Container Homes Why is it better?
Container homes are one of the current trends in the real estate industry. Industry professionals have varying opinions about this fad. Some consider them innovative and eco-friendly but others disagree. For consumers, though, your main concern is options.
You’re already familiar with the benefits of living in a traditional house. What about the advantages of opting for a container home? What makes the latter a better choice than traditional housing?
Upcycling Benefits
Upcycling involves modifying an old or worn out item to make it usable, but for a different purpose. Compared to simply reusing or recycling a product, it helps extend the lifespan of a material. Converting shipping containers into container homes is one of the best examples of upcycling.
Before they were massively repurposed for housing, old shipping containers were destroyed. Some of the scrap metals were either sold or processed as new raw materials. While both of the said activities seem beneficial, the processes involved excessive use of energy. This further leads to pollution. Recycling ceases to be eco-friendly if you’re damaging the planet in another way.
Turning a shipping container into a house also involves considerable amounts of energy. However, the amount and cost are far less than destroying them.
Speedy Construction
Converting a shipping container requires different sets of equipment. This entail higher costs. On the bright side, it requires less manpower to build. Moreover, it can be done more quickly as long as your chosen builder has all the tools and skilled workers needed.
Cost-Effectiveness
The overall cost is one of the main causes of debates on the creation of container homes. The services of companies involved in converting shipping containers are higher than those catering to traditional housing. After all, the former employs high-skilled workers specializing in container homes. However, you can save a lot when it comes to the construction materials.
Shipping containers are built to withstand the harshness of the elements. This makes them one of the most durable construction materials out there. You don’t have to worry about termites and mice destroying this material as well. The most common problem is rust but that can be prevented with the help of an anti-corrosive paint.
Prefabricated Options
Every real estate agency has a list of pre-owned homes, apartments and condominium units that you can buy or rent. The downside with these options, however, is that they’re immovable. With prefabricated container homes, you can pick both your house’s design and scenery as long as you have the money. The said options save you from the time and stress of planning and waiting for so long as well.
Compatibility with Narrow and Awkwardly Shaped Lots
Many people end up with narrow or awkwardly shaped lots mainly due to overcrowding, poor planning and complex lot division. With such kind of lot, you may find it hard to think of a house plan that suits well with the size and shape. The good news is that a container home tends to suit lots of different sizes and shapes.
Off-site Construction
One of the downsides of building container homes is the possible noise, mess and harm from the sandblasting and wielding. These won’t be much of a problem if you don’t have any neighbors nearby. In case you do, you can take advantage of off-site construction.
Off-site construction entails your builder prepares and converts your shipping container in their factory or lot. They’ll either rent or use their own equipment to deliver the container home in your place. Afterwards, they’ll apply their finishing touches. Off-site construction isn’t an option for traditional housing, which means you may earn the ire of your neighbors while your home is being constructed.
A Change of Lifestyle
Being used to a less spacious home makes you more critical on what you should and shouldn’t keep therein. This kind of lifestyle will reduce your tendency to hoard more items which will turn out as clutter later on. If you wish to live like a true minimalist, living in a container home may serve as your first step.
Container homes offer benefits which traditional housing can’t provide. However, it doesn’t mean they will and could replace the latter anytime soon. Even so, they’re still worth considering especially if you’re after a unique house.
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