Building your own home is incredibly exciting and something that many people dream about. A custom home build is a very rewarding project and can result in your ideal house. However, due to the cost and the amount of work, it takes, very few people are able to make it happen. That’s why building a shipping container home in Virginia is such a fantastic alternative.
In this article, we have put together a guide to building a shipping container home in Virginia. By taking the time to understand the ins and outs of the process, you can create your perfect home.
While container homes are easier to build than traditional houses, there is still a lot to know. Having this information can help you get a head start on your project.
What is a Shipping Container Home in Virginia?
A shipping container home is a house built out of steel containers used for moving goods.
These containers are rectangular in shape and are put on trains, trucks, and boats. When they are retired, they are recycled or simply put in storage. Because of this, they are relatively easy to find and can be bought and reclaimed as materials.
Due to their shape and size, shipping containers are ideal for use as a structure for a home. They merely need to be arranged in a way that will create a dwelling. These kinds of limitations can result in some truly unique and amazing homes. If you are creative and have an eye for design, a shipping container home in Virginia is perfect for you.
What Are the Benefits of a Shipping Container Home?
There are a number of benefits of a shipping container home in Virginia.
One of the biggest advantages is the price. Because the rooms and structure are essentially already built, you can save a lot of money on construction. There is very little need for framing or other structural work when building a container home.
One of the other major advantages of a container home is their durability.
Due to their all-steel construction, most container homes can stand up to many weather elements. You don’t have to worry about things like mold or rot, which can be big issues with traditional houses.
In an area with a lot of different weather such as Virginia, this is incredibly important.
Cost of Building a Shipping Container Home in Virginia
Building a shipping container home in Virginia is an incredibly cost-effective project.
For the most part, you can get a container home built for between $15,000 and $50,000. However, they can go all the way up to $250,000 depending on the size and extra features.
If you want to save money, this could be a great option for you.
A traditional home in Virginia is a much more expensive undertaking. It will cost you, on average, around $405,000 to get a home built.
As with a shipping container home, it will depend on the size and extras you choose to include. A container home will almost always be less expensive, though, no matter what you add on.
How to Choose a Builder for a Shipping Container Home in Virginia
One of the most important decisions you will have to make when building a shipping container home is the builder.
The builder you choose should have deep experience building container homes. If possible, find one that specializes in these types of dwellings. It is a very different project from a traditional home and will require a special set of skills.
You should also look for a builder that you can get along with. Building a home is an incredibly personal experience that requires a certain amount of delicacy. Your builder should understand this and give you all the attention you need. Check online reviews and look for a builder who has a good relationship with their previous customers.
Container Home Builders in Virginia
ShelterMode
ShelterMode – They build professionally-designed container houses to provide alternative housing solutions to enthusiasts of cargo architecture. They have available container house design plans, or you can also reach out to them for custom designs.
CW Dwellings
CW Dwellings – They have available floor plans and they also build custom-designed container homes. They will work with you- from designing, planning, and construction, to delivery and installation on your location.
JPW Shipping Container Homes
JPW Shipping Container Homes – They are experienced and dependable professional home builders in Virginia.
Container Homes for Sale in Virginia
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!
ITS ConGlobal
ITS ConGlobal provides depot services sales, as well as transportation for shipping containers. They pride themselves on being reliable, accountable, and predictable. with over 30 years of experience, they are the real deal when it comes to shipping containers.
Western Container Sales and Rental
Western Container Sales is a division of Railbox Consulting and is employee-owned and operated. They are one of the largest buyers of used shipping containers throughout the United States. They offer containers to their customers at wholesome mark-up pricing and make the process of buying easy.
Transocean
Transocean is US owned and operated with several connections throughout the world to make it convenient and easy to buy the shipping container that you are searching for. They maintain inventory in several locations to allow them to service North and South Carolina, Virginia, and Georgia. They can help deliver the shipping container that you purchase to your site.
Designing a Floor Plan for a Shipping Container Home
You will need to come up with a floor plan for your shipping container home in Virginia.
This is one of the most important steps in the process and will ensure that your home is perfect. It will dictate how the containers are laid out as well as how they flow with one another. This step provides a solid plan that you and your builder will use throughout the process.
To get your floor plan started, write out everything you want from your container home. Then, take this list to a professional draftsman. They will be able to turn your needs into a workable, to-scale floor plan. This will allow you to create the home you want that has everything in the right place.
Where to Find Insurance for Your Shipping Container Home in Virginia
You will also need to get insurance for your shipping container home in Virginia.
Insurance will help protect your investment as well as all your belongings. However, it can be difficult to get the right coverage for such a unique home. There are a few things you can do that will help make the process easier and get you the right policy.
As you are building your home, keep track of all the money you spend. Then, when it is finished, get a professional appraiser to come put a value on the home.
Using this information, work with an insurance agent to get the right coverage that will protect you. This may take some time, but you should be able to get a policy that will cover your container home.
Conclusion
By reading this guide, you should have a good idea of what it takes to get a container home built. By having this information handy, you can be prepared for the process and get a head start. Knowing what goes into a shipping container home in Virginia is essential. It will help you get the best final product for you and your family.
If you would like more helpful information, be sure to check out the rest of ContainerHomeHub.com. There, you will find resources and builders as well as some featured homes. These will help inspire you and get you thinking about the possibilities for your own shipping container home.