Do-it-yourself container house: The fastest way to your own home
|
Building a container house yourself is a great way to get your own home in 3 to 6 months. This is a very simple home, the basis of which are shipping containers of various types and sizes. Their advantage is high load capacity and long service life.
Building a house from containers is faster, especially thanks to the prefabricated structure. Do-it-yourself construction still requires a detailed project, a static assessment and a sufficient financial budget. The construction of a container house thus represents a combination of speed, lower input costs and compliance with technological procedures.
Container house by yourself: From idea to implementation
Do-it-yourself construction of a container house begins with the selection of a suitable container and land. According to our experience, the most commonly used is a 6-meter or 12-meter shipping container with a load capacity exceeding 25 tons. In practice, building a house from containers allows for modular expansion, with one module having a living area of 14 to 30 m2. Building a container house requires a project, a static assessment and a solved connection to the networks. In practice, we recommend first drawing up the layout. A self-built container house works well with a simple floor plan without unnecessary interventions in the supporting structure. Each larger cutout weakens the frame, which can increase costs by 15%.Construction of a house from containers is effective if the dimensions of the module are respected. The construction of a container house thus remains financially under control.
The process of building a container house yourself
The construction of a container house takes place in steps: foundations, installation, insulation, wiring, interior. According to our practice, we recommend that you choose foundation footings or a classic foundation slab with a thickness of 20 cm.. Building a house from containers requires anti-corrosion protection in the form of a high-quality coating, which will extend the life of the building by decades.
Do-it-yourself construction of a container house requires high-quality and durable insulation.Mineral wool with a thickness of at least 15 cm will reduce heat loss by 40%. Don’t forget about the external facade, because direct sunlight or frost will significantly worsen the comfort of living. Building a container house without solving thermal bridges leads to condensation and overheating, so you must count on a vapor barrier and sufficient ventilation. Do you need more information? Read the article: Insulating a shipping container: How to do it?
Building a house from containers: How to save costs?
In our experience, building a container house yourself is cheaper, mainly due to the shorter construction time. The average price of the rough construction can be 50% lower than a brick house of similar size. Building a container house also saves on labor, as you can do a large part of it yourself.
Building a house from shipping containers is advantageous if you purchase the material gradually and monitor current prices. The construction allows for phasing, which means that you can live in it after completing the basic moduleand you can finish the other parts, such as the interior, later. Building a container house is also flexible in terms of the burden on the financial budget.
Comparison of solutions: container house vs. brick house
| Parameter | Container house | Brick house |
| Construction time | 3 – 6 months | 1 – 2 years |
| Indicative costs for 90 m² of living space area | €75,000 – €90,000 | €130,000 – €180,000 |
| Expandability | modular – easy connection of modules | limited – intervention in load-bearing walls |
| Structural durability | 30 – 50 years (with maintenance even more) | 80 and more years |
| Energy efficiency (U wall) | approx. 0.20 – 0.30 W/m²K with 150 mm insulation | approx. 0.15 – 0.25 W/m²K |
| Acoustics (Rw) | 35 – 45 dB without modifications, 45 – 55 dB with insulation | 45 – 60 dB |
| Possibility of moving | Yes, technically movable | No |
| Type of foundation | Foundation footings or slab | Foundation slab or belts |
Materials and modifications: Why are cheap solutions for a container house advantageous?
A container house can be built by yourself using basic materials such as OSB boards, plasterboard or wood cladding.The advantage of this solution, according to our experience, is its low price, weight and quick construction, which does not burden the construction or the builder’s budget.
Building a house from shipping containers allows you to combine steel and wood, which reduces the price and carbon footprint. You can also use photovoltaic panels, while a 3 to 5 kW system is sufficient for normal coverage of a smaller household. Another alternative is a heat pump or your own heating, e.g. with a fireplace stove. This makes building a container house energy efficient. Are you interested in user experiences? Read the article: Container house: Customer reviews and experiences.
Mistakes in self-construction of a container house
According to our practice, the most common mistakes in construction include underestimating insulation, thermal bridges and ventilation. Self-construction of a container house without high-quality insulation, ventilation and thermal bridge solutions causes overheating of the interior in summer and cooling in winter.
Construction of a house from containers requires a thorough acoustic solution, because steel transmits noise more significantly.The difference can be up to 20 dB without insulation, which is 75% more than a classic brick building.
According to our experience, it is crucial not to skimp on the project. Construction of a container house without a static assessment can mean additional costs of thousands of euros in the near future. It is also worth following the construction and technological process (installation and fitting). Do not forget that this type of construction must respect laws and building regulations. You can read more about this topic in the article: Building permit for a container house: What you need to know.
Conclusion: The cheapest way to own your own home
A self-built container house is a realistic alternative for those who want to live quickly and without unnecessary loans. Building a house from containers offers flexibility and control over the budget, while in practice it is often also solved by roofing containers, for example in the form of tarpaulin halls. In our opinion, building a container house is a reasonable solution for smaller families and individuals.
FAQ
With good organization, 3 to 6 months. Yes, with proper insulation. In most cases, yes, especially if it is permanent housing. Yes, if statics and standards are followed.
Other articles
Padel halls and court roofing: How to ensure year-round training?
Along with tennis, badminton and squash,…
Read more >>