Shipping Container Garage – Is It Worth It In 2024?

Last Updated on October 22, 2024 by Kravelv

Nowadays, shipping containers are used for various purposes, from public places, and home extensions to additional storage. Thus, there are a lot of people that are opting for shipping container garage nowadays. If you think that they are simply huge metal boxes used to transport your stuff, you are wrong.

Shipping containers have become extremely popular for they are easy to transport, install and maintain. More importantly, they are sustainable and designed to withstand even the harshest conditions. Since they are not made out of natural resources, such as wood, they are environmentally friendly, which is one of their great benefits.

After opting for a shipping container garage, the next step is definitely how to decorate the exterior and interior space. If you want to express your personality and aesthetic, try custom die cut stickers. Here you can freely decide what stickers you want, no matter what size, shape, or color, completely personalized liberalization.

Whether you are planning to build a garage for your car or additional storage for your stuff, maybe a shipping container is the best solution for you for it is affordable and easy to maintain. Before you undertake such a complex endeavor, you should know some basic facts about creating a shipping container garage. (Tools-wise there are many resources you can check out to help you, such examples it are Toolsy  and Tools Specialist.)

Do you need planning permission for a metal container?

First things first: Before you start your garage construction, you need to make sure if municipal permission is needed.

Owing to their affordability, practically everyone can buy a container, but permission for its conversion into something else might be needed. In this particular case, a concrete stab needs to be installed first for it will protect your container garage from sinking under the weight of stuff inside it.

How to Lay the Foundation?

Before you start placing the foundation for your garage, you need to know how the concrete slab is laid properly. At the very beginning, you need to choose the location where you want to install your garage, as well as mark it. Once you do that, you need to flatten the ground, which is usually done with the pressure roller. Repeat the action until the marked terrain is an inch or two below the level of the surrounding ground. Of course, you will also have to remove all plants from this ground.

The next step is forming the frame around the marked place. Start with the boards that are supposed to be 12 inches wide and 2 inches thick. Then, you should fasten them at the corners with the 3-inch nails. Once you do that, you need to add the row of bricks along the frame’s edge, which is supposed to hold it firm while you are pouring concrete.

How to build your own shipping container garage?

Once you do that, you need to place the shipping container properly. For example, if you want just to extend your home and are looking for a place where to store your stuff, you should make the garage face your home’s entrance. On the contrary, if you are planning to build a garage for your car, you need to find a proper position for it, as well as add a driveway entrance to it.

After that, you need to make sure if your garage needs to be insulated. Apart from the fact that shipping containers can be used for various purposes, they also need to be adapted.

If your garage is meant for storage, it’s essential to make sure it’s insulated. One important aspect is ensuring your garage door is properly sealed, as this can prevent heat loss and protect your items from extreme temperatures. There are various types of insulation materials, with polystyrene sheets being a popular choice. These sheets should be attached to the walls and ceiling, and any gaps filled with foam insulation. However, if the space is primarily used for parking your car, insulation may not be as critical.

Finally, the dehumidifier should be installed for it will protect the entire place from dampness.

Shipping Container Garage Cost

Shipping container prices can vary from $1,400 – $5000. The newer the container the more expensive it is. You should be knowledgeable enough about the shipping container’s condition to determine is price.

Because rates may differ by container company, home size, and move location your move might cost you more or less than the average cost which is $3000 per move.

Considering the fact that containers are a little bit of pricey than they were 5 years ago there are still people looking for them because of their features and what they can do and they cost less than building a new garage. Depending on where you are planning to use or need this container, delivery fees should be taken into account.

4 Reasons Why Use Shipping Containers as a Garage

You might end up asking why you would use an old shipping container as your garage so we are giving you, 5 reasons why you should use this:

1. Easy to install

Most people use shipping containers “as is” upon delivery. But not all areas are even or firm. In that case, try putting down some gravel to establish a good base. 20’ containers weigh 5,000 pounds and 40’s weigh under 10,000 pounds, and you don’t want to see your storage sinking. If you want to create blocking underneath, using 6”x6” blocks (2’ long each) is ideal.

2. Easy to maintain

If you want your container to last for a long years try checking it once or twice a year for any rust that develops and aiding the rust before it infects all areas of containers. Other owners place roofing tar to extend the roof life.

3. Containers are easy to use

Once your container is organized, it has two doors that open up to allow you to enter the full width and full length of the container. Try adding a roll-up door or service door for extra service.  Your seller has the kit so that you can install them. If you’re using this as a parking area for your car no need to worry you just have to put a movable ramp. Its doors are locked using a lock rod to lock the container.  So you wouldn’t need a permanent ramp, just a movable one to create access for you in getting in or out. There are many garage doors for sale and it is hard to know which one you should buy. The first thing you need to do is decide whether you want a new door or a used one.

4. More Room for Storage

The main reason why shipping container garage is becoming popular is that it is “storable”. Shipping containers have a 24-ton capacity and for every tons, there are 907.185 kg let’s try computing it as 24 tons x 907.185 kg is equals to 21772. 44 kg! Wait what? You can store a car or boat or even a tractor in here. So basically you can store everything in here toys, old bikes, and even old belongings that make every season fun.

Also Read: 8 Hacks to Maximize your Garage Storage Space

FAQs about Shipping Container Garage

Can a shipping container be used as a garage?

The short answer is yes. As mentioned above, it is very possible to use a shipping container as a garage.

Do I need a foundation for a shipping container garage?

A solid and level base isn’t required, although it’s suggested for the containers’ continued integrity. Gravel pads, piers, and concrete slabs are all viable options.

Can I insulate a shipping container garage?

Insulation is essential for maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature, especially in cold or hot regions. Insulating the walls, ceiling, and floor will help keep the temperature and humidity under control.

Do I need permits to build a shipping container garage?

The rules are different in every city. Find out whether your shipping container garage project needs any special permits from the local building authority.

Is it cheaper to buy a shed or shipping container?

The cost per square foot is one of the most significant advantages of utilizing a shipping container for the purpose of constructing a storage shed. It is a lot less expensive. For instance, the price of a used shipping container that is 20 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 8.5 feet tall is around $2,500.00. This works out to around $15.63 per square foot on average. In comparison, a standard shed measuring 12 by 12 feet may run you at least $3,000 when purchased from a big-box hardware retailer. This equates to around $24.19 in cost per square foot. A cost savings of over $10 per square foot may be realized by using storage containers.

How much does a 20 / 40-foot shipping container cost?

The price of a conventional shipping container with dimensions of 40 feet, 8 feet, and 8.5 feet can range anywhere from $2,600 to $3,300. You should anticipate paying an additional 20-30% more than the typical price for a container of a high-cube or non-traditional size if you are searching for one of these.

There is a possibility that the 20-foot may cost you more money overall. This price variance occurs when there is a greater demand than there is supply in the immediate region. Containers with a length of forty feet are often the most widely utilized in the shipping industry because of their accessibility.

Conclusion

As you can see, shipping containers can be easily converted to a garage. And creating a garage from shipping containers is easy, all you have to do is to follow these rules and you will enjoy your brand-new garage.

Some Ways to Overcome Your Storage Problems Using Your Garage Door By Our Friends At Elite Garage Door & Gate Repair Of Renton

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Author Bio:

Lillian Connors is home improvement/green living enthusiast in charge of the sustainability segment on Smooth Decorator. You can check her out on Twitter and  LinkedIn.

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