Question 1

What could I use a MicroBox for?

Accepted Answer

We have the capability to produce 20 and 40 foot dwellings for full-time use, short-term rental homes, hunting cabins, light duty bunkers/storm shelters, multi-floor dwellings, vacation homes, storage solutions and containers for business/industry such as kiosks, work shops, equipment housing, food trailers, etc.

Question 2

Can I design my own MicroBox?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely, we have the tools required to turn your ideas into a virtual design for your approval. More complex designs may need additional structural engineering certification.

Question 3

Are container homes allowed where I live?

Accepted Answer

Since this varies, we ask for the proposed address before starting the ordering process so that we can check with your local permitting authority. If you are in Texas, most unincorporated areas allow shipping container homes. Properties within city limits are usually subject to more regulation.

Question 4

Are permits required?

Accepted Answer

This depends on your local government. Most unincorporated/unrestricted areas in Texas allow container homes with little to no permits. Although we do not yet offer permitting services, we are more than happy to abide by your local codes to ensure a smooth handover.

Question 5

Does MicroBox offer a warranty?

Accepted Answer

Yes, MicroBox homes are warrantied against workmanship issues for 1 year from delivery acceptance date within the continental United States.

Appliances and equipment installed in the home will fall under the associated manufacturer’s warranty (registering your appliances can sometimes double or triple the factory warranty). 
Your MicroBox is protected against leaks, gaps, cracks, and other build quality issues that were not a result of modifications performed by the customer or a third party.

In rare cases, we may not be able to warranty certain containers due to customer’s intended use, container location, or other factors. For such projects, a warranty waiver is required before taking a deposit.

For more information about our warranty, please contact support@microboxhomes.com.

Question 6

Are off-grid MicroBoxes available?

Accepted Answer

Sure thing, just be sure to specify that you’d like an off-grid build and we will design/build your home accordingly.

Question 7

What are some benefits of buying a MicroBox over a traditional home?

Accepted Answer

Firstly, cost. You can own land and a MicroBox outright in far less time and for far less money than a conventional new construction home.

Container homes are more rigid and better insulated than a lot of new homes built with 2x4 construction and ThermoPly (cardboard) sheathing.

Lower maintenance cost: Less home means less maintenance. A steel exterior means less maintenance as well since there is no siding or roofing to replace.

Portability: It‘s a lot easier to move a shipping containers than it is to move an entire house. Container homes can even be made on trailers for those who want to stay mobile or avoid higher property taxes.

Pest resistance: Pests such as termites and mice have to work a lot harder to penetrate the steel construction of a container home.

Question 8

How long does it take to build a container home?

Accepted Answer

Single-container builds can take 8-12 weeks depending on complexity. Container homes consisting of more than one container will be quoted on a case by case basis but 12+ weeks should be expected.

Question 9

Will I be able to see my MicroBox during the build?

Accepted Answer

Yes, aside from occasional site visits, we will send you photo and video updates of your build. We do this for more than one reason, this is for quality control, potential permit inspections and so that you can know where everything is behind the walls (in addition to the technical drawings). We also keep a bill of materials for each specific home for future reference.