Families and businesses alike are buying shipping containers to repurpose for lots of different, exciting conversions. Domestic conversions range from simple self-storage through to bespoke garden rooms, whereas commercial conversions cover hundreds of varied designs, from restaurants to offices to on-site facilities to retail units.
However, once you’d decide that you want a bespoke shipping container conversion, it’s important to consider where the finished container will be placed. Before we get the green light to install your shipping container conversion at your chosen location, it’s important that you’re fully prepared to be able to receive your container.
So, without further ado, here are 5 things to consider when choosing WHERE to place your shipping container:
Is the site suitable?
So that we are able to deliver your container properly and professionally, an assessment of your proposed site may be needed to establish whether access and installation is possible. For open spaces, such as large building sites, this isn’t always an issue although we’d always suggest that you double-check with us if you have any concerns about the delivery of your shipping container conversion.
Is there sufficient access available?
As it is your responsibility to ensure that there is sufficient access to your proposed site for a large vehicle, make sure this is at the top of your to-do list. If, for instance, you are planning to order a garden room yet the land to the back of your home has no rear access, this may affect delivery so be sure to talk to our team about this if you are unsure.
Have you spoken to your local planning office?
Shipping container conversions don’t always require planning permission as they are portable temporary structures and have no fixed foundations. However, this being said, some domestic and commercial containers may need planning permission in order to be installed in your desired location. Make sure you seek assurance and approval from your local planning office regardless to avoid disappointment.
Have you checked the ground?
The majority of shipping containers require a solid foundation. Supports, such as concrete bases or flag stones, can help to protect the bottom of the container and ultimately, prevent rusting. We’d also advise that the area chosen has a 5ft clearance as this will allow the doors to be opened. It’s important that the ground of your chosen site is prepared pre-installation to avoid any delays in delivery.
Are there any obstacles?
When arranging for the efficient delivery of your bespoke shipping container conversion, be sure to let us know if there are any known obstacles we may face, for instance, walls or fences. We want the installation and delivery process to be as smooth as possible – just as much as you do – so as long as we have plenty of notice and photos where applicable, we’ll consider any challenges accepted!
Useful? We thought so! If you’re still not sure about the checks that you should be aware of before giving the go-ahead for delivery on your shipping container conversion, we’re always available to pick up the phone and offer helpful support and advice.
If you would like a friendly, honest chat about how we can create your bespoke Shipping Container conversion, please call the Universal team today on 0845 050 0330 or feel free to email andy@universal-containers.com
