At least 85% of homebuyers in 2020 want ample garage space. They want a place to not only keep their vehicles, but to also store their gardening supplies, lawnmower, and sporting equipment.
Many people also want workshop space in the garage for woodworking, crafting, or working on home improvement projects.
The trouble is, a basic one-stall garage doesn’t offer enough room for a workspace. What’s a space-deprived homeowner to do? Enter the shipping container workshop. Read on to learn how to convert a storage container into a workshop, so you can add usable space to your home without breaking the bank.
Get a Building Permit
Before you start building your container workshop, check with your local municipality to see if you need a permit. The permit process can take weeks or sometime months, so it’s wise to start the process early.
You’ll also need to check the local building codes. This will tell you the maximum dimensions for your workshop and where you can put it on your property. Not getting a permit and ignoring building codes can cost you a lot of money down the road, so play by the rules and your future self will thank you.
Choose the Right Container Size
Most shipping container dimensions are 8 feet tall and 20 or 40 feet long. You can also find high cubes which are 9.5 feet tall. Containers also come in different lengths, but 20 and 40 feet are the most common.
To choose the right size, think about your workshop needs. Do you need tall ceilings to work on large oil paintings? Do you need a long workshop to accommodate your woodworking materials? Think about your workshop needs before you settle on a container size. Also remember that you can modify or combine several containers to suit your needs.
Install Windows, Electricity, and Insulation
Once you have your container, you can install windows and doors, wire for electricity, and put in insulation.
As you’re designing your workshop, think about how you plan to use the space. For example, if you’re going to run a lot of power tools at once, you’ll need to set aside more money for your electrical installation costs. If you live in a cold climate, you’ll need to invest in higher quality windows and a heating system.
Add a Workbench and Shelves
Once you’ve built-out the initial space, you can start designing your internal workspace and add some organization. While it’s important to have plenty of table and counter space to work, you will also need enough room to walk around.
You can also install shelves, cabinets, seating, and window blinds. All that’s left is to add your tools and supplies and enjoy your brand new workspace. You’ll have your own dedicated space to work and do your hobbies.
Start Your Shipping Container Workshop Today
A shipping container workshop is a great way to add usable workspace to your home. Plus, it costs a fraction of the price of brand new construction.
Whether you’re looking for new or used shipping containers, we can help. At EMS, we also offer custom shipping container modification services so we can handle the workshop conversion for you.
Contact us today to learn more or visit our Houston or Dallas locations.
