Pros and cons of building a container home

Building a home has become more and more expensive over the years. So, it’s no surprise that people have started to look for alternative and more affordable ways of building their forever home. One of the styles that is continuously growing in popularity is container homes.

While people agree that it’s a creative choice, you can’t support it without looking at both the pros and cons of building a container home.

The good news is that you don’t need to look for a list anymore, as we’ve got one right here!

Pros of building a container home

It’s cost-effective

Shipping containers are readily available and relatively inexpensive, which can help to reduce the cost of construction.

It’s durable

Container homes are built with strength and durability in mind meaning that they can withstand harsh weather conditions

They’re mobile

They are easy to transport and can be relocated quickly.

There’s less construction time needed

Small container homes can be built as quickly as three weeks!

There’s room for creativity

They offer a unique and modern aesthetic that allows room for customisation to suit the owner’s needs and preferences.

Cons of building a container home

Limited design options

Being made from shipping containers means that there is a limited range of sizes and dimensions that could limit design options.

Permitting issues

Depending on where you live, there may be strict regulations regarding the use of shipping containers as homes. This can make it difficult to get the necessary permits and approvals to build a container home.

Limited resale value

Because container homes are relatively new and not as common as traditional homes, they may not have the same resale value. This can make it difficult to sell a container home in the future.

Wigwam Self Storage can be extremely useful to you when building a container home. We can keep your tools and building materials safe, organised and out of the way, provide a secure place to store your belongings while your home is being built and keep your items that may not fit in your container home once it is completed.

We have a wide range of unit sizes to help make your building process smoother and more efficient, allowing you to focus on the construction of your new container home.

Written by

Simon Fothergill

Simon Fothergill has more than 20 years of experience in the UK self storage industry and is Managing Director of Wigwam Storage. He writes practical, easy-to-follow advice to help customers make the most of self storage, whether they are moving house, decluttering, renovating, storing business stock or simply needing extra space. With a long background in self storage operations and customer service, Simon shares useful self storage tips, packing advice and storage solutions designed to make storage simple, flexible and stress-free.

Customer Reviews

Wigwam Self Storage

4.9

Zydrunas Gerulis

5 days ago

Excellent service from Wigwam Self Storage Lincoln. The staff were friendly, helpful and professional from start to finish. The storage unit was clean, secure and easy to access. Everything was explained clearly, and the whole process was quick and straightforward.

I would definitely recommend Wigwam Self Storage to anyone looking for a safe and reliable place to store their belongings. Great service!

Paul Adams

7 days ago

Very clean space, app works really well. Plenty of trolleys available.

Stephen Grey

1 week ago

I have dealt with both Selina and Sascha, in person and via email. The service each of them has provided has been excellent and makes me feel that I have made the right decision to use Wigwam's services.

Colin C Harman

1 week ago

I have used the storage at Cheltenham for nearly two years now and have always been glad I made the change from a large facility in Kingsditch. I recall leaving a glowing review of Casey and his team when I first took on the unit. Just yesterday I left a less than complimentary review but have discovered my frustration at the time was due to misleading info I obtained over the Internet and nothing to do with Wigwam. So that review is withdrawn and I continue to recommend Wigwam as a convenient town centre facility, well run and utilising a high tech, easy to use entry system.

Dom Hall

1 week ago

I can no longer recommend this storage facility after being a customer here for a few weeks. The lift to the second floor has been broken for some time, and this is a serious problem - the stairs are too narrow to get anything remotely large up to your unit, which makes storing bigger items essentially impossible. For me, that defeated the main purpose of renting a locker here.

On top of that, the dolly trolleys are meant to be returned to a designated point after use, but in practice no one does this, so you end up hunting for one. Most of the time they’re left in a separate building I don’t have access to, meaning I have to walk around 50m through corridors and up stairs carrying my belongings just to reach my unit. I reported this to reception and was told they’d return the trolleys to the proper point, but nothing has changed.

Parking is another issue - the boxing gym attached to the building also uses the car park, so it often feels crowded.

Only use this facility if you’re desperate. Otherwise, I’d look elsewhere.

Steve Rooney

2 weeks ago

Good experience so far ! Staff Helpful and available if any issues ! Appreciate the discounted offered for 8 weeks, so took advantage of that ! wish it was longer !!!
Easy to navigate the site with easy access and facilities !

Tony Watson

2 weeks ago

Fantastic idea to use an app to gain entry. Once set up it's so easy to use and saves faffing around with keys and security fobs. My first visit was a revelation and is a definite encouragement to keep going back.
Well done Wigwam!!

Benjamin Currie

3 weeks ago

Got a small lock up for short term use - getting set up was quick and easy. Introductory offer is also great.

Nick & Katherine Atkin

3 weeks ago

All the team we've dealt with at Wigwam have provided fantastic customer service with some lovely personal touches. Our storage unit and the surrounding site is clean, well maintained and good value for money. I would definitely recommend.

Brian Stacey

3 weeks ago

Really friendly team, very helpful and good facilities. Would happily use Wigwam for short term storage again. Cheers!

Laura Smith

3 weeks ago

Great storage facility, would highly recommend. The process of booking and accessing the unit was really straightforward and customer service has been excellent.

Chris Sabin

4 weeks ago

Lovely helpful friendly staff
Transparent pricing
Very happy with the service.