FAQs of Container Housing - Heshi House

With the growing popularity of container housing, are you hesitant to invest in a container house? Here are some questions and answers that may help you make a decision.

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1. Are container houses safe?

The paints and finishes used on containers are industrial and used for ocean shipping, not residential, so they may contain lead and toxic pesticides.

2. Which states allow shipping container homes?

Suburban and rural areas tend to be more open to containerized housing. Texas, California, Tennessee, Louisiana, Missouri, Oregon and Alaska are among the more progressive states that have opened their doors to containerized housing to some extent. Texas already has many container homes. California has been open to container homes and hybrid container homes, despite its reputation for red tape. Louisiana and Tennessee have experienced some of the most lenient and forward-thinking zoning regulations in the United States. As alternative living options continue to grow, it's only a matter of time before more states in the country start allowing container homes in designated areas.

3. What are the dimensions of a container home?

Containers are very limited in size and plumbing, HVAC, insulation, and other systems are quickly consumed. The container is designed to fit on a train, which means it is narrow and ordinary furniture will not fit. It does not leave much headroom after insulation and wiring are installed.

4. Can I add a roof to a container house?

There are several styles of roofs available for container houses, but flat roofs, pitched roofs, roof decks, and living roofs are the most common.

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1. Flat roofs are the easiest, fastest, and least expensive to build, but require a slight slope to create a drain for rainwater, so maintenance costs are higher.
2. Pitched roofs are roofs that slope downward and are one of the most common roof types found in areas of intense rainfall and heavy snowfall. Popular examples of pitched roofs are hip walls, hips, slopes, pitched roofs, and pitched roofs.
3. Roof decks are creative flat spaces built on the roof to expand the occupiable or usable space. Many rooftop terraces are used for small outdoor gardens, dining areas, or recreational areas.
4. Living roofs are roofs that introduce plants and greenery. These roof types are both beautiful and natural and provide natural insulation and cooling.

5. Will container houses rust?

Since container houses are made of metal, they may rust. Some containers were originally manufactured with an alloy, a process often referred to as weathering steel or weatherproof steel, which helps to form a surface rust layer, thereby mitigating further corrosion. The climate in which the container is located can affect whether the container house will rust, as wet and dry climates affect containers differently.

6. Container housing retains its value?

Well-maintained container houses can retain their resale value just like traditional houses. They are relatively easy to resell because they can be loaded onto a truck and shipped almost anywhere. Before you buy, you may want to ask if the container home is made for your climate, and if not, ask about modifications you may need to make to make it suitable for its intended location.

7. How long will a container home last?

Container homes should last at least 25 years but will last longer if well maintained or with siding to protect the exterior. Rust is the most common problem that can shorten the life of a container home. It is important to inspect the containers in your home and look for rust spots. Any problem areas should be treated and repaired to reduce the chance of rust spreading.

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General Questions

Are expandable container houses worth it?

There are 3 main advantages of an expandable container house:

Cost-effective: The cost of expandable container houses is much cheaper than traditional houses while maintaining good quality.

Quick Construction: Expandable houses are prefabricated in the factory instead of being built on-site, which is efficient and time-saving.

Customizable Features: Expandable houses allow customers to choose their preferred interior and exterior designs.

Is it cheaper to build or buy a prefab house?

It’s cheaper to buy a prefab house than build one because the manufacturer has a professional fabricating system and standard product templates. The factory also can purchase all the required materials at a lower price from the suppliers.

How much does a folding home cost?

Normally, most foldable houses on the market cost from $50k to $100k, the final price can change depending on the sizes, materials, finishes, and other features.

How much money do I need to build a container home?

The cost of building a container home depends on its square foot, structural design, and other additional features. In most cases, the average cost is between $50,000 and $100,000 or more.

Are prefab homes cheaper than mobile homes?

Typically, prefab homes are more expensive than traditional mobile homes because they are larger and built with quality materials. Meanwhile, the resale value of a prefab house is also higher than a traditional mobile home over time.

Why are modular homes so cheap?

Modular homes and prefab homes are cheap because their structure is modularized and all the components are prefabricated with a standard. This process ensures cheap and efficient home manufacturing since their cost per unit is much lower.

What is the cheapest way to expand a house?

The cheapest way to expand a house is to build a bump-out addition. Here are 3 options:

1.Outdoor structures like wall-mounted sunrooms, gazebos, and pergolas.

2.Add an expandable house to your outdoor space.

3.Build a terrace with railings near your building.

What's the difference between a mobile home and a prefab home?

Prefab homes are an upgraded version of mobile homes. Both of them are prefabricated and assembled in the factory and directly transported to the buyer’s appointed site. However, a mobile home is built on a permanent chassis, while the prefab home needs to be placed on an on-site foundation.

What are the disadvantages of a container home?

Downsides of a container home:

1.Transportation: It takes a flatbed truck to deliver your container home to the location, and a crane is also required for the unloading.

2.Building Regulations: It’s necessary to consult local authorities about the requirements for setting up a container home on your land.

3.Foundation and Plumbing: A solid base is required for a container home, and you need to install the pipelines for utilities, including electricity, sewer, and water.

Installation Notes

How to legally build a container home?

Laws and building regulations are different across the states. You may need to ask the local government and apply for permission before setting up a prefab house, the permitting includes dimensions, electricity, plumbing, etc.

Do prefab homes need a foundation?

It’s essential to set up a prefab house on a sturdy foundation. Concrete slabs and pier foundations are two common types of bases for supporting the prefab house. Make sure they are thick enough for greater stability and plumbing work.

Do prefab homes have plumbing?

The utilities and plumbing of a prefab house are installed after it’s been prefabricated. But you still need to tie them into the existing public utility system to ensure their functionality, such as the electricity, sewer and drainage system, and water supply.

Can you put AC in a shipping container?

Like traditional homes, an AC system can also be added to the container homes to provide proper ventilation and air conditioning. Either the roof or the walls are suitable places for the installation of the AC system.

How are prefab homes delivered?

The delivery of a prefab home includes 4 steps:

Loading: Load the prefab home on a flatbed truck or semi-trailer.

Escort Service: If the load is oversized, a pilot car or escort service is needed.

Transportation: Check the road condition and ship it to the destination.

Schedule a Crane: A crane is needed to unload your prefab house after it arrives at your location.

How many bedrooms can fit in a 40ft container?

Normally, a 40ft expandable container home with a standard space arrangement often provides 3 bedrooms. For instance, the EROMMY expandable container home has 3 bedrooms with a toilet, a living room, a kitchen, and a dining area.

More Tips

Does mold grow in shipping containers?

Mold and mildew can grow in your bathroom and kitchen if your container house is located in a humid environment. To prevent them, keep your room well-ventilated and add a dehumidifier in the home to reduce the humidity. 

Do container homes get hot?

Traditional container homes can get hot in summer due to their metal structure, but EROMMY offers various solutions to reduce heat conduction. Reflective glass and thermal-insulated walls and roofs are the key features that keep your home cool.

Are expandable prefab houses energy-efficient?

Expandable prefab houses are energy-efficient because they’re built with high-quality and eco-friendly materials. The factory also developed a streamlined manufacturing process to ensure all the components are produced with the same standard.

Are container homes safe in hurricanes?

The construction of most container homes is wind-resistant. Generally, a 40-foot container house can withstand winds up to 70 mph.

How long do expandable houses last?

Normally, a high-quality expandable container house can last around 30 years. Its lifespan can also be prolonged if it’s been maintained properly.