8 Important Things in Design a Shipping Container Home

<p>Building a shipping container is fun and exciting. However, it can also be challenging and even frustrating if you do not know how to go about each step. The problems could result from the fact that shipping containers are unique as far as building materials are concerned. But if you were to get everything right, you can find the experience fascinating and rewarding. Luckily, this article offers you a silver lining by addressing the most important things to consider when designing a shipping container home. The information you will learn here is trustworthy because you get it from an experienced <a href="http://www.megeshelters.com/container-space-1" target="_blank">shipping container home manufacturer</a>.</p><p><br></p><p>1.Building Code Restrictions in Your Area</p><p><br></p><p>Most governments have sets of regulations that govern the building of structures. Before you can design a shipping container, you’d want to check the building code restrictions in your locality or state. It would be terrible for you to spend several thousands of dollars on a shipping container home only for authorities to pull it down due to noncompliance with local and state building codes. Different states have different permits and building codes. You can find the information with your local building and planning department in their zoning regulations and building codes. Nevertheless, you can choose to work with a qualified and licensed shipping container home manufacturer that is well conversant with such rules and laws.</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>2.The State of the Container</p><p><br></p><p>It is easy to overlook this factor but it is crucial you know the state of the container you will be using to build your home. Used containers are always located in some port at times too far from your physical location. The convenience of purchasing it online can be overwhelming but that’s a mistake you must avoid at all costs. Inspecting the container to know its state means you need to see it and even stand right inside it. Older containers can have several structural problems such as dents and issues with rust. Single-trip containers could be more costly than the older containers, but their quality and shape are assured to be great.</p><p><br></p><p>3.Desired Container Size</p><p><br></p><p>Shipping containers do not have equal measurements. Traditional models are eight feet tall. The high cube models, on the other hand, add one more foot in the original height. This information is essential depending on the kind of insulation you intend to have on your ceiling or floor. You cannot do heavy ceiling or floor insulation and still have enough room inside a traditional container for a comfortable living. The high cube models are better because the extra foot added on the height can allow you to have heavy insulations without your house being strangely “short.” But you’ll need to pay more as high cube containers are more expensive than the traditional ones.</p><p><br></p><p>4.Site Issues and Insulation</p><p><br></p><p>Shipping containers are designed for shipping, not living. So, if you intend to build a home using one, you must convert to a standard living shelter. Before modifying a container for a home, you must ensure you give it proper insulation not only from the environmental elements but also moisture from entering the container.</p><p><br></p><p>Ask any experienced shipping container home manufacturer, and they will tell you the best material for insulation containers. The most popular insulation is spray foam. It is much thinner than the conventional insulation panels and can provide a barrier to vapor. A greener and more sustainable alternative is sheep wool insulation. Painting the roof green is can also go a long way in ensuring your container home is insulated and eco-friendly. The site where you will build the shipping container home is also essential. Container homes built on the path of strong winds are always noisy. The aerodynamics of shipping containers is reduced due to their rectangular design. The trick here is to place your home behind a windbreak. Alternatively, set it in an area that offers your home protection from high speed, piercing winds.</p><p><br></p><p>5. Safety against Harmful Chemicals</p><p><br></p><p>Shipping containers were initially designed for use on the sea and to haul materials that are at times harmful to humans. Besides, their wooden floors are often treated with heavy pesticides to deter rodents like rats. Similarly, the paint on the containers in most cases contains strong chemicals to protect the containers from the corrosive effects of saltwater that splash from the oceans. To escape the harmful effects of these chemicals, you might as well go for an entirely new container without chemicals or perform some adjustments. Unless you have lots of money, your choice would be to make the modifications. For instance, it might force you to rip off the pesticide-treated flooring and install your own. Insulation by foam can protect you from any chemicals gassing from the interior walls of the container.</p><p><br></p><p>6.Qualification, Experience, and Quality of Work of the Contractor</p><p><br></p><p>Trying to design a shipping container home on your own is a colossal gamble unless you are a qualified expert. You must go for a skilled, licensed and experienced shipping container home manufacturer or contractor. It is not good to deal with two or more sets of contractors. For instance, do not go for one responsible for modifying the unfinished container and the other for designing the interior of the container to be livable space. Instead, go for a single complete contractor that can oversee the entire building process. However, designing homes with shipping containers is a new industry in the United States. It can be challenging to find a tested and reliable shipping container home contractor in your locality. A little bit of research is necessary if you must succeed.</p><p><br></p><p>7.Plumbing and Electrical Installation Requirements</p><p><br></p><p>When designing your shipping container home, ensure you know</p><p><br></p><p>where electrical and plumbing installations will enter and exit. Experienced shipping container home manufacturer will know where to leave the necessary holes for such installations. However, you need to keep vigil so that no mistakes happen. It would be disheartening and expensive for you or the contractor to undo whatever has been made to create holes for plumbing and electrical installations.</p><p><br></p><p>8.Cost of Construction</p><p><br></p><p>The perception that shipping container homes are affordable</p><p><br></p><p>can be erratic. The initial price of the container can be affordable, but the</p><p><br></p><p>costs will go up after you have completed the interior and exterior designs. Be open-minded when designing a shipping container and know that costs could soar depending on what you want to be added or modified to make the container livable. You can keep the cost low in several ways. One such way is to deal with a good but affordable shipping container home manufacturer. Another way is to limit the amount of welding on the container home especially if you desire a big shelter. You can discuss with your contractor the best ways.</p><p><br></p><p>Wrapping It Up</p><p><br></p><p>Designing a shipping container home may not a walk in the path, but if you have the right information, then you can enjoy the experience and the rewards of having a beautiful living space. Considering the things we have discussed is a good step in the right direction. Ensure you comply with the building codes and regulations. Insulation, safety, and quality of work of the contractor you choose to work with are just a few of the critical factors you need to consider.Perhaps the most important consideration is finding the best shipping container home manufacturer. Container homes are a new niche that is growing pretty fast. So, finding skilled and experienced contractor may not be an easy thing. Conduct proper consultations and all will be well.</p>