22/12/2023 - Shipping Containers
By Huska Cehic
As a prospective homebuyer in Australia, you have a plethora of choices for architectural home styles and materials. While most of you opt for a more common style, some may dare to be different by embracing unique home styles and materials. One such option gaining momentum in Australia is shipping container homes.
The global shipping container homes market is booming and is expected to reach $73,070 million by 2025, at an annual growth rate of 6.5% from 2018 to 2025. Originally designed for transporting goods across oceans, these sturdy metal boxes have found a new purpose as residential and commercial structures in Australia.
The reasons to choose shipping containers to build your dream home are:
> They are cheaper than traditional housing
> They are quicker to construct and assemble
> They are easier to relocate or are more sustainable
> They are more durable and take less maintenance
Making this new dream home a reality will take a lot of planning and preparation. Having said that, here’s a comprehensive guide that will walk you through every crucial step of the process of building a shipping container home in Australia.
First thing first, you need a plot of land to build your container home. There are some important points to consider when choosing the location. For instance, the location must have sufficient access for delivery and positioning of the shipping containers.
This includes truck or crane access for larger container boxes. Also, select a flat piece of ground, since a steeply sloping site will require more work on building a foundation.
Before you invest in a shipping container, you will need to get the initial paperwork for your home. Make sure you are allowed by local authorities to build a container home in the area. This may include getting land and construction permits.
Work with a structural engineer or architect to design the floor plan you have in mind for your container house. These professionals will help you ensure what needs to be inspected and certified at each stage.
Time to look for a shipping container for sale in Melbourne. The scale of your home project will dictate the type and size of the container you need to buy. The most popular size for homes includes 40-foot high-cube containers with around 76.4m3 capacity. That’s enough for one bedroom, bathroom and kitchen.
Don’t buy from just any shipping container vendor. Think about the cost, delivery, vendor’s reputation and past customer feedback. Learn how to not get scammed when looking for shipping container sales in Melbourne
Now that you have ordered your shipping container, the next step is to prepare the land for the installation. Think about the type of foundation you will want to use for the container home to keep it elevated from the ground. Concrete or wooden supports are some common options to consider.
While you should consult with an expert, make sure there’s a clear path for your shipping container to be delivered. Also, anchor it to the foundation rather than using the container’s weight to keep it in place.
The final step is to install your shipping container on the foundation. Depending on the type and scale of the project, you can choose different professionals for assistance.
For example, you may need a team of builders, electricians and plumbers to build a liveable space from doors to windows. Your builder will use a crane or forklift to correctly position it. Once done, you are ready for your container home build.
Whether you are planning to build an off-the-grid home, expand your business or find a cheap storage solution, these steel boxes offer endless opportunities. Make sure you understand the different types, modifications, legal aspects, and dimensions of containers.
For shipping containers for sale in Melbourne, request a quote today.
