Dec. 30, 2024
There are a few unique characteristics to shipping container home construction when compared to more traditional construction techniques.
If you want to learn more, please visit our website Hongyu Dinghao.
One area where this is most apparent is the distinctive set of tools required to modify them. We receive a lot of questions about which tools, both power and hand operated, are needed when building your own shipping container home or building. When it comes to selecting your tools, making the right choice is as important as selecting the correct shipping containers. Without the right tool, you will end up wasting time and money and result in an inferior product.
The five tools discussed below are specifically applicable for shipping container homes. We aren't discussing generic tools (such as handsaws and drills) in this article as there is already a wealth of information published online about such tools.
At the heart of every shipping container build is a trusty welder.
You will use a welder at several key stages of the build:
Among enthusiasts, there is a lot of discussion around the best types of welders to use for container home construction. Below is a description of the most common options:
In practical terms what does it matter?
A stick welder is fairly simple and but requires frequent replacement of electrodes that may prove tiring if you have a lot of welds to make. However, it's great for thicker welds and on metal that is not as clean. Beginners often have trouble and get frustrated with the electrode 'sticking' to the workpiece, so you may need some practice!
MIG and wire-feed welders are fast and easy to use, but sometimes produce splatter metal that you have to grind off to get a smooth finish near the weld. They do much better when the welded area is clear of paint, dirt, and other debris. Unless you get a very expensive machine, they have trouble welding thicker metal.
A TIG welder is most difficult to use but typically creates the best welds. It requires using both hands and one foot at the same time, so if you already play a drum set, you may be a step ahead with your hand-eye coordination! A TIG welder also needs good, clean metal to make good welds.
For most DIYers, a MIG welder is the best choice.
If you're looking for a 110 volt MIG welder, this Hobart model is a great choice:
Note that 110 volt welders typically have trouble welding metal more than 3/16 inch thick. If you have access to 220 volt electric service, a 220 volt welder is recommended. Or, you can get a MIG welder that is dual voltage and handles both, like this one:
If you're thinking of welding thicker metal (such as the corner castings on your container) and want good weld penetration without spending a fortune on a high-end MIG machine, a stick welder such as this one is a great choice.
If you're planning to hire a contractor to do the welding, it doesn't really matter what type of welder they use. Just be clear about your expectations for surface finish post-weld and the amount of welding you'll need, and they can select the most appropriate equipment.
The type of insulation you are using will drive the decision of whether or not you need to consider a spray foam insulation kit. In most cases, we recommend spray foam insulation for a container build, but you still need to decide if you want a contractor or DIY solution.
If you're planning for a small home or cabin with one container, the DIY solution may be plausible.
You can purchase pre-mixed solutions which come in cylinders ready to spray. These kits normally include everything you need to install your insulation, including spray nozzles, hose, and cylinders of foam creating chemicals.
Here's one of the best-rated kits, and depending on your design such as the number of doors/windows, this might be enough to insulate a single 40 f00t container.
Still, it's best to call around to local contractors and get an estimate, then compare that to what the DIY option would cost. The more insulating you have to do (and thus the more containers that your project has), the less economical the DIY option becomes compared to hiring a professional.
One of the most common tools you will use throughout your build is something to cut metal. You will need this to cut the openings for your doors and windows and also to remove any container walls which aren't needed.
As for which type of tool to use, you have a few main choices: an angle grinder, cutting torch, reciprocating saw, circular saw, or a plasma cutter.
If you're looking for the cheapest and most DIY-friendly, the angle grinder is the most popular choice. It's simple to use and replacement cutting discs are available for only a couple of dollars. Even if you have no previous experience, you can get up to speed with it very quickly.
Note that the tool can be somewhat heavy and generates a lot of gyroscopic force, which will quickly wear out your forearms if you have a lot of cutting to do. It's also very loud and generates a lot of sparks, so ear and eye protection are a must.
A high amperage grinder such as this DeWalt model has the power to cut through container walls with ease.
Note the cutting discs are much thinner than grinding discs, so ensure you have the right type installed!
Even better, try out these diamond-impregnated steel cutting discs, which will last much longer than the traditional discs and save you from changing out discs as often. Some owners have talked about using up well over 100 traditional cuttings disks on a single build with multiple containers, so a longer-lasting blade like this could be a life-saver!
Of course, angle grinders aren't the only option. If you already have the equipment, a cutting torch or even a plasma cutting can cut through the toughest steel. However, they have drawbacks of their own, including price and cut quality.
An increasingly popular option is using a saw to cut through your container. Thanks to newer technology with superhard cutting edges, saws are able to eat through the corrugated metal of a cargo box pretty easily. And they give you a high-quality cut without all the heat and sparks as well.
To learn more about all the options, consider checking out our article dedicated to cutting a shipping container. We got over all the tool options, as well as useful safety, measuring, and setup information to ensure you have a successful cutting experience.
One of our favorite tools isn't actually a physical tool at all.
It's a drawing program called 'SketchUp' which lets us design and model different ideas for shipping container homes.
While you don't need a piece of computer software to draw and design your container home, we find it much easier.
SketchUp is available for free for home use as a program that runs in your web browser. You'll need a pretty fast computer or you might get frustrated with the speed of the program.
It's available here: https://www.sketchup.com/products/sketchup-free
Alternatively, older versions of SketchUp that run natively on your computer and don't require a web browser are available here ( Make version): https://forums.sketchup.com/t/sketchup-make--download-links-provided-here/
And here (Version 8): http://www.oldversion.com/windows/google-sketchup/
If you don't want to use SketchUp, there are plenty of other programs out there for free, with differing levels of user-friendliness. You can also get design apps for your iPad or Android tablet as well.
However, if you don't want to use a computer you can always just do it the old-fashioned way and get out a piece of paper and start sketching.
Once you've finished drawing you can then scan them and store them on your computer to keep them safe and share.
When your shipping containers are delivered to your land, you will likely need something to lift and place the containers on your foundation, depending on how you've designed your build.
Featured content:For more Container House Projectsinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.
You have several options depending on the foundation type you're using and the access to your land.
If you're using a slab foundation, and there is good access to your site, when the containers are being delivered you can ask the driver to back right up to the foundation slab and simply slide them right off.
However, in many cases, you'll need to have a machine physically lift your container and place it.
Options for this are plentiful and include cranes, forklifts, and other options. What's important is ensuring that you don't exceed the maximums on the load chart, which is a function of both weight and the distance from the lifting apparatus that the crane sits. An experienced operator will handle this for you, but YouTube is full of crane disaster videos, so make sure you triple check all your planning and be extremely careful during the lifts.
Almost any of these options will cost you several hundred dollars a day to rent, and potentially more if there is not one close by to your location.
Knowing which tools are needed is crucial when planning and sticking to your budget.
While you don't need to own all of the tools mentioned, you will certainly need access to them (or to hire someone with access to them) at some point during your build.
Are there any crucial tools you think we've missed? Let us know in the comments section below.
These days, it seems like everyone wants to live in a sustainable container home. Spurred by rising housing costs, a trend toward becoming more eco-conscious, and ' let's face it ' Instagram, the tiny house movement has exploded. But what does living in a metal box look like, and is the lifestyle compatible with being green?
When you start examining the finer details of turning a shipping container into a house, it's a bit like opening Pandora's box. How old should the container be? Does it contain toxic chemicals? How can you insulate it in an eco-friendly way?
Luckily, there are several ways to build a green, sustainable container home without sacrificing comfort. After all, you don't just want your space to be livable ' you want it to be cozy!
1. Use a Secondhand Container
The first step of building a green container home is looking for a box that's ready to retire. Buying a well-traveled container means you'll be diverting it from the landfill. Using a new container, or even one that's only taken a couple of voyages at sea, means you're taking a perfectly usable shipping crate out of commission.
Metal is much harder to obtain than wood, so it's not the most eco-friendly building material unless it's otherwise destined for the trash.
2. Source Local Materials
The U.S. generates over 600,000 tons of construction waste every year, and some of that comes from shipping materials. If you're going to DIY part or all of the building process, look to local construction companies for sourcing your supplies.
3. Install Sustainable Sourced Insulation
A shipping crate needs a lot of work before it's move-in ready. Don't worry ' modular construction projects, like connecting two or more shipping containers to form a larger structure, are as much as 50% faster to complete than traditional builds. It'll be done before you know it!
One of the main modifications you'll need to make is adding insulation. That's because steel is very conductive and shipping containers have thin walls.
Most contractors use spray foam to insulate the walls and roof, but this isn't a very environmentally friendly choice. Instead, opt for straw bale or cotton-based insulation. You can also plant a garden on the roof to double as insulation and a way to reduce your carbon footprint.
4. Reduced AC and Heating to Suit Space
In a large house, heating and cooling costs can add up quickly. Living in a container home often translates to lower electric bills because it's such a small area. You probably won't need a full-sized air conditioner or heater, so go with a smaller, energy-efficient model to save space and lower your energy costs.
5. Self Sufficiency with Solar Panels
Since many container homes are built off the grid, homeowners often choose to install solar panels on the roof or in a nearby field. Solar panels last, on average, around 30 years. They may even exceed the life span of the shipping container itself, although well-cared-for container homes often survive up to 50 years without needing major repairs.
Another great aspect of using solar panels is that container homes are small, so it's likely that just a few panels can power your entire house.
6. Use a Non-Toxic Sealing Primer
Shipping companies manufacture their containers with ocean travel in mind. Consequently, the paint often contains heavy metals like chromate and phosphorus ' neither of which are good for you to inhale ' to protect the containers against saltwater corrosion.
One study found that 12% of freight containers arriving in Sweden contained volatile substances at levels above established exposure limits. That means removing the paint in your container home could expose you to toxins. Instead, you'll need to seal it in place with an environmentally-friendly primer.
7. Add a Rainwater Catchment System
One way to make a container home more sustainable is to install a rainwater catchment system. You can use it in addition to a traditional plumbing network, or it can serve as a standalone system to supply all of your water. It's a great way to go green or even live off the grid.
8. Energy Efficient LED Bulbs
LED bulbs are perfect for a sustainable container home for two reasons ' they're eco-friendly and last a long time. As a bonus, they come in various color temperatures and brightness levels to liven up your space and make it feel bigger. Combined with strategically placed mirrors, you can make your house feel much bigger than it is.
9. High-Performance Windows
Most container homes are on the smaller side. That means you need well-insulated windows that won't let in excessive heat or cold temperatures. In addition to making your home more comfortable, the right windows will also cut down on energy usage and reduce unwanted noise. Some even add privacy with a sun-protective tint.
Reflective windows are often the best bet in a container home. Make sure to insulate around the windows with weather stripping to prevent air leakage.
10. Space saving Appliances
As with any house, part of having a more sustainable container home is installing energy-efficient appliances. Outdated refrigerators, dishwashers, stoves, ovens, air conditioners, washers, and dryers can be highly inefficient, wasting energy and money. Upgrade to newer models to help the planet and get the best return on your investment.
In a container home, you should also consider buying smaller appliances to save on space. Maximize your square footage by purchasing stackable washers and dryers, a toaster oven that serves double duty in the kitchen, and a compact water heater.
To further save energy, plug your appliances into smart outlets that shut off when the devices aren't in use. Doing so can prevent energy vampires from using a slow trickle of energy throughout the day.
Living in a container home isn't inherently sustainable. Like any other house, you have to include certain features to make it more environmentally friendly.
Beyond green buildings, you also have to commit yourself to live in a greener way. Ultimately, housing itself isn't what will save the planet ' it's how you act that makes or breaks a sustainable lifestyle. Living in a container house just makes it easier to start.
Are you interested in learning more about Folding Shipping Container House? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!
If you are interested in sending in a Guest Blogger Submission,welcome to write for us!
All Comments ( 0 )