Shipping container homes have recently become more popular, attracting a more mainstream audience than before. Similar to a tiny home, it’s cost-effective and has the ability to move locations, unlike a traditional home. Not to mention they are very customizable and can look however you want them to. To save even more money, you can consider looking at used shipping containers. If you’re unfamiliar with the shipping container homes world, there are a few details you should look out for when purchasing shipping containers.
See the Container
With anything in life, whether it be buying a car or computer, you want to see what you’re buying before spending the money. The same goes for when you are looking to purchase any potential shipping container homes. An estimation of 97% of the world’s shipping containers are made in China, so it may not be possible to see the container you wish to purchase. If it’s not possible to see the storage containers for sale, then ask the seller for detailed pictures of the shipping container. You want to look for any rusting issues, dents that could cause water issues or any type of structural issue. If your goal is to create a shipping container house, you want to make sure that your container is strong.
Size
Shipping containers come in a variety of sizes, so it’s important to know which size is best suited for your needs. A 20-foot shipping container is the most versatile and popular option, so it might be best to start there. However, if you’re looking for a little bit more space, a 40-foot storage container would be a fine option.
Building Code Restrictions
Depending on where you live, different states have contrasting building codes. These codes could impact your work on your storage container home, so you want to make sure you’re informed on the matter. Being aware of any regulations or ordinances regarding shipping container homes is important to know before you invest in a shipping container.
Insulation
A steel shipping container will be ridiculously hot in the summer, and unpleasantly cold in the winter. Insulation will be your key to stopping this from happening, so having a plan for insulation in your shipping container is very important. The walls and the roof of shipping container homes need to be heavily insulated, as this will prevent outside weather from coming into your home.
Get Rid of Any Harmful Chemicals
Storage containers are meant to transport various objects overseas, so they tend to have pesticides and chemicals within them. There are pesticides in the wood flooring, designed to deter any rats or other rodents from eating through the wood floors. The walls as well have chemicals in them to protect the walls from the salt water as they are transported. You can rid the storage container of these by insulating the walls and replacing the wood flooring. This will make the shipping container homes safe for you to reside in.
Plan Ahead for Electrical and Plumbing
Planning ahead of time and having an idea of where you’re putting the plumbing and electrical lines in your shipping container home. By planning ahead, you will be able to map out the rest of your home and won’t have to make any last-minute adjustments that could be costly.
There are plenty of great reasons to buy your own storage container home, and it’s nice to try something new. Shipping container homes give you the chance to fully customize and create your home and making sure you know everything beforehand will make that process less stressful for you.
