Turning refurbished shipping containers into a home is a great, new way to make our world a better place. Not only are shipping container homes earth-friendly, but they’re becoming extremely popular all over the world because they’re economic as well. So for the people that are interested or curious about building a home out of shipping containers, this article is for you!
When building a home from one or more shipping containers, there are many important details you should take into consideration just like you would when building a normal house. Here are the top 5 must know tips for building a shipping container home…
1) See the Actual Shipping Container
Before you go out and buy the shipping container you want to build your house out of, make sure you physically see it first. This is going to be your house, so you have to make sure it’s up to your standards. Some containers that you see online may not be the same ones you get upon delivery.
Online shopping for shipping containers is not like online shopping for new clothes. Make sure you understand what kind of material the container is made out of (steel or aluminum) and the different sizes it comes in.
Also, often times used shipping containers might have some rust, dents or dings. It’s important to physically see what these inconsistencies may be, so you know how much reconditioning needs to be done to your container. Does rust need to be removed? Does the shipping container need a new paint job? You really never know unless you physically inspect it before you buy it.
2) Check Out Building Regulations
Building a home out of shipping containers is completely different than building a normal house. That’s why there are rules and regulations. Every county and many cities have different sets of rules and regulations when building a shipping container home. The actual shipping container itself has all the same parts and are made the same; but the regulations on when they are built to be a house are different in other countries.
The climate regulations, fire regulations, installations regulation, etc. are all different. Also you need a building permit for larger homes that requires council consent. So make sure you research everything you need to know legally when building your container home. Oh, and don’t forget to check in with your insurance to make sure you can even build your container home…they’re always fun to deal with! So make sure you research everything you need to know legally when building your container home.
3) New Or Used Shipping Container
There are two types of shipping containers you can buy, new or used. New containers are also called a one-way trip container. This means that these containers have been on a cargo ship one time; from the actual place the container was built (the manufacturer) to the suppliers (the people you are buying the container from).
The climate regulations, fire regulations, installations regulation, etc. are all different. Also you need a building permit for larger homes that requires council consent. So make sure you research everything you need to know legally when building your container home. Oh, and don’t forget to check in with your insurance to make sure you can even build your container home…they’re always fun to deal with! So make sure you research everything you need to know legally when building your container home.
3) New Or Used Shipping Container
There are two types of shipping containers you can buy, new or used. New containers are also called a one-way trip container. This means that these containers have been on a cargo ship one time; from the actual place the container was built (the manufacturer) to the suppliers (the people you are buying the container from).
If you do choose to purchase a used container, make sure you know what the container was used for when it was in service. Different ocean trade routes and the length of those journeys can take a toll on the shipping container, but that’s what refurbishing is made for. It spruces up the containers, taking years off of its age and appearance! Such maintenance may include: cleaning, painting, banging out any dents, and maybe even replacing container floors or repairing holes that occurred while the unit was in service. Refurbishing shipping containers with fresh paint and getting new container floors will definitely add more years to your storage equipment.
4) Find A Contractor That Has Built A Shipping Container Home Before
Shipping container homes are somewhat new and are just becoming popular. So if you want to build a container home, you wantit done right! Don’t be the the guinea pig for new contractors in the shipping container world. Find a contractor that can do it all since you will already be under stress on making sure your home is being built the way you want it to be. Because of this, you want to fully trust that your contractor knows what they are doing. Especially since building a shipping container home is fairly new.
Installation is a big deal! Take in consideration the climate and area where you plan to build your home. To deal with the sun you can double ventilate the roof or put pallets on the external walls. If you live in an area with high wind, you may have a problem with the sounds high winds will make inside the shipping container. So make sure you and your contractor have a strategy to deal with the wind. Always paint with the strongest paint to protect you container against rain and other storms. And if you really want to go green, put solar panels on the roof for electric and heated water.
5.) Types Of Floors
Floors are a big decision when you decide to build your container home. I mean shoot… you walk on them everyday! You have to make sure that you pick the right type. If your container house has different rooms, you can have a couple different types of flooring.
There are many different types and styles you can choose from. If you are an indecisive person and like to change up things, then you may want to choose a floor type that you can replace easily. Such floor types can be carpet tiles. Carpet not only feel good on your feet, but they also offer protection for the actual floor of the shipping container. Carpet tiles can also be easily cleaned and if damaged. You can simply replace the individual tile rather than the entire floor of the shipping container.
Or you can choose a flooring type that is strong, durable, and long lasting so you don’t have to worry about changing or replacing the floors. Bamboo is an example of this floor style that has recently become popular. Bamboo can be customized with styles and colors to fit your unique style.With its environmental benefits and modern look, bamboo container flooring has became a top choice with deciding on flooring types. Other flooring types that are also popular are plywood flooring, linoleum tiles, vinyl, or varnish wood. All these flooring options are a good choice, but the right choice for you needs is up to you!
