How to Convert Shipping Containers Into a House
- 1). Choose a site for your cargotecture home. This generally requires slightly more planning than a traditional home. Most areas in the United States restrict the size and type of home that can be built on a lot. Make sure and check with local codes to ensure that you will be able to build a cargotecture home in the location of your dreams. A flat lot with a space that is large enough to place your cargotecture home with little preparation is the least expensive choice.
- 2). Determine what types of utilities you will be using for your cargotecture home. Many cargotecture home builders are interested in green building designs and try to implement catchment systems for collecting rain water and alternative energy sources such as solar and wind power generating systems. If you need water and electricity on site, make sure that you have access to city water and sewer or can get a permit from your county to drill a well and install a septic tank.
- 3). Plan your cargotecture design. There are design firms and builders solely dedicated to providing blueprints and floor plans for cargotecture homes. These can easily be found and purchased on the internet. You can also buy a pre-fabricated kit--which includes windows, doors and a roof for your shipping container--and assemble it on your lot. The most common approach is to hire a licensed builder or contractor to cut the windows and doors out of the shipping container and get the home exterior finished and then finish the interior of the cargotecture home yourself. Cargotecture homes complete with bathrooms, kitchens and walls to divide rooms can be ordered and delivered to your lot.
- 4). Buy your shipping container. The wide use and availability of shipping containers has created an entire industry dedicated to the sale of new and used shipping containers. Ordering a shipping container is easily done online. It is recommended to buy a new stainless steel shipping container. Shipping containers must be cleaned and inspected before resale, but buying a new shipping container will keep you from purchasing a shipping container that was once used to ship hazardous or toxic products. Additionally, a stainless steel shipping container will not rust, which is important when using the container for a home.
- 5). Build your cargotecture home. If you will be building the home yourself, you will need to acquire a building permit. This will require you to submit blueprints for the cargotecture home. Every aspect of the cargotecture plan must be in compliance with your local code. Purchasing a plan from an architectural firm can save a lot of time and frustration in restructuring the blueprints to comply with local codes.
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