Numerous DIY builders think that building a home from a shipping container is not difficult, but most of the time, it requires a skilled professional’s expertise. It’s a long-term investment, so choosing the right methods and techniques is necessary. There are several guidelines everyone interested in living in a container home should know to make an informed decision about the construction plan. Few Guidelines about how to build a perfect home from a shipping container are jotted down below.
- Check the Space:
Shipping containers come in various sizes, and it is always a good idea to do a precheck before investing in one. The shipping container should be of appropriate size according to the residents’ needs and the design they choose to build. The design can be customized according to the size, so communicating the requirements to a reliable, professional container home builder is recommended to avoid inconveniences later.
2. Research About Local Rules:
The most crucial part of building a container home is to adhere to the local rules of the area where the construction has to be done. Every country and every city has its own rules and regulations about building a container home, so before looking for tips about how to build a container home, it’s necessary to check the local laws about it. Some areas are prohibited from building a container home. Some require a legal permit from a relevant authority before the construction of the house. The builder has to check the fire, climate, and other laws, too, which are not generic in every country or even cities. An extensive pre-construction homework is the safest way to avoid any obstacles in the path towards your dream container home.
3. Inspect the Container:
The second most essential tip about how to build a container home is to inspect the container. Never believe in the company’s word and always make a personal visit to inspect the container to ensure that it is in good shape and doesn’t require a lot of repair and welding work.
4. The material of the Container:
Always be sure of the material of the container. Aluminum and steel are the most durable materials and long-lasting. Containers constructed from these materials are generally not rusty and dented, but an inspection visit is necessary.
5. Find the right Contractor:
Finding a professional contractor who really knows how to build a container home is a critical aspect of the process. Look for a contractor who is experienced and flexible. It is advised to choose a single contractor for the whole process and not a separate contractor for the construction and interior work. An experienced all-rounder who can take care of the entire process, starting from planning, designing, budgeting, and execution, would be an appropriate choice to avoid any discomfort at later stages.
6. Choosing a new or used container:
New and Used both containers can be utilized to build a perfect home, and it all depends on the builder’s budget. Without any doubt, new containers would be the most suitable choice, but it would not be the best option if someone is on a strict budget. A new container is tailor-made too if there are specific requirements. Some used containers are as good as the new ones and cheaper. They require little repair work, which the contractor can easily take care of. It is advised to look for a container that has been used on a single trip. They are generally affordable and just like new and don’t require any extra refurb work.
7. Plan, Design, and Execute:
The workflow should be like plan design and execution. Always plan ahead for the plumbing, insulation, and welding work. Then create a design according to the plan and finally execute it appropriately to build a comfortable, efficient, and budget friendly container home.
For inquiries on container fabrications please contact us: +254110126747 or info@ismcontainers.com or visit our offices at Ananas Centre, Westlands.