For many, the dream of owning a home flew forever out the window when the housing market crashed in 2008. Despite a steady climb in the market since then, many consumers are still worried about increasing interest rates.
You can put this fear to bed by transforming an ordinary shipping container into a livable oasis. You stand to save money, live a simplistic life, and implement unique home elements that inspire you on a daily basis. The only thing standing in your way is actually buying a shipping container and customizing it, which you can accomplish in a competent manner with a little planning.
Find a Reputable Distributor
The first piece of the puzzle requiring your attention is the procurement of a reputable distributor offering high-quality storage containers. Ideally, you need to find a company that sells to both individuals and corporations. These merchants will prove easier to work with, even though they see you as a one-time sale.
Fortunately, in your container search, you don’t have to worry about living too far from a shipping yard or the ocean where marine shipping containers are mostly located. Because they can be shipped across the country, as long as you pay the shipping costs, they can come to you. Your costs go up the farther the container must travel, which is usually via an 18-wheeler truck. You can lower these costs by finding containers as close as possible to your location.
Review the Different Size Options
Since your property consists of a finite amount of space, selecting the right sized container is paramount in your decision making. Upon arrival, it needs to be placed perfectly without violating any building codes or regulations set forth by the governing body in your neighborhood. Container sizes range, but the most common are 20- and 40-foot containers.
If you’re combining multiple container units, you must, of course, measure their combined dimensions to come up with the square footage required. Even if you don’t have a lot of space to fit these containers, you’re not out of options. There are some companies that can customize the shape of your unit so that it conforms to your property perfectly.
If space is a non-factor, consider installing high cube containers. They provide an additional foot in height so that the interior feels large and airy. This design is particularly beneficial for large families who may need the extra room to spread out and store items.
Assess Age and Condition
You may plan on living in one of these containers for the next 5-10 years, in which case you need to choose a unit with a long-lasting design. Purchasing used containers proves a great option for saving money, but make sure you inspect the unit inside and out.
Take your time with this process and assess multiple units so that you gain some form of comparison. If you can, inspect the containers in person. You may not have any experience buying these units, but it doesn’t take an expert to look for signs of physical damage.
If money is not an issue, choose a new unit. They are completely free of toxic chemicals, which are used on containers to protect them from seawater corrosion. You can also save thousands of dollars in repairs and restorations since the unit has never been used or touched. Furthermore, you can take comfort knowing the unit is in good condition without ever seeing it, as long as you purchase from a reputable dealer.
If at any point you’re feeling overwhelmed when looking at shipping containers for sale as a Dallas home, you can always consult with shipping companies directly. They’ll provide insights into their inventory and factors you may be overlooking that can affect your lifestyle for years to come.
Sources
When did the real estate bubble burst?, Investopedia.com
How to Get a Shipping Container, instructables.com
