Converting a metal shipping container into office buildings has been a popular trend in recent decades. Aesthetically, this gives the building a modern, industrial feel, which makes it very attractive, especially to the younger market.
Standard containers already have the shape foundation for your new office. To use them to their full potential, you only need to strengthen and insulate them. Therefore, it is no wonder that they can be much cheaper than building an office from scratch or using prefabricated materials.
In addition, compared to permanent buildings, container offices do not require much work because container offices come pre-assembled. Thus, you do not have to build it yourself from scratch. The only work left for you is to modify your container to make it attractive and suitable for living in.
Before planning your office container, read this article to learn several tips on choosing the right metal shipping container for your office!
Can You Convert Metal Shipping Containers Into an Office?
Among the many trends in the construction industry, you may have noticed that one of them is converting a metal shipping container into livable homes or offices. People are following this trend because it can provide an impressive structural appearance and has aesthetic qualities, making it appealing, especially to young people or millennials.
Now, many businesses choose to build a container office as it offers a cost-effective, customizable, and portable option for creating a functional workspace. With the ability to add features like windows, doors, insulation, electrical wiring, and climate control systems to suit specific needs, this will be an excellent choice for your business.
The reason why you should consider converting a metal shipping container into an office is because it is a lower-cost, faster alternative to a renovation or extension. Also, container conversion is bespoke, portable, highly secure, and rarely needs planning permission to build.
Tips on Converting Metal Shipping Containers into an Office
Before you start developing or deciding to build your office container, here are some important tips that you should consider first!
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Inspect the Unit in Person
You must check the condition of the metal shipping container in person before buying one and committing to building a container house. Physically seeing the container gives you a better understanding of what you are working with, making it a much smarter investment for your future home project. Make sure that its dimensions are according to your needs.
Moreover, not all metal shipping containers are in the same condition. Some might have rust, dents, or structural damage, which could affect their usability and durability as part of a home. Seeing a container in person allows you to evaluate whether it’s worth the investment.
Remember, you will be converting it into an office, so check the container’s physical integrity too.
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Choosing a Used or New Container
You should understand that not all office containers are in the same condition. For example, you choose to utilize a used container that may need significant repairs. Because of such factors, it is only natural that you pay less for the unit.
Meanwhile, if you choose to utilize a new container, you may need more money. However, before making a decision, you should consider that containers have a sturdy and durable construction. Therefore, the condition of the standard container that you will use will hardly affect the results of the modification.
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Check Local Building and Zoning Regulations
When building a shipping container office in the U.S., you will generally need to comply with local building codes, zoning regulations, and permitting processes. Before placing a shipping container on a property, check with your local zoning office to confirm:
- Whether shipping containers are allowed for office use in that area.
- If the area is zoned for commercial use (if your office is for business purposes).
- Restrictions on the placement of structures, especially if the container is being placed on a residential property or mixed-use zone.
These regulations vary by location, but most places require permits for things like foundation, electrical work, and plumbing, as well as for ensuring the container meets safety and environmental standards. Always check with your local authorities to ensure you meet all legal requirements before starting your project.
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Plan Ahead for Structure and Layout
Working with shipping containers can be tricky as the dimensions of the unit limit your mobility unless you add other containers or structures. Therefore, it is important to plan your space usage properly. You can have multiple levels of shipping containers, as long as you stack them properly.
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Reflecting Your Style
One of the benefits of using office containers is that you can apply your image to the design you want. The structure is very similar to prefabricated buildings, so it is quite easy to make it into various styles and designs.
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Electrical and Plumbing Considerations
When you want to convert a standard container into a habitable office container, you must remember the systems inside such as Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing. This area requires significant consideration because it is a challenge for container design.
The plumbing and electrical system of the office container is no different from a standard office. While doing so, you will need to make some modifications from within the container. Therefore, you must ensure that you plan it carefully.
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HVAC System Integration
One thing that makes a container office livable is the choice of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC). To begin with, you must determine the size of the office before deciding on the most suitable option for you.
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Proper Insulation System for the Container
The main function of the container is for shipping; this means that standard containers are not designed as habitable places. As a result, you have to make various modifications to make it habitable.
One of the modifications that you have to do to make the site office habitable is to provide insulation. Insulating your office container is more than just installing walls. You also have to make sure that the insulation blocks water vapor so it does not enter your office.
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Painting the Office Container Before Use
If you have just acquired a container to be converted into an office, you might think about painting it according to your business theme. You need to do this to improve your marketing strategy and make it look more attractive. By painting it, you will also slow down rust and increase the use of the container longer.
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Lighting and Windows
When converting a standard container into an office, one way to make it habitable is to ensure that natural light can get inside. For that, you need to make some modifications. Choose between skylights or windows. Keep in mind that windows and skylights come in different sizes. Skylights are located on the roof of your container, while windows are placed on the sides.
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Asking for Extra Help from an Expert
The reason why you need a company that is experienced with containers is that you may not have the skills to modify containers. Even when you do have the skills, you may lack the time to do so.
If you are looking for a container office modification service provider, you should keep in mind that this is a new trend, and there are not many companies that offer that kind of service. Therefore, you must do adequate research to find a reputable container expert who has successfully handled large projects.
Conclusion
Building an office from a container will definitely be an interesting challenge for you to try. However, with the right help and guidance from a container sales and modification service provider company like Tradecorp, you can get closer to finally realizing your dream office container.
Tradecorp is a trusted container provider and modification company with years of experience. Many clients from well-known companies have entrusted their container and modification projects to us, and we have successfully handled them with satisfactory results.
Fulfill the needs of prefabricated buildings from Tradecorp. Fill out our quote form to buy or rent from us!