Shipping containers are becoming one of the most popular choices as building blocks for house construction since they are so cost-effective and numerous. Starting off as the means of keeping the shipping industry and the maritime jobs markets buoyant, the containers are seemingly the next means of getting on the housing ladder.
Since they have been around for 50 years it is not altogether surprising that these structurally sound containers are finding alternative uses, now a building material. They are cheap, strong and easily stackable. It is possible to combine together 5-10 of these units in a single day and is a virtuous way of using just some of the 1 million containers being disposed of every year. It is a wonderful way of recycling and would save us from needing to create huge numbers of bricks, mortar and other structural materials.
The UK is easily able to place its hands on these units, as we have many ports manipulating them daily and delivery of them to a chosen site would be relatively cheap.
There is a virtue in reusing theses units as they are robust, stackable and the steel that would be saved from being required would make great savings in costs and the environmental impact, also making a cheap and sturdy home.
As far as price is concerned, delivery of 5 forty-foot containers would cost no more than 10-20 thousand pounds as of 2023 and gives the builder an effective starting point to begin the construction.
Becoming bored of your current location, choose another site and transport your unit away on the back of a lorry. Couldn’t be easier.
It is somewhat onerous to get past the planning permission stage for the placement of these units, particularly if your local councillor is dead against such proposals. You probably need to be aware of not selecting green belt or similar to move to aswell.
Get to know a planning expert or surveyor in your area, taking advantage of his or her local knowledge. Possibly try to get planning permission before telling the authorities that you are using a shipping container.
Contacts within the industry will help you find an available plot of land. They are getting harder to find and knowing an agent, surveyor, architect or industry professional to help you will be advantageous.
The price of land is dear in built-up areas of the UK, so rural parts of the country are easier on the pocket but will probably require transport to make use of local facilities.
This a relatively new marketplace and there are few builders who have the talent and expertise to help those attempting to do up a shipping container, so scan for the necessary help on the internet and be aware that container companies themselves have great experience modifying these units and may be a useful contact.
For your build, you will probably need an architect and a surveyor to make sure the plans are adhered to and to sign off the plans once built.
A fabricator, especially one with abilities gained from with experience in the container industry would be ideal for the metalwork.
Finally, a building company with abilities in groundwork, plumbing, electrics and perhaps some finishing work will be essential if you are not able and willing to undertake the work yourself.
