You’ve probably seen people transform large shipping containers into sustainable, elegant homes. You can get just as creative for your construction company by turning these containers into on-site offices that are cheap to build.
These containers are very transportable, something your company may need if moving is the norm after completing a job. Make sure these offices pan out and are a wise financial decision by taking the following steps before making a purchase.
Be Clear on What You Need
Before sitting down with architects or talking to any shipping container dealers, you need a plan that clearly identifies your company’s needs and wants. What do you want out of a shipping container office? Are you looking for ample storage options to house design plans and contracts? Or does convenience and comfort matter the most for employees and managers who spend all day on a hot construction site?
Security may be another issue that weighs heavily on your mind, especially if you keep valuable possessions on the job site. You may need storage containers with innovative locking mechanisms or wireless security cameras equipped both on the inside and exterior. This way, everyone has added levels of security throughout the day and at night.
Always identify your needs first since the superficial details may be fleeting and not provide the long-term satisfaction you think they would. Once you’ve assessed requirements like size, number of rooms, major appliances, and overall design, you can start thinking about add-on features that enhance comfort for every employee on the job.
Consider Tiny Offices
The most common sizes for shipping containers are 20-feet and 40-feet, which are certainly great choices if you’re not limited on space. But what happens if you don’t have the square footage necessary to support such containers? The answer is simple: tiny offices.
Sure, working out of a tiny shipping container is not for every company, but they work great if you’re just starting out or the offices are simply reserved for management. They afford you the ability to pick up and leave to any state you choose, as long as the shipping container has a transportable design with wheels. Additionally, you won’t need as many materials compared to building a larger office.
Even if your container is smaller than 20-feet, you can create an airy feel on the interior by installing a lot of windows that bring in natural sunlight throughout the day. Simple furniture is the way to go, especially if it can fold up into compartments within walls. As soon as you’re done working, fold up chairs or benches for additional space.
Select the Appropriate Container Foundation
You can prolong the lifespan of your storage container offices by ensuring they have some sort of foundation. This is often the most important part of the entire container, as it prevents lateral movement and increases the stability of the entire structure.
As far as foundation choices go, there are many that are effective and affordable. Wood beam footings are probably the most economic option, as well as the easiest to install. Conversely, concrete slab foundations are the most expensive and largest option you can choose. They are extremely durable, though, and cannot be damaged by pests like vermin and termites.
Designing functional offices out of cargo storage containers that truly suit your construction company’s needs requires a bit of foresight and planning. It also requires design knowledge and access to many different types shipping containers, which are both available from reputable suppliers. They give you access to designers and fabricators, who can turn unorthodox ideas into different versions of sustainable offices and workstations that last.
Sources
5 Types of Home Foundation Systems, angieslist.com
Shipping Container Dimensions, containerhomeplans.org
