Buying a container home appeals to more and more people: quick to realise, industrial in appearance and built on a robust steel base. Yet there's more to it than ordering a container and having windows cut into it. This article covers the options available, what the costs involve and the steps to take before you begin.
A container home is a living space built up from one or more shipping containers as the load-bearing structure. The steel housing forms the outer shell, and inside it the container is insulated, fitted with electrics and finished as living space. Some container homes consist of a single container as a tiny house, while other projects stack or join several containers into a home with multiple rooms and storeys.
The starting point is, and remains, a guaranteed wind and watertight steel container. From that base, the home is built up step by step, with choices suited to the intended use: permanent residence, a holiday home, a granny annexe, or temporary housing.
For a container home, the choice between new and used mainly comes down to budget and appearance. New means one-trip: the container has made exactly one sea voyage and is in virtually as-new condition, with no dents or rust. Used containers are cargo-worthy or A-grade: guaranteed wind and watertight, CSC-certified and inspected before delivery.
For a home where the exterior stays visible, most people choose one-trip containers because of their smooth, flat walls. If the home is to be fully finished with cladding, a used container is often a more sensible and cost-effective starting point, since the condition of the exterior matters less.
The standard sizes of shipping containers largely determine the floor plan of a container home. A 20ft container is around 6 metres long, a 40ft container around 12 metres. For extra headroom, a High Cube version is worth considering: it's 30 centimetres taller than standard, with an internal height of 2.70 metres, which noticeably improves living comfort, especially with a dropped ceiling for insulation and pipework.
Many container homes combine multiple units: for example, two 40ft containers side by side for a living space with a lounge, kitchen and bedrooms, possibly supplemented with a third container for extra space or an upper storey. An open side version, with a fully openable side wall, can also be worth considering to increase natural light and flow between containers.
| Aspect | Container home | Traditional new-build |
|---|---|---|
| Shell build time | Short, the base is already factory-built | Longer, from foundation to fit-out |
| Flexibility | Movable, expandable with extra units | Fixed in location |
| Appearance | Industrial, adaptable with cladding | Free choice of style |
| Permits | Often similar requirements to a regular home | Standard building permit process |
| Construction | Steel, corrosion-resistant base | Depends on chosen building method |
The conversion of a shell container into a liveable space takes place in HEROX's own workshop, before delivery. Common modifications include insulation of the walls, roof and floor, electrics and lighting, windows in the desired position, one or more personnel doors, ventilation grilles and a lock box for extra security during the build phase. The exterior can be sprayed in any RAL colour, so the home also fits aesthetically with its surroundings.
For sanitary ware, kitchen installations and finer finishing, many customers work with a local builder or fitter after delivery, since this is bespoke work that falls outside the standard container modifications. HEROX supplies the solid, insulated and wind and watertight base; the further fit-out is usually left to specialist parties. You can read more about conversion options in converting a shipping container into an office, workshop or garage, many of whose techniques also apply to residential use.
The total cost of a container home is made up of several elements: the purchase of the container or containers themselves, modifications such as insulation and electrics, transport and placement, foundation work, and the further fit-out with sanitary ware, kitchen and interior. Because these elements vary considerably by project, region and level of finish, it isn't possible to state a general figure here. For a firm quote on the containers and modifications, HEROX sends a quotation within an hour on working days, based on the desired type, quantity and required modifications.
What is clear is that payment can be safe and flexible: paying upfront by bank transfer gives a 5 per cent discount, paying after delivery is possible (see it, then pay), and spreading payments over up to 36 months through licensed European finance partners is possible from around €60 a month for the container itself. You can read more about paying safely when buying a container in buying a shipping container safely without a middleman.
A container home intended for permanent occupation is, in most cases, subject to the same rules as a regular new-build: planning and building permission is usually required, and the home must meet building regulations covering insulation, fire safety and structural standards. These rules differ by local authority and by country, so it's important to check with the relevant local authority before ordering or building.
For temporary or recreational uses, the requirements may differ, for example with a granny annexe in the garden or a temporary living unit. Even then, check this on a case-by-case basis, as factors such as the size of the container, how long it will be in place, and the distance to the boundary all play a role. More general information on placing a container on your own property can be found in placing a container in the garden.
As with any container application, a flat, hard-standing and load-bearing surface is essential for a container home. Concrete slabs or paving slabs on a compacted sand bed, or concrete footings under the corner points, are common solutions for keeping the container stable and level. Factor this into your planning, especially if several containers are being stacked or joined.
HEROX delivers across Europe by crane truck or sideloader, through local branches in each country, usually within 3 to 7 working days, and positions the container exactly where required, provided the location is accessible for a lorry. For a home with multiple units, it's advisable to agree the order of delivery and placement with the team in advance.
Buying a container home doesn't start with ordering steel, but with a clear plan. First determine how many square metres you need, what layout you want, and whether the home is intended to be permanent or temporary. Then check with your local authority which permits and building requirements apply, and involve an architect or builder if needed for the structural and technical installation side.
Only once that plan is in place does it make sense to order containers and modifications. Check current stock in the shop or request a quote via contact with the desired type, quantity and delivery location. That way, you'll quickly get a clear picture of what's possible within your budget and timeline.
This depends heavily on the desired finish and size. The steel base is quick to deliver and relatively cost-effective, but insulation, installations and interior fit-out account for a large part of the total cost. Request a quote for the containers and modifications, and have the fit-out costs quoted separately by a builder.
For permanent occupation, the same permit requirements generally apply as for a regular new-build, with standards for insulation, fire safety and structure. Different rules may apply for temporary or recreational uses. This varies by local authority and country, so always check with the relevant local authority beforehand.
A 20ft container (around 6 metres) is suitable for a compact tiny house, while a 40ft container (around 12 metres) offers more room for a fuller floor plan. Many homes combine several containers for extra space. A High Cube version gives 30 centimetres of extra headroom for greater living comfort.
HEROX carries out container modifications such as insulation, electrics, windows and doors in its own workshop before delivery. For sanitary ware, kitchen installations and further interior finishing, customers usually work with a local builder or fitter, as this bespoke work falls outside the standard container modifications.
Yes, a used container in cargo-worthy or A-grade condition is guaranteed wind and watertight and CSC-certified, and makes an excellent base for a home, especially if the exterior will later be finished with cladding. For a sleek, visible steel look, many people prefer a new one-trip container instead.
View live stock with prices, or get a tailored quote within one business hour.
