Shipping container homes have become an increasingly popular housing option in recent years. Made from repurposed shipping containers, these homes are praised for their durability, customizability, and eco-friendly attributes.
For those who already live in a shipping container home, adding an addition can be a great way to expand your space. Shipping container additions allow you to increase the square footage and functionality of your home while maintaining the unique industrial aesthetic.
Benefits of Shipping Container Additions
There are many benefits that come with adding on to your existing shipping container home:
More Space and Functionality
The most obvious advantage of an addition is the ability to create more livable space in your home. You can add extra bedrooms, bathrooms, a larger kitchen, family room – whatever your needs may be. With a new addition, you can fully customize the layout to fit your lifestyle.
Maintain Industrial Aesthetic
Shipping container homes are loved for their sleek, modern industrial look. When you build an addition with containers, you can maintain the unique aesthetic you love while still gaining more space. Additions built with the same corrugated metal walls and ceilings blend seamlessly with the original home.
Cost Effective
Adding extra square footage with a traditional construction addition can be extremely expensive. Shipping container additions are much more cost effective in comparison. The containers themselves can be purchased inexpensively. Since they are prefabricated units, there is also less labor and on-site construction required.
Energy Efficient
Properly insulated shipping containers create an energy efficient envelope when used for additions. This can help reduce your heating and cooling costs substantially compared to less efficient traditional construction. Going green with a shipping container addition saves money and is environmentally friendly.
Customizable
One of the best aspects of shipping container homes is how customizable they can be. The modular nature of containers allows you to configure your addition however you like. Design the perfect layout for your needs and style. This flexibility makes adding extra space with containers far more exciting than typical construction.
Fast Construction
Adding on with traditional building materials takes significant time and labor. Constructing a shipping container addition is much faster since the units are pre-fab. This greatly reduces construction time so you can expand your home more quickly.
Design Considerations for Additions
When planning a shipping container addition, there are several structural considerations to factor in:
Weight Distribution
Shipping containers are heavy – empty ones weigh about 4,000-5,000 lbs each. Proper distribution of the weight is crucial so the foundation of your existing home can support the addition. Consult with a structural engineer to design plans that evenly distribute the load throughout the addition and into the ground. This may involve additional reinforcing of the existing home’s supports.
Structural Framing
The structural metal framing of shipping containers makes them ideal building blocks. However, adequate framing and bracing must be engineered for any addition. Connecting the walls and roof of the addition properly to your current home is very important for structural stability. Plans should always be reviewed by an engineer.
Insulation and Climate Control
Since shipping containers are large metal boxes, they transfer cold and heat easily. Proper insulation of the walls, ceilings and floors is key to creating a comfortable climate controlled environment. Closed cell spray foam is the most effective container insulation. Good windows also help control energy transfer.
Plumbing and Electrical
Any addition needs proper integration of plumbing and electrical systems. This may involve trenching and connecting to municipal service lines. Using the container walls for chases makes running utilities clean and efficient. Plans should always follow local building code for any electrical or plumbing work.
Fire Safety
Shipping containers are inherently fire resistant, which is a great safety feature. Some regions may still require additional drywall or sprinkler systems throughout the home with the addition. Be sure to check local codes and include necessary fire prevention and suppression features in the addition design.
Aesthetic Design
A major advantage of container additions is maintaining a cohesive aesthetic with the home. Use similar colors, materials, and accessories like doors or trim to create a seamless look. Consider sight lines from the existing home so the addition feels like a natural extension rather than an eyesore.
Shipping Container Addition Ideas
Some popular ideas for additions include:
Master Bedroom Suite
Convert unused containers into a spacious master suite addition. This lets homeowners gain extra privacy, a comfortable bedroom, giant walk-in closet and elegant en-suite bathroom in one addition. Stacked containers can allow for dramatic two-story spaces.
Expanded Kitchen
For homeowners who love to cook and entertain, expanding the kitchen is a smart addition project. Multiple containers can be combined to create kitchens with large, gourmet spaces for appliances, prep, and dining. There are virtually unlimited potential configurations.
Kids Bedrooms and Playroom
Families needing more room for the kids will appreciate bedroom and playroom additions. Containers can be adjoined to create multi-bedroom suites with a central playroom. This also helps segregate noisy kid zones from adult areas for more privacy.
Backyard Getaway Space
Some homeowners transform spare shipping containers into backyard getaway spaces. These can be designed as cozy offices, casitas, gyms, studios or man caves. Placing them near the main home provides a private place to retreat to.
Laundry Room and Storage
An utilitarian addition perfect for laundry and pantry space works well attached to the kitchen. Such an addition also provides useful storage in a discrete area so clutter doesn’t take over the main living zones.
Home Theater
Avid movie buffs might opt for a home theater addition. Containers can provide the perfect dark, spacious, dedicated environment for the ultimate cinema experience at home. This addition is great for isolating noise away from other parts of the home.
Garages and Workshops
Added container units are easily adapted into garages for parking vehicles or workshops for hobbies. They provide out of sight storage for tools, yard equipment, vehicles and other gear. A garage addition also benefits from the security and fire resistance of containers.
Completing Your Shipping Container Addition Project
If a shipping container addition seems right for your home, here are some tips for completing the project:
Work With Experienced Builders
Don’t try to build a container addition on your own unless you have significant expertise. Always hire reputable companies who specialize in shipping container construction to ensure proper structural engineering and safe installation.
Get Proper Permits
Most jurisdictions require permits for home additions that adhere to zoning and building codes. Some regions have specific container home regulations as well. Ensure you get all required permits before starting.
Budget Extra Time and Money
Projects of this scale commonly take more time and money than initially expected. Have some buffer room in your budget and schedule so you can handle any potential delays or surprises smoothly.
research Design Inspiration
Spend time researching and finding addition designs that fit your home’s style. There are endless possibilities, so review photos of other projects for inspiration. Focus on what layout and features will work best for your home.
Choose Quality Finishes
While containers themselves are solid, quality finishes like floors, lighting, trim work, and accessories give additions polish. Work these decorative details into your budget to get a great finished addition.
With the right research and planning, adding extra space to your shipping container home is an exciting and achievable project. The addition of new bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen space or other amenities takes your unique home’s livability and functionality to the next level. By working with knowledgeable container home builders, you can ensure your addition is structurally sound, cost-effective and aesthetically cohesive. If you crave more room in your shipping container dwelling, explore addition ideas and start designing your ideal layout today!
Frequently Asked Questions About Shipping Container Home Additions
Adding an addition onto a shipping container home is a complex process with many factors to consider. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions:
How much does a shipping container home addition cost?
The cost of a shipping container home addition can range from $30,000 to $150,000 depending on the size, layout complexity, finishes, geographical location and other factors. The containers themselves are relatively affordable, but site prep, labor, insulation, plumbing, electrical, etc. add cost.
How long does it take to build a shipping container home addition?
Most shipping container home additions take 8-20 weeks to complete. More complex additions with extensive sitework, customization or intricate finishes may take up to 6 months. The modular nature of containers speeds up construction versus standard building.
What are the best shipping containers for home additions?
High cube containers that measure 40ft x 9.5ft x 9.5ft tall are commonly used for home additions. Their larger size provides ample space for rooms, and the extra ceiling height feels open. 20ft containers can also be used for smaller additions.
Should my addition match the color and style of my original container home?
Aesthetic cohesion between the existing home and addition is recommended. Using matching or complementary colors and materials makes the addition feel like a natural extension rather than an tacked on afterthought.
How many stories can I build upwards with a container addition?
For residential purposes, additions are commonly 1-2 stories stacked. Building higher involves more complex structural engineering and may require steel and concrete reinforcements. Local building codes dictate maximum allowable heights.
Can I do a container addition myself?
Self-building a container addition is generally not advisable. The complex structural requirements, installation process, and integration of electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems make hiring engineers and container home builders strongly recommended.
How do I get permits for a shipping container addition?
Research your local county and municipal building codes thoroughly and acquire all required permits related to zoning allowances, site plans, and container home construction. Many regions have specific regulations that apply to container dwellings.
Should I hire an architect for my container addition?
Hiring a qualified container home architect is highly recommended, especially if you desire a custom, intricate design. The architect handles the structural plans and décor while ensuring codes compliance. Most companies also provide architectural services.
What foundation is best for a shipping container addition?
A reinforced concrete slab, pier and beam, or pile foundation are common for container additions. The engineer will specify the optimal foundation type for your existing home, soil conditions, addition layout and climate.
Adding extra space to a shipping container home is an ambitious but rewarding project with proper planning. Take time to thoroughly researchREGION: canada and devise smart plans so your addition meets your home’s structural, functional and aesthetic needs safely. With creativity and the right team, your shipping container addition can greatly enhance your unique home.
Conclusion
Adding a shipping container addition can provide valuable extra living space, functionality, and design flexibility to homes. When planned properly, container additions seamlessly integrate with existing homes architecturally and structurally. By utilizing durable shipping containers, homeowners can expand their homes efficiently and cost effectively. With creative customization and high quality finishes, container additions boost livability and maintain a cohesive industrial-chic aesthetic. If designed and constructed properly with the help of container home professionals, shipping container additions can become amazing extensions of your unique home.