DwellBox FAQ

Please take a moment to read the DwellBox FAQ to the most commonly asked questions before contacting us with your specific questions.

Q: What is an ISBU?

An ISBU is the industry term for a shipping container modified for construction uses. It stands for Inter-Modal Steel Building Unit.

Q: What sizes do ISBU's come in? 

Standard shipping container sizes are 20' and 40' in the U.S. Standard width is 8' and the standard height is 8'6". 40' containers are available in a 9’6” height as well. These are referred to as "High Cubes". DwellBox can modify any standard ISBU to meet your custom building size requirements.

Q: Why build with an ISBU?

ISBU’s are easily adaptable, easily meet or exceed International Building Codes once engineered, offer a rapid construction pace, are made from 14 gauge non-corrosive Corten steel, are highly fire, earthquake, tornado, and hurricane resistant, are extremely secure, significantly reduce the use of lumber, are easy to insulate, and can be economically sided with a wide array of finishes (vinyl, wood, brick, stucco, etc.)

Q: How long does it take to build using an ISBU?

All projects are different, but with an ISBU already having its sub floors, walls, and a roof already “dried in”, ISBU construction projects are ahead of other construction projects from the onset. The use of ISBU’s allows for several steps of the traditional linear construction process to take place simultaneously thereby reducing completion time dramatically. It is not unreasonable to have an average sized home fully completed in less than 90 days.

Q: How plentiful or easy is it to get ISBU's and where do they come from?

ISBU are found in every port town or city around the globe. ISBU's are the standard for all international sea shipping since 1953. All imports and exports are shipped around the world using ISBU's. At any given time there can be between 250,000 and 700,000 empty and ready for use in and around our nations ports and shipping depots.

Q: How much do ISBU's cost?

ISBU prices can vary quite a bit. Once a container is put into use by the shipping industry, it will be graded almost continuously as various loads are transported, and the container is reloaded. Once a container is no longer cargo worthy it is cycled out of the “fleet” and essentially recycled. Until that point a container’s cost is relative to its grade. The cost of the container can range from  approximately $1000 for a well used unit to upwards of $7000.00 for a new container. Again, this all depends upon the age, quality and structural integrity of the ISBU. The minimum grade used by DwellBox for construction is WWT or, “Wind and Watertight”.

Q: Does my home have to look like a steel box?

We at DwellBox like the contemporary, modern look of the vertical corrugations and find the metal siding attractive. We also recognize that to utilize this existing asset is the most eco-friendly and cost effective way to treat the exterior of an ISBU structure. We understand, however, that every project will have its own aesthetic requirements and we can easily and gladly accommodate. Siding can be stucco, vinyl, wood, log, or even brick. Design elements can be incorporated to provide a combination of looks/features or, if desired, to completely remove any sign of the underlying ISBUs.

Q: How are towns, cities, and municipalities treating the use of ISBU's in residential and commercial construction applications?

Many towns, cities and or municipalities have never been approached or reviewed any ISBU construction plans. Therefore, DwellBox believes it is best to start the process correctly and have engineered and designed plans that can help educate and enlist the local town and city building departments. We believe it is critical to be fully prepared with detailed engineering and strict adherence to any local appearance standards. It is in this first phase that the relationships between owner/builder and inspection officials are forged. First impressions are critical, but once these elements have been addressed it becomes much easier to gain acceptance and understanding that ISBU building systems offer a very legitimate, attractive, green, and quite affordable housing alternative.

Q: Do ISBU housing structures meet the local building codes?

DwellBox was the first permitted residential container dwelling in NC and we met and exceeded all local building codes in Boone, NC. The team that we have assembled made this all possible. Without knowledgeable facilitation, the building inspectors, Dept. of Insurance, Planning Dept. etc., would have been unable and/or unwilling to make interpretations of building code and most likely would not have been able to approve of our plans. The process of meeting local code is of utmost importance, and DwellBox is well versed in this process.

Q: What about the rust and corrosion? Won't a metal building rust easily?

A container is made from non-corrosive Corten steel. A new container has no rust whatsoever, and is treated to last for many years with no rust. With proper maintenance rust can be kept at bay indefinitely. Several products exist on the market that can stabilize any existing surface rust that might be present with a used container. Once treated, the rust is prevented from spreading, and is not visible.

Q: What is the best way to insulate an ISBU?

Polyurethane foams are possibly the best choice for insulation of an ISBU. While not the least expensive method, the application works extremely well with the challenges associated with humidity and temperature control. A ceramic insulative paint is proving to be extremely effective for UV resistance, and for providing thermal break. Other insulation choices include most any traditional insulating products. Budget, climate, and design elements will all play roles in what insulation choice will work best for your project.

Q: What green building choices does one have when building with an ISBU?

Being renewable from the start helps make this the perfect green product project. Depending upon ones needs, there are so many features that one could use green building choices. Solar panels and wind mills are common and easy to install.

Q: What are the potential uses for an ISBU?

Dream it up and we will make it. Here are a few of potential uses; storage/shed units, workshops, hunting cabins, art studios, car washes, snack shops, tree houses, garages, offices, personnel  outposts, bathrooms, disaster relief, temporary housing, hotels, dormitories, housing(single and multi-family), commercial, and mixed use buildings.

Q: How small or large of a home/building can I build using ISBU's?

The smallest container is the 20' and the interior dimension in that box is 160 sq ft. There really is no physical limit to the size or shape of a structure built with ISBU’s.

Q: How do bankers, appraisers and underwriters feel about ISBU homes or buildings?

Bankers and Appraisers have visited DwellBox and had wonderful things to say. Loans look to be easier to obtain through the smaller and regional banks that have a better understanding of the current local real estate markets. As long as the process of construction adheres to all underwriting standards, any DwellBox project will be considered real property and should appraise as such. Since appraisals are based on comparables, this is currently  the biggest challenge for underwriters and bankers. They need to feel comfortable with the fact that an ISBU structure does not only compare in value to other ISBU structures, ( of which there are few ) but with any other comparable. This is the required path to obtaining a loan to buy or construct any ISBU structure.

Q: Will I need an Engineer to help with my construction plans?

DwellBox used an engineer to make sure that the local building inspector and codes were satisfied with this new form of construction. If you intend to build a legal, permitted structure, then yes, you will need engineering.

Q: Can I do this myself?

DwellBox suggest that you look long and hard at your past experience before undertaking this project on by oneself. It may seem simple and quick to do, but without professional help you will find it a very daunting task. There are many aspects to an ISBU construction project that may seem easy, but it is the unknowns that will give you headaches and cost you time and MONEY! We at DwellBox can provide as little or as much help as one would like. We do strongly suggest that if you are considering an ISBU build, that you engage us to develop a set of engineered, working plans with you.