How to build a shipping container home.

The Build Process

This guide will help to navigate the many questions surrounding Container Home Pro's build process and the steps for handcrafting the perfect re-purposed shipping container.

SHIPPING CONTAINER

STEP 1

We only use "Single One Trip" containers that are considered "new" by industry standard. Size options are the 20 ft. & 40 ft. lengths with our STANDARD built out internal height of 7'6" and the optional Upgraded built out height of 8'

STRUCTUAL FRAMING

STEP 2

Structural framing is accomplished by using 2"x 2" square stock Steel. The area is prepped, stitch welded and then apprised for a paint match to the requested container color. We then seal all areas along the interior and exterior with an automotive butyl.

VAPOR BARRIERS

STEP 3

A critical part of the build is to install a vapor barrier by using either Iso-Board or blown in spray foam. Our preferred choice in most scenarios is to use Iso-Board. This is a required step that we use on every build.

RESIDENTIAL FRAMING

STEP 4

Built to IBC Building Code we use only Grade "A" and Tier #2 or Better lumber for our builds. The walls are built to 16" on center and ceiling rafters are built to 24" on center. Sill plates are lagged and uppers are on Joist hangers.

INSULATION

STEP 5

We install Owens Corning thermally efficient R-13 on the walls and up to R-30 in the ceiling. Insulation values vary based on region. We also install wall backers on request for TV mounts etc.

WINDOWS AND DOORS

STEP 6

We install high quality and thermally efficient windows and doors in our builds. Pella Vinyl windows and ThermTru (or similar) doors are most popular. We use egress approved sizes per the Residential & IBC Building Code.

MINI SPLIT HVAC & HEAT

STEP 7

The 1- TON mini-split is the best option for Cooling & Heating your container home. Operating at just 7 Amps these low power consumption units Work great in all 4 Seasons. Electric baseboard Heat and Window insert AC's are available.

SERVICE CONNECTIONS

Our Electrical, HVAC and Plumbing services are Installed, inspected & Certified by NOAH to IBC Building codes to guarantee functionality and safety to pass as a Certified Tiny Home.

ELECTRICAL

STEP 8

100 Amp panel provides enough circuits to power all the necessary components without compromise and allow plenty of room for expansion.. The Exterior power inlet is connected by using a 50Amp plug. Power can be reduced to a 15 Amp plug.

SEWER / SEPTIC

STEP 9

The most common method to connect to your sewer or septic is to tie into the container using an RV Style (tiny home) connection. If a permanent hard plumb to the home site is required we can install the rigid grid connection.

INSTANT HEAT WATER

STEP 10

THE 40 AMP Electric Instant on-demand water heater is our most popular and standard option. If power availability is a concern we can also install an 8 gallon under-sink RV tank heater or Exterior Propane Instant Heat.

EXTERIOR FINISHES

Container Home Pro offers a variety of finishes including Engineered siding, Wood Accent Slats or Plank Cedar. The factory Color or Painting a specific color are the most popular requests.

STRAND LAP SIDING

STEP 11 - OPTION

Textured Strand Lap Siding is an engineered durable siding that is manufactured to look like wood. It is strong and light and includes a unique beveled edge to shed off water. Strand Lap Siding can also be painted just like wood.

PAINT

STEP 11 - OPTION

You can select any paint color scheme that you wish for your container. We use Direct to Metal (DTM) Paint from Sherwin Williams. (DTM) paint is made specific for metal applications and has been a product with great results.

CEDAR SIDING

STEP 11 - OPTION

Cedar Siding is a very popular option used to obtain the cabin look and feel. It is manufactured with a rough saw cut taper for a smooth overlap. Annual treatment and maintenance is required on natural wood cedar siding.

INTERIOR FINISHES

The standard wall and ceiling finish is Shiplap for our Live-in, Relax and Entertain Models. Office, Commercial and Job Box's are finished in Engineered Wall Panels. Drywall is an available option.