Cost-Effective Factors to Consider Before Building Container Houses

Photo collage of shipping containers converted into modern mansions
Photo collage of shipping containers converted into modern mansions.
The Constructor and CSCS Builders

Construction of container houses has picked pace in the country, with many landowners adopting modern techniques to set up unique structures.

Their demand has soared due to distinct aesthetics and daring architecture that appeals to many people.

Most real estate experts argue that container houses are less expensive than typical dwellings and provide greater flexibility in terms of location.

In most cities like Nairobi and Mombasa, designers and traders are joining the trend by converting containers to set up offices and business promises.

Modified shipping containers converted into a house
Modified shipping containers converted into a house.
CSCS Builders

Prices of the containers vary in the country. Some are sold for as much as Ksh800,000, while used containers can even be bought at discount prices of up to Ksh500,000.

"They are portable, affordable and hassle-free. If you want to sell the land, you can relocate your container somewhere else," one developer stated in a past interview.

Factors to Consider 

Building Regulations

Just like building other structures using concrete, container houses require permits from the National Construction Authority and permits issued by relevant authorities, including the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA).

Other relevant documents include property ownership documents, receipts of land rates and a complete application for approval of the building permit.

Approvals allow developers and architects to modify the container without facing any legal ramifications from the authorities.

Delivery and Transport

Before agreeing to buy a container to convert into a house, it is important for one to analyse the transportation cost.

To ferry a container, for instance, from the Port of Mombasa, one requires different documents approved by the government.

Also, the cost of transportation needs to be analysed and determined beforehand before buying a container.

Site Preparation

Despite some constructors arguing that setting up container houses is less costly, preparations must be made before the modification process.

Installing a container house in a rocky terrain will be much more expensive due to the processes involved in breaking the rocks. 

On flat terrains, constructors prefer setting the foundation using concrete before installing the container and starting the modification process.

Insulation

One of the container house constructed for Nairobi National Park Rangers on Monday, March 8, 2021.
One of the container house constructed for Nairobi National Park Rangers on Monday, March 8, 2021.
Twitter

Insulation is a critical factor to consider while setting up container houses. 

Containers are made out of metal, and metal is extremely sensitive to the elements. Heat, cold, wind and noise will have a huge impact.

Heat and cold, wind and noise may affect occupants of container houses. So it is important to pick the right insulation material to make containers habitable.

Modification

The modification process involves cutting the metal to fix doors, windows and other designs to increase the aesthetic value of a container house.

In other cases, containers are stuck together at angles. It is advisable to create structural support to strengthen the house during this process.

Over-modification ruins the structural integrity of a container house, attracting legal implications from National Construction Authority (NCA).