Are Container Homes Legal in Georgia? | ValidHouse (2024)

Shipping container homes have been trending in the United States with many people adopting the use of shipping containers to build a perfect home for both human and animal habitation. The trend of container homes has forced some states to open up to the use of shipping containers as homes.

Shipping container homes are legal in Georgia and are allowed by the Georgia government and authorities. You must ensure that the container home you wish to build follows Georgia’s building codes and zoning laws. The container home must also be a standard home suitable to live in both winter and summer.

These shipping containers are transformed from what they use to be to an amazingly beautiful home that is attractive and suitable to live in both summer and winter. The shipping container home builders will make sure that they construct and design the container in a way it will be perfect to live in all seasons.

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Shipping Container Homes in Georgia

Like I said earlier, shipping container homes are trending these days and Georgia is not left behind. The rate at which people in Georgia are building a shipping container home is very alarming. It shows how good and durable a home built out of a storage container can be.

When you meet a shipping container home builder in Georgia, all you need to do is to tell him what you want and how you want it. Most shipping container home builders in Georgia can also do architectural work. They may help you to draw a plan of how the home would look like. Peradventure you’d had another architect to draw the plan for you, once you meet the builders, they will take charge and transforms what’s in your head, which is also in the plan into a reality for you and your family to live in.

Irrespective of how ugly shipping containers look, these builders can transform it into something unbelievable. Trust me, if container homes are badly looking, people will not like to spend their money on them hence it won’t be trending the way it is trending. However, it is because of how beautiful it can be at the end coupled with the fact that they are less expensive to run than the traditional homes built with bricks and blocks, that makes people venture into it.

There is a reason why Georgia, especially Atlanta is perfect for shipping container homes and why people are building more of it there. The reason is because the city is geographically and historically suited for shipping container homes; being that the city is most known for its transportation and development hub in the region.

Atlanta has been a commercial center of the Southern United States for so long. Since the landscape of the city is suitable for urban and practical solutions such as container homes, that is why container homes are trending in Atlanta, Georgia.

Are Shipping Container Homes Legal In Georgia?

Shipping container homes are legal in Georgia and are approved by Georgian authorities and populations. Before building a container home in Georgia, you must ensure you follow the necessary building codes and zoning laws to avoid erecting a container home that is not standard for human and animal habitation.

The fact that shipping container homes are legal in Georgia doesn’t mean you will just wake up one morning and decide to build what will be considered a death trap for both humans and animals. No, it doesn’t work that way. There are procedures to follows which you, as the homeowner must follow to avoid stories that touch.

When Georgia legalized the use of shipping containers as home, they also formulated laws guiding it. We all know how shipping containers are. It is something that should be properly taken care of if anyone is willing to live inside of it. So the purposes of these building codes and zoning laws are to ensure you build a shipping container home that is standard in all ramifications.

Can You Build a Shipping Container Home in Georgia?

You can build a shipping container home in Georgia because the Georgian government has legalized the use of containers as homes in Georgia but must obtain the necessary permit and approval needed to erect the home and follow the building codes and zoning laws.

Asking if you can build a shipping container home in Georgia is like asking if you can drink water in Georgia. Take a tour to the cities in Georgia especially Atlanta, you will see many beautifully erected shipping container homes owned by people. If those people can own such a home, you can own them too but you must follow the same procedure they followed to avoid breaking the law.

Do You Need a Permit for Shipping Container Home in Georgia?

You need a permit to build a shipping container home in Georgia. You must present a precise plan of the shipping container home you wish to build to the Georgia building authorities and have them approve it before commencing work on the site. The essence of the permit is to ensure that you are building a standard container home suitable for both human and animal habitation.

Getting a permit before starting your home building is one of the first things you should do. In some areas, they may not need a permit from the local authorities before building their container home but in some, you need them to approve it first. What you have to do is to call the appropriate authorities and inquire from them or better still ask any shipping container home builder in your locality about what to do.

Remember that even if you succeeded in not getting a permit to build a shipping container home on your property, you may also need a permit to install a washer and dryer. You may also need a permit to do plumbing and electrical work in the home. So, the best thing to do is to inquire from the appropriate authorities before starting the work to be on the safe side.

Moreover, it is pertinent to note that getting a permit is not hard as long as your building plan is clear. But it may take some weeks before the plan is approved and the permit issued. All you have to do is to hire an architect who will draw a plan of the type of home you wish to build out of the shipping container and present the plan to the authorities for approval. As long as the building as seen from the plan is standard, having considered several things, it will be approved and permit issued.

Conclusion

Just as other states are opening up to the use of shipping containers as homes, so is Georgia. You can build a shipping container home of your choice in the state of Georgia as long as you follow the procedures. Draw a plan, present the plan to the appropriate authorities for approval, get a shipping container home builder, and start building your dream home immediately.

Are Container Homes Legal in Georgia? | ValidHouse (2024)

FAQs

Are Container Homes Legal in Georgia? | ValidHouse? ›

... yet, it depends on whether states and municipalities update their ordinances. "Here in Georgia, shipping container homes are indeed legal, which means they are allowed by the Georgia government and authorities. However, its construction and use must follow Georgia's building codes and zoning laws.

Are container homes allowed in GA? ›

Georgia has legalized the use of shipping containers as homes but has also established laws to govern the building process. Given the nature of shipping containers, proper care is necessary to ensure they provide a livable space.

How much does it cost to build a container home in Georgia? ›

See Fair Price Breakdown

A 40x8x9 feet container home is estimated to be around $5,000 up to $6,000. A 20-foot container home is expected to be around $12,500. However, if you prefer to connect two 20-foot containers to get a larger unfurnished living space, it will cost you around $26,000.

In what state can I build a container home? ›

Taking into account valid statutory regulations and building standards across the country as well as restrictions pertinent to certain territories, the states that allow shipping container homes are: Alaska, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Missouri, Minnesota, North Carolina, New York, Oregon, ...

What are the cons of a container house? ›

One of the potential drawbacks of shipping container homes is that they can be cramped and uncomfortable. Because they're typically only about 10-15 feet wide, they can feel a bit claustrophobic. Plus, the metal walls can make them hot in the summer and cold in the winter.

Where can I put a container home in Georgia? ›

This city is geographically and historically well-suited to accommodate shipping container homes, as it's known as being a transportation and development hub for the region. In fact, Atlanta is a well-known commercial center of the Southern United States, and has been that way for a long time.

What are the container laws in Georgia? ›

Georgia Open Container Law Provisions

In Georgia, the law prohibits consumption of an alcoholic beverage or possession of an open container of alcohol in the passenger area of a motor vehicle that is on the roadway or shoulder of a public highway.

Is it cheaper to build a house or a container home? ›

Lower Cost to Build

Building a shipping container home is cheaper based on a few factors. Obviously, they're built on a much smaller scale and you'll need less materials to complete the interior, so the materials and labour involved will cost less.

How long do container homes last? ›

Because they were built to safely transport goods over long distances and often-harsh conditions, shipping containers are extremely durable, making them an ideal choice for homes. With proper care and maintenance, these homes can last decades - an average lifespan of 25-30 years.

What is the best state to build a container home? ›

  • Texas. Texas is one of the best states for building alternative dwellings like tiny homes and shipping container houses. ...
  • California. California is another state that is accommodating to alternative dwellings. ...
  • Oregon. Shipping container homes are legal in the state of Oregon.
Dec 6, 2022

Can you put a container home on a foundation? ›

Container homes can very well be dropped on level ground that's not raised, but a foundation of some sort is highly recommended. Building a foundation for your container home is the best way to keep unwanted pests and elements out. Container home foundation options we recommend: Concrete slab foundations.

Are container homes safe? ›

Shipping Container Homes Can Be Just as Safe as Regular Homes. Shipping container homes can be equally safe as traditional homes when proper construction and safety measures are implemented. Despite concerns about toxic chemicals and harmful paint coatings, there are ways to address these issues.

Is it hard to build a container home? ›

While the process of constructing a shipping container house may seem daunting, it doesn't have to be. In fact, with the right tools and a little bit of guidance, it is possible to build a shipping container house in just seven steps. Before beginning your project, it is important to do your research.

Do container homes get hot? ›

Hot Climates

Shipping containers are typically made from steel which conducts heat very well, but in a hot climate, keeping a container cool is easy with a few smart design choices. Choose a larger-than-necessary roof to extend over the home, shading windows from direct sunlight.

How much does it cost to turn a shipping container into a home? ›

For most homeowners, this eco-friendly, small-space living solution costs anywhere from $25,000 to $250,000 or more, with luxury options reaching $10,000 . Overall, you can expect to spend $150 to $350 per square foot for a shipping container home.

Are container homes waterproof? ›

Thanks to the high-quality corten steel, shipping containers are impervious to water and wind. Even larger units or those stacked on top of one another remain weather resistant as they evolve into new uses. All shipping container structures must serve first as protection against the outdoors.

Does Georgia allow open container? ›

The State of Georgia prohibits the consumption or possession of open alcoholic beverages in the passenger area of any vehicle while on a public highway or shoulder of a public highway. O.C.G.A. § 40-6-253.

Where is the cheapest place to put a tiny house? ›

Tiny houses are most affordable in North Dakota, Arkansas, Kansas, and Mississippi. It would cost more than the average salary to buy a tiny house in Hawaii or Montana.

Can I attach a container to my house? ›

When it comes to home extensions, shipping container extensions offer an excellent solution for adding that much-needed extra living space. Whether you require additional bedrooms, a cozy living area to entertain guests, these versatile structures can be seamlessly integrated into your existing home.

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