Do you want to build a container home? Then you should read these useful tips. They will help your construction project go smoothly.
1. Pick the Right Container
You shouldn’t use just any old shipping container for your home construction. Go to a website where all types of shipping containers are available. You’ll want to pick a container that’s the right size and shape for your housing needs. You’ll also want to pick a container that’s new — not one that’s been in use for years.
Why is that? There are a few problems that come with choosing a used container for home construction. First, it will reduce the overall lifespan of your structure. If your container has been used for a decade, it will have accumulated wear and tear. It won’t be a suitable housing structure for very long. Second, a used container will require a lot more preparation before you can begin construction. You will have to tackle rust patches and make repairs before you can even build with it. It’s not worth it.
Once you’ve chosen the right one and made your purchase, that shipping container can be delivered and offloaded on your property. Then, you can start your next steps in the construction.
Also Read: 10 Amazing Cargo Trailer Camper Conversion Ideas 2022
2. Set a Good Foundation
A concrete foundation will provide a protective layer between the bottom of the shipping container and the soil beneath. This layer can prevent groundwater from coming into contact with the bottom of the container. At the very least, this should minimize rusting on the exterior walls.
A good foundation can also keep the container home stable and level. Without that foundation, the container could shift over time. This could lead to a whole host of problems, like an uneven floor, slanted walls, and sticking doors.
3. Add More Stability
Of course, you’re planning on installing windows and doors to your shipping container. To do this, you’ll have to cut out portions of the walls. This presents an interesting problem. The more openings that you intend to cut out of the container, the more you will affect its structural integrity.
Why? Shipping container walls are made of corrugated steel. The corrugation makes for better weight distribution, so the walls can handle heavier loads without bending or bowing. When you remove portions of the corrugated steel, that capability is diminished. It won’t be as strong.
This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t plan for any openings! It simply means that you should add structural reinforcements during the construction to keep your building strong and stable.
4. Prioritize Insulation
Shipping containers don’t come with built-in insulation. Those walls are just steel — on the outside and inside. So, if you’re trying to convert your container into a comfortable living space, you will have to add layers of insulation against the container walls and then cover it with a material like drywall. This will reduce some of the interior’s square footage, but it will be well worth the sacrifice.
These are some of the benefits that come with proper interior insulation:
- Keeping the interior temperature comfortable when it’s cold outside
- Keeping the interior temperature comfortable when it’s hot outside
- Protecting indoor appliances from the cold
- Protecting pipes from freezing
- Lowering energy bills
- Minimizing condensation
- Muffling outdoor noise
Don’t forget these tips when you’re planning your container home construction. They will help you build a home that’s functional, comfortable, and most importantly, safe. Get building!