Six Tips to Consider When Using Shipping Containers for Back Garden Storage
Shipping containers can work perfectly to provide extra storage on your property, but before investing in one of these containers, there are several things you may want to consider. Take a look at these ideas.
1. Compare the Cost of Shipping Containers and Sheds
In some cases, shipping containers can be significantly less expensive than sheds. For instance, if a trucking company in your area is selling lots of old shipping containers, that can drive down prices. However, if you've got a cheap lead on some timber and you know how to build, you may be able to put together an inexpensive shed.
2. Choose the Spot Carefully
If you decide a shipping container is the most cost effective storage option or if you just love the look, decide where you want to place it. Consider how the container will look to passersby, but also consider the distance from your home to the container. If you want to access it frequently, you may want it close to your home. In most cases, once the shipping container slides off the flatbed, it's hard to move it again without a crane.
3. Check Local Building Regulations
Some local areas require you to get a permit for structures over a certain size. Other areas only make you get a permit if you add permanent structures, and shipping containers—because they don't have foundations—may not be considered permanent. To be on the safe side, check the regulations in your area so you know if you need a permit.
4. Paint to Match or Stand Out
If you want your shipping container to blend into your area (or if you want it to stand out), you should plan to paint it. You can use any exterior paint designed for use on metal siding. Remember to sand the container first — that roughs up the surface and helps the paint stick.
5. Consider Adding Extra Doors
For convenience, you may want to add additional doors to your shipping container. You can buy roller doors and retrofit them to your container, or you can cut a hole and add a small service door so you don't always have to use the large doors on the end of your shipping container.
6. Add Ventilation
Shipping containers tend to be pretty weather proof, and that makes them ideal for storage. That said, if your container is too weathertight, it may suffer from condensation. To prevent the buildup of moisture, you may want to add vents to the container.