Building with shipping containers has fast become a popular way to create residential and commercial spaces. Not only are containers trendy, but they are readily available and environmentally friendly. Although most shipping container structures look simple, a lot of work goes into building one that is fit to live or work in.
Planning
Before all else, determine if you are allowed to build using shipping containers in the desired location. Attain information from the city's building and planning department to learn about any restrictions in regards to building using shipping containers in your area. If permitted to build using containers you can start by sourcing them from local shipping companies.
Design
Create a floor plan to determine how many shipping containers are needed for a space that best suits your needs. How many bathrooms are needed? You might want to plan for an open kitchen or install a skylight. One point to keep in mind is that the dimensions of standard shipping container are 8"²x20"² or 8"²x40"² and multiples of these.
Consultation
A structural engineer can help if you plan to remove walls or adding other parts to the shipping container, which can be connected using bolts, specialized clamps, or welding. The structural engineer can advise on structural reinforcements to keep the structure safe if any changes are made to the container, especially if making large or complex modifications. Consult with a foundation engineer who can design a foundation with concrete with embedded steel plates or wooden supports.
Placement
Once the foundation is in place a fork lift that can handle to wait of the containers or a crane may be used to place the containers. However, it's important that the interior of the containers are properly cleaned before use as they are usually treated with pesticides. Likewise, you probably don't know what was being shipped in the containers. Once your containers are clean and in place, you can continue to make adjustments.
Final steps
Large gaps between the containers due to the removal of interior walls that need to be sealed from the elements. This is usually done by welding steel strips or using a backer rod, spray foam, or caulk. After sealing, the next steps are framing, sheathing and weather proofing. When those are completed, you may choose the kind of doors and windows for the structure. Take the climate into consideration when choosing doors and windows. Moreover, installing a subfloor, such as poured concrete flooring, is optional. Once the inside of the container is framed, and the doors, windows and flooring are in place, an electrician can help with wiring the structure for electricity. Finally, choose the right insulation, whether its batts, blankets, or foam spray, is important to keep the interior at the right temperature for your location.
What are some challenges to building with shipping containers?
Converting Shipping Containers for Building
Building with shipping containers has fast become a popular way to create residential and commercial spaces. Not only are containers trendy, but they are readily available and environmentally friendly. Although most shipping container structures look simple, a lot of work goes into building one that is fit to live or work in.
Planning
Before all else, determine if you are allowed to build using shipping containers in the desired location. Attain information from the city's building and planning department to learn about any restrictions in regards to building using shipping containers in your area. If permitted to build using containers you can start by sourcing them from local shipping companies.
Design
Create a floor plan to determine how many shipping containers are needed for a space that best suits your needs. How many bathrooms are needed? You might want to plan for an open kitchen or install a skylight. One point to keep in mind is that the dimensions of standard shipping container are 8"²x20"² or 8"²x40"² and multiples of these.
Consultation
A structural engineer can help if you plan to remove walls or adding other parts to the shipping container, which can be connected using bolts, specialized clamps, or welding. The structural engineer can advise on structural reinforcements to keep the structure safe if any changes are made to the container, especially if making large or complex modifications. Consult with a foundation engineer who can design a foundation with concrete with embedded steel plates or wooden supports.
Placement
Once the foundation is in place a fork lift that can handle to wait of the containers or a crane may be used to place the containers. However, it's important that the interior of the containers are properly cleaned before use as they are usually treated with pesticides. Likewise, you probably don't know what was being shipped in the containers. Once your containers are clean and in place, you can continue to make adjustments.
Final steps
Large gaps between the containers due to the removal of interior walls that need to be sealed from the elements. This is usually done by welding steel strips or using a backer rod, spray foam, or caulk. After sealing, the next steps are framing, sheathing and weather proofing. When those are completed, you may choose the kind of doors and windows for the structure. Take the climate into consideration when choosing doors and windows. Moreover, installing a subfloor, such as poured concrete flooring, is optional. Once the inside of the container is framed, and the doors, windows and flooring are in place, an electrician can help with wiring the structure for electricity. Finally, choose the right insulation, whether its batts, blankets, or foam spray, is important to keep the interior at the right temperature for your location.
What are some challenges to building with shipping containers?
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