With home prices getting higher and higher every year, finding a place to live is getting more difficult. Because of this, many people are starting to turn to the idea of building their own home. However, there are so many options and with the alternative housing movement booming, it can be difficult to choose. Knowing the difference between a shipping container home vs prefab home can help.
When deciding between a shipping container home vs prefab home, it is crucial to weigh the facts. Considering everything you can about these two types of homes will help you make the right choice. One may be better for you than another and it is important to understand what makes each unique. In this guide, we have put together everything you need to know about a shipping container home vs prefab home.
What is a Shipping Container Home?
A shipping container home is a house built using disused shipping containers. These containers are generally used to move goods around the world on boats, trains, and trucks. When they are no longer in use, they are usually either recycled or stored. Once this happens, they can also be used as the main structure for homes.
A shipping container home is a great way to create an incredibly unique home. If you are a fan of the mid-century modern look, their boxy appearance makes them perfect for this style. They are also very well-suited for tiny homes. Even if you only want to use one container, you can easily build a small, modular house out of it.
What is a Prefab Home?
Prefab homes are houses that have all their parts made at a factory before they are shipped. These homes are incredibly easy to build and are relatively inexpensive as well. Because of this, you can build a prefab home with very little money or experience in the construction trade. They are great for beginners and people who might be working on their very first home.
Prefab homes are generally simple in their design. This is because they have to be easily shipped to the construction site and can’t have many variations. Because of this, you may not want to build one if you want a lot of custom touches. You may be better off building a shipping container home vs prefab home if this is the case.
Differences Between a Shipping Container Home VS Prefab Home
Before deciding whether to build a shipping container home vs prefab home, you must know what each has to offer. There are several things to consider when choosing between these two. Knowing how each of them stacks up in certain categories can help you make the right decision. With the right knowledge, you can make a decision that will be right for you and your lifestyle.
Sustainability
When choosing between a shipping container home vs prefab home, you want to think about sustainability. Not everyone will be concerned with being eco-friendly when building a home. However, in the grand scheme of things, this is becoming more important than ever. Knowing how each of them stacks up can help you make a good choice.
One of the issues with prefab homes is that they use all-new materials. This is not going to be a good choice if you are trying to limit your consumption of resources. With a shipping container home, you are reusing items and materials that would have otherwise been thrown away. This makes them the better environmental choice in the long run.
Unique Look
When building your own home, you most likely want a unique look. This is one of the joys of building a house and one of the best reasons to do it. With a shipping container home vs prefab home, you are going to have varying degrees of unique opportunities. Depending on what you want, you may want to go with one over another.
When building a shipping container home, you have many options for styles and looks. With a prefab home, though, you are more or less limited to the available designs. If you have a big imagination and a creative side, a container home will be a better choice.
Price
If you are building your first home, you most likely have finances on your mind. Knowing the differences in price between a shipping container home vs prefab home can help you choose. One of the biggest differences is the fact that you have more options with a container home. If you want to spend as little money as possible, you can build a tiny home with one container.
For the most part, a shipping container home will cost between $10,000 and $30,000. A prefab home will cost somewhere between $75,000 and $150,000. If you want to spend as little money as possible, a container home will be your best bet.
Size
Depending on your needs regarding the size of your home, one of these choices will be better. When deciding between a shipping container home vs prefab home, you need to consider space. With a container home, you are limited to one relatively narrow width. With a prefab home, though, you will have more space to move around.
Even though prefab homes are predetermined when it comes to design, they are just like traditional houses. This means you will have a little more in the way of space inside the house. Even if you put multiple containers together, a prefab home is more like any other home you would buy. If you have a large family, this could be a better option for you.
Conclusion
When deciding between a shipping container home vs prefab home, you want to have all the facts. By understanding the differences between a shipping container home vs prefab home, you can make the right choice. Your needs and wants for your home will help you decide if one is better for you than the other.
If you would like more guides like this one, be sure to check out the rest of ContainerHomeHub.com. There, you will find all kinds of tips and tricks from the pros. You will also find featured homes that will get you inspired for your own container home project.
