Building a shipping container home has become a popular alternative to traditional construction methods due to its affordability, sustainability, and versatility.
With its year-round sunny climate and vast landscapes, Arizona provides an ideal environment for creating unique and energy-efficient container homes.
Whether you’re looking to make a tiny home or seeking a cost-effective custom home for your family, this ultimate guide will equip you with the knowledge and resources needed to successfully build your own shipping container home in Arizona.
From costs and design considerations to shipping container house builders, we’ll cover every step of the process.
Brace yourself for an exhilarating journey towards creating your dream dwelling in the breathtaking landscapes of Arizona.
Key Takeaways
- Shipping container homes in Arizona offer unique, affordable, and flexible housing options. They are created using repurposed metal shipping containers, which provide excellent thermal insulation and energy efficiency.
- Building a shipping container home in Arizona is generally more cost-effective than constructing a conventional home, with prices ranging from $11,179 to $93,162.
- Factors that can affect the total cost include the size of the home, design complexity, and the type of shipping container used.
- A good floor plan is not only about aesthetics and functionality. It’s about maximizing the available space. Take time to design a floor plan that best suits your needs and complements your lifestyle.
- Building your dream home is one thing, but protecting it is equally important. Make sure you secure a comprehensive insurance policy for your shipping container.
- Designing a shipping container home is a unique project. With careful planning and expert help, you can create a comfortable and efficient living space.
What Is a Shipping Container Home in Arizona?
A shipping container home, often referred to as a container house, is a unique type of residence. It’s created using metal shipping containers—the same ones used for moving goods around the world.
These containers are repurposed into cost-effective, modular homes. They offer a unique, affordable option for housing.
Arizona, with its warm climate and expansive desert landscapes, is an ideal setting for such homes. Builders in the state are harnessing these conditions to create sustainable and visually appealing living spaces.
The durable steel walls of shipping containers provide excellent thermal insulation, keeping the interior cool in summer and warm in winter.
This inherent energy efficiency helps reduce reliance on air conditioning and heating systems, thus cutting down energy costs.
The design options for shipping container homes are also limitless. These containers can be arranged in different ways to devise interesting floor plans.
Homes can range from a single container setup to intricate multi-container structures. The flexible nature of these homes is one of their key selling points.
These homes can also be tailored to meet the needs of their inhabitants. They can be equipped with all the essential amenities: a kitchen, bathroom, and living areas.
This practicality makes shipping container homes a popular choice for those looking to construct a home in Arizona.
If you’re looking for a unique, affordable, and flexible housing option in Arizona, a shipping container home could be the perfect fit.
What Are the Benefits of a Shipping Container Home?
Container homes are a unique style of housing that offers a wealth of benefits to homeowners.
First, let’s start with the design. The straightforward structure of a shipping container makes it a breeze to modify. In simple terms, it’s like playing with building blocks.
You can arrange and alter it to fit your personal tastes and requirements. With a thoughtful approach to construction and an innovative floor plan, you can morph a plain shipping container into a cozy and welcoming home.
Container homes are known for their durability. A shipping container home is built with strong steel, which makes them highly resistant to harsh weather conditions, such as strong winds, storms, and even earthquakes.
The steel structure also makes them termite-proof and resistant to rot, which adds to their long-term durability.
Now, let’s talk about location. Arizona is a treasure trove of undeveloped land, offering plenty of options to set down your container roots.
This is a big win, considering the struggle traditional home builders often face when hunting for the right plot.
Shipping container homes are also a nod to Mother Nature. Think about it. You’re giving a new life to an old shipping container. This means less waste and more sustainable living.
Cost of Building a Shipping Container Home in Arizona
Building a conventional home in Arizona can cost between $170,000 and $480,000, while a shipping container home typically costs between $11,179 and $93,162.
The price of the container home is significantly lower than the conventional one. This affordable price makes container homes more accessible to a broader range of individuals.
However, the total cost of your dream container home can still vary according to different factors. Let’s break down these cost factors for you.
The first thing you need to consider is size. It’s simple: larger homes will cost more. More space means you’ll need more materials and more labor.
Next, think about design and complexity. The number of rooms you want and any unique features will affect the price. A home with three bedrooms, for example, will cost more than a studio.
The type of shipping container you choose is also another factor. You have options: new containers, used ones, or even recycled shipping containers. The last two options are more affordable and environmentally friendly.
Best Shipping Container Home Builders for Your Arizona Container Home
Let’s explore some of the best shipping container home builders that can help you build your dream Arizona container home.
These builders are known for their expertise, quality craftsmanship, and commitment to customer satisfaction.
Conexwest
Conexwest is dedicated to providing top-notch products and services that meet the needs and expectations of its esteemed customers. Conexwest is committed to upholding the highest standards in the industry.
Alternative Living Spaces
Alternative Living Spaces (ALT) is a pioneering leader in the container housing industry, offering a revolutionary and affordable housing alternative. ALT is redefining the concept of living spaces, providing sustainable, innovative, and cost-effective solutions to address the pressing need for housing options.
TD Container House
TD Container House is the top-notch manufacturer in China, renowned for crafting superior flat-pack accommodation, shipping container homes, and prefab houses. TD Container House is your go-to destination for dependable and customizable container solutions to meet your specific needs.
Photo from TD Container House
How to Choose a Builder for a Shipping Container Home in Arizona
With so many great options available, it can be overwhelming to make a decision on which builder to trust for your container home. Here’s how to go about it:
Start your search by focusing on companies that specialize in crafting custom container homes. While numerous construction firms are skilled in erecting traditional houses, a builder with a focus on container homes is what you need.
It’s essential to cast your net wide, but remember to pay attention to reviews and testimonials from past clients.
These can provide invaluable insights into the builder’s reputation and their ability to satisfy their customers’ needs.
Next, assess the potential builders on a few key parameters. These include their expertise in customizing container homes and their understanding of Arizona’s building codes and regulations. Consider their experience in project management too.
Shipping Container Homes For Sale in Arizona
Here are some great marketplaces to find shipping container homes for sale in Arizona.
Shipped.com
Shipped.com assists buyers in finding the right shipping container for their needs. They have a wide selection of new and used shipping containers available at affordable prices. Their website offers convenient online purchasing and a user-friendly shopping cart feature for easy browsing and selection.
Western Container Sales and Rental
Western Container Sales is a part of Railbox Consulting and is owned and run by its employees. They are one of the biggest purchasers of used shipping containers in the US. They provide containers to their customers at fair prices and make the buying process simple.
Aztec Container
Aztec Containers have been in business since 1969. Since then, they have expanded and grown their company to assist you in finding the best shipping containers. They also offer modifications like painting, vents, doors, etc., to help provide you with exactly what you want.
On Site Storage Solutions
On Site Storage Solutions have been selling and renting new and secondhand shipping containers since 2002. They provide competitive prices that they ensure are the best.
Designing a Floor Plan for a Shipping Container Home
When designing a floor plan for a shipping container home, there are a few key factors to consider such as functionality, space utilization, aesthetics, and sustainability.
Determine the number of shipping containers
Start by deciding how many shipping containers you want to use for your home. This will depend on your desired size and layout.
Keep in mind that shipping containers come in standard sizes, with the most common being 20ft or 40ft in length.
Sketch the layout
Use graph paper or a digital design software to sketch out the floor plan. Begin by outlining the overall shape and size of your home, including rooms and any specific features you want to incorporate.
Decide on room placement
Consider the functionality of each room and prioritize their placement within the floor plan. Common rooms in container homes include bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen, living area, dining space, and storage.
Make sure there is sufficient space between rooms for easy movement and to create a comfortable living environment.
Consider light and ventilation
Shipping containers typically have limited natural light and ventilation, so plan strategically to maximize these aspects. Place windows and skylights strategically to allow as much natural light as possible.
Photo from TD Container House
Where to Find Insurance for Your Shipping Container House in Arizona
When it comes to finding insurance for your shipping container home in Arizona, there are a few options to consider. Here’s a simple guide to help you in your quest.
Begin by reaching out to local insurance agencies. This may seem daunting, as securing coverage for a shipping container home can be a challenge.
But don’t fret; it’s certainly not an impossible task. You might stumble upon insurance companies that are unfamiliar with this unconventional type of housing. If that’s the case, don’t hesitate to shop around.
In your search, make sure you know the details about your home. Be ready to explain the insurers about the specifics of your shipping container. This will ensure they understand exactly what they’re insuring.
A common hurdle is the difficulty insurance companies face in determining the value of container homes. To tackle this, consider seeking help from a professional home appraiser. Having a solid appraisal can be beneficial in conversations with insurance companies.
To simplify your search, try working directly with an insurance agent. An agent who knows the ins and outs of the insurance world can help tailor coverage to your unique needs.
By doing so, you’ll not only protect your investment but also ensure that your belongings are adequately covered.
Final Thoughts
Constructing a shipping container home in Arizona can be a fulfilling project with numerous advantages. It might seem tough to kickstart, but the end result could be astonishing.
By meticulously preparing and maintaining a sense of calm, your container home has the potential to become a beloved haven that brings you endless joy throughout the years.
If you’re interested in learning more about container homes, feel free to visit our helpful guides here.