Proper Planning for Shipping Container Conversion Homes

Reading about and looking at shipping container homes is one thing; planning and building one is a completely different matter. The shipping container conversion process is much simpler and less costly than a traditional home build, but it is unique. It requires a different level of planning before undertaking the process. The results of a properly planned home bring dividends for years to come, so it’s worth the time and energy to seek out the best advice and the best contractors for the job. These are just a few of the stages involved in planning a container home.

Plans and Permits

Nobody ever really gets to escape this part of the process. From the smallest cabin to the largest home, the planning and permit stage ensures that the local council’s rules and by-laws are upheld. Even if someone is experienced in planning a standard home, it’s best to seek out someone who has experience in the individual needs of a shipping container home.

Purchasing the Correct Container

It’s not as simple to head down the closest ship yard and finding an empty container. This step is about doing homework and spending plenty of time researching the best container. Each has its own history and former life out on the ships and trucks, so it’s worth investigating what the container has been used for in the past. Also, during the planning stage, the home owner will have an idea of the sizes and lengths he requires for the container home.

Planning the Foundation

The great advantage of the container home is that its modifications can be done off site if required. That doesn’t preclude a container home from having a solid foundation upon which the home can be installed after the modifications are complete. A foundation keeps everything in place, which is especially important for this type of structure once it’s in place.

Interior and Exterior Design

This is the exciting part of the project, but it’s crucial to keep in mind that the design should reflect the shipping container frame in which it’s built. Large windows can reduce that feeling of being closed in and dark. The walls should be panelled on the outside to reduce heat absorption on the large metal walls and roof. The open spaces should have good ventilation incorporated into the design.

Expect the Inspection

Just like any other home, a shipping container conversion requires inspections upon completion. It has to comply with all the permits and plans before the process even began. Once again, it’s worth finding an inspector who has a good history working with container homes.

There are good benefits to building a home from a storage container. It certainly has a good value and appeal in its design. There are advantages in the costs, the energy usage, and inherent value it will retain after several years. To take advantage of these benefits, a wise owner will do their homework to cover all the bases of a properly planned and researched container home.