Converting storage container into living space

[OneGrassRoot]

Has anyone here done that? I'm looking at used 8 x 8 containers to add space here for a home office, with a half bath.

My question is, do you know if contractors need to have special experience or skill sets to work with storage containers for some reason versus stick built? I can't find anyone locally who has done this to ask who they used.

Thanks.

[WhiteTara]

1. I think the most important thing is that

it is absolutely level and then you have the shell and you can do anything you want. If you are plumbing, I think you might want to have that in place before you bring in the container. Containers are 20 and 40 and 40High foot long and just about 10 feet wide. So is your idea to cut one in half and then work from there? Sounds interesting. I'm sure any carpenter can build the walls and floor and electrical. Post a picture when you're done!

[2naSalit]

2. It's a growing thing aorund here...

I know a little lodge up the valley who has converted some into guest rooms. They have the 27' size. I haven't been inside them but I do know that some people have done so. I think all you need is a good footing and anchor system underneath. I have considered it myself but I have to find property first.

[LizBeth]

12. +1. I am with you. Creative living. I also want to know about resell ect... But it is interesting.

[TigressDem]

3. Depends on where you live.... Ask about ADU - Additional Living Unit laws

In Minneapolis, the ADU laws are less restrictive. Think a Mother In Law cottage. You might have to go a bit bigger and add a little kitchen space.

https://www.simpleterra.com/which-states-allow-shipping-container-homes/

EYE CANDY

https://www.livinginacontainer.com/

https://www.customcontainerliving.com/


Hubby and I are thinking Tiny Home for retirement... Not sure if would do shipping container or not.

[LizBeth]

13. Excellent. I am in Oregon and not restrictive here either. I have been considering,

pondering this for a while. Great sites.

[kristofarian]

19. Danke

Gressie!
I'm Sold.

[getagrip_already]

4. preppers have been using these for decades.....

sometimes buried, sometimes built into an embankment, sometimes stacked freestanding.

I've even seen companies turning them into secure cannabis storage lockers for grow operations.

I'm sure there are thousands of youtube videos on conversions.

They are just a structure. All building codes will still apply. But you will have to account for extreme temps since they don't offer any insulation or ventilation.

[PJMcK]

5. I've seen them used as offices at construction sites

They're pretty unsightly, though. Would you consider a pre-built shed? The one we bought is 8' X 12' and is barn-shaped. It has double doors, four windows and a lofted ceiling. With the foundation pad and delivery it cost about $2,750. It has a ten-year warranty on materials and construction and it was built with real construction lumber (i.e., 2" X 4", pressure treated 3/4" plywood, etc.) and the roofing is superior. It's also kind of cute! The interior can be finished and wired for electricity.

ETA: In our town, you can have an outbuilding of 100 square feet or less without any permits or additional taxes. That's why we chose the one we did since it is 96 square feet.

[kristofarian]

9. "To achieve great things, two things are needed;

... a plan, and not enough time." - Leonard Bernstein

omg -- Dude!
it's PERFECT.
when do we
Start?

[PJMcK]

15. Let's order some lumber! (n/t)

[JT45242]

6. Wasn't there a show on discovery or DIY channel about this

Whichever had a show plugged their website for info on how to do it.

If it is like mobile tiny house laws, common sense regulations are lagging far behind people doing this.

[Phoenix61]

7. Check with your building department.

Plumbing will have to be to code. An 8x8 is going to finish out closer to a 7x7 tiny for an office and bathroom. From what I’ve read, while that type of housing is fast it isn’t any less expensive than anything else.

[safeinOhio]

8. I've put up a 40 by 38 dry storage

building using 2 40 ft containers. I covered it all with a roof. Get your footings level, that takes some skill.
I need to install some vents as I’m getting some mildew in the containers. Plan on using a couple of solar vent fans. The open part is for parking. Check your local zoning. My taxes have gone up.

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

10. Don't forget to get the necessary permits.

[gibraltar72]

11. I'm betting Youtube has lots of stuff on about this.

[Wawannabe]

14. Furring the walls would be necessary

Builders should know this. This is how electrical, plumbing, insulation etc would be installed in a container. Your 8x8 is an outside measurement so the interior would be something like 7’6” to start. Then you will lose more interior square footage to the wall furring.

The pad for the unit is important too. You will need to install drainage for plumbing since you want a bathroom and also securing the unit to the pad is important.

On edit: most any contractor should be able to handle this. Suggest phone interviews with up to 6 general contractors. You will get a varied amount of info and someone will rise to the top as a person that cares about your project. That is the person to interview further.
If you get that far...ask the contractor WHO his/her subcontractors are and look them up. You will see the whole picture at this point and be able to better decide if this person is the one to hire for the job.

A general coordinates all of the separate jobs that need planning and executing in a build. A builder is not always a general...but the various trades (excavations, concrete, framing, electrical...) you will need to preform the project ...would be best handled by a good general contractor. A small to medium size firm would be best. Larger companies probably wouldn’t take a small job such as this. Concentrate on someone who cares about your project small or large. This person needs to be vetted tho as explained above.

In my opinion...asking people for references is a backward approach. What they like may not be the same for you. If you approach with interviews of the general contractors, you have all the control and won’t be relying on anecdotal references.

[OneGrassRoot]

17. Thank you for such detailed guidance...

Much appreciated!

[TexasBushwhacker]

16. For something that small it might be easier

to use a backyard storage unit like you can get at Home Depot.

[OneGrassRoot]

18. Wow - thanks to everyone who replied!

Lots of wonderful information and suggestions.

Lost power and may lose again soon, so I'm doing this blanket but sincere THANK YOU!

[whistler162]

20. Tupperware is the best and

poke a few holes in the lid before you close it.

[TuxedoKat]

21. Talk to your town's

building inspector and ask him who the best contractors are. That's how we found our contractor (he had worked on the building inspector's house).

[Kali]

22. I have some friends who have

their number one problem was heating in winter - the rain inside ruined at least one laptop

lots of videos and info out there. you might want to talk to a welder/metal worker instead of standard building contractor. another popular alternative around here is the trailer off a semi truck. since it is on wheels there can be tax advantages.