Nowadays, people are more inclined to become more environmentally friendly. Like sustainable fashion, people have found the means to go green as they build their homes. Several shipping containers were not put to use. And their size is just perfect to be your next lovely abode. So, the mission is to build a shipping container home.

However, there are some things to remember before making your own shipping container home.

Inspect First Before Buying

You don’t purchase a secondhand car without making an inspection and trying it for a test drive. The same goes for buying a used shipping container. You have to check and see if the shipping container is suitable enough to be called your home.

If you cannot “walk through” the container as it is still away from you, you can ask the seller to send you detailed pictures and give you a complete description of the container. You need to see if the container has dents or issues with rust. These things will need some consideration as they may affect the quality of your home.

Get Acquainted With Your Building Code Restrictions

Before spending thousands of dollars on building a shipping container home, you must be aware of the building code restrictions that you need to adhere to. Remember to check with your local building department before you invest in a shipping container home.

Have a Plan for Insulation

An unfinished shipping container will be freezing cold during the winter and hot in the summer if you don’t get some insulation. So, designing your container home will require you to make an insulation plan. Look for a reliable contractor to give you some ideas about insulation. 

As you devise your insulation plan, you have to insulate the roof and even the walls. An interior stud wall requires blanket-style insulation. Foam insulation, on the other hand, is sprayed directly onto the wall.

Look for A Complete Contractor

Stop dealing with different contractors for various aspects of doing interior finishing works and the modification of the shipping container. It would be better to find a contractor that does all the process.

However, looking for a contractor may be a bit challenging since shipping container construction is entirely new in the industry. The good news is, there are container home manufacturers that you can run to if you need help.

Distinguish the Different Kinds of Containers Available

When you buy shipping containers, you need to know that they are not all the same. Traditional shipping containers are usually around 8 ft tall. High cube containers, however, have an additional 1 foot in their height. 

The prices of shipping containers vary. So, to avoid paying unnecessary costs, know what you want to use for your home. 

Don’t Cut Your Containers to Pieces

Shipping containers possess tensile strength since they are made from solid steel. Since you want to redesign your home, you will need to do some restructuring. You will have to cut some holes to add an extra door or window. 

However, creating more holes in your shipping container may destroy its structural integrity. And this may make your container home less durable than what you expect it should be. You will have to use a steel beam reinforcement to keep the shipping container firm and robust. If you cut the container more, you will need more reinforcement. Thus, increasing the costs of building a container home.

Stay Protected from Harmful Chemicals

Using shipping containers for your home requires you to remember that these containers have been designed to fit well for saltwater. Thus, there are heavy pesticides in the wood flooring used to prevent rodents and rats to avoid eating the floor. 

These shipping containers have chemicals that protect them from saltwater. Make sure that these harmful chemicals are not present in your container home.

If you choose to make adjustments, rip the pesticide-infested wood floor and install your own flooring.

Acquire A Plan for Electrical and Plumbing

Making designs for your shipping container home needs you to navigate where electrical and plumbing lines should enter. Make sure your contractor has cut holes for electrical and plumbing lines before you decide to finish the interior.

By acquiring a plan for plumbing and electrical lines, you are less likely to experience problems with your utilities.

Conclusion

If you are thinking of sustainable homes, a shipping container is an excellent material for your humble abode. Shipping container homes are considered an excellent way to adopt a minimalist residence for you and your family.

Author: Chris Young