The container home concept originated in Australia as an affordable – and potentially sustainable – housing option. While they are seen as offering potential for alternative housing options, there are also significant stumbling blocks of which you should be aware before taking the plunge… 

Financing the build

While a container “build” is quicker and potentially more affordable than a traditional brick-and-mortar building, you still have to buy the land and comply with local – and national – regulations. Regulatory authorities are usually slow to recognise innovation, as are the banks, so container home builders might face challenges when trying to get the necessary approvals. 

Banks are still cautious when it comes to approving home loans for container homes. However, some, such as FNB, are beginning to explore the possibility. In the meantime, specialized lenders are stepping in to offer financing options, though these typically come with shorter repayment terms compared to traditional home loans.

As with any major build, even if you’re considering a container as an add-on to your existing property, you will need building plans. Having these plans passed by your local authority can sometimes be challenging, as not all local council offices will accept container home builds or might impose extra regulations and restrictions on these kinds of builds. 

Perks of container builds: sustainability & flexibility

Despite all the stumbling blocks, you may be determined to fight the good fight because container homes are more environmentally friendly than a traditional build: by repurposing otherwise useless containers that would either go to a landfill or take up yard space, you’re reducing your carbon footprint and reducing waste, both of which have an impact on greenhouse gas emissions, promoting sustainability. 

In addition, once you’ve acquired all the approvals, they’re relatively quick to erect and are easily customised to your specifications for sustainable living. For example, you could add insulation to make your home energy efficient (and more comfortable), or install a solar water heater and tanks to harvest rain and dew.

But, that’s not all. Even within the constraints of a modular approach, homeowners have a great deal of flexibility for extending their homes when the family grows. Containers lend themselves to modern, open interiors that, in turn, can open to nature and for those whose container homes are not close to nature, you can add a deck and pool and/or create rooftop seating and container garden.

What about the shipping container home resale value?

When you are adopting alternative building practices for sustainability reasons, you might not always consider the resale potential. While you may intend to live in your container home for many years, life can get in the way. You might be forced to sell unexpectedly at some stage, so when you’re doing your initial planning, bear these points in mind:

• If yours is not the first container home in the area, that already suggests demand which, in turn, can have a positive impact on resale value – check this with your local RE/MAX agent.

• Often, container homes are seen as short-term options. Remember, though, that shipping containers are designed to withstand harsh conditions, which makes them highly durable. This means that with proper modifications and maintenance, a container home should last for 25 years or more.

• As with every home, maintenance affects both its lifespan and value. As with any alternative construction, your container home will have its own special needs including managing rust, insulation and structural integrity. 

• Related to the last point, are environmental issues: if you live next to the coast and/or in an area with potential for pests with climatic extremes, these must also be factored in.

It is about investment

For most of us, our homes are the biggest and most important investments we will ever make, regardless of the type of build we choose. The South African expression,  goedkoop is duurkoop really does apply when it comes to container homes. Basic, least-cost options are exactly that, so, the final cost of a container home will depend on what you’re willing to invest in the quality of finishes and workmanship as well as ongoing maintenance. Just as is the case with any other property. 

So, if you’re considering joining the container home trend, do your homework: most of the companies that do container home builds offer a range of packages, with the lowest cost options being the most basic which may even exclude basic insulation and panelling. This means that if your approach is an incremental, DIY one, you will need to be a skilled craftsperson and be prepared to invest in quality materials, fittings and fixtures to turn your container into a comfortable, beautifully decorated space in which to live for many years.

If you would like to find out more about container homes in your area, reach out to your closest RE/MAX office.