Offices made from a used shipping containers are experiencing a popularity as cheap, ecological and versatile spaces for startups and small companies. However, it is crucial that you should know some things that matters most before you decide to purchase one for personal business.
When considering this topic, it will be important to consider the location, any change which may be required, the ability to regulate temperature, all safety measures that need to be adhered to and the different costs involved with the process will help one in making the best decision.
So, continue reading before you look for container office buildings.
How Many Shipping Containers Does Your Business Require?
Firstly, define what kind of size will be suitable in shipping containers for you. The most popular ones are 20 feet and 40 feet. A 20 ft container amounts to about, 160 sq ft of available space for functionality.
Thus, it can easily accommodate 1-2 office desk and workstation. On the other hand, a 40 ft container offers three times that space at approximately 480 sq ft. Because this way it can hold more employees and layout solutions.
Some of the things to ponder on in whether to lease raise, how many people to accommodate, meetings spaces, layout opportunities, furniture, etc.
Modification/ Customization
Furthermore, the method to alter or adapt it should be part of your strategy as well in the specific context of the current topic the following points could be considered as most relevant:
It might be additions or alterations involving items such as windows – doors, ventilation & electrical works, plumbing works, floor works, insulation and walls respectively. The formulation of these strategic components will be affected by the timeline and costs.
Others to consider are the climate in your area, the comfort of temperature, natural lighting, office traffic pattern, and many more when you are planning for changes.
Temperature Control & Ventilation
Invest some time and find out whether, a structure made from a shipper container can efficiently regulate temperature and air circulation in the region. These are prone to be either very hot or very cold. Heat can be regulated with the help of insulating materials.
Air movement can be controlled through the use of quality HVAC systems, windows and exhaust fans. Absence of proper ventilation and air conditioning can make a very big difference on the manner in which the workers operate and also their efficiency.
For more extreme solutions the opportunities such as mini-split for heating/AC might help if operable windows and fans aren’t sufficient.
How Do Building Codes & Safety Standards Apply?
Certain restrictions concerning the building codes safety regulations are considered during conversion of the containers to work station. Fire exits, suppression systems, construction materials, electricity, access requirements are to be provided.
The jobsite office trailers as a construction must have the correct safety accreditations.” Get acquainted with your compliance requirements for what are known as ‘sheltered containers’ stripped down.
This is because some zones will prohibit workplaces in refurbished storage containers altogether. How to save money: Learn to choose the proper codes that one requires early, so that it is not too late to discover.
What Are The Costs?
Last but not the least, it is important to accurately estimating total cost of the project. The actual cost of the container is above $3,500 on average, and this cost does not include other startup costs.
Add additional cost for delivery, preparation of the foundation, wiring, lighting installations, bathrooms installations, floorings, walls, ventilation systems, furniture and the final setup cost.
Building wiring and many lighting and power systems as well as plumbing and special heating and ventilation may need special contractors. Furthermore, it is useful to plan insurance, permits as well as inspection certification fees.
Conclusion
If designed carefully, converting the shipping container into creative offices can be cheap while still being environmentally friendly and perfect for the small businesspersons or start-ups.
Some of the decision criteria includes size of the air conditioning, modifications, temperature, building codes and the total cost. This cool, eco workspace, however, should be able to pencil out since proper planning must be followed by realistic cost estimating.
Evaluating such crucial features beforehand would give optimal return on the amount invested on the container work space.
