Tips On Using Shipping Containers For Living

Shipping container homes are growing in popularity especially with the recent increase in awareness for more sustainable, eco-friendly homes. Another reason for the spike in interest for shipping containers as building blocks is due to its simplicity, durability, and its low cost compared to traditional materials.

One could easily be misled to think using shipping containers to make a house is as simple as the container itself. Far from it! Just as there are challenges when building a house using traditional materials, constructing a house with shipping containers has its challenges too.

What better way can you prepare for these difficulties than learning from folks who have walked the path you are planning?  To answer this question, here is some advice from shipping container home owners about what they wish they knew when building their container homes.

Below are the top tips from these home owners.

Make Sure You Visit and Inspect the Containers Before Buying

You don’t want to take delivery of containers that have been weather beaten or are of poor shape.  Don’t take the company’s word that the containers are in good condition.  Your idea of good condition and theirs may vary considerably.  See the containers and take pictures of identifying marks before purchasing.

Stay Up-to Date with Local Regulations and Standards

Staying within local regulations regarding housing constructions and safety rules will save you future headaches.  Building codes vary from place to place. Be sure to find out what they are in your area.  Climate, fire, electrical codes are different, verify that you are in compliance.

Find a Contractor That Can Do It All

If you can locate a contractor that can handle the whole process from start to finish, hire them. You’ll be saving time, money, and be working with a contractor that already knows what you want to be done without having to go through the whole process of explaining with each new contractor.

Don’t Expect a Huge Savings

The cost of building a shipping container home can be similar to a traditionally built house.  It will depend on several factors: location, climate, size, etc.  Good control of the pricing will help with this decision.  Do your homework.

Avoid Welding

As much as you can try to minimize the number of cut-outs you do since this keeps the level of welding to be done on the shipping container to a minimum.  Welding is expensive because of the time it takes.

Insulation is Important

Learning how to insulate your container is critical for your comfort and the finances.  In cold climates, insulation is a must for these large metal boxes.  Improperly installed insulation will result in problems with condensation.  Get expert advice for this step.

Plan For Plumbing

Planning is essential to the success of your building, but it is doubly important to pay closer attention to your plumbing needs.  If you are stacking multiple containers, have all the cutouts in the floors and ceilings done before they are stacked, so running pipes is easy.

As in any endeavor, there will be ups and downs during the building process, but these tips will help you avoid some of the major mistakes made by past home builders.

For more information, contact All States Containers at 704-802-7700.

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