How To Build An Airbnb Shipping Container?

The options for architectural styles available to prospective homebuyers today are endless. Many people want a home that suits their style and budget.

Most buyers choose the most popular or well-known style. However, some people dare to embrace unique and trendy home designs. Converting a shipping container into your home is one option.

We will talk about the pros and cons of building shipping container homes and give a step-by-step tutorial for creating an Airbnb shipping container home.

Why Shipping Containers?

A shipping container Airbnb rental is a great way to create an experience that vacation goers are looking for. Unique homes are always going to be very attractive options and even better they are great for you as the builder too.

  • There are inexpensive compared to traditional housing. The bulk of Airbnb shipping container homes is made from 20 or 40-foot containers. This is great because of the amount available due to these being used for shipping goods across the ocean. You can buy one of these used shipping containers for around $3,000 to $5,000. Since they are easier to build and require less labor, they are more affordable than stick frame homes.
  • These are modular homes. Modifications are simple for shipping container homes. You can build a shipping container home with a combination of 20-foot or 40-foot containers. You can also combine multiple shipping containers to make a larger home, with additional bedrooms, a second level, or even a guest house.
  • They are easy to build. A shipping container can be built in as little as a month if you are an experienced contractor or know one.
  • They are durable, low-maintenance, and secure. Shipping containers made from steel protect cargo while being transported overseas. Weathering steel shipping container homes are more resilient than traditional housing and can withstand extreme weather conditions. You can make them more secure by adding patio doors and windows as well as additional accessories.
  • They may be moved. Let’s say you have to move for some reason. You can make your shipping container house mobile by using a shipping transport service to move it wherever you want.
  • They are also environmentally friendly. Steel is one the most widely recycled materials on Earth. Up to 90% of its contents can be recycled. Shipping containers can be used to make steel structures. This means that the steel can be 100% recycled without having to melt down or scrap it.

Steps To Build A Shipping Container Home For Airbnb

You’ve decided that a shipping container Airbnb is the best option for your vacation rental business. Now what? It will take planning, preparation, purchases, and a lot of money to make your dream into a reality.

1 – Planning and Govt Permits

You might be able cut corners in the construction phase, but you must follow the rules when it comes time to get the paperwork to ship your container home. Before you order a shipping container, ensure you have all necessary planning permission and building permits from local authorities. You must ensure that you are allowed to build a house and that the shipping container home is compliant with state and local policies.

To ensure the structural integrity of your shipping container house, consult an architect and structural engineer. Because shipping containers are so different from traditional wooden, steel, and brick buildings, it is a good idea for an architect to have worked with them in the past. Keep in mind that you can also put anything in a container at home.

2: Locate & Buy A Container

You are allowed to make your shipping container your home. Great. Next, you will need a shipping container. You will need a shipping container. The size, type, condition, and scale of your plans will determine the size, type, as well as condition, of the container you buy. A 40-foot high-cube container is the most common size for shipping containers. It offers approximately 320 square feet of living area. This container can hold one bedroom, one bath, and a decent-sized living room/kitchen combo space.

Before you make a purchase from any company, do your research to ensure that your shipping container home is the best. Consider cost, delivery options, and reputation of the vendor, as well as the condition of the shipping container. Also, consider warranties and customer feedback.

3: Buy & Prepare Your Lot

Now that you have ordered your shipping container, the next step is to choose where and prepare the land for your home. This means you need to think about the ground and what type of foundation will be used to elevate the home from the ground. This will protect it from moisture that could cause damage to the contents or even lead to corrosion.

A single shipping container home with a green area

Concrete or wooden supports can be placed on the ground to support a single shipping container, but a basement is possible for multiple shipping containers. You will have to take into account both the structural requirements and personal preferences when making a decision. Plan to embed steel plates in concrete for container corner blocks if you choose a concrete foundation. This will allow shipping containers to be welded directly onto the concrete foundation.

It is a good idea to speak with an expert, especially if you are planning on using multiple storage containers. You might also consider concrete slabs, steel plates, or concrete piers. It is important to ensure that your shipping container can be delivered on a safe route.

4: Bring Container To Lot

A crane or a delivery truck is the best way to place shipping containers onto the foundation. A crane is the best option for speed, safety, and ease. You will need one if you don’t own one.

After your shipping container is placed on the foundation it’s easy to adjust any last details with a large screwdriver.

5: Prepare & Make Your Openings

It is necessary to remove metal from shipping containers in order to add door and window openings to the container walls. There are several ways to cut through shipping container steel. These include a plasma cutter or cutting torch, grinder, and even a small jigsaw for small openings. A plasma cutter or cutting torch is the best choice for removing an entire wall.

Make sure to discuss your plans with your structural engineer before you begin cutting openings. If you don’t do it right, removing structural components from a shipping container could quickly lead to dangerous situations.

Once you feel confident, begin cutting holes for windows, doors, and skylights. This will make your shipping container look like it is home. You might consider hiring someone to do this depending on your skill level.

If you cut through your openings and create gaps, these will need to be sealed to protect your house from the elements.

6: Add Your Doors, Windows, & Framing To Your Shipping Container

Now it’s time for Windows and Doors. You can be as simple or as elaborate as you like – sliding, French, regular doors, and cranking windows. It doesn’t matter what style you choose, it should work.

Use 1 1/2 inch steel studs to frame your shipping container’s interior. This will allow you to save space. These studs are strong enough to hold onto drywall, and they can be used with spray foam insulation. Steel studs may be required in areas where foam failed to connect the wall and the studs. You might need to add drywall or have the studs spaced closer together.

No matter what method you use, make sure to include a thermal break between the studs and the shipping container’s steel walls. This is particularly important for steel studs, which efficiently conduct heat from their interior spaces.

7: Install Electrical Wiring & Plumbing Piping

It doesn’t matter how much electrical wiring you need yet. It’s simpler and more affordable to wire the majority of it now. The only problem with wiring is getting the wire through the remnants of the container walls. You can wrap the wire around the steel to make a custom nail guard – this is a quick and inexpensive fix.

Consider whether you will be installing HVAC systems or an outside AC unit when considering electrical wiring and plumbing. Consider solar panels to generate electricity. You can capture more sunlight and energy by placing solar panels on your roof.

8: Pick Your Insulation

Insulation is required to maintain the temperature inside your shipping container house. Insulating the interior will result in a loss of some living space.

If exterior insulation is an issue, you can insulate it. You can apply log siding, vinyl, or cedar over an insulated shipping container’s exterior. The outside insulation allows you to use the entire shipping container’s space, provided you love the look of corrugated steel walls.

You can choose from spray foam, panels or other types of insulation. It will depend on where you live and what you like. Although spray foam insulation is the most common type, it is also the most costly.

8: Interior & Landscaping Design

Your new shipping container home is complete. Now think about the space surrounding it. To make your home blend in with the natural environment, you might consider adding a deck or extension to your living area. Also, you can paint the interior and lay floor coverings to make your container house a home.

9: Local Inspections

Let’s take the test. Your hard work and planning are about to pay off. The new shipping container house can be inspected to ensure it meets the building code. Your engineer and other structural experts should take a final look before calling the inspector. This will allow you to make any necessary changes to the shipping container house. Keep your fingers crossed.