Container Home vs. Traditional Home: Which is the Better Investment?

So, you've finally built up your savings, and you're ready to buy a home. The question is, should you buy a traditional block with land or purchase a container home for an off-the-grid endeavour? Both have their pros and cons, but the deciding factor depends on what you're looking for.

This article will be your comprehensive guide to container homes and traditional homes, how they are different, and how to figure out what's the best investment for you.

Traditional and Container Homes: What Are Their Characteristics?

Conventional Architectural Style

Traditional homes come in a range of designs, such as Victorian-style homes from historical periods or modern suburban designs, which have been popular over the decades. Traditional homes have arched doorways, gabled or hipped roofs, or details such as half-timbered exteriors.

Shipping container homes, on the other hand, cannot replicate the look of an old-fashioned home. They embrace a minimalist design and are modular shapes from repurposed shipping containers with flat roofs for solar panels or gardens.

Traditional Building Materials

Traditional homes are built from concrete, brick, timber, stone, and roofing made with tiles, shingles, slate or steel, whereas a shipping container is a structurally built box that can be used as part of a home.

Container homes are mostly made from steel shipping containers, have energy-efficient insulation, and have exteriors that can be customised with wood panelling, cladding, or paint. They don't crack or drop at the ends when the foundation is moved, and if maintained correctly, they could outlive conventional homes.

Typical Space Allocation and Layouts

Traditional homes have an interior layout with more formal living space, central hallways, and cabinetry, so there's a larger area if you want to renovate.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, shipping container homes can create an open-concept feel within a compact space and offer flexible considerations. Shipping container homes could also be a great way to extend the space in your current homes

Cost Comparison

With any home, the cost is often the first thing you want to know! So, let's take a look at how both can impact your budget.

Initial Investment Costs

Depending on the size and  the customisation, Sonic Steel container homes start from 90k for a 20ft container and 130k for a 40ft, which is cheaper than putting a deposit on a traditional home in your area. Even if you decide to add features such as plumbing, insulation, or heating and cooling, a fully outfitted shipping container is more affordable for the long term.

As for a traditional home, they require a higher investment (even with the assistance of a First Home Owner’s Grant). The cost of land, materials, labour, and permits can quickly add up, with the average cost being at least $500,000, and this price increases near the city.

Long-term Savings Potential

Investing in a shipping container home means you won't be paying a mortgage for 30 years; the entire tiny home can be paid off a lot quicker.Tiny homes are designed with eco-friendly materials and features such as solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems, and insulation. For example, let’s take a look at Sonic Steel’s insulation systems:

Block-moulded polyurethane panels are manufactured in Australia using a block-moulding method. They are precisely CNC-cut to fit into the corrugations of the container panels, forming a strong barrier that eliminates air gaps and helps maintain a consistent indoor temperature and to eliminate the risk of condensation.

Underfloor insulation. Polyester insulation is installed under the floor. The whole underside is then closed off by galvanised metal sheets to keep the polyester in place and maximise your home’s thermal efficiency. It works as a pest and termite deterrent and helps protect against bushfire attacks. (which is one of the requirements for high BAL ratings)

• High-performance window system. These Australian-made windows are created using double-glazed units with low-e coating as well as a thermally-broken frame by ThermalHEART. 

Think about it: your family member or friend can live on your property in a tiny home instead of a stressful rental, or you can buy land and put a container home on it. Whatever you decide, a container home gives you the freedom to make better financial choices.

Hidden Costs of Traditional Ownership

If you've wanted to buy a property, the traditional home route has many costs involved (and sometimes unexpected), especially if your goal is to build instead of buy.

You might be dealing with property taxes, higher utility bills, and ongoing maintenance such as roof repairs, plumbing problems, and landscaping, whereas a container home doesn't require consistent upkeep as much.

Tiny homes often have lower property taxes due to their smaller size, however, you should always be aware of potential zoning restrictions, building code requirements, construction costs, and the need for specialised contractors. Think about what works best with your financial goals and lifestyle needs.

Eco-friendly Environment

Are you looking for a sustainable housing option to live in as an investor? A shipping container home creates a sealed environment with better climate control than traditional spaces. This minimises energy waste, keeping the interior temperature stable in summer and winter. And as a plus, sounds bounce off the steel exterior, giving you a quieter living space.

A container home is also a sustainable construction, as dozens of used shipping containers can be repurposed! All in all, you're reducing the impact of new building materials (timber, concrete, and brick) on traditional houses.

With a compact structure, this naturally cuts back the amount of energy needed for heating and cooling, so you don't need to worry about excess energy consumption.

Durability and Maintenance

There are many benefits of container homes, especially when it comes to their durability, maintenance, and repairs:

• Their builds can handle harsh weather conditions and are less susceptible to structural damage compared to traditional housing
• The steel exterior is resistant to pests such as termites and rodents
• They are corrosion-resistant
• Container homes generally have lower costs for minor fits; however, expanding on your tiny home requires a labourer with a specific skill set. As for a traditional home, there is a lot more flexibility for renovations and can generate a lot more cash if you're planning to sell up

Design Flexibility

Let's take a look at some of the amazing designs at Sonic Steel!

Mark II 

The one-bedroom–or site office– Mark II offers a compact lifestyle where every space is essential and efficiently designed. Whether used as an office or self-sufficient living space, the fully functional 20ft is not limited by its size. 

Suitable for a backyard office or a granny flat, this could be a cost-effective option if you’re seeking to maximise land use.

Mark IV

With a double bedroom, full kitchen and a lounge, the Mark IV offers all the utilities you would need in this home. Packed with Sonic Steel’s VenSulation system and underfloor insulation, Velux skylight, double-glazed, low-e, and thermally broken windows and doors frame, we make sure that your comfort is our priority. 

The open bathroom layout with the Pan Fan system can ensure a smell-free toilet and a fresh space between your bedroom and kitchen

Mark VI

Do you want an off-grid container home that ticks all the boxes of superior insulation, proper ventilation, premium finish and practical design? 

Look no further than the Mark VI, beautifully designed with a cutting-edge insulation system that ensures a healthy and comfortable home while eliminating condensation and mould. The practical layout features a double bedroom, a full kitchen with a breakfast bar, a spacious bathroom with laundry, a lounge area, and a utility compartment for tools and hobbies.

Regulatory and Zoning Challenges

For shipping container homes, there are regulatory and zoning requirements depending on your local council, so always check in with them. Sonic Steel container homes comply as Class 1A buildings with the NCC and have gone through the the DA process in many states without issues. If you’re unsure, Sonic Steel can guide you!   

How do you know if shipping container houses are right for you?

If you've been keen on minimalist living or have always wanted to live off the grid, here are some questions to ask yourself:

• What is your budget? There are affordable, small living spaces, but you can also spend a bit more money on a more customised, larger container home.
• What are your lifestyle needs? You may prefer a lot more space if you have a larger family.
• What are your long-term goals? Do you want to live in it for a long time or temporarily rent the space out?

To learn more about relocatable container homes, read about the pros and cons of living in a shipping container home!

Container Homes in Australia: Choose Sonic Steel!

If you're hoping to try a different route in the housing market, Sonic Steel can help you make an informed decision. As a leading business in the shipping container industry for nearly a decade, Sonic Steel began as a repair and maintenance service provider before expanding into modifications and, ultimately, the construction of unique and functional shipping container homes.

It doesn’t matter if you want to build a shipping container home in Victoria, NSW, SA, or anywhere in Australia, Sonic Steel aims to bring your vision to life with a personalised design and living space. From energy-efficient systems to proper ventilation and easing the construction process, we can put up a container home design you’ll love.

Start your journey today by reaching out to our friendly team at 0431 059 331. We are committed to providing you with a transparent, honest service not only for the duration of projects, but also the final installation.

You can also contact us by emailing enquiry@sonicsteel.com.au or visit us in Brooklyn, Victoria (by appointment only).

With Tiny Home Expos in VIC, NSW and WA in the coming months, we are offering DISCOUNTED  DELIVERY (*up to $5000) to each state the Expo is in exchange for using your project as a display at the show. Offer expires 12 weeks before each expo and is limited to one project per expo. Reach out to us now to secure your spot!