Shipping container homes are known for their versatility, durability, and cost-effectiveness, making them a great option to be utilized for various purposes. One of the shipping container conversion projects that have gained popularity is container homes. Some of the reasons that make shipping container homes preferable are their sustainability, affordability, low heating costs, and countless customization options. Accordingly, many elements differentiate container homes from conventional housing; that requires more time, money, and effort to have one that satisfies your needs and expectations.

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Although container homes offer intelligent solutions to your housing needs, this does not necessarily mean you should opt for one immediately. Contrarily, you should take your time to make up your mind before buying a container home or building one by yourself. Today, we will help you articulate some of the questions about container homes that you will need to know the answers to decide whether a container home is a good option for you and how you can ease the process of having or building one. Keep reading to learn some basic information about container homes.

What are the popular shipping container sizes used for building a container home?

20-foot shipping containers and 40-foot high cube shipping containers are the most common ones used to build a container home. The external width of a 20-foot shipping container is 8’ and its external height is 8’ 6”. On the other hand, a 40-foot HC shipping container’s external width is 8’, while the external height is one foot taller than the 20-foot, that is, 9’ 6”. Accordingly, HC containers enable you to have some extra headroom inside; however, whether a standard or high cube container is better depends on your preferences and the modifications you will need for your container home.

What are the factors that affect the cost of a container home?

The cost of a container home depends on various factors, so it is not reasonable to provide an exact answer to your payment for a container home. Instead, it is better to discuss the elements affecting the price. Thus, let us list fundamental factors that influence the final cost of a container home:

• Size and condition (new/one-trip or used) of the shipping container you use to have a container home
• The number of the shipping containers to build the container home you desire
• Shipping container home floor plan that you prefer
• Plumbing and electrical requirements
• The insulation method
• Siding choices
• Modification options

Note that since these flexible structures offer endless customization and design options, it would be wiser to get professional help to calculate the overall cost of a container home that is designed according to your needs and preferences.

Which one is preferable: Buying a container home or building one from the beginning?

One of the essential questions that you should figure out is whether to build your own container home or buy one. If you prefer the former, that means you should be a DIY person with some basic construction experience. Also, you should have time and patience to be able to complete your project in the best way possible. Let us assume you will not build your container by yourself; rather, ask a professional to do it for you; it will take less time to have your container home. In that case, you should find a contractor  that has experience in the field and knows how to realize your project.

However, there is another option that will enable you to have your container home without losing any time at all. You can buy a container home ready to use from a reliable container supplier. This way, you will not have to wait for your container home to be ready with the doubt of whether it will be the one you wanted at the beginning. Instead, you will know what you will get and how to personalize it with your preferred customizations and have your container home as soon as possible.

Where should I buy a container home?

Regarding the previous question, another important point you should be informed of arises: where to buy a container home. There are manufacturing companies that can both offer container homes for sale and build your container home from the beginning according to your project. Hence, if you prefer not to build your container home by yourself, you should find a reliable company with the experience to understand your needs, find the container home you would prefer, or manufacture it in the way you want.

CMG is a leading shipping container company that sells, designs, and builds container homes that you will love to have. Reach us out and let us figure out together whether you want us to design and build a container house or find the one that meets your expectations among container homes we sell. We offer various container home alternatives, including shipping container studio apartments, one-bedroom shipping container houses, and multi-container homes. We can also help you find out the ideal container home floor plan suitable for your needs.

10 Important Questions to Ask Before Buying a Conex Container

Commercial

Conex or shipping containers can provide affordable solutions to needs around portable office space, shelters, garage space, commercial storage, and more. Of course, when it comes to purchasing a container, there’s a lot more to consider outside of the costs.

Every business requires a unique setup, which means you need to ask questions concerning the dimensions, condition, and other features that make it the right fit for your site before buying a container. Read on to learn more about the process to better navigate your journey.

Here are 10 common questions people ask when deciding to purchase conex containers:

What’s the Standard Size of a Conex Container?

Standard conex box sizes are 20 feet and 40 feet, in terms of length. They have an exterior height of 8 ft. 6 in., and a width of 8 ft.

However, shipping containers are also available in the following dimensions:

• 10 feet containers
• 24 feet containers

Business owners should remember that internal dimensions determine the actual storage space you get when you buy a shipping container. Be sure to compare and confirm all internal and external container dimensions.

What Is the Weight of a Shipping Container?

The weight of the shipping container depends on the material of construction and the container size. Here are some examples:

• The average weight of a 20-feet container is nearly 4,980 lbs. and can carry a maximum payload of 24 tons.
• The average weight of a 24-feet container is nearly 5,840 lbs. and can carry a maximum payload of 24.21 tons.
• The average weight of a 40-feet container is nearly 8,550 lbs. and can carry a maximum payload of 29 tons.

How Long Do Shipping Containers Last?

Containers can retain 50% of their value even after 25 years if they are cared for properly. Here are some common examples that can affect the life span of a container:

• The conditions in which containers are placed and the kind of weather (temperature, humidity, etc.) they are exposed to.
• The frequency of use, which causes wear and tear.
• The frequency of movement from one location to another may lead to damages during transit.
• The frequency of maintenance and repair in the case of used containers.

What’s Better – New, Used, or Containers for Rent?

How do you decide among new, used, or rented shipping containers? It all depends on your budget and the duration you have a need for extra space. Containers are typically categorized as ‘one-trip’ which means the container has made only one cargo trip across the ocean (as good as new, you could say) or ‘used’ containers that have made multiple trips across the ocean.

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Here are some points that can help you decide:

• Buy a new conex container - If you plan to use it for an extended time (beyond 3 years); buying is a better option because you will have access to a hi-quality, durable, and customizable container.
• Buy a used conex container – Purchasing a used container makes sense if you do not need to move the container frequently.
• Rent a conex container - If you need a container for an undetermined amount of time, and do not require any major modifications, go for renting. You can accessorize the container and add shelves, pipe racks, or plan tables even while renting.

Let’s Take a Look at the Most Common Types of Shipping Containers and Their Uses.

Shipping containers are a robust storage option for most equipment and material. Depending on the type of material or equipment you’re storing, it's important to figure out which container is best suited for your specific needs. Here are the five types of containers and the most common uses for each:

• High-Security Storage – valuables that won’t be affected by extreme temperature (hot or cold).

• Insulated Storage – files, textiles equipment that could be damaged due to extreme temperatures.

• Refrigerated Storage – perishables such as surplus produce, beverages, and more.
• Office Storage – guard shacks, office space, medical stations, and ticket booths.
• Office Combo Storage – parts storage and distribution, temporary retail space, and more.

Conex containers are weather-resistant and they can provide heating and air-conditioning if they are being used for portable office spaces.

What Should You Expect When Buying Used Containers?

Type of Used Containers:

There are different categories of used containers. The purchase price of each category varies with their condition and age.

• Cargo-worthy containers – These are some of the best-quality used containers that have certified quality for shipping. They may have minor dents, rust, and shipping markings.
• As-is containers – These conex containers may have damaged roofs or floors. They don’t come with warranties and are priced accordingly.

You will also find wind and water-resistant containers that have expired certifications, however, they remain robust and will continue to perform well.

Use This Checklist When You’re Buying Used Conex Containers:

• Check the shipping container roof for signs of corrosion and if it prevents water intrusion.
• Check the container floor and corners for signs of rotting or rust.
• Inspect lock mechanisms and if the door opens and closes smoothly.
• Check for condensation problems inside the container.
• Check for odor in the container that may affect certain items you intend to store.
• Consider additional costs that include but are not limited to shipping, delivery, maintenance, and painting charges.

What Kind of Site Preparation Do Conex Containers Need?

Remember the following points when you have to prepare your site for a container delivery:

• If the site is leveled and has a draining facility, the container can directly be placed on the ground.
• Do not place the container on ice, snow, or soft ground.
• In some cases, you might need cement slabs or railroad ties to support the shipping container.
• If a container is not level, you need to use wooden blocks to provide correct leveling.

The installation of shipping containers is made easier if you are working with experienced drivers and container delivery teams. If this is the first time you are ordering a conex container, talk to one of our representatives at 866-459-.

It helps to talk to experts in installation, site prep, and all things container delivery!

What Shipping Container Modifications Are Possible?

Total modification of containers is not provided however, our containers can be customized with:

• Plan tables
• Shelves
• Pipe racks

Note that our office containers come with the following useful features already installed:

• Air conditioning and heating
• Entrance Light
• Electric outlets
• External GFCI receptacle(s)
• and data access
• Durable flooring
• R-11 Insulated walls and ceiling

Do You Need a Permit to Place a Portable Storage Container on Your Property?

Each city or country has shipping container regulations on the placement and use of containers in respective jurisdictional areas. They also have separate shipping container zoning laws. You can easily get this information from your local municipal authority. Most cities do not require a permit.

However, if your city does boast requirements concerning permits, it’s important to meet all shipping container regulations and fees associated with moving shipping containers in order to enjoy hassle-free delivery and use.

What Do You Look for in a Shipping Container Provider?

The right shipping container provider guarantees you a smooth ride in product quality, delivery, service, responsiveness, and payments. Here’s what you need to ask:

• What are the payment terms, and how transparent is the billing?
• What are the delivery costs, policies, and assistance offered? (On-time delivery/quick turnaround time/site prep for delivery)
• Do they have dedicated sales specialists or responsive customer service?
• What are the quality-check procedures? Do they have the required quality certificate like ISO?
• How is their after-sales service? (maintenance, repairs, moving containers, and other assistance)

If you are interested in buying used conex containers right away, check out our range of used containers for the price, size, and other product details.

With Mobile Modular Portable Storage, your business gets the following advantages:

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• Response in typically 1 business hour
• We have our own fleet of trucks and trailers to meet your timelines without hassles.
• Conex containers delivered on your scheduled day
• 30-day rental plan instead of 28 days (two extra days)
• High-security containers available
• Containers available for disasters like hurricanes, tornadoes, and flooding
• A dedicated sales representative from start to finish (no call center)