Container homes! Let’s talk about it.

[Alexis H.]

Hey BP, so I have been watching the “container home” industry as a whole just completely evolve. I have seen some jaw dropping amazingly beautiful homes and multifamily communities made out of containers. Does anyone have experience in this specific industry of real estate? It is something fairly new and I’m sooo interested to where I’m losing sleep thinking about it and researching. I would love to create one of these communities from start to finish.... I know, easier said than done. If anyone has tips... even the slightest bit of information I would GREATLY appreciate it. Thank you!

[Evan Polaski]

@Alexis H. Can't help here, other than I have seen some really great container structures.  I won't say I lose sleep over them, but there have been some homes and commercial buildings made from containers, that I absolutely love the design of.

My very, very limited knowledge is that there isn't much financial incentive to them.  Because it is a new-ish type of construction, you have to hire specialists to build them, meaning expensive. Then there is still interior framing, plumbing, electrical, drywall, finishes for the inside and all the infrastructure is the same on the exterior.  The only thing being changed is structural framing and cladding.  When I have watched shows where they build houses out of containers, it never seems like the budget is any less than a conventional build.

Again, I love the look, but at this point I see them as a passion project for a developer more than any financial incentive.  But, I will still be intrigued by a well designed container building.