Container home insurance is something most container homeowners need, but it has a reputation for being tough to understand and find. The difficulties start with confusing terminology and subtle distinctions in the insurance industry, then combine with the general public’s lack of familiarity with container construction. In this article, we will explain why you might […]| Discover Containers
Are you looking for exciting interior decorating ideas that capture the style, feel, and overall essence of shipping containers? Shipping container furniture gives the perfect combination of style and functionality to your unique living space. If you’re already into alternative construction or shipping container buildings, this is a great way to continue with a cohesive […]| Discover Containers
In this article, we’ve compiled a huge assortment of shipping container statistics related not only to container houses but the equipment, companies, and processes used to build and move them. Let’s dig in! Shipping Container Home Statistics Container homes are often the most popular application of shipping containers, so it’s a great place to start […]| Discover Containers
The cooktop is arguably the simplest and most common cooking appliance in kitchens worldwide. A source of heat, a cooking container, and some food are all that’s needed. But there are a surprising amount of cooktop options available! Should you use gas or induction? Do you need a ventilation hood? Will your fancy copper pans […]| Discover Containers
If baking bread, roasting vegetables, and cooking pizzas are a few of your favorite things, then an oven has to be one of the necessary kitchen appliances in your container home. But do you need a different oven than what you’d normally put in a traditional house? And what kind of oven should you get? […]| Discover Containers
When it comes to designing and furnishing a bathroom in your container home, a sink is one of the most important pieces. It’s not obscured behind a cabinet or curtain but is out in the open for everyone to see. And essentially every person visiting the bathroom will use it! For a small container home, […]| Discover Containers
Moving into a new container home means thinking about the appliances you’ll use and where you’ll put them. And a water heater is certainly toward the top of that list, enabling you to take showers, wash dishes, and more. In many cases, a container home is designed to be smaller than a conventional home, which […]| Discover Containers
In many cases, a container home is synonymous with tiny house living. It’s about reducing clutter, reducing household expenses, and maximizing life enjoyment. People who have chosen this lifestyle or who are thinking about it understand how precious every inch of available space is. A tiny living area or bedroom can easily feel cramped if […]| Discover Containers
The true genius shown by the invention of shipping containers is their standardization. Containers made at different times, by different companies, in different places can still fit together perfectly. And this is no accident. The shipping container ecosystem is governed by requirements that determine almost everything about them. In a previous article, we covered all […]| Discover Containers
The hard work and creativity that go into container homes are what make them unique. The possibilities are limitless when it comes to their designs. When you’re using an alternative building method, it only makes sense to explore bespoke designs to create an alternative living space that exactly fits your desires. Sure, there are mass-produced […]| Discover Containers
Despite being the first place many people turn to when planning a new trip, Airbnb makes it difficult to find container homes to rent. It’s a pleasure to stay in a one-off creation, experiencing what it’s like to stay in a container home while helping the local economy and an individual homeowner. We curated a […]| Discover Containers
Everything is smaller in a tiny container home, even the bathrooms. But whether you’re building a modestly-sized home or not, learning how to use bathroom space efficiently and effectively is still crucial. Small showers don’t have to feel small, and cramped sinks and cabinets don’t have to be a fact of life. Have you ever […]| Discover Containers
One of the most important elements of a home’s livability is how it allows you to store your possessions. Your clothes and food have to go somewhere, and you might want some space for random items like your high school yearbook and gift wrapping paper too! For many people, thinking about shipping container home storage […]| Discover Containers
Those of us who live in or near major cities often take for granted the availability of things like diverse foods, timely transit options, and even expert medical care. But not everyone has access to these luxuries, and even the most modern geographic locations may find themselves doing without during emergency situations. Healthcare is a […]| Discover Containers
One of the reasons we most love shipping container buildings is their flexibility. Containers are often compared to Legos for obvious reasons: they can be stacked and combined in infinite ways to create entirely new shapes. But that’s not all. Thanks to the reusable fittings integral to almost all containers, there are a number of […]| Discover Containers
The world is full of risk and danger to our normal way of life, from extreme weather events to acts of terrorism. For many people, having a durable space to store supplies and retreat into when required is a necessity. And shipping containers are a great way to build such a structure. In this article, […]| Discover Containers
A project can be big or small; anything from changing a light bulb to building a fighter jet. As the complexity of a project increases and the duration extends to weeks and months, it’s helpful to decompose the overall program into smaller steps. A work breakdown structure is a project management tool for exactly that […]| Discover Containers
With our busy, modern-day lives, it’s important to have a place of refuge where you can truly relax and unwind. Man caves, and more recently she sheds, are the perfect rooms to gain some rest and relaxation. And what better way to build one than with a shipping container. A stressful career, child-rearing, volunteer obligations, […]| Discover Containers
Apartments, flats, and walk-ups provide housing for a huge percentage of the world’s population in cities around the globe. But did you know that shipping containers can and have been used to build incredible apartments? If you’re looking for a home rental, you typically want something that’s more affordable than a free-standing house, with the […]| Discover Containers
Whether you use it as a place to park your cars or work on projects, a shipping container garage is an innovative application for storage containers. Yes, container homes are great, but why stop there? Building a garage with storage containers can be fast, simple, and cheap (especially when built from a used container). It’s […]| Discover Containers
A modular guest house built from shipping containers makes a fantastic addition to your property. There are a number of good reasons why you might be thinking about adding a guest house, after all. Perhaps you often have family and friends visiting, and need additional room or just a more private space for longer-term guests. […]| Discover Containers
Living in a shipping container home is no longer seen as something totally unusual. More and more people are starting to see the benefits of shipping container homes and are figuring out ways to make the most of the living space. While container homes may have seemed quirky when they first came onto the scene […]| Discover Containers
Whether dictated by a limited budget, site constraints, part-time use, or other factors, many people gravitate toward smaller container homes. Even when you’re constrained to having a small shipping container home, no one wants to feel like they’re living in a shoebox. However, there are certain activities you need to accommodate (like cooking and sleeping) […]| Discover Containers
You’ve likely seen shipping container pools while scrolling through your social media feeds or on news stories about the latest trends in real estate. However, details about how they are built, where to get one, and how much they cost have always been hard to come by. We’re here to fix that. It isn’t a […]| Discover Containers
You’ve seen countless examples of shipping container homes and projects throughout our website. And even within the category of homes, there are quite a few different possibilities. With the base unit of a shipping container, you can go in many different directions with regards to size, shape, and architectural design. The creativity afforded by steel containers […]| Discover Containers
After a long day, nothing is more relaxing than coming home to sprawl out on a comfy sofa. But if you live in a smaller container home, you may think that you don’t have space for a sectional couch. While most sectional couches in furniture stores are well over 100 inches long, there are some […]| Discover Containers
This is the best guide to shipping container farming and agriculture, without question. It isn’t a short article, but it’s extremely comprehensive and educational. Not only do we explain what container farms are and what problems they solve, but we also share over 20 companies involved in container farming, and even discuss the option of […]| Discover Containers
Let’s face it, the fact that a website like Discover Containers exists is evidence that containers are unique! Whether you want to do something different just to stand out, or because you believe there is a better way, shipping container architecture can help. We divide the idea of uniqueness into style and layout. Style is the […]| Discover Containers
A key advantage of shipping containers is their toughness, stability, and longevity, which together we call strength. This strength is noticeably different from most conventional construction methods. Depending on your design and intended usage, increased strength may not seem very important to you. But for many potential container-based homeowners, this strength is an important differentiator. […]| Discover Containers
There is a surprising amount of site work that needs to be completed before you deliver your containers to the building site. If you fail to think through and execute on these items early on in the project, you can cause expensive rework later on. At a high level, the site planning and preparation that […]| Discover Containers
One of the many benefits of shipping containers is their strength and durability, whether used for storage or for building a home. These qualities are useful for enduring inclement weather, resisting environmental decay, and keeping animals and pests at bay, but there is another reason why many people gravitate toward containers: Security. Whether concerned about […]| Discover Containers
The increasing popularity of Airbnb, HomeAway, and other sharing-economy businesses that facilitate short term rentals is a trend that many in the world of shipping container homes have taken interest in. While some people choose to rent out rooms in their existing homes, others are choosing to build separate residences just for this purpose. The […]| Discover Containers
You may have heard about cool roof coatings or cool roof paint as a way to noticeably lower the temperature of your container. But what exactly are these coatings, how do they work, and how are they different than normal paint? As you might already know, one of the challenging parts of living or working […]| Discover Containers
If you’ve done any research into shipping container homes, you know that condensation is a common concern for a lot of people. It can even go by a few names, like container rain, container sweating, wall moisture, and others. It’s a technical topic that can be confusing, but our intention is to pull back the […]| Discover Containers
One of the most energy consuming processes affecting your shipping container home energy usage is the transfer of heat into and out of the building. Sometimes you want to purposefully move heat, and sometimes you want to slow its movement. Both cases are important and deserve your attention and planning when designing and building a […]| Discover Containers
We’re often asked about refrigerated shipping containers, commonly known in the shipping industry as reefer containers. As we’ve already discussed, one of the primary issues encountered when building a container home is adding insulation. Without insulation, your container will be noisy and, more importantly, uncomfortably warm or cold depending on your climate. Refrigerated shipping containers […]| Discover Containers
While no stage of shipping container home construction should be taken lightly, certain stages are definitely more important than others. These ‘key stages’ of construction should be carried out carefully. They have the capability to make or break your entire build. Knowing these key stages also helps you prioritize where you should spend your time […]| Discover Containers
A construction timeline or schedule is used to visualize all of the activities which need to take place throughout the process of building a home. While there are many generic construction timelines available online, to our knowledge, there aren’t any specifically created for shipping container homes. Many readers have asked us for this, so we’re […]| Discover Containers
There are a few unique characteristics to shipping container home construction when compared to more traditional construction techniques. One area where this is most apparent is the distinctive set of tools required to modify them. We receive a lot of questions about which tools, both power and hand operated, are needed when building your own shipping […]| Discover Containers
Once you’ve had most of your preliminary questions answered and have committed to building a container home, there are several key items you need to start thinking about and planning for. It is essential that you carefully consider and devote adequate time to each of these elements of your plan. Adequately preparing in advance will decrease […]| Discover Containers
Some time ago, we published a collection of shipping container home tours. This page remains as one of the most popular for those of you wanting to explore shipping container homes. People thinking about beginning the journey frequently ask, “What is it really like to live in a shipping container home?” These shipping container home […]| Discover Containers
Have you been wondering what all the fuss is about concerning DIY container homes? How does using a shipping container help with building a house? And if you were to use containers for a DIY home, how would you even get started? We’re here to clear up the confusion and address all the questions you […]| Discover Containers
If you’ve been interested in shipping container homes for any length of time, you have probably noticed that there is a tremendous amount of information online. Unfortunately, not all of that information is helpful or even factual, despite what are probably good intentions from the people who write it. We’ve spotted and been asked about […]| Discover Containers
As a general rule of thumb, labor for a traditional house accounts for about 30% of the total cost (although this can vary dramatically depending on both design complexity and geographic location). Tools used by professional construction estimators, like RS Means, can give more accurate numbers but they aren’t necessary for our purposes in this […]| Discover Containers
Many people are under the false belief that shipping containers are bulletproof and rustproof. While many general purpose shipping containers are made from Cor-ten steel, this does not mean that they are rustproof. Failing to protect your shipping containers from rust can spell big trouble when using them to construct a shipping container home. In […]| Discover Containers
One of the most important steps in a container project is purchasing the right shipping containers. Cargo containers form the backbone of your building, serving as the walls, floor, roof, and overall structural support. While you may think that containers are so strong and interchangeable, any of them will work, the decision of what quality […]| Discover Containers
One of the most frequently asked questions we hear is some variation of “How much does a shipping container home cost?” It’s a question that seems simple on its face but is actually quite nuanced. Nevertheless, people want and need to know how much they should expect to spend on a container house. It’s a […]| Discover Containers
Shipping container homes have really increased in popularity over the last few years. From tiny container homes to large 5 bedroom homes, it is quite interesting to watch this evolution. With this interest, there has also been a rise in the number of people offering advice. Unfortunately, we have read some poor advice and some inadequate […]| Discover Containers
One of the most often asked questions that we receive is “Should I remove the floor in my shipping container?” When converting shipping containers into a home or office, one of the easiest ways to save money is to keep the container’s original flooring. However, the main concern with using the existing floor is safety. Typically the […]| Discover Containers
Constructing a shipping container home is an exciting and rewarding endeavor, but it can also be a challenging undertaking. Shipping containers are unique as building materials go. As such, they have their own confounding issues as well as fascinating advantages. This article addresses key things you need to know before you construct a container home […]| Discover Containers
One of the biggest advantages of building with shipping containers is that they are so flexible and portable. This means that shipping containers can be used to build homes in some pretty remote areas, including places where typically you just can’t build homes! It’s been truly incredible to see the growth of container homes over […]| Discover Containers
Following the success of our interview series, it’s with great enthusiasm that today we share another interview. Today we have the pleasure of speaking with Brian Morris from Yellowstone Timber Fusion. Brian built what is believed to be the world’s first hybrid shipping container log cabin home. How did you get the idea of building […]| Discover Containers
It’s been several years since we first published an article on constructing with shipping containers. Since then we’ve grown in size and are now fortunate enough to have readers from all around the world. It’s a rare day now when a reader doesn’t get in touch to ask us a question or just to say […]| Discover Containers
Suppose you’ve just heard about these things called Shipping Container Homes and you’re wanting to learn more about them. Don’t worry; we get lots of emails from people just like you every week asking us what they are and where to learn more about them. We have been the number one resource for all things […]| Discover Containers
One of the most common reasons people want to build shipping container homes is that they can be built relatively inexpensively. In a recent article, we discussed the cheapest shipping container homes ever built. This isn’t to say that the cost is the only reason to be living in a shipping container home. There are lots […]| Discover Containers
If you’re living in the US, you know that over the last several years, prices for traditional homes have been on the rise, making it difficult for people to afford to own a home. This leaves many people thinking they can’t afford to own their own homes, but this certainly doesn’t have to be the case. […]| Discover Containers
People often ask what it is like to live in a shipping container home. We are biased, but we think living in a shipping container home is amazing! We decided to show some tours of shipping container homes, so you can get a feel for what shipping container homes are like. If pictures speak a thousand […]| Discover Containers
Constructing a shipping container home can be one of the most rewarding things you do. However, you don’t want to rush into it too quickly and make mistakes which could have been avoided by proper planning. Consider these things. Are you going to be building with new or used shipping containers? Do you have the DIY […]| Discover Containers
This trend of constructing with shipping containers isn’t surprising considering that container homes are Eco-friendly, affordable, and incredibly strong. When you look at examples of shipping container homes, you find homes that were built extremely fast and for a small amount of money. However, there are also examples of container homes that have failed because […]| Discover Containers
We have received emails from people all around the world making comments and asking questions. One of the most popular questions we receive is about which climates are suitable for shipping container homes. Most people do consider their local climate before deciding whether to build a shipping container home. If they live in the tropics […]| Discover Containers
Figuring out the logistics of getting a shipping container delivered to your home, business, or project site can be challenging. Not to mention, the complex process of loading and offloading, which almost always involve paying someone to help. Even if you’ve already purchased a shipping container, the company that sold it to you may not […]| Discover Containers
With US house prices back on the climb and many people being unable to afford rent, it’s no wonder that countless people are now starting to look for a cheaper, more affordable way to build their own home. It’s one of the main reasons why the ‘Tiny Home’ movement has continued to grow and is […]| Discover Containers
We see shipping containers everywhere now. They’re being used as homes, swimming pools, cafes, and offices. With this, it’s very easy to forget where shipping containers came from and what their original purpose was and still is! We have already discussed the 20 ways shipping containers changed the world and also how and who invented […]| Discover Containers
The tiny homes movement has really gathered steam over the last few years. It was only a matter of time before it crossed with the container homes movement. The result of which is now being called “Tiny Shipping Container Homes”. Tiny Shipping Container Homes offer all the benefits of a larger container home, just in […]| Discover Containers
Shipping container homes can be as big or small as you’d like to make them. Did you know that Todd Miller’s Graceville Container home has 6,000 square feet of living area? Of course, not all shipping container homes are this big. Recently, we featured Brenda Kelly’s tiny shipping container home which was made out of a single […]| Discover Containers
We already know that using shipping containers for constructing buildings is environmentally friendly. While we’ve debunked the myth that EVERY container home is eco-friendly, there are steps you can take to make sure yours is one of the ones that does fit in the category. In this article, we’re excited to share a few options you […]| Discover Containers
We often forget about the actual shipping container when we see some of the incredible homes. Today we want to pay tribute to the humble shipping container which has revolutionized the world since 1956. For instance, did you know that close to 90% of everything you purchase is shipped in a container? Here are 20 […]| Discover Containers
With shipping container homes, seeing is often believing. By showcasing a wide variety of custom container home designs, we hope you will better understand what’s possible with container homes across sizes and price levels. This article is our chance to highlight the creativity and craftsmanship you’ll find in the best shipping container houses around the […]| Discover Containers
Lots of people come to our site and see shipping container homes and fall in love with how incredible they look and also how affordable they are. But they always want to know if living in a shipping container home is safe. We get emails from mothers asking if a shipping container home is safe […]| Discover Containers
Ventilating your container home goes almost hand-in-hand with adequate insulation. Without proper ventilation, your shipping container may experience a variety of liveability issues. including stale air, rust, and condensation. Ventilation is even more important when we consider tiny shipping container homes which are less than 600 square feet because any ventilation issue is enhanced due […]| Discover Containers
Most people take the existence of shipping containers for granted. Yes, you occasionally see them stacked up at ports, but it’s easy to forget that almost every consumer product you use was probably moved via shipping containers. You only need to go back a few decades to find a time when there were no shipping […]| Discover Containers
Insulation is the material that separates you and your comfortable room of conditioned air from the extreme temperatures outdoors. When thinking through how to insulate a shipping container, there are quite a few options with their own pros and cons. You likely need insulation for your shipping container home, but what kind of insulation is […]| Discover Containers
The choice of whether to add a roof to your container or not is made up of both personal preference for the style and also the cost. Clearly, not roofing your container will save you money initially. However, in the long run installing a roof and insulating it could save you money in energy bills. […]| Discover Containers
Figuring out how to find and purchase shipping containers is a unique challenge, even if you already know what kind of containers you want. For first-time container buyers, the difficulty is only magnified. Shipping container prices are often difficult to find online without some extra legwork, and there are many different kinds of sellers with […]| Discover Containers
You may have seen our previous post about strategies to keep your shipping container home cool during the summer. Now we will look at how to heat your shipping container home during the winter. Although shipping container homes are awesome, they aren’t magical. During the winter, just like any other building, they can get cold. Here […]| Discover Containers
Where are you actually going to turn your empty shipping containers into a useable building or home? You have several options for where to do the conversion, each with various strengths and weaknesses. There isn’t one option that is universally the right one; rather, you need to make the choice that best fits your life […]| Discover Containers
If you are fortunate enough to live in a warm climate then during the summer months you may find your shipping container home gets a little too warm, just like any other home. What can you do about this? You could always just install air conditioning. But we have put together a list of other […]| Discover Containers
A few interesting and out of the box ideas on how to use shipping containers like pools, hospitals, and schools!| Discover Containers
Examples of shipping container home costs for beautiful houses around the world. We also have an overview of the elements of cost.| Discover Containers
Almost every container project design is going to require cutting a container in some form or fashion. Whether you're adding windows, doors, or just expanding| Discover Containers
Shipping Container Houses give you many options like where to build, how to expand, and when you can move. Find out how their flexibility can work for you!| Discover Containers
Are cheap shipping container homes fact or fiction? Under what conditions are they less expensive? Let's get specific on where you can find the savings.| Discover Containers
It's clear that miniming our impacts to the earth is a good idea. Learn how building with shipping containers provides great solutions for how to do this!| Discover Containers
Shipping container building codes differ around the world. Learn how to navigate the confusion by understanding who controls what and what things are important.| Discover Containers
How to decide if you should build your own shipping container home, buy a factory built container home, or hire a contractor to do it for you| Discover Containers
Recommended tactics and tasks needed to plan a successful shipping container home or building. Avoid expensive mistakes with our planning tips.| Discover Containers
The best, most creative shipping container offices we've found around the world. These are great inspiration for your office or even your container house.| Discover Containers
Shipping container dimensions and sizes for normal 40ft and 20ft containers, plus the more rare sizes and varieties like pallet-wide and 48ft| Discover Containers
Explore the different types of shipping container foundations, which one is right for your project, then how to design and build it!| Discover Containers