Shipping container homes are legal in Minnesota as long as the building complies with the Minnesota Rules Chapter 1360 and is designed and constructed in accordance with the Minnesota Residential Code.
While shipping container homes are making waves all over the world, Minnesota is not left behind. Minnesota is one of the states that allow the use of shipping containers as home and that is because of how cheap and easier it is to own a shipping container home than the traditional block/brick house we all know.
There are a lot of advantages that come with owning a shipping container home. The first being the fact that it is cheap. It is that cheapness that makes it better.
Why wait for another 20 years to save more than $180,000 to build a brick house when you can build a standard shipping container home with $80,000 or less?
Are Shipping Container Homes Legal in Minnesota?
Shipping container homes are legal in Minnesota and are allowed by the Minnesota government.
There is no single law in Minnesota that stops people from building shipping container homes, rather, the laws are there to ensure that anyone who wishes to build a shipping container home in Minnesota builds one that is suitable for human habitation.
There are numerous reasons why the Minnesota government had to legalize the use of shipping containers as homes. One of these reasons is how cheap shipping container homes are. As reiterated earlier, it is cheaper to build a container home than a brick house.
Therefore, why would any government prohibit an innovation that can enable people to own a home of their own and save them the stress of paying huge rents?
The fact that technology has advanced to enable humans to build a home out of containers that can actually be lived in is enough to make any state government legalize such innovation.
We all know how hot shipping containers can be. If humans can be able to make a home out of it and actually live comfortably in it, then, it is worth legalizing. Therefore, shipping container homes are legal in Minnesota.
Does Minnesota Allow Shipping Container Homes?
Shipping container homes are allowed in Minnesota by the Minnesota government but you must ensure that all Minnesota building codes are followed and inspections are performed by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry.
Can I Build a Shipping Container Home in Minnesota?
Yes, you can build a shipping container home in Minnesota as long as you obtain a building or planning permit, and follow all the Minnesota building codes when building the home.
If shipping container homes are legal in Minnesota, it means that anyone can build a shipping container home in Minnesota. The only thing you need to do is to find out the procedures required and follow them.
Just like building a brick house has procedures that are to be followed, shipping container homes equally has their own procedures. All you have to do is to figure out the procedures and follow them.
However, there are several ways to figure out the procedures needed to build a shipping container home in Minnesota. One of those ways is by contacting the Minnesota Building Department. They are in the best position to tell you what you need to do and how to do it.
You can also contact any engineer in Minnesota who has been in the system for quite a long now to give you expert advice on the procedures needed to build a standard shipping container home in Minnesota.
The last set of people that can tell you what you need to know about building a shipping container home in Minnesota is shipping container home builders.
Shipping container home builders in Minnesota who have constructed and completed shipping container homes in Minnesota can tell you everything you need to know.
Remember that the reason why these procedures are important and the reason why it is important for you to know and follow them accordingly is to avoid building a house an inspector will mark not suitable for human habitation. Trust me, all the efforts will be in vain.
Who Builds Shipping Container Homes in Minnesota?
Shipping container home builders in Minnesota and other private engineers that construct custom homes are the ones in charge of building shipping container homes in Minnesota.
If you are thinking of building a shipping container home in Minnesota and you are wondering about who to build the house for you, we have assembled some reputable shipping container home builders in Minnesota that can handle the project for you.
However, it is important to note that before you give your house to any builder to build, ensure to make more research about that company to be sure they are still in existence. If possible registered.
If it is possible, since the company is located in Minnesota, I will suggest you wish the company’s office address or workshop to be sure they have a physical address, not just an online thing. This is to avoid being scammed.
Do You Need a Permit to Build a Shipping Container Home in Minnesota?
Yes, you need a planning permit to build a shipping container home in Minnesota. You also need to obtain an electrical permit and plumbing permit before while building the shipping container home in Minnesota.
To obtain the permit, you may be asked to submit the plan of the container home you wish to build. After the plan is reviewed, if the building authorities in charge of granting the permits find the house suitable with all building codes followed, the permit will be issued to you.
Peradventure the permit was not granted, the reason behind the refusal will be communicated with you and you are expected to make some adjustments and submit the plan back for approval. Once everything falls into place, the permit will be granted to you.
However, it is important to note that obtaining a permit to build a shipping container home can sometimes takes up to four months, that is why you are advised to meet a reputable shipping container home builder in Minnesota and hand them over the construction work.
The fact that they are builders means they are already aware of what is needed to obtain a shipping container home in Minnesota, so they will do that without any mistakes which will help fasten a stamped permit. Unlike when you are doing it individually.
Meanwhile, it is totally OK if you wish to get the permit by yourself. It can take a longer period but it is worth the wait. And, if you wish to build a shipping container home without the use of builders, you can read the complete guide on how to build a shipping container home here.
How Much Does it Cost to Build a Shipping Container Home in Minnesota?
It will cost between $25,000 to $80,00 to build a standard shipping container home in Minnesota and will cost more if you wish to build a more luxurious shipping container home in Minnesota.
Final Thoughts
Shipping container homes are legal in Minnesota and have been approved by the Minnesota government. You can however build a shipping container home in Minnesota as long as you follow all the Minnesota building codes and zoning laws.
