Modified shipping containers have found many uses in our modern economy. You can use a modified shipping container as a pop up container bar, shipping container café, or as a portable office. The versatility and practicality of shipping containers make them extremely useful for various business purposes. Since you have so many options for shipping containers, you should know what to look for when buying a container, be it new or used.
These buying tips will help you select the modified shipping container that’s suitable for your needs.
1. Select The Right Size
Most shipping containers are 10 feet, 20 feet, or 40 feet long. The 20 feet and 40 feet shipping containers are the industry-favorite because they provide enough space for most operations. The size of your shipping container should be determined by the amount of space your project requires. A 20ft shipping container has a length of 19.4 ft, and a height of 7.9ft, while a 40ft container has a length of 39.5 ft, and a height of 7.9 ft.
You should know the exact size of a modified shipping container before purchasing one to avoid making a costly mistake. You don’t want to buy a container, only to find that it’s too small for your office, pop up shop, bar, or whatever purpose you want to use it for. Additionally, knowing the size of your shipping container in advance will help you prepare the ground site where the container will be placed. This will simplify the installation and other on-site modifications you may need to have done.
2. Will You Buy a New or Used Shipping Container?
For the most part, buying a new shipping container is stress-free. As long as you buy from a trusted container dealer, you will be assured that you’re getting a quality shipping container. However, when buying used shipping containers, you must be extra vigilant. A used shipping container in tip-top condition should be weatherproof, wind and watertight, and cargo-worthy. You should perform a rigorous inspection to ascertain these conditions before buying a used shipping container.
3. Consider the Modifications Suited for Your Business Use
A container can be customized to fit your specific needs. However, you will find that not all modifications are useful in your business operations. For instance, you may not need plumbing, insulation, doors, and window, if you intend to use your container for storage. Conversely, you will need extensive modifications if you need a shipping container studio. You may opt to have glass doors and windows, flooring, air conditioning, or roll up doors.
When buying a customized shipping container, you will have to be specific about the modifications you want. Select the modifications that will give your business the most utility. Also, consider if the modifications can be improved in the future as your business needs evolve. Consider also the cost implications of these extra modifications.
4. Consider the Cost of Maintenance and Repair
You should consider if your modified shipping container requires a lot of time and resources for maintenance and repair. For instance, if you install louver or turbine vents and air conditioning and insulation, consider how much you will pay in energy bills. Generally, it does not take a lot of time and effort to maintain a modified shipping container. You’ll only need to keep your container clean and seal any cracks and leaks that may develop over time because of wear and tear. Luckily, shipping containers are made of durable steel that is sturdy enough to withstand harsh climatic conditions. This keeps the costs of repair and maintenance to a minimum.
Utilizing modified shipping containers in your business is not only affordable but also stylish. Today, even major brands like Starbucks are using shipping containers in their business. Starbucks built a 450 square foot shipping container store in Washington in 2011. You can find many uses of shipping containers in your business to increase your operational efficiency. When buying custom shipping containers, trust a reputable shipping container dealer near you.