Question 1

What could I use a MicroBox for?

Accepted Answer

Repurposed container uses include:
 • Short-term rental homes 
 • Permanent housing
 • Hunting cabins
 • Light duty bunkers/storm shelters
 • Multi-floor dwellings
 • Vacation homes 
 • Secure storage solutions 
 • Containers for business/industry such as kiosks, work shops, equipment housing, food trailers, etc.

Question 2

How are MicroBox container homes legally classified?

Accepted Answer

Container homes are typically considered modular housing since they are built offsite and permanently installed on a foundation. Manufactured homes are single/double-wide trailers, mobile homes, and container homes that sit on trailers or axles (not permanently anchored to a foundation).

Modular homes are less restricted in terms of where you’re allowed to place one. Depending on location, permits may or may not be required.

Fill out our permit form (https://www.microboxhomes.com/#permit-form)if you want a container home but are unsure of the legality.

Question 3

Can I design my own MicroBox?

Accepted Answer

If you have your own designs, we just ask that specifications, measurements, material information, and any required engineering is provided as well.

For customers who wish to use our design service, it is generally included at no additional cost (stacked containers, multi-container projects, etc. may be excluded from free design service).

Any required engineering analysis or stamps would be an additional cost.

Question 4

Does MicroBox offer industrial products?

Accepted Answer

Yes, MicroBox offers solutions for industrial customers. Check out our industry page here: www.microboxhomes.com/industry(http://www.microboxhomes.com/industry)

Question 5

Are container homes allowed where I live?

Accepted Answer

Submit this (https://microboxhomes.com/#permit-form)form and we’ll do the research for you!

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/unrestricted areas allow shipping container homes. Properties within city limits are usually subject to more regulation.

Question 6

Are permits required?

Accepted Answer

This depends on your state and local governments. 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 7

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 8

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 9

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 10

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 11

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.