Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, in most cases. Container homes for permanent residential use typically require full planning permission. However, small containers used as garden offices (under 2.5m height) may fall under Permitted Development.

Our planning team has a 98% success rate and handles the entire application process for you.

Permitted Development rights allow certain building works without full planning permission. For containers:

• Outbuildings (Class E) - max height 2.5m if within 2m of boundary
• Class Q - conversion of agricultural buildings to homes
• Temporary buildings (28 days or less)

PD rights are often removed in conservation areas and National Parks.

Full planning applications typically take 8-12 weeks. Prior approval (Class Q or PD) takes 4-8 weeks. We recommend adding 4-6 weeks for pre-application advice.

Typical container prices (ex. VAT):

• 10ft used: £1,250 - £1,850
• 20ft used: £1,950 - £2,950
• 40ft used: £2,650 - £3,850
• 40ft high cube: £4,200+

Prices vary based on condition (grade A vs used) and location.

Costs vary based on size, finish, and location:

• 20ft single container home: £25,000 - £40,000
• 40ft single container home: £35,000 - £55,000
• Double container (2 x 40ft): £75,000 - £110,000
• Multi-container (3+): £100,000 - £250,000+

Container homes typically cost 30-50% less than traditional builds.

Common additional costs to budget for:

• Foundations: £2,000 - £5,000
• Planning permission fees: £234 - £462
• Delivery to remote areas: £1,500 surcharge
• Utility connections (electric, water, sewer): £3,000 - £8,000
• Interior fit-out (kitchen, bathroom, flooring): £5,000 - £20,000

Containers are delivered on a lorry fitted with a HIAB crane. The crane offloads the container and can place it within approximately 10 metres of the lorry's position.

You'll need clear access for a 16m long vehicle and approximately 3m x 12m of level, solid ground for offloading.

Yes — we deliver to all mainland UK postcodes. Delivery is free on orders over £2,000. Remote areas (Scottish Highlands, Cornwall, etc.) may incur a small surcharge.

Next-day delivery is available for most UK locations when ordered before 12pm.

We have smaller delivery vehicles available for restricted access. Please inform us of any access constraints when ordering so we can arrange the appropriate vehicle. Additional charges may apply for specialist delivery.

Grade A / One-Trip: New or used only once. Minimal wear, no structural damage, excellent condition. Best for home conversions.

Used / Cargo Worthy: 5-10 years old. May have cosmetic rust, minor dents, or scratches. Structurally sound and watertight. Best for storage or budget projects.

Standard sizes available:

• 10ft: 3.05m L x 2.44m W x 2.59m H
• 20ft: 6.06m L x 2.44m W x 2.59m H
• 40ft: 12.19m L x 2.44m W x 2.59m H
• 40ft High Cube: +30cm height (2.90m external)

Yes — all our containers are guaranteed wind and watertight. They are fully inspected to ensure no holes, gaps, or seal failures. Used containers remain completely waterproof despite cosmetic wear.

Absolutely. Our container homes are designed for permanent living with full insulation, heating, ventilation, and plumbing systems suitable for the UK climate. They meet all building regulations for habitable spaces.

Typical build times:

• Single container home: 8-10 weeks
• Double container home: 10-14 weeks
• Multi-container home: 14-20 weeks

This includes design, planning, fabrication, delivery, and installation.

Yes. We recommend concrete pads, screw piles, or a concrete slab. The foundation type depends on your ground conditions. We can advise based on a site assessment.

Condensation is prevented by:

• Continuous insulation with no air gaps (spray foam is best)
• Installing a vapour barrier on the warm side
• Mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR)
• Breathable interior finishes

All our container homes are designed to eliminate condensation risk.

Closed-cell spray foam is widely considered the best option for UK container homes because it:

• Bonds directly to steel — eliminates condensation risk
• Highest thermal performance (R-value 7.0 per inch)
• Acts as its own vapour barrier
• Adds structural rigidity

For DIY projects, PIR boards (Kingspan) are a good second choice.

Yes. With proper insulation (75-100mm spray foam or PIR), double-glazed windows, and adequate heating, container homes maintain comfortable temperatures year-round. Heating costs are comparable to or lower than traditional homes.