Building your own home is a dream shared by many French people, but the exorbitant costs of traditional construction, coupled with rising mortgage rates, are making this project increasingly difficult to realize. The average price of a classic house often exceeds €1,500 per square meterThis does not include the cost of the land and additional costs associated with development work.
What if you could make this dream come true for a fraction of the cost and in record time?
Visit container house is a fast, economical and environmentally-friendly alternative. These modular homes, made from recycled shipping containers, are not only affordable, with prices starting at 25 000 €but also capable of being built in just a few months.
In this article, we take a closer look at the real cost of a container home and help you understand the different options available to you, whether for a kit model or a turnkey home.
1. What is a container house?
A container house is a dwelling built from recycled shipping containers. These large metal structures, originally designed for transporting goods, are reused and transformed into comfortable, modern living spaces. Thanks to their sturdiness and modularity, these containers offer a solid, easy-to-customize base for creating eco-friendly, cost-effective housing.
There are two main types of container used for construction:
- Standard containers Available in 6-meter (20-foot) or 12-meter (40-foot) lengths, our products are generally 2.44-meter wide and 2.59-meter high.
- High-cube containers These are similar to standard containers, but with an extra metre in height, offering an interior height of 2.89 metres, for more airy, light spaces.
The concept of the container house was originally developed to meet urgent housing needs, particularly in the context of humanitarian crises or lack of affordable housing. Over the years, however, this construction method has evolved into a trendy architectural option, adopted in many modern projects. Today, container homes are no longer just emergency solutions, but genuine ecological alternatives and design to traditional buildings, appreciated for their innovative character and flexibility.
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2. Container house types and prices
The price of a container home can vary according to a number of factors, including the type of home, the number of containers used and the level of finishing required. Here's a summary of the main types of container homes and their price ranges:
| Container house type | Services | Average price (per m²) | Estimated total price (per 100 m²) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard container house | House with interior fittings, quality finishes and compliance with standards. | 1 000 € à 1 800 € | 100 000 € à 180 000 € |
| Unfinished container house | Foundations and shell, but no interior or exterior finishing. | 900 € à 1 200 € | 90 000 € à 120 000 € |
| Container house kit | Containers to be assembled, with the customer taking charge of transport and assembly. | 150 € à 1 100 € | 15 000 € à 100 000 € |
| Turnkey container house | Completely finished house, with foundations, interior and exterior finishes included. | 1 300 € à 2 100 € | 130 000 € à 210 000 € |
Visit standard container homes are those that offer the best compromise between price and comfort. They include complete interior fittings, using quality materials and complying with current thermal and architectural standards. You want to save time, request a quote from our partners here.
If you're looking for a more affordable solution, you can opt for a unfinished container house. This type of home includes the foundations and exterior structure, but requires you to manage the interior finishes yourself. It's an attractive option for people who want to personalize their interior as they see fit.
For do-it-yourselfers or those on a very limited budget, there are kit container housesYou buy the containers and assemble them yourself. This is the cheapest solution, but it requires time, technical skills and management of logistical aspects, such as container transport.
Finally, the turnkey container homes are the most practical. They are completely ready to move into as soon as they are delivered, with all fittings and finishes included. The price is higher, but this option guarantees an effortless end result for the homeowner.
3. Advantages and disadvantages of a container home
| Benefits | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Economical Price per m² lower than traditional houses (€400 to €1,500/m²). | Limited thermal insulation : Requires costly upgrades for good insulation. |
| Quick to build 3 to 7 months for a complete house. | Space limitations Fixed container dimensions, reducing layout flexibility. |
| Solid and durable Robust design to withstand the elements and heavy loads. | Aesthetics and urban planning : Sometimes requires exterior cladding and compliance with local regulations. |
| Modular Add containers or customize the layout. | Faraday Cage effect May interfere with electromagnetic waves (Wi-Fi, telephones). |
| Ecological : Reuse of recycled shipping containers, reduced ecological impact. | Transportation costs : Containers are heavy and transporting them can be costly. |
Detailed advantages of a container home
The container house offers many advantages benefits that make them an attractive alternative to traditional buildings.
- Economical
Building a container house is often less expensive than building a conventional house. With prices per square meter ranging from 400 and €1,500Container homes offer significant cost savings. The difference in cost is due to the reuse of existing materials, such as shipping containers, and the reduction in foundation work required. For those on a limited budget, this is a particularly attractive option. - Quick to set up
Building a container house is also faster than a traditional house. On average, a container house can be ready in 3 to 7 monthscompared with over a year for a conventional house. Modules can be prefabricated in the factory, considerably reducing construction time. What's more, foundations are simplified, as simple pillars or a concrete slab are all that's required. - Solid and durable
Sea containers are designed to transport goods under extreme conditions, so they are extremely robust. A container home can therefore withstand heavy loads and weather conditions. Thanks to this solidity, these homes can last for many years. decades with appropriate maintenance, while guaranteeing the safety of residents. - Modular
Another great advantage is the modularity. Containers can be stacked, assembled and modified as required. This makes it possible to create tailor-made homes, both in terms of surface area and layout. Whether you want a compact studio or a large family home, you can customize your container home by adding floors or enlarging living spaces. - Ecological
By using recycled shipping containers, this type of construction reduces the consumption of new raw materials. This makes it a more environmentally-friendly option. What's more, by opting for renewable energy systems such as solar panels or high-performance insulation, it's possible to minimize the ecological footprint of the container home.
Detailed disadvantages of a container house
Despite its many advantages, the container house also has a few drawbacks disadvantages that are important to consider before embarking on this type of project.
- Limited thermal performance
The main weakness of a container house lies in its insulating properties. The metal used for containers conducts heat and cold, which means that, without adequate insulation, the house can be very cold in winter and extremely hot in summer. High-performance, often costly, thermal insulation is therefore essential to guarantee thermal comfort all year round. What's more, the default flat roof on containers can pose water drainage problems and require additional work. - Space limitations
Shipping containers have fixed dimensionsThis means that, in most cases, the width is 2.44 metres and the height 2.59 metres (or 2.89 metres for high-cube versions). This can limit the flexibility of interior layouts, especially if spacious rooms are required. The addition of partitions or insulation further reduces available space. These constraints may require additional work to modify the structure and create more open spaces. - Aesthetics and compliance with planning regulations
The rough, industrial look of containers may not appeal to everyone. What's more, in some regions urban planning regulations impose aesthetic or architectural constraints. It may be necessary to add external cladding (wood, stone, plaster) to better integrate the container house into its surroundings. This may also entail additional costs. Before starting any project, it's crucial to consult the Local Town Planning Scheme (PLU) to check the feasibility of the project. - Faraday Cage effect
The metal structure of the containers can cause Faraday cage effectwhich blocks or disturbs electromagnetic waves. This can affect the performance of equipment such as cell phones, Wi-Fi or radios. To get around this problem, it's possible to install large glass surfaces or outdoor antennas, but this requires additional work. - Transport and handling costs
Although the containers are modular and transportable, their weight (around 2 tons) and their size impose considerable logistical costs. Transporting a container, especially to remote or inaccessible areas, can be costly. It's important to anticipate these expenses when drawing up your overall budget.
4. Factors influencing the price of a container house
The cost of a container house can vary according to several factors factors. Here are the main elements to take into account when estimating the budget for this type of project:
- Number of containers used
The number of shipping containers needed to build the house depends on the size of the house. surface desired. A small house can be satisfied with a single container, while a large family home may require several containers. In general, the price of a container varies between 1,200 and €10,000depending on size and condition (new or used).Example A 100 m² house could require between 2 and 4 containers, at a cost of between 2,400 and €40,000 for containers only.
- Site work and foundations
Even before laying the containers, it's necessary to prepare the site. This includes leveling, l'excavationand the installation of foundations. A simple concrete slab or pillars are often all that's needed for a container house, but this work can still be costly. Visit concrete foundationscost between 5 € and 37 € per m² depending on thickness and quality.Example The cost of land levelling can vary between 1,000 and €3,500while land excavation costs between 1,500 and €6,500.
- Interior and exterior fittings
As with any other construction, the container house needs to be fitted out to make it habitable. This includes :- Plumbing from 1 500 € à 15 000 €.
- Electricity from 600 € à 2 300 €.
- Thermal insulation from 4 € to 16 € per m²to guarantee optimum thermal comfort.
- Interior finishes flooring, painting, partitioning (approx. 1.50 € to 3 € per m²).
- Roof A proper roof is essential to protect your home from the elements, and its cost ranges from 5,000 and €45,000. These costs can vary greatly depending on the materials and services chosen.
- Network connections
The container house needs to be connected to the city's various networks: electricity, water, gas, etc. This work can sometimes be costly if the plot is far from the networks.Example : Connection to the water network costs between 75 € and 225 € per linear metrewhile an electricity connection can cost between 250 and €1,500.
- Geographical location
The price of a container house can also vary according to the region in which it is built. Visit labor coststhe planning permissionand local regulations differ according to geographical area, thus influencing the total project budget. - Professional services
To guarantee the quality and conformity of your container home, you'll probably need to call in several professionals, such as architects or electricians. Here are some average costs:- Architects from 125 € to 250 € per hour.
- Electricians from 50 to €100 per hour.
- Plumbers from 45 € to 150 € per hour.
5. Construction process: from design to delivery
Building a container house is a relatively quick project, but it is essential to follow a strict schedule. rigorous processto guarantee quality results. Here are the key steps:
- Obtaining a building permit
Before starting construction, it is essential to check the following local regulations and obtain the necessary permits. If the surface area of your house exceeds 20 m²a planning permission is mandatory. For smaller projects, a simple declaration of works may suffice. - Preparing the ground
This stage includes land levelling, excavation and the creation of foundations. As mentioned above, this work is essential to ensure the stability of your container home. - Container delivery and assembly
Once the site is ready, the containers are delivered and assembled on site. This process can be very quick, often taking just a few days, depending on the complexity of the project. Craftsmen install the containers, ensuring that they are correctly fixed and aligned. - Interior fittings
After assembly, it's time to tackle the interior fittings: installation of electrical systems, plumbing, insulation and partitions. Finishing touches, such as painting and flooring, are also carried out at this stage. - Exterior finishes
To protect the containers from the elements and enhance the aesthetics of the house, exterior finishes such as cladding (wood, stone or render) can be added. This also allows the house to blend in better with its surroundings and meet local planning requirements. - Network connections
Finally, the house must be connected to the various networks (electricity, water, gas) to be fully functional. This can take several weeks, depending on the distance of the networks and the availability of local service providers.
6. Examples of container constructions
7. FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions
1. How much does a turnkey container house cost?
The price of a turnkey container house generally varies between 1,300 and €2,100 per m²Depending on the materials used, interior fittings and finishing touches. For a 100 m² house, this corresponds to a total cost of between 130,000 and €210,000. This type of home includes everything from foundations to exterior and interior finishes, making it a practical, ready-to-live-in solution.
2. How long does it take to build a container house?
Building a container home is much faster than building a traditional house. On average, it takes between 5 to 7 months to complete the entire project, from building permit application to final delivery. This timeframe depends on the complexity of the project and the number of containers used, but is generally shorter thanks to the prefabrication of the modules in the factory.
3. What are the disadvantages of container homes?
Despite their advantages, container homes have a number of disadvantages:
- Limited thermal insulation : Container metal is not naturally insulating, so additional work is needed to ensure optimum thermal comfort.
- Space constraints The dimensions of the containers are fixed, which can limit the flexibility of the interior layout.
- Aesthetics : The rough appearance of containers may not suit all environments, and external fittings may be required to meet local planning requirements.
4. Can you build a container house anywhere in France?
Building a container house is subject to the following conditions local regulationsdefined by the Local Town Planning Scheme (PLU). It is therefore important to check whether your local PLU allows this type of construction. In most cases, aesthetic modifications, such as the addition of exterior cladding, may be necessary to adapt to the local environment.
5. How long does a container house last?
With regular maintenance, a container house can last a lifetime about 25 years. However, anti-corrosion treatments, effective insulation and good roof maintenance can extend this lifespan. As metal is vulnerable to rust, especially in humid regions, it's crucial to keep the structure in good condition to guarantee its longevity.
Conclusion: Why choose a container house in 2024?
By 2024, the container home will be the alternative economic, fast and ecological to traditional construction. With prices starting at 25 000 €Its modularity and sturdiness make it a flexible solution, capable of adapting to a wide variety of needs. Its modularity and sturdiness make it a flexible solution, capable of adapting to a wide variety of needs, whether for a small detached house or a larger family dwelling.
What's more, the reduced construction timeOften under 7 months, this is a major advantage over conventional homes, which can take over a year to build. Finally, the low ecological impact of container homes, thanks to the reuse of materials and the possibility of integrating renewable energy solutions, makes it a responsible choice in a context where sustainability is a central concern.
For a successful project, we strongly recommend that you consult a specialized professionalWe'll be happy to assist you with the design, cost optimization and compliance with local standards. A precise estimate will give you a better understanding of the various aspects of your future container home, and guarantee a result that meets your expectations.
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