, CMG Containers handles all aspects of the process, including design, permitting, and construction.
Their experienced team provides transparent communication throughout the project, addressing your concerns promptly and ensuring compliance with local regulations. With CMG Containers, turning your dream home into reality is an enjoyable and seamless experience.

The Container Studio, designed by MB Architecture, is a great example of what can be achieved with a luxury builder like CMG Containers. This award-winning studio features 900 square feet of sun-drenched space and a double-height ceiling, all built for an artist looking for a compact creative space.
CMG Containers' commitment to quality craftsmanship guarantees a durable and comfortable living environment, making them a trusted choice for luxury builders. Their eco-friendly practices also ensure that your container home is constructed with sustainability in mind, offering energy-efficient solutions for a greener lifestyle.
Mans Tham Arkitektkontor
Måns Tham Arkitektkontor is a Swedish architecture firm that's making waves with its innovative designs. They're known for their use of recycled materials in their projects.
One of their notable projects is the Måns Tham Container Home, where they transformed eight shipping containers into a stunning off-the-grid home. This home features salvaged parts like timber planks, metal boards, and staircases.

The Container Home's design maximizes living spaces by removing walls between containers. This clever layout takes into account the V-shaped natural canyon of the site.
The upper level of the home is larger than the entrance level, creating a unique and functional space. This thoughtful design decision reflects the firm's commitment to sustainability and efficiency.
Case Studies and Examples
Take a look at these real-life examples of cargo container homes. The "Cube House" in Tokyo, Japan, is a 2-story home made from 10 shipping containers. It's a great example of how cargo containers can be stacked to create multi-level living spaces.
The "Sea Container Home" in California, USA, was built using 6 shipping containers and features a unique exterior design. This home showcases the flexibility of cargo container homes in terms of design and layout.
In both of these examples, the owners were able to save money on construction costs by using cargo containers, which are often readily available and affordable.
Starburst House
The Starburst House is a custom container home nestled into the rocky mountainside of Joshua Tree National Park. It's formed out of 21 shipping containers.
The home features 2,000 square feet, including a spacious kitchen and a living room. This layout provides ample space for residents to live comfortably.
Each container was carefully oriented by Whitaker to enhance the views across the landscape, adjust the intensity of light entering the house, and provide some privacy for the residents. This thoughtful design ensures a peaceful living environment.
The Starburst House uses a carport roofed in solar panels as its power supply, boosting its eco-friendly vibe. This renewable energy source reduces the home's carbon footprint.
Casa Oruga — Sebastián Irarrázaval
Casa Oruga is a modern home built by architect Sebastián Irarrázaval in the foothills of the Andes Mountains, outside Santiago, Chile.
The home is made from 12 shipping containers, including one open-top container for a small swimming pool. This unique design approach allows for a spacious and industrial interior.
Built to fit within local regulations, Casa Oruga's height does not exceed 1,000 meters. This is a crucial consideration, given the home's location.
The interior of Casa Oruga is expansive and light-filled, with sweeping views of the surrounding slopes. This integration with the natural landscape is a key aspect of the home's design.
C-LOT-EK Hudson
C-LOT-EK Hudson is a pre-fabricated, high-quality modular home made from six upcycled 40-foot shipping containers.
Located in Claverack, just outside the bedroom community of Hudson, New York, this single-family home features over 1,920 square feet of space.
The ground level has an open layout with a living room, dining room, and kitchen, while the level above has two-bedroom suites, each with a full bathroom and walk-in closet.
Large glass walls provide cross-light and ventilation, and large decks expand the open living space into the natural surroundings.
C-Home modules, like the one in Hudson, are made to provide strength, durability, and a modern industrial aesthetic.
A new home made from C-Home modules can be ready in half the time compared to normal construction methods.
Virginie Stolz, cofounder and CEO of c-Home USA, the New York architecture and design studio that built C-Home modules, designed them to be prefabricated and ready to move in.
Hilda L. Solis Care First Village
The Hilda L. Solis Care First Village is a remarkable example of innovative housing design. It was constructed by NAC Architecture and Bernards in downtown Los Angeles.
The project was completed in just six months, a testament to efficient construction methods. This allowed the complex to be finished quickly, providing housing for the city's growing homeless population.
The village features 132 permanent container homes and 100 temporary units, each with a full private bathroom. This attention to detail ensures that residents have a comfortable and dignified living space.
A common building provides shared amenities, including a commercial kitchen, dining area, laundry facilities, and administrative spaces. This communal aspect fosters a sense of community among residents.
The village also includes landscaped courtyards, a dog park, and parking spots for staff and residents. These amenities enhance the overall quality of life for those living in the village.
FAQs: Duration
Shipping-container homes can last anywhere from 25 to 50 years, depending on how well they're maintained and the environment they're in.
Melissa McFadgen, a principal architect, estimates that a shipping container used for cargo at sea can last around 10 to 12 years due to harsh conditions.
The Forth Bridge in Scotland is a great example of how well-maintained steel structures can last - it's still working 134 years after completion.
Proper maintenance is key to extending the lifespan of a shipping-container home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I build a shipping container home in Wisconsin?
Yes, you can build a shipping container home in Wisconsin, but it's essential to understand the necessary steps and processes involved. Learn more about the requirements and regulations to get started with your container home project.
Sources
- https://www.cmgcontainers.net/shipping-container-homes
- https://compact.homes/on-wheels-container-homes
- https://www.fieldmag.com/articles/shipping-container-homes-guide
- https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/shipping-container-homes-most-beautiful-around-world
- https://boxhub.com/shipping-container-uses/housing
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