FAQs

There are a number of great reasons to consider using shipping containers either in part or the whole for your project. The main reason we became interested was the endless recyclability of the cut-outs where windows are placed. That along with the reality that the siding and roofing - if exposed- will also not need replacing. That means siding and roofing that needs to be replaced every 30 or so years is eliminated from the recurring costs, for one, but many of those products do not have recycling processes. Durability is also another serious consideration as the siding is of a superior durability compared to most products available in the home improvement stores.

This is part of the discovery phase. Some cities and counties do have limitations on the number of containers you can use, in addition to that some HOA’s may also limit the use. The only way to know is to do the research or hire us to have a look for you!

Absolutely! In many instances they are more durable as any other home. That depends on the number of doors, windows, or other openings that can affect the structure but a stand alone shipping container is incredibly safe from both the elements or break-ins!

There is no real way to know, but they are constructed out of materials that in many other instances last much, much longer than other products on the market. The steel used in their creation is the same base metal material that is used in steel bridges. The containers themselves are made to be stacked on top of, many times the requirements of weight bearing capacities of traditional homes, and used in sea-fare applications meaning they are exposed to salt water, heavy and shifting loads, and can be picked up only by the four corners! Thats something you cant do with other buildings!

Yes. This concept allows you to start with an affordable “starter home” and when times and funds allow you can simply add another unit! If you look at past projects we have stacked them, built them into pools to hold water, made them into hotel units, apartment buildings, cabins, and more. There are also other ways to create second and third story homes using them.

How much does a car cost? It depends. There are ways to make it affordable, and ways to make it luxury. You decide! It also depends on if you want a permanent container home or a mobile one. Think, RV versus something that is on a permanent foundation. Single office units start in the 25 thousand range, full bathrooms and kitchenettes add to that depending on the buyers tastes. Some are 45 thousand where others closer to 100.

This portion is really dependent on too many variables after a single unit. If you select one of our designs the process is easier, faster, and more predictable. One unit can take as little as 2 weeks to complete, but multiple and stacked… does not mean 2 weeks per unit. Some of that is based on how the inspection process works, getting multiple trades people scheduled, etc. Keep in mind, thats just the container itself, not the infrastructure, foundation, or other important parts of the process!

Of course. We have built both “RV style” containers that are fully plug and play with respect to electricity. Park it next to a power pole, generator, or RV receptacle and your are in business. All homes of course have to have these features and inspections and the foundation drives some of the ways we can think about the plumbing and hookups. There are other considerations for plumbing such as bagging, composting, or incinerating toilets for waste that are all application specific. You tell us what it needs to be and we build it!

The only way I have had success with these is with spray foam insulation. It seals the container, provides the vapor barrier (required by code) and it adds a ton of structural integrity back to the container as the foam doesn’t allow for much twisting which can happen in any building. Technically speaking this isn’t a structural component but it does help as it holds shape better than other insulation types.

So far we have delivered to about 12,000 feet in elevation down a very small mountain road in Colorado and believe we can probably get it where you need it to be. Delivery is charged hourly after the mileage is accomplished for the really challenging locations. Others, larger especially, we have built on site. We can also supply the container(s) and fabrication ready for you or your contracted team to finish assembly in your area. With the purchase you get as much guidance to your team as needed via video conference to complete your project if you purchase just the “bones” package.

Yeah, its yours! Better yet though, you buy one of the pre-designed “box” plans we offer. This will make sure the projects structure and placement of critical infrastructure are thought out. Then you can “color it in” so to speak. This means you can move things like bedroom and living room walls on the interior and we ensure the structure and longevity are all preserved.

Sometimes piers, other times a full stem wall with deepened edge footing. It really depends on the design and location. Every “site” has different soil and therefor load bearing capacities, and that affects which foundation is required. Areas differ in snow load, wind, etc. and so for larger builds for sure this discussion is part of the building plans packet. For regular single units both 20’ and 40’ piers on the corners and on either side of large openings is generally sufficient and inexpensive! (Piers refers to a concrete column below frost depth 18” in diameter)

Yes. They aid in the reduction of construction waste when designed correctly. This reduces asphalt shingles, vinyl and other plastic or even wood sidings, and more. Furthermore, all of the container waste that is cut out for windows and door holes can be recycled. This is not the case for most all other construction materials!