Shipping container homes are an alternative solution to many due to the increasing prices in the way of living. At Flintham Cabins, we are leaders in site accommodation and steel storage units, providing you with the option of shipping container living as well.
For those who want to build a shipping container home, there are many things to take into consideration. Here are the most important aspects you need to know before undergoing such a venture!
What is Your Budget?
One of the first steps to consider when thinking about building a shipping container home is your budget. Within your budget, you should think about how much money will be needed for buying the containers, purchasing land should you need to, insulating the containers, and decorating the interiors. Have some money placed aside for emergencies and eventualities too – it’s always best to have a bit more extra money just in case than to be out of pocket!
Should your maximum budget be £50,000, for example, you should plan to have £40,000 for spending in your home and £10,000 for any contingencies. If your project is ambitious, however, it’s always best to account for a bigger budget.
Think About the Layout
When thinking about the layout of your shipping container home, you need to set out realistic plans when designing your home style. Whether you have a small budget or more to work with, the plans for your layout need to work around this as well.
One of the biggest reasons homes take longer than expected to build, and cost more than expected, is due to the design and layout changing whilst the home is being built. Try to do as much research as you can of other shipping container homes to give you an idea of what to expect, which can help you to commit to a design and layout. Issues like this can be easily avoidable when you know what it is you want to build.
Where is Your Shipping Container Home Going?
After thinking about your budget and the design of your container, the next step is to begin thinking of and finding land for the container to build on. There are several things to consider about land, including:
- The general location
- Access to water
- Access to land from closest roads
- Surface soil type – such as clay, sand, peat etc.
- Proximity to neighbours
Online real estate listings and local land registries are great places to look, as these tell you if the area meets your requirements and is within your budget.
Think About Your Insulation Needs
When building a shipping container home, there are more things to consider in regards to insulation, as not only do you want the material to insulate your home and keep you warm, you also want it to prevent moisture from entering it.
Due to this, one of the most popular choices of insulation for container homes is spray foam insulation. This material is beneficial as it is thinner than insulation panels and it can also act as a vapor barrier. But, for those who are on a smaller budget, insulation panels are just as effective, however they are an inch thicker, meaning you lose some interior space.
Here at Flintham Cabins, we have high-quality and cost effective steel containers, and with efficiency and security a top priority for us, we can ensure all your stored items are safe. If you would like to find out more about our site cabin products, please do not hesitate to get in touch with a member of our team today by calling 020 8459 6972, or emailing info@flinthamcabins.com, and we will be happy to help.
