Shipping containers are large containers often used for shipping items overseas, but many people are buying them to use for living spaces or work spaces. You can get them in a variety of sizes and put them anywhere from your backyard to an empty lot. You can use them for an outdoor office, crafting studio or even turn it into a tiny home. Here are some tips to follow if you intend to use it for a living or work space.
Be Careful When Choosing a Used Container
It is not uncommon to purchase a shipping container secondhand, but this also increases the risk of it having some flaws. It is important that you check the condition of the container and know what it was used for previously. If the container was used as an actual shipping container, it might have some holes or cracks that need to be repaired. These can reduce the insulation in your shipping container and might require some expensive repairs. Be vigilant when choosing a good used container.
Add Insulation to the Shipping Container
Since shipping containers are made of metal or aluminum, they are going to be very cold inside. They are typically made for shipping or storage, so there is no reason to build them with insulation already added. You will need to add this yourself on the inside of the container if you intend to live in it, or even if you are going to use it as an outdoor office. Spray foam insulation is often preferred since it can easily be added to interior and exterior walls of the container.
Create Windows and Doors
Something you might want to do before the insulation is to cut out areas for windows and any additional doors you want in the container. Some people will use more than one container to create a tiny home, in which case you need to work out the layout first, including adding doors to connect them. If you are using just one container, you just may need one or two windows to get natural lighting and some ventilation.
Install Walls and Flooring
Once the windows and doors are in and you have your insulation, you will want to install the walls and flooring. For flooring, this often means installing a plywood subfloor, followed by wood or laminate flooring. You can also choose to add carpet or rugs to make a softer surface inside the container home. Drywall can be used on the interior walls to cover the insulation you have added.
The final step will be to hire a contractor to add electrical and plumbing if this is going to be a living space.
Share20 April 2017
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