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Given the recent boom in the industry, there has been a recent surge of people looking for containers for sale in Toronto. However, while there is a myriad of lucrative business opportunities involved in shipping containers, as well as occupancy opportunities for those looking for an affordable home, there are a few issues that people should be aware of beforehand.
For example, insulation is a serious issue that should not be taken lightly and currently serves as the biggest challenge regarding shipping container homes. This is because shipping containers absorb both heat and cold with impressive efficiency, so selecting the ideal type of insulation is of the utmost importance. Here, we will delve into the many common shipping container home problems that you need to be aware of before you invest.
Rust and Corrosion
In addition to insulation problems, rust and corrosion are also common shipping container home problems that you should try and avoid if possible. That is, while shipping containers are built to be durable and long-lasting, they are not impervious to harm or the elements.
As such, no shipping container that is currently available on the market is 100% rust-proof or corrosion-proof. Given the harsh elemental conditions that Toronto is known for — especially during the winter— the containers that are used in the city are prone to corrosion and rust brought on by abrasive climatic conditions.
Before your shipping container home is fabricated you should ensure that your container is situated in an area that is not severely vulnerable to the elements. Shipping container rust can also be drastically mitigated by simply adding a coat of high-quality zinc to your container as a form of paint.
Toxic Materials
Interestingly, most shipping containers that are sold today include wood flooring that is laced with pesticides that are potent enough to ward off many forms of vermin, such as rats and raccoons. The strong pesticides will deter rodents from chewing through the flooring, and most containers are also painted with paint that contains chemicals that help protect them from saltwater too.
In any event, some people may worry about the toxic materials that their shipping container home comes with, as they want their home to be safe for themselves as well as their loved ones.
If toxic materials are a serious concern, then we would suggest that you remove the wood flooring that contains the heavy pesticides from the structure and then replace the toxic wood with your own clean flooring. Or, if you would like to avoid the extra work and possible safety hazards, then you may want to consider buying a brand new container that does not include any of the aforementioned issues.
Not Researching Local Planning Regulations
If in doubt, speak to a local representative in the city, as there are towns and cities in Canada that may have imposed certain restrictions in regards to building and erecting a shipping container home in the community.
A good place to start if you have any concerns or questions is to schedule a meeting with the zoning office in your area. Or, you can try and get in contact with the public works construction division in your area before any actual construction takes place to be on the safe side.
Cutting Too Much Out of Their Container
Many people who buy a new shipping container for the purpose of home living will eventually start to think about renovating their new home. Unbeknownst to many new occupants, cutting holes into their shipping container home in order to install an extra window or door will actually affect the structural integrity of the shipping container.
If you want to avoid debilitating the structural integrity of your new property then you will need to compensate by adding several reinforcements. In fact, the more new holes you cut, the more reinforcement you will need to prevent it from collapsing.
You will also need to consider the fact that your budget will also increase with each addition or renovation that you wish to add to your shipping container home; planning accordingly is recommended if you wish to avoid going into debt.
Buying the Wrong Type of Shipping Container
Last, but certainly not least, buying the wrong type of shipping container is something that you should try and avoid in order to mitigate long-term issues. For instance, high cube containers are roughly nine feet and six inches tall, whereas conventional shipping containers are generally eight feet and six inches in height.
As such, you will need to pick your new container according to your unique needs. For example, if you would like to insulate your new container home’s ceiling, without sacrificing any much-needed headroom, then a high cube container would be preferable because it provides an extra foot in height with which to work with.
More often than not, you will get what you pay for, so when you are shopping for a container, you should try and find something that is both durable and clean so that it is suitable for quality home living.
In sum, it is imperative that you perform the necessary due diligence in order to invest in a shipping container home that meets all of your unique criteria before you make a final decision. By taking the time to find the ideal home for you and your loved ones, you will avoid many common problems that can make new home ownership a hassle or possibly a poor investment.
To learn more about how to buy a shipping container, call Sigma Containers at (855) 228-1993 or contact us here.
By Devon Graham
who is a blogger in Toronto. He graduated with honours from the University of British Columbia with a dual degree in Business Administration and Creative Writing. Devon Graham is a community manager for small businesses across Canada. He also likes to research various topics related to pets, food, storage solutions and business solutions.
Member since July, 2021
View all the articles of Devon Graham.
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