Building the Perfect Vacation Home: 5 Benefits of Opting for a Shipping Container

The use of shipping containers in architecture has become rather popular in the past two decades. From unsightly waste, these large boxes slowly started to transform into mesmerizing architectural wonders that could fit in with absolutely any natural setting. 

Shipping container homes are modern, affordable, and long-lasting, and they can be shaped into anything you can imagine. If you’re looking to build the ideal vacation home for you and your family, they may just be the perfect option. Here’s why. 

1. Affordability

The average price of a shipping container is usually what draws people to this idea. These steel boxes will start at around $1500, which is considerably lower than what you’d pay for traditional construction materials. Additionally, considering the fact that most vacation homes are quite small, you won’t need too much material or labor, making these an excellent for those on a budget. 

The price does go up if you opt for a container that had only been used once. This allows you to choose units that are in better shape, with a lower likelihood of dents or damage. But if your ultimate goal is to save money, it’s not an absolute must.

2. Sustainability

The great thing about these types of homes is that they’re using construction elements that would otherwise be discarded as trash. Furthermore, the corrugated steel they’re made from is an extremely durable material that can stand the test of time in all types of weather conditions. 

Any part that you cut out (for example, to place windows and doors) can be repurposed, helping you create as little waste as possible when building. Do keep in mind, however, that these homes require high-quality insulation to prevent energy loss and condensation. So, if you want to build an eco-friendly structure, be prepared to make the investment. It will certainly pay off in the long run.

3. Aesthetic appeal

A shipping container is quite simple in terms of shape. The cuboid construction lends itself to all types of creative expression, with the possibility of combining several elements into one cohesive home. Additionally, the geometric design of shipping container homes utilizes minimalism in its purest form, while usually including large windows and doors that contribute to a more open feeling inside the relatively small rooms. 

A number of people who opt for this type of structure decide to create a stark contrast between its industrial aesthetic appeal and the nature it is surrounded by, making for beautiful and inspiring settings, ideal for relaxation.

4. Added source of income

There’s a sad reality to owning a vacation home: most people don’t have enough time to spend at such properties. But, this doesn’t mean you can’t make the most of them. Unused vacation homes are actually a great source of added income, and renting them out can be easy and safe, as long as you’re familiar with the basic requirements. 

If you’re toying with the idea of opening up your vacation home for visitors through Airbnb, your first step should be to check all regulations to learn about your legal obligations. Equip the property with the right safety devices, snap some appealing photos of the space, and you’re ready to start making money. 

5. Easily transported

Last but not least, the reason so many people decide to use shipping containers when constructing a vacation property is that they are easy to transport, even to places that are hard to get to. Their relatively small size, as well as the fact that they don’t need extensive work on-site, makes them perfect for remote areas.

Conclusion

How well a shipping container home will work for you greatly depends on the location where you want to build, as well as your requirements. If what you’re after is something simple, durable, and cheap, but not too large, this may just be the ideal solution. And the great thing is, the end result is going to be a completely unique building with your personal touch to it.