Fabricate Or Modify Shipping Containers Yourself

Many residents and businesses are inquiring whether they can modify their own shipping containers or whom they should hire to carry out the modifications.  You can affordably modify new or used shipping containers for a variety of purposes beyond storage, such as:

• Homes, Cabins, or Garages

• Retail,  Pop-up Shops, Cafes, Restaurants or Office Space

• Event Venues, Concert Stages, Concession Booths

• Recreational Facilities, Swimming Pools or Gyms and Fitness Studios

• Controlled Environment Farming, Vertical Farming and Green House

And so much more.

Do It Yourself (DIY) modifications on a shipping container

• Cost Savings: By handling modifications yourself, you can significantly reduce labor costs associated with professional fabrication. This is especially true for simple changes like adding windows, insulation, or shelving, which may not require specialized tools or expertise.

• Customization Control: Doing your own modifications allow you to have complete control over the design and process. You can adjust as you go and tailor the container to your exact needs without relying on external fabricators who may not always align with your vision.

• Flexibility: When you do the modifications yourself, you can work at your own pace, making it easier to manage the project around your schedule without waiting for the availability of a fabrication shop.

• Learning Experience: For those with basic construction or metalworking skills, modifying a container can be a valuable hands-on learning experience. It can build skills that may be useful for future projects.

• Immediate Results: Going through a fabrication shop often involves longer wait times due to the shop’s schedule and workflow. DIY modifications allow you to start and complete the project on your own timeline, avoiding potential delays.

These benefits make DIY container modifications an appealing option, especially for those with the tools and skills to complete basic changes. However, for more complex modifications, hiring professionals might still be necessary.

Common Modifications For Shipping Containers

There are many ways to modify a shipping container to suit various needs, depending on the intended use. Here are some common modifications:

1. Structural Modifications:

• Doors and Windows: Adding custom-sized doors, windows, or roll-up garage doors to improve accessibility, ventilation, and natural lighting.
• Cut-outs: Creating cut-outs for large openings to connect multiple containers or to create open-plan spaces.
• Reinforcements: When significant structural changes are made (like cutting large sections), reinforcement with steel beams is necessary to maintain the container’s stability.

2. Insulation and Climate Control:

• Insulation: Installing insulation in the walls, floor, and ceiling to regulate temperature. Common materials include spray foam, fiberglass, and foam panels.
• Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC): Adding HVAC systems to control the internal climate, which is important for both living spaces and commercial uses.
• Ventilation: Adding roof vents, turbine vents, or louvered vents to improve airflow and prevent moisture buildup.

3. Electrical and Plumbing:

• Electrical Systems: Installing wiring for lighting, outlets, and appliances, often connected to the local power grid or solar panels for off-grid options.
• Plumbing: Adding plumbing systems for bathrooms, kitchens, or industrial needs, including water storage tanks, drainage systems, and greywater recycling.

4. Exterior Modifications:

• Painting and Coating: Applying weatherproof coatings, rust-resistant paint, or branding designs for aesthetics or business purposes.
• Roof Modifications: Adding extended roofs, overhangs, or even green roofs for improved weather protection and energy efficiency.
• Cladding: Covering the container with exterior cladding like wood, metal, or other materials for improved aesthetics and insulation.

5. Interior Modifications:

• Partitions and Walls: Adding interior walls to create separate rooms, offices, or compartments for various uses.
• Flooring: Installing new flooring materials like wood, tile, or vinyl to replace the container’s steel floor for comfort or industrial uses.
• Shelving and Storage: Custom shelving, racks, or cabinets can be added for storage solutions, especially in commercial or warehouse setups.

6. Lighting and Solar Panels:

• Natural Lighting: Installing skylights or solar tubes to bring in more natural light, reducing the need for artificial lighting.
• Solar Panels: Installing solar panels on the roof for off-grid power solutions, especially useful for remote locations.

7. Merging Containers:

• Multiple Containers: Joining two or more containers together either horizontally or vertically to create larger structures. This can be done by welding containers side-by-side or stacking them to create multi-story buildings.
• Cut-throughs: Creating internal passageways between containers to form larger, open spaces.

8. Security Enhancements:

• Locks and Security Features: Adding heavy-duty locks, security cameras, and steel bars for enhanced safety, especially for storage or high-value goods.
• Fencing or Alarms: Installing fences, alarms, or electronic access control systems for added security.

9. Mobility Modifications:

• Wheels and Trailers: Adding wheels or mounting containers on trailers for mobile units such as pop-up shops, offices, or mobile homes.
• Lifting Hooks or Rigging Points: Installing additional lifting points or hooks to make the container easier to transport or move around on construction sites.

10. Specialty Uses:

• Living Spaces: Modifications to turn the container into a home, including bathrooms, kitchens, and furniture.
• Offices or Workshops: Adding desks, lighting, and equipment for mobile or temporary office spaces.
• Greenhouses: Turning the container into a greenhouse by adding glass or transparent materials, along with ventilation systems.

Types of Professionals You May Want to Hire To Assist with Modifications

The DO IT YOURSELF culture has grown in popularity thanks to the availability of tutorials, guides, and resources online that make it easier for individuals to tackle these projects. But you may want to contact the following types of professionals to assist you in this process:

1. Hiring a Local Handyman: For simpler modifications, they can hire a general contractor or local handyman skilled in basic construction and metalwork. This can be more cost-effective than going to a specialized container fabrication shop.
2. Metal Fabrication Shops:  Local metal fabrication shops can help with tasks like cutting steel, welding, and reinforcing container structures. You can collaborate with them to handle more complex or heavy-duty modifications.
3. Contractors or Handymen: For electrical, plumbing, and insulation work, you may want to contact licensed contractors who can assist or guide you through the more technical aspects of container modifications.
4. Modular Add-Ons: They can use modular accessories like shelving units, solar panels, or AC systems that don’t require structural changes. These add-ons are easy to install and provide functionality without heavy customization.
5. External Attachments: Instead of modifying the container itself, suggest adding external structures like awnings, decks, or mobile attachments. This can improve usability without making permanent changes.
6. Pre-Fabricated Kits: Recommend purchasing pre-made modification kits for windows, doors, or vents, which can be easily installed without requiring professional fabrication. These kits often come with instructions and can simplify the process.
7. Engineers or Architects:  For larger projects or structural changes, contacting an engineer or architect with experience in shipping container structures can help ensure that your modifications are safe and up to code.

First things first…purchase your shipping container from a trusted, reliable vendor like Container Sales Group, selling New & Used Shipping Containers since 1998.  Call us at 708 639-4783