There is a lot of hype about cargotecture (a form of architecture using intermodal shipping containers) in the world these days. People living in Singapore have also come under the influence of this trend and this has lead to an increase in in interest towards shipping containers. Although shipping containers have occasionally been used as storage containers by many homeowners, it is only in recent years that more and more people have started using them as living spaces. Despite the fact that purchasing shipping containers for sale offer many benefits such as strength, durability, and affordability, there are some doubts and hesitations in the mind of many about their limitations.
If you are someone living in Singapore and thinking about building your dream home using shipping containers, it is better that you sort out the truths about shipping container homes from the myths before you invest your hard-earned money in such a project. Let us discuss some common myths about shipping container homes and try to separate fact from fiction:
Shipping Container Homes are Eco-friendly
Myth: The most common myth about shipping container homes is that they are “eco-friendly”. Let us shed some light on this myth and try to find out whether it is any closer to reality or not.
Shipping container homes built using abandoned containers are regarded as more sustainable and environmentally friendly as they are recycled and put to a great use instead of letting them sit and rust in a shipping port. Whenever you build a home or office using a 20ft shipping container or a 40ft shipping container, you are recycling over 3500 kg worth of steel. In addition to that, you also save on wood, concrete, bricks, and other building material that you would have consumed if you wanted to build a traditional home.
Truth: Shipping container homes are eco-friendly as long as they are built with used containers.
Shipping Container Homes Cost A Lot Less Than Traditional Homes
Myth: The second most common myth about shipping container homes is that they are very cost effective.
Since there are no exterior cladding, weatherproofing, construction, and maintenance costs involved in building shipping container homes, you can save as much as 40% of the costs of building a new home from scratch. In reality, this is not always the case. If you are building a home or office space using brand new shipping containers and getting them modified as per your needs, you can end up spending more than the cost of constructing a traditional home.
Truth: Depending on your modification choices and type of shipping container/containers used, you may end up spending nearly the same amount of money when building a traditional home with the same square footage.
Only Rich People Can Build Shipping Container Homes
Myth: The pictures of million-dollar shipping container homes found on the internet and used by marketers has created the misconception that only the rich can afford to build such homes.
The history of shipping container homes suggests differently as this was an initiative that was taken by people who were looking for an affordable solution to their housing needs.
Truth: People who are looking for more cost-effective housing alternates are the ones who use these shipping containers to build their dream homes.