Building a Shipping Container Home in Alabama – A Complete Guide

At some point in everyone’s life, the thought of building a home will come up. If you have ever considered building your own home, you know how exciting of a prospect it is. However, it can also be incredibly expensive and very complicated, which makes it difficult. That’s why building a shipping container home in Alabama can be such a great idea. 

Shipping container homes are unique and incredibly simple in its construction. They are also much less expensive and more accessible to people than traditional homes. In this article, we have laid out everything you need to know about building a container home in Alabama. By understanding the process, you can kick start your project. 

What is a Shipping Container Home in Alabama? 

A shipping container home is a house built from one or more metal containers used for freight. These containers are large, rectangular boxes that are used to move goods on trains, ships, or trucks. When they are no longer in use, they are stored or recycled, which makes them very accessible. They can be easily found and turned into impressive, one-of-a-kind houses. 

Shipping container homes are constructed by modifying the containers and stacking them together. Because of this, there are all kinds of designs you can choose from. The possibilities are practically endless with these homes and are limited only by your imagination. If you have an idea for your home, it can most likely be built with shipping containers. 

What Are the Benefits of a Shipping Container Home? 

One of the major benefits of shipping container homes is that they are inexpensive. Because you will not need to do any framing, you can build these homes in a relatively short time. This not only cuts down on your material costs but also your labor costs. This opens up the possibility of homeownership to a much wider variety of people. 

The other big benefit of a shipping container home in Alabama is the weather. Since Alabama has a very warm and humid climate, traditional homes are subjected to damage. With a shipping container home, you don’t have to worry about mold, rot, or mildew. This cuts back on your maintenance costs over many years. 

Cost of Building a Shipping Container Home in Alabama

The cost of building a shipping container home in Alabama can vary widely depending on the design. However, the average cost for one of these homes is around $56,651 with some people paying under $13,000. Some people have also paid upwards of $101,164 for their container home. It all depends on how many containers you need and what your design is like. 

Even if you were to pay a higher price for your container home, it will be cheaper than a traditional home. The average cost to build a home in Alabama is $267,620. With prices like that, it’s easy to see why many people choose to go with an alternate route. The lower cost makes these homes accessible to people who might not otherwise be able to afford them. 

How to Choose a Builder for a Shipping Container Home in Alabama

One of the biggest decisions you will make when building your container home is finding a construction company that builds container homes. While there are going to be some jobs you can do yourself, you will want to hire a professional as well. They will be able to make sure your container home is up to code and that it is in compliance with all zoning laws. Finding the right builder is crucial and can increase your chance of success. 

One of the first things you should look for in a builder is experience. Not all construction companies will have expertise in shipping container homes. If possible, find one that specializes in this type of home and has built them before. This will make the whole process easier and get you a better final product. 

Shipping Container Homes for Sale in Alabama

Shipped.com Shipping Container Marketplace

Shipped.com helps buyers learn what shipping container is suitable for them and help them. With over 60 depots and thousands of containers on hand, they offer great prices for shipping containers. They have online direct checkout and a digital cart to help you find what you are looking for!

Pelican Containers

Pelican Containers offers new and used containers. They only buy containers from trusted deals to ensure you get a quality product every time. They offer containers from 6 feet to 45 feet in length in various styles. They have the perfect container to fit your needs.

Harper Steel

Harper Steel has been in business since 2001. They have been providing high-quality shipping containers for their customers since then. They have 10, 20, and 40 shipping containers available for you to choose from.

Conex Depot

Conex Depot provides friendly service to their customers to help them find the shipping containers they are looking for at the best price. Because of their long-established business relationships, they are able to find inventory throughout the entire world.

Designing a Floor Plan for a Shipping Container Home 

Your floor plan is an incredibly important part of the building process. This will dictate how your shipping container home in Alabama is laid out and how it flows. It will also dictate how the containers are assembled and how they relate to one another. A good floor plan will ensure that your home feels right for your and your family. 

To get your floor plan together, write out everything you want from your container home. Then, bring this list to a professional draftsman. They will be able to put together a workable floor plan that your builder can use during construction. By having all your needs on one document, you can ensure that your home will be up to par. 

Where to Find Insurance for Your Shipping Container Home in Alabama 

Before you move into your shipping container home in Alabama, you will want to get insurance. Homeowner’s insurance is a good way to protect your investment and yourself. Making sure that your container home is covered can help you feel secure and safe. However, it can be difficult to find an insurance company that will give you a policy for your container home. 

One of the best ways to find insurance is to get your home appraised. A professional appraiser can give you a solid dollar amount that your policy will need to cover. Then, work with an insurance agent to find the right coverage. These steps will increase the chances of you finding coverage that is affordable and comprehensive. 

Conclusion 

Building a shipping container home can be a rewarding challenge. If you have everything in place with your planning, you can get it built easily and end up with a great home. Knowing what is involved and what you need to have ready can help you get started. 

If you would like more guides like this one, check out the rest of ContainerHomeHub.com. There, you will find more in-depth resources and featured container homes. This information can help you plan your own custom shipping container home in Alabama.