Key Takeaways
| Main Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Definition | Shipping container homes are made from modified steel containers, offering a sturdy structure. |
| Planning Permission | Required if the container exceeds 25 square metres in size. |
| Cost | Prices vary; a luxury 40ft container home can cost €40,000+, while smaller units cost less. |
| Benefits | Affordable, sustainable, durable, and quick to construct. |
| Challenges | Financing issues, limited interior space, and potential planning difficulties. |
What is a Shipping Container Home?
A shipping container home is a residential or commercial structure built from modified steel shipping containers. These homes are highly durable and eco-friendly since they repurpose containers that would otherwise go to waste.
Shipping containers typically come in 10ft, 20ft, or 40ft sizes and can be used for various purposes, including:
- Homes
- Home offices
- Extensions
- Coffee shops or other commercial spaces
Due to their sturdy construction, container homes can withstand Ireland’s changing weather conditions.
Shipping Container Homes for Beginners – A Comprehensive Beginner’s Guide to Designing, Planning, and Building Your Cost-Effective, Modern Container Home
Do I planning permission for a container home?
The need for planning permission depends on the size and intended use of the container:
- No planning permission is required if the container is under 25 square metres and is used for purposes like storage or an office.
- Planning permission is mandatory for larger containers or if the container is used as a residential space, regardless of size.
- Regulations also require that you leave at least 25 square metres of free garden space and the container should have a maximum height of 3 metres.
For permanent installations, it’s advisable to consult a planning expert or your local authority.
How Much Does a Container Home Cost in Ireland?
Now, not many builders in Ireland specialise in building permanent container homes. Also, due to their new and unconventional nature, container homes in Ireland do not come cheap.
For context, in 2017, a 3-storey, 158sq m container home on a 70 sq m site in Ringsend, Dublin cost over €300,000, excluding the cost of buying the site which cost the homeowners €50,000. That’s a grand total of 350,000 euros in 2017!
I shudder to think about the cost of building the same container home today in Dublin, given the rise in material costs and shortage of labour. Kindly note, however, that this is in Dublin. The prices for similar or smaller builds will cost far less in non rent pressure zones.
Advantages of Shipping Container Homes
Container homes offer a wide range of benefits, including:
- Affordability
- Lower construction costs compared to traditional homes.
- Ideal for singles, couples, or those with smaller budgets.
2. Sustainability – Repurposing containers reduces environmental impact.
3. Quick Construction – Prefabricated components allow for faster build times.
4. Durability – Steel containers are designed to withstand harsh conditions, making them ideal for Ireland’s climate.
5. Versatility – Modular design allows for easy expansion and customisation.
6. Mobility – Container homes can be relocated with relative ease.
7. Off-Grid Living – Suitable for solar panels and rainwater collection systems.
8. Eco-Friendly Construction – Reduces the need for new materials and minimises construction waste.
Disadvantages of Shipping Container Homes
While container homes have many benefits, there are also challenges to consider:
- Limited Space – The narrow shape of containers may limit design options and make the interior feel confined.
2. Insulation Challenges – Proper insulation is necessary to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures, which can be costly.
3. Modification Costs – Customising a container home can significantly increase expenses.
4. Planning and Permit Issues – Obtaining planning permission for larger unconventional projects may be difficult.
5. Potential for Rust and Corrosion – Containers require maintenance to prevent rust over time.
6. Difficulty in Financing – Irish banks may hesitate to provide mortgages due to concerns about resale value. You can only get loans at this time.
7. Transportation Constraints – Delivering containers to very remote locations can be logistically challenging.
8. Perception Issues – Some buyers may face stigma or scepticism about living in a container home, affecting resale potential.
Can You Get a Mortgage for a Container Home in Ireland?
Currently, obtaining a mortgage for a container home in Ireland is challenging. Many banks consider container homes unconventional and question their long-term resale value.
Instead, homeowners may need to explore alternative financing options, such as:
- Personal loans
- Credit Union Loans
- HUMM financing
Best Container Home Builders/Manufacturers in Ireland.
1. GTL Container Homes
Created by James O’Kane and Berni Moore turn shipping containers into 3-bed turn-key homes for less than €75,000
However, if you want a container simply as an extension to your home, or as garden room or home office, then the prices are pretty affordable.
Check out their Instagram page HERE.
2. Self Contained Converted Shipping Containers (by FlexiCube)
Based in Damastown, Dublin, Below is a table of prices to expect as seen on SelfContained.ie.
| Product Name | Type | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20ft Container Home | Converted Shipping Container | MÉADHBH – 20FT ONE TRIP CONVERTED SHIPPING CONTAINER | €28,000 est |
| 20ft Container Home | Converted Shipping Container | NIAMH – 20FT ONE TRIP CONVERTED SHIPPING CONTAINER | €29,000 est |
| 40ft Converted Container Home | Converted Shipping Container | CAOIMHE – 40FT ONE TRIP CONVERTED SHIPPING CONTAINER | €40,000 est |
| 40ft Container Home | Converted Shipping Container | RÓISÍN – 40FT ONE TRIP CONVERTED SHIPPING CONTAINER | €42,000 est |
3. Eco Smart Hubs
Based in Co. Wexford, Eco Smart Hubs is an innovative, customer-focused company that specialises in the design and manufacture of high end, customised modular buildings and living spaces using shipping container units and timber framed as building blocks.
Their containers are adapted with structurally insulated panels (SIPs) which are fully insulated to provide you with a comfortable temperature all year round. This means that your steel studio room will be warm in the winter and cool in the summer. All products in their range of studio rooms are incredibly energy efficient, and help in reducing energy bills.
Check them out HERE.
4. Contain Experts
ContainExperts mainly specialise in the hire and sale of 20ft and 40ft used shipping containers. However, they also convert used containers into Container Coffee Shops, Container Bars and other retail spaces. Their team can also modify containers to make transportable welfare units, workshop containers and much more.
For more on their converisons, kindly go HERE.
5. Crossan Container Conversions
With over 10 years of engineering experience, Crossan prides itself on finishing offering container luxury living. All their containers come with spray foam insulation for maximum energy efficiency.
They manufacture container homes, container bars, garden rooms, container offices and much more, with full customer customisations in mind
Learn more about them HERE.
6. Calnan
Calnan is a Co.Meath based company that provides customised containers mostly for commercial use. With over 50 years in business, Calnan promises to quickly and efficiently meet your needs at competitive rates.
See more on their container conversions HERE.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How long does it take to build a container home?
Container homes can typically be completed in 1 week to 2 months, depending on the size and complexity of the project.
2. Can container homes withstand Ireland’s weather?
Yes. Shipping containers are designed for durability and can handle harsh weather conditions with proper maintenance.
3. What is the lifespan of a container home?
With regular maintenance, a container home can last 25 to 50 years.
4. Are container homes energy-efficient?
Proper insulation and ventilation are necessary to achieve energy efficiency, which may require additional investment.
Conclusion
Shipping container homes provide an innovative, affordable, and eco-friendly alternative to traditional housing in Ireland. While they come with unique challenges, such as planning permission and financing, their durability, quick construction, and design flexibility make them an attractive option for many.
For more insights on alternative housing options, visit our blog HERE.
