Modern, green architecture has evolved into using alternative methods and structures rarely thought of as suitable living quarters before. Many people are now looking at shipping container conversions as a way of building modern, eco-friendly homes.
Twenty or forty feet long, eight feet wide, and about eight feet high in general, shipping container conversions can be a viable option for creating suitable living quarters. You can now transform these corrugated steel containers that transport goods around the world into wonderful, sustainable, recycled new homes and additions. Here are our top steps for ensuring the best results from your conversion project!
7 Steps for Great Shipping Container Conversions
1. Choose the Right Location
Check with your local zoning department to learn about possible restrictions for shipping container conversions on your property. Building material requirements, setbacks, positioning and lot sizes can all be issues. After reviewing the local zoning code, find a flat lot with a clear access and entry.
2. Consider the Power and Utilities Needed
Many innovative designs for shipping container conversions use solar power, water catchment, or other green methods to provide power and essential utilities to the shipping container, but many other still use more traditional means of accessing power, water, gas and other essential utilities. If you plan to use your local water and sewer systems, obtain the necessary permits and determine that you can connect all of the of the utilities quickly and easily.
3. Plan the Interior Design
Most localities require the submission of blueprints or architectural plans showing the design and schematics of a building. Fortunately, there are engineers and architects who specialise in designing and building alternative structures such as shipping container conversions. Look for local building professionals with a good reputation and choose those who can meet your individual needs for shipping container conversions. Discuss your ideas with them, and then have them draw up plans to decide if their designs can work with your requirements.
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4. Find a Building Contractor
Look for builders or contractors familiar with building homes out of shipping containers. Talk to them to learn how they will cut the windows, doors, vents, and attach exterior additions. Or even better, discuss with us how we can convert your shipping container in our modification workshop, to save you both time and money. This can help you choose a contractor who can meet your needs when it comes to shipping container conversions.
5. Order Builders to Start the Construction
Order the builders to start modifying the shipping container into a home. Ask them to cut out the locations of the windows and doors to prepare the exterior of the container. Have them install the windows, doors, and vents, and locate entry points for wiring and plumbing. Ask them to install the wire in the container and plumbing to prepare for the interior construction. Get them to construct the interior walls and ceilings, and then set the furring strips (wood or metal that goes between the interior wall and the metal walls of the container) against the seams of the sheets. Have them build the interior segments, such as the kitchen and bathrooms.
6. Move the Shipping Container to the Location
Localities can require you to lay a concrete pad on the land before placing shipping container conversions. If so, place a concrete pad on the chosen location before transporting the container. Gateway Container sales can arrange the delivery of your modified shipping container from our workshop to your building site to ensure that transportation is hassle free.
7. Inspect the Shipping Container
Inspect the shipping container for damage. Look for loose welds and seams, fractures, dents, holes on separation joints and corners. If any are present, have it repaired before continuing with the construction.
Are you considering using shipping container conversions to create and eye-catching, alternative home? If so contact our team of experts at Gateway Containers Sales & Hire. We will provide you with all the services you need for a trouble free shipping container conversion into your dream home or building.
