FAQ2024-06-26T11:37:18+00:00

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Below are the most frequent questions we get asked. We are sure your question will be answered here; however, if not, do not hesitate to contact us directly.

HOW MUCH IS A CONTAINER HOUSE IN SOUTH AFRICA?2024-02-13T15:03:11+00:00

They start off from under R199 000 excl, and range up to R5 million depending on your design

Container homes tend to be about 20-30% cheaper than normal builds, and they are 10 times faster.  We can complete a 180m2 home in less than 3 months if all goes according to plan.

DO I NEED PLANS, AND WHO CAN HELP ME WITH A DESIGN?2024-02-09T14:32:22+00:00

Container Home SA can assist with designing your Container Home. We can also assist with municipal approval and site planning where required.

HOW LONG DO CONTAINER HOMES LAST?2024-02-09T14:32:51+00:00

You should expect your containers to last for at least twenty-five years without any problems. If you maintain the containers and keep on top of any rust then you can expect your containers to last longer.

DO CONTAINER HOMES NEED PLANNING PERMISSION?2024-02-09T14:33:20+00:00

Container housing often does not need planning permission because it is not considered to be permanent. … However, the rules vary in different parts of the country, so you should contact your local planning authority (LPA) for a definitive answer regarding your site.

We assist our clients to ascertain what the local rules are, and we help in getting the necessary permissions and approvals.

IS BUILDING WITH SHIPPING CONTAINERS CHEAP?2024-02-09T14:33:52+00:00

The general consensus is that shipping container homes are cheaper to build than conventional housing. Ted Crowe says that that really depends on the situation, but shipping containers reduce costs dramatically in areas where it’s difficult to erect regular housing, such as sloping blocks of land.

DO SHIPPING CONTAINER HOMES RUST?2024-02-09T14:34:31+00:00

shipping container is a special, non corrosive Corten steel; then, when coated with the Ceramic coating, it becomes virtually rust proof and also prevents mildew, mold and is highly antiseptic. There will be no rust problems if you use Certified paint to paint your home.

DO SHIPPING CONTAINER HOMES NEED A FOUNDATION?2024-02-09T14:34:59+00:00

With shipping container homes, the concrete piers are generally laid at each corner of the container. … You save a lot of time and money with pier foundations because you don’t need to excavate a lot of earth at all. You only need to excavate the ground for the piers, which are generally 50 cm X 50 cm X 50 cm.

HOW DO YOU INSULATE A SHIPPING CONTAINER HOME?2024-02-09T14:35:26+00:00

We use the maximum insulation available in our container homes.  We must comply with the conductivity calculations as set out by the SANS regulations.  We achieve an R value of 3.78 in the ceiling, and 2.90 in the walls.  Windows do make a huge difference in looks, but reduce the insulation factor dramatically.  Plan for double glazing if possible.

CAN I PUT A CONTAINER IN MY BACKYARD?2024-02-09T14:35:54+00:00

In some instances, yes. If you do not have a suitable place to put the container on your property it can sometimes be put on a grass verge or in a parking bay outside your house. You do need to obtain permission from your local council to do this.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF SHIPPING CONTAINER HOMES?2024-02-09T14:36:23+00:00

Durability – Cargo containers have been built to withstand the elements of sea travel, such as strong winds, harsh rain, etc. This means that container homes are not going to leak, they’ll stand up to extreme weather conditions and, some even claim, are earthquake proof and hurricane proof.

WHAT IS THE AVERAGE PRICE OF A SHIPPING CONTAINER?2024-02-13T15:03:50+00:00

Container prices vary depending on availability, and the current exchange rate.  We have current pricing for empty containers on our Empty Container Pricelist ready for download when you click Here.

HOW TO AVOID THE CONTAINER SALE SCAMMERS.2024-02-09T14:37:40+00:00
  1. Check the company details thoroughly
  2. Never accept a quote from a G-mail or yahoo account
  3. Go and see the container before you pay. If you select one.  Put a mark on it so you get the right one delivered to you
  4. Cheap equals scam.
ISN’T A CONTAINER HOME VERY HOT OR VERY COLD?2024-02-09T14:38:08+00:00

We insulate our container homes which very effectively controls the heat and cold inside the Container Home.  A Large chunk of the building cost is exclusively for insulation of the interior.

Another way to control the temperature is to put a roof over the entire structure.  This not only controls the interior temperature, but helps protect the containers from the weather.

Go to Top