In Depth Look At Shipping Container Homes In South Australia

Shipping container homes in south Australia is one of the fastest-growing industries. South Australians know they can have a comfortable and affordable home. With low-cost construction and easy plans, shipping container homes are an excellent idea for your next DIY home-building project.

Here is everything you need to know about shipping containers in South Australia.

Table of Contents

Can I Build a Shipping Container Home in South Australia?

Yes, you can build a container home in South Australia. In South Australia, no specific laws or regulations cover the construction of shipping container homes. However, you should check your local council for building materials or style restrictions.

You may need to apply for planning permission if you want to build your home on land that doesn’t belong to you, for example, if it is a block of land that someone else owns.

Do you Need Permission to Build a Shipping Container Home in South Australia?

Yes, you will need a building permit to build a shipping container home in South Australia.

However, If your shipping container house is smaller than 20 square meters, then it’s unlikely that you will need a building permit from the council.

This is especially true if you use the containers as part of an extension or renovation.

You need to acquire a building permit for any construction on the land, and the council will suggest whether or not your project requires one.

If it does, the council will issue a building notice which outlines what you need to do so that everything is safe, legal, and up to code.

What is a Shipping Container Home?

A shipping container home is an innovative way to create a new home, office, or business space. These types of homes are all over the world because they are affordable and easy to build.

Shipping container homes come in many shapes, sizes, and configurations. You can build them as stand-alone houses, duplexes, and apartment buildings, all with a modern look.

The containers are typically steel and have been used for shipping cargo worldwide for decades. They are durable and very sturdy, making them perfect for construction projects like these.

How Much Are Shipping Container Homes In South Australia?

You can purchase shipping container homes for as little as $10,000. However, larger or more luxurious houses made from multiple containers cost between $100,000 to $175,000, though most fall closer to the lower end of that range.

Shipping container homes can cost almost half as much per square foot as traditional stick-built houses.

Still, comparing the two options is difficult because there are many factors to consider when choosing a home.

So how much will you spend to build a container home in South Australia? The land costs, climate requirements, and a number of amenities play significant roles, but another factor is the type of materials to use.

More features will add to the cost of a container home. These include size, layout; welding requirements; cleaning costs, and flooring–just to name a few.

Do Shipping Container Homes Rust?

The short answer is: yes, shipping container homes do rust. however, it is preventable. Rust occurs when water gets into the steel and causes it to oxidize. To prevent this, you need to seal your home’s interior with a waterproofing agent, like polyurethane.

This will allow moisture to dry out of the air and prevent it from reaching the steel. If you don’t seal your home’s interior, moisture will get enter inside and cause corrosion over time.

It’s also essential to make sure your container home has proper ventilation. This allows moisture inside to escape before it can cause corrosion on the exterior of your home.

How Long Does A Container Home Last?

A shipping container home can last anywhere from 20 to 50 years. This depends on how well you take care of it and your chosen shipping container.

For example, if you choose a high-quality shipping container with a fire-resistant coating and insulation, your shipping container home may last longer than one without these features.

Advantages of Shipping Container Homes in South Australia

They Require less Maintenance

Containers last for a long time and can withstand extreme weather conditions. They’re made from strong materials and are durable, so they don’t need much maintenance.

It means that if you live in a place with a lot of rain or snow, you won’t worry about your home falling apart like traditional houses would in those conditions.

They can be Mobile

One of the biggest pros of shipping container homes in South Australia is that you can move them anytime. If you plan to move down the road or across the country, you can do it easily with container home.

They are lightweight and easy to transport. Additionally, they are much less expensive than traditional building materials like wood or brick, making them an attractive option for people who want a home but do not want to spend too much money on it.

They’re Quick to Construct

When building with shipping containers is faster than building using traditional methods because it requires fewer construction materials and less labor time.

This makes it easier for builders to complete projects on time without paying extra fees for construction delays or other issues that could arise during construction periods, like waiting for materials delivery or hiring additional workers due to high demand during busy seasons.

But as always, if you’re totally green or a noob, please hire the right professionals to help you with the container home build. Otherwise things can go south for you pretty quick.

They are Durable

One of the good things about shipping container homes is that they can last for a long time, which means you will not have to worry about replacing them for a long time.

This is because they are made of steel, a material that does not readily corrode or rust.

Their durability means you do not have to worry about spending a lot of money on repairs or replacements, as they will last much longer than most other types of houses built from wood or other materials.

They are Modular

This means that you can disassemble it and reassemble it anytime you need. You can also modify it to fit your needs, whether you’re looking for a small office space or an oversized garage.

The ability to modify shipping containers makes them one of the best options when building a home from scratch or making changes to an existing one.

They are also easy to install and set up, making them an excellent option for those who want an affordable home that doesn’t come with some of the downsides of traditional houses.

The are Very Eco-Friendly

Shipping containers are not only cost-effective but also eco-friendly. They are made from recycled materials and therefore don’t require additional resources to build or transport them from place to place.

Furthermore, they use less than half of the energy requirement of traditional construction methods. This is because of their steel nature rather than wood or brickwork; however, this doesn’t mean they’re flimsy.

They’ll last as long as any other structure built with similar materials would last in your area.

They are More Cost-Effective Than Traditional Housing

These days, the price of housing is skyrocketing. In addition to regular mortgage payments, homeowners must pay property taxes, maintenance fees, and utility bills.

These expenses can accumulate quickly and make it hard to save money for other things in life, like education or retirement.

Suppose you’re looking for a less expensive way to own your home. Consider shipping container homes in South Australia.

These modern prefabricated structures are made using recycled shipping containers initially used to transport goods worldwide.

Disadvantages of Shipping Container Homes in South Australia

Obtaining Building Permits Can Be Difficult

The first thing you need to do before you start building your home is to acquire a building permit from the local council.

This can be difficult because most councils only grant permits for homes that meet certain standards, and shipping container homes do not always meet these standards.

Shipping containers are a new building material in Australia, so it’s not always easy to get building permits for them.

You may need to prove that the container is structurally sound and you can as a home before you can get permission to build on your property.

It Needs Insulation

Another thing you’ll need if you’re thinking about putting up a shipping container house is proper insulation materials such as spray foam insulation.

These buildings are very hot during summer without proper insulation installed inside walls and roofs.

Setting up Modern Appliances can be Difficult

Another disadvantage of shipping container homes is that modern appliances are often hard to install.

For example, suppose you want to install a washing machine or oven. In that case, they may not fit into the shipping container space. This is because most appliances fit in an average-sized house or apartment.

They Often Need Reinforcements

Shipping containers are manufactured from corrugated steel, which is very strong but can also be brittle.

If you’re planning on putting a shipping container home up in a windy area, you’ll need to reinforce the walls with plywood or extra steel supports, so they don’t blow away after being anchored into the ground.

If it’s going to be built in a high-wind area, you may want to consider making it on an elevated foundation instead.

How to Prepare for Your Shipping Container

Be Prepared for the Costs

Shipping containers can be fairly expensive, especially if you plan to build using many of them, and you’ll require to budget for those costs.

The size of the container and how long it will take to transport it to another place can hugely impact this cost.

You’ll also want to check with your city planning office before you get started to know what paperwork you need to file with them if any.

Contact Your City Planning Office

If you’re looking to get your hands on a shipping container, the first thing we recommend is that you contact your city planning office to find out if it has any restrictions regarding its use.

In many cases, zoning laws or ordinances may prohibit them from being placed on certain properties or otherwise limit their placement in certain areas.

Design With Natural Light in Mind

The first thing you’ll want to do when designing your shipping container home is to ensure that you have good natural light.

You can do this by placing your containers where they will get plenty of suns, creating large windows on the south side of your home, and installing skylights.

This will also make it easier for you to see what you’re doing when you’re working, which will make the whole project feel less cramped.

Inspect Your Container Before Purchase

Before buying any shipping container, it’s important to inspect it thoroughly for damage and signs of rust.

You’ll want to check all the doors, fittings, and hinges; make sure they’re secure and properly attached before making a purchase decision. If you find any damage during the inspection process, don’t worry!

You can always have these items repaired by professionals before moving into your new workspace!

Consider the Limitations

There are many things that can make building a container home a living hell, and you have to ask yourself how much space you have.

Will your container fit in your driveway or on the street? Is there enough room for a forklift to move it, or will it need to be moved by hand? Does your property have any significant obstacles, like trees or other structures, that may get in the way of moving the container once it’s delivered?

All these aspects must be considered before you begin your construction.

Conclusion

Shipping container homes come in all different shapes and sizes depending on what you intend to use the structure.

No matter which purpose the system is built for, it can solve your housing needs for a fraction of what it would cost you to create a new house from scratch.