Shipping container homes are gradually becoming a dream for many who vowed to make it a reality. But sometimes, someone’s location may hinder that dream from coming into reality.
For example, if someone in a particular state wants to build a shipping container home and the state refuses him to do so, is either the person obeys the state law or move to another state where it is possible to build a home out of a shipping container.
However, the question is, are shipping container homes legal in NJ?
Shipping container homes are legal in New Jersey and are allowed by the New Jersey government. However, some local ordinances in New Jersey prohibit the use of shipping containers as homes. Therefore, before constructing a shipping container home in NJ, ensure to inquire from your local authority to avoid building a container home where it is prohibited.
While many states allow the use of shipping containers as home, many municipals are yet to give in to that idea because of one reason or the other. Whatever the reason may be, it is better to follow them as going against them may lead to serious consequences.
Are Shipping Container Homes Legal in NJ?
Yes, shipping container homes are legal in New Jersey and is approved by the state government. However, it is not illegal to construct a house using shipping containers in New Jersey.
You only have to make sure you follow the NJ rules and regulations concerning shipping container homes. Follow the procedure that is supposed to and you are good to go.
NJ Laws on Shipping Container Homes
- NJ laws on shipping container homes have it that anyone wishing to build a shipping container home must obtain a permit from the state building department before commencing the building and must ensure the container home is suitable for both human and animal inhabitations.
- NJ laws on shipping container homes do not permit you to build a death trap in the name of shipping container homes. For more information about the NJ laws on shipping container homes, contact the state building department or any shipping container home builders in NJ.
Can You Build a Shipping Container Home in New Jersey?
You can build a shipping container home in New Jersey as long as the local ordinances allow you to do so. If the local ordinance in New Jersey does not allow you to build a home from shipping containers, you should not do so.
The problem here is not the state government. As reiterated earlier, just like other 50 states in the United States, the NJ state government is among those states that have given way to the use of shipping containers as home but the major problem here comes from some local ordinances.
While some local ordinances in New Jersey may allow you to build a shipping container home, others may not. So, the best thing to do is to inquire from your local building department if you can actually build a shipping container home in your location.
However, the reason why some local ordinances prohibit the use of shipping containers as a home is because of how it looks. Most shipping container homes end up looking like shipping containers. You can’t help but notice that this is a shipping container home just by the looks of it.
Also, since most shipping container homes look exactly like shipping containers, these local authorities think it will is ugly hence the prohibition.
For example, you may not be allowed to build a shipping container home in a location that is full of skyscraper homes. It may look odd and different from the rest of the houses. Therefore, the local authority may not allow you to do so.
Be that as it may, the best way to find out is by making an inquiry. You can contact any shipping container home builder in New Jersey to inquire. You can also inquire from New Jersey Building Department or from your local authorities. Do not start building the house until you are certified to do so by the appropriate authorities.
Do You Need a Permit to Build a Shipping Container Home in New Jersey?
You need to obtain a permit to build a shipping container home in New Jersey and before completing the building, you may be required to obtain an electrical and plumbing permit.
To obtain a permit to build a shipping container home in NJ, you may be required to submit a building plan to the New Jersey Building Department or other appropriate authorities for approval.
They will look into the plan and if it is OK, the permit will be granted but if there is something that needs to be corrected on the plan, the permit will not be granted until the correction is made.
However, the method of obtaining a permit for shipping container homes in New Jersey may very. So, you need to contact the building department and let them tell you what to do.
But if you ask me, I will suggest you meet a reputable shipping container home builder in New Jersey and have them, guild, you on the process. As a shipping container home builder situated in NJ, they already know what to do and how to do it. Since getting a permit usually takes months to complete, using container home builders may fasten the process.
How Much Does it Cost to Build a Shipping Container Home in New Jersey?
It may cost between $40,000 to $80,000 to build and furnish a standard shipping container home in New Jersey and will cost more if you wish to build a more luxurious shipping container home in NJ.
Final Thoughts
Building a shipping container home is a dream that should come to reality especially now that shipping container homes are legal in New Jersey. All you have to do is to ensure that the local ordinances do not prohibit the use of shipping containers as homes in the location where you wish to build the container home.
Also, contact a reputable shipping container home builder in New Jersey and let them help you with the construction process. If you wish to do the construction process on your own, you can read a complete guide on how to build a shipping container home here.
