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Do Shipping Container Homes Really Pay Off?

14 September 2022

Every year, the world changes, and for the vast majority of us, this evolution leads to higher-quality lifestyles. Australian homes are no different from this! Interior design elements including bathrooms, plumbing, and walls are just a few examples of the many different styles and techniques that are used. Are you looking for an Australian home with custom features and great quality for your site? You may be able to find the house of your dreams in a shipping container!

A form of "Do shipping container homes really pay off? " is one of the most commonly posed queries we receive. Though it sounds straightforward at first glance, the question is actually rather complex. However, consumers want to know how much a container home will cost them and they need to know that information. It's a figure that influences not only the size and breadth of their project but, in certain instances, even whether they are even interested in the idea at all.


Container Home is a new trend nowadays. Are you planning to get one?

If you're considering building a new home, you might be wondering if a shipping container home is a good option. After all, they're becoming more and more popular, and with good reason - they can be cheaper and faster to build than traditional homes. But do the benefits really outweigh the drawbacks? In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at shipping container homes, how much does it cost, where you can find container home builders and help you decide if one is right for you.

Calculating the Costs of a Shipping Container House

There will always be articles online about people who have constructed shipping container homes for just a few thousand dollars in addition to the original price of buying a used shipping container, which may sell for anywhere from AUD 5,000 and AUD 7,000+ depending on quality and location. 

The bad news first, unless you are doing all of the work yourself, are not concerned with quality or aesthetics, and are using 100% free or repurposed parts, a few thousand dollars is an unreasonable price to pay for the typical individual. It's likely that the alteration won't be permitted or comply with building regulations. Here are a few expenses that you should take into account.

Compliance Fees and Taxes

You must comprehend the individual charges that make up the total in order to comprehend the project's overall construction cost. But there are many different methods to consider these more minor cost areas. Construction project costs can be conceptualised in terms of tangibility in one sense. For a layperson who conceptualises the process of building a structure, this viewpoint makes sense. It's impossible to foresee what these might be because this differs from location to area. 

They might not exist in rural locations, but they are very likely to number in the thousands in urban areas.


Container Home is a new trend nowadays. Are you planning to get one?

Utilities

You should think about hooking up electricity, a water supply, a sewer system, a gas line, and a phone line or internet connection unless you intend to build an entirely off-grid shipping container home. Again, expenses will be influenced by the location and existing infrastructure. It might be as easy as connecting to the services in your street, or it might be more difficult like installing a pricey substation to supply electricity. To avoid any surprises, make sure you do your homework and cost this out correctly. On the website of your local council in some cities, you can find more details about connecting water and sewage.

Architect And Engineer Fees

You shouldn't skimp on this; it's important. To ensure that your container house plans are sound, consult with a licensed architect and engineer. There are a tonne of designs that are available online for free, but how can you be sure that the individual who made them has the necessary skills and that the blueprints are sound structurally? 

Ensure that your shipping container plans are appropriate for your purposes by finding a qualified, registered local person who is knowledgeable about the environmental conditions and building codes in the area. Even though shipping containers of all kinds are incredibly sturdy, cutting them needs reinforcement in order to maintain their structural integrity. So that you don't encounter issues later, the engineer will make sure this is completed correctly.

Used Shipping Container Homes


Container Home is a new trend nowadays. Are you planning to get one?

The size of the shipping container home you want to create will determine how many units of shipping containers you'll need. This is why it's crucial to take into account all of the extra features you might need. You must take into account the largest influence - size to make sure you have an exact price or the most cost-effective alternative for your budget. 

The typical shipping container home you may see depicted online often comprises two or more second-hand, in good condition, 20- to 40-foot shipping containers. A 20 foot container offers 146 square feet (13.86 m2) of floor space, and a 40 foot container increases it to 320 square feet (29.724m2).

You don't have to purchase something brand-new; old doesn't always imply subpar quality or that it isn't watertight. Additionally, used shipping containers are a cost-effective alternative for building supplies. They may also leave you with some money for more expensive amenities, like extra doors. This video will lead you through some of the things to think about when buying a used shipping container. Many businesses will be able to go into greater detail about the quality of any old container you buy.

Container Home Designs

You'll need to make modifications to your containers once you've obtained them in order to make them liveable. For doors and windows, this entails making holes in these areas and strengthening them. If you are a skilled builder, you may be able to save money by doing this yourself; nevertheless, it is probably advisable to have the modifications made by the company that sells you the containers to guarantee that they are done to a high degree.

Even if there will be a surcharge, many businesses always work to give their clients complete transparency and control over the entire change process. In most circumstances, we can provide a fast quote on the typical cost of shipping container modifications and we offer a variety of modification choices. You could say we've seen it all, which is how we became so effective at assisting hundreds of clients with a variety of shipping container changes. We can make sure that any alterations are up to code, which is the most crucial thing.

Insulation And Interior Walls

It will take between AUD 1,000 and AUD 2,000 worth of batting-style insulation to insulate a home made of two to three shipping containers. Before plastering and painting, your shipping container home also needs to be fitted with internal walls and wood framing. Installing inside walls and insulation should be budgeted for between AUD 4,000 and AUD 7,000, plus labour costs. Again, by the time everything is said and done, hiring experts to handle it during the container modification stage may prove to be much more cost-effective.


Container Home is a new trend nowadays. Are you planning to get one?

Plumbing And Electrical Installation

Depending on the size of your shipping container home, the complexity of your kitchen and bathrooms, if it is wired for IT equipment, and any other factors, this may or may not be the case. Many businesses have years of experience customising containers for both domestic and commercial usage. Power outlets, lighting, and air conditioning can all be installed on-site, but make sure the cost is reasonable and the quality of the work is high.

Restrooms And Kitchen

Another significant variable in the price. Are you planning to utilise a cheap, Ikea-style flat-pack kitchen and bathroom, a used kitchen, or something more opulent? With kitchens costing between AUD 10,000 and AUD 30,000 and bathrooms costing between AUD 6,000 and AUD 15,000 depending on amenities, they are typically the two most expensive rooms in any home.

Doors And Windows

The how, what, and where of your windows and doors will need to be decided upon depending on the type of project you are starting. For ease of access, is a double door required throughout the entire length of the container? Do you need windows everywhere to allow for ventilation and sunlight? Think about how many windows and doors you'll need, their style, and where you'll put them before making a decision.


Container Home is a new trend nowadays. Are you planning to get one?

How Much Does a Shipping Container Home Really Cost?

Prices vary based on supply, but you should plan to spend between AUD 3,000 and AUD 7,000 or more per container and buy used shipping containers in the best condition you can find. The cost of a shipping container building can range from as little as AUD 30,000 to as much as AUD 160,000, depending on the size of your container and the cost of materials. However, the sky's the limit. 

It's crucial to complete all budgeting before beginning your project when planning a shipping container building. Consider every facet of the work, and then include a contingency for any additional costs that may arise. If you follow these steps, you will have a fantastic shipping container home that meets and surpasses all of your criteria and comes with no surprises.

So, do shipping container homes really pay off? The answer is yes and no. It depends on your specific needs and what you are looking for in a home. If you are looking for an affordable, sustainable option that can be customised to fit your unique lifestyle, then a shipping container home may be the perfect choice for you. However, if you are expecting all the amenities of a traditional home, you may be disappointed. 

At Madmod Container Homes we believe in giving people the information they need to make informed decisions about their lives, so please contact us if you have any questions about shipping container homes or would like to find out more about our services.

Hi, I'm Leonardo Nollora but you can call me Leo. I'm a writer, blogger, and social media manager. I love travelling, food, business and meeting new people. I want to share all my experiences and idea through this platform.

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