Modular Certified Container Homes & Cabins

Craftspace shipping container homes and cabins are regulated by the State of North Carolina, built in our modular-certified-factory then delivered to your property.

Modular Certification

The design and construction of our shipping container homes and cabins is regulated by the NC Department of Insurance (NCDOI), Office of State Fire Marshal, manufactured building division.

Our container homes are classified as "Modular Homes" and are constructed to the same state and local building codes as a traditional stick-framed, site-built home. The only difference is we use a super-strong steel shell. Modular homes are set on a fixed foundation and qualify for traditional lending methods. These units are classified and taxed as “Real Property”, which will typically appreciate in value, depending on market conditions.

Certification Process

The process of establishing modular certification encompasses three primary components; Quality Assurance Manual, Factory Inspections and Plan Approvals. In North Carolina, the Office of State Fire Marshal works with pre-approved third-party certification companies to serve as the intermediary for inspections and approvals. At Craftspace we work with ICC-NTA as our approved third party review agency.

  • The factory certification process starts with the production of an extensive Quality Assurance Manual which defines clear rules and procedures on how the container modules are built in the factory. This document includes, among other things, Factory floor plan, production methodology, serial numbering/labeling, document control, record keeping, inspection procedures, material storage & conformance, systems testing, energy compliance and more.

  • Once the Quality Assurance Manual is approved, representatives from the third-party inspection agency as well as the Office of State Fire Marshal, visit the factory to conduct an in-person review and inspection of the facility as well as to witness and inspect different stages of construction for the first factory-built module(s). Formal certification will grant authorization to the third party agency to issue state of North Carolina modular construction validating stamps for units manufactured at the certified plant facility. In addition to the Quality Assurance Manual, manufacturers are also required to pay a registration fee to the Manufactured Building Division in order to become an approved modular construction company.

  • The plan approval process involves the creation of construction documents, which are sealed by a North Carolina registered architect or professional engineer. Craftspace container homes are designed to meet the NC Residential Building code. The modular approval process requires that the building plans adhere to a detailed quality control and review checklist that encompasses all traditional building trades such as plumbing, electrical and mechanical systems, as well as foundation details and set-up instructions once the modules are delivered to the project site.