So, you have decided to go the shipping container way for building your dream home. You have a vision in your mind for converting a shipping container into a home, and you are raring to get started with it already! Now it is just a matter of ringing up the dealer and getting the said shipping container delivered to the site. Right? No, not so fast! Have you considered everything you need to regarding your container house design yet?
Here is a list of 6 things that many shipping container homeowners wish they had known before starting on their project. Take them into account and save yourselves a world of trouble later on.
Inspect Thoroughly Before Starting Shipping Container Conversions
# Containers Come In Different Sizes
What most people do not realize is that not all container sizes are the same. Other than the standard sized ones, there are also high cube and refrigerated containers. High cubes are a foot taller than the standard ones, making them the more desirable albeit more expensive option. Before you put down the deposit, find out what kind your storage container is. Make sure you are buying the right sized container to match your requirements.
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Also, it is a huge risk to buy your container sight unseen, whether it is new, used or one trip. You need to make the time and effort to inspect the container in person before even getting it shipped to you. Used containers especially need to be tested thoroughly for structural integrity.
#Know Your City Laws
Whether you are building storage container or traditional homes, you need to make sure they are compliant with local land use laws. No point in creating your container home, if it violates a bunch of urban planning laws that you never knew about and you end up having to take the whole thing down later. Consult people who have already built container homes and make sure you are not missing anything.
#Freeze The Design
Changing design elements in the middle of a build can add huge cost and time overheads to your storage container house. So, take the time to plan everything in advance and detail and freeze it before starting construction. You simply cannot undo changes to a container like removing a wall or cutting out a window.
Container House Design Should Not Weaken The Structure
#Do Not Alter The Containers Too Much
Yes, container homes are a great way to go. But you cannot customize too much and compromise on the structural integrity of the containers. Cut only if absolutely essential and not a bit more than is required. Otherwise, you are going to spend a lot of money shoring up the house with steel reinforcements. So, the best thing to do is to maintain the original structure as much as possible.
#Get The Insulation Right
There are several options available in the market for insulating storage containers. Choose the best one that fits into your budget. Spray foam insulation is the most popular choice though it is an expensive one. Not only is it light, but it also creates a vapor barrier that stops moisture from seeping in through the walls.
Finding A Good Contractor Is Key For Storage Container Houses
#Scarcity Of Contractors
Since container homes are not quite in the mainstream, you may not get a good, experienced contractor to execute the project for you. So, research on the talents and skillsets available to take a call on that. Otherwise, you can get in touch with dealers like SuperTech in Dubai, UAE, to help you set up your shipping container home for you.
Keep in mind all these considerations even before you order your shipping container and you will end up with the house of your dreams for life!
