Introduction
Fabrication of shipping containers allows for conversion of shipping containers to a wide range of products including shipping container homes, offices, shops, classrooms, ablution blocks, restaurants and storage units among others. This kind of repurposing of shipping containers does not only offer a quick and affordable housing solution but also enhances environmental sustainability. A good example is the construction of Wild Wood Cottages in Naivasha undertaken by Platinum Container Fabricators whose images have been used for this article.
Benefits Shipping Container Airbnb/ Guest Rooms
1. Time
One of the reasons you should consider shipping containers when constructing guest rooms or Airbnb units is the speed at which these units can be constructed. The shipping container Airbnbs in Naivasha took a period of one month to complete and ready for use. This is as opposed to traditional housing which takes longer.
2. Affordable
Another advantage of shipping container accommodation room is the fact that they are relatively cheaper to construct. Used shipping containers are sold at a relatively lower price compared to new containers. In addition, the cost of converting these containers into usable accommodation rooms is also relatively lower.
3. Mobility
Shipping container accommodation units have a unique advantage in the fact that they can be moved from one location to another. This is advantageous for an investor as it means that they can relocate the Airbnb or guest rooms to another location based on market trends or the need to develop land that is currently occupied.
4. Minimal licensing requirements
Unlike traditional housing units, shipping container guest rooms or Airbnbs are considered temporary structures and don’t have complex approval requirements. This makes the process of setting up shipping container accommodation units less complex as compared to traditional brick and mortar houses.
5. Unique guest experience
Shipping container units offers clients a unique experience compared to traditional housing units. Clients that are booking accommodation rooms consider shipping containers a unique experience which they would be willing to spend their money on. Cladding of shipping containers with wood on the exterior helps to give the units a good look and attracts clients to book.
6. Flexibility in customization
Shipping containers allows for flexible customization where an investor can design based on their own unique needs. In addition, several containers can be stacked up hence ensuring efficient utilization of space to get as many rooms as possible.
Size of Shipping Container AirBnBs/Guest Rooms
When building Airbnb or guest rooms using shipping containers, you can choose to use 20FT or 40FT shipping container which offers different dimensions as follows;
20FT Container Airbnb/Guest Rooms
With a 20FT container using, one can two single rooms each measuring 10feetX8feet. Alternatively, a 20FT container can be converted to a self-contained bedsitter or studio house which offers more space and privacy for the Airbnb or guest room.
40FT Container Airbnb/Guest Rooms
A 40FT shipping container unit can be converted to 4 single rooms each measuring 8feetX8feet. Alternatively, the 40FT container can be converted to 2 or 3 self-contained accommodation rooms which are more spacious and private
Cost of Building Shipping Container Airbnb
Shipping container fabrication offers an affordable option for accommodation rooms or Airbnbs compared to traditional brick and mortar houses. The cost of shipping containers converted into guest rooms is as outlined below;
| Product Specification | Price Range (Ksh) |
| 20FT shipping container with 2 single rooms | 500,000-580,000 |
| 20FT Shipping container self-contained bedsitter unit | 630,000-680,000 |
| 40FT Shipping container with 4 single rooms | 1,050,000-1,200,000 |
| 40FT Shipping container with 3 self-contained rooms | 1,200,000-1,400,000 |
| 40FT Shipping container with 2 self-contained rooms & Kitchenettes | 1,250,000-1,400,0000 |
| One-Bedroom House | 900,000-1,300,000 |
| Two-Bedroom House | 1,050,000-1,400,000 |
| Three-Bedroom House | 1,800,000-3,500,000 |
Expected returns from Shipping Container Guest Rooms
The returns expected from investment in shipping container Airbnb or guest rooms depends on factors such as the location and purchasing power of the target customers. For instance, the cost per night in an Airbnb unit can vary between Ksh2,500 and Ksh6,000 depending with the location. This means that with good occupancy rate an investor can be able to break-even within a year. It is important to ensure that the business is well managed with good customer service and adequate marketing to increase awareness.
