Over the last few years, the trend of using shipping containers for various alternative purposes have truly taken off. Whether it is for residential or commercial purposes, shipping containers offer benefits that cannot be compared to other building materials. They are sustainable and friendly to the environment, affordable, strong against the elements, and easy to build and move. Looking at these qualities, it is really no surprise that shipping containers have the recognition it has now.
If there is one thing shipping container modification has in common with conventional building process it is that one needs experience to ensure a successful outcome. If you are not attentive, there are mistakes and errors that could affect the result of the transformation. Here are some of the most common mistakes in repurposing shipping containers.
Choosing the Wrong Type of Shipping Container
There are many types of shipping containers. They are usually categorized by height. Regular containers are measured at 8 foot 6 inches, whereas high cube containers are at 9 foot 6 inches. Tom Woods, an expert in building a shipping container home, found that most homeowners are not aware of this difference and that is why they purchase the wrong type.
Used vs New
Used shipping containers have the same function as the new ones, except that they have a bit more wear and tear on them. Purchasing used containers without seeing them first may just be the biggest mistake one can make. When buying used products, you need to take into account the amount of changes or repairs needed to make it functional and whether that can work for you. Failure to identify this can leave you disappointed.
Forgetting to Check the Local Regulations
It certainly is not fun when you had just put your all into a project only to be told to take it down because it fails to meet the building code in your area. The local public works building division typically provide information you need. This is one of the first things you need to do after deciding to utilize a shipping container and before you actually buy the item.
The secret to avoiding making all of these mistakes and other errors is by having a sound plan before you purchase custom shipping containers. At the very least, you need to have an idea of the layout and design you want and a location you will live in or operate from.
Sources:
5 Mistakes to Avoid When Building a Shipping Container Home, ContainerHomePlans.org
From Box to Home, HowToBuildAContainerHouse.com
