Other than transporting cargo, shipping containers are useful for a myriad other purpose. With the necessary modifications an ordinary shipping container can be quickly turned into a building, store or other useful facility for domestic or commercial use.

Although reusing or converting shipping containers into different structures through modifications has been done for decades since the invention of the intermodal container, it’s only in the new millennium that the trend has really peaked. This is mostly thanks to the ever-expanding global trade that produces an abundant supply of containers. As well as changing lifestyles all over the globe as people become more environmentally responsible.

Reasons to modify a shipping container

If you’re new to the world of container modifications, you might probably be wondering why on earth one would do it. Well, there’re several compelling reasons to take on a container modification project, and we believe that’s the cause for the increase in container conversions worldwide. The reasons are:

I. Cheaper alternative. Converting sea containers into buildings for human dwelling or for commercial use is a lot cheaper than constructing facilities from scratch. People and businesses looking to save some money in construction find a viable, affordable alternative in sea container modifications.

II. Readily available material. With global trade at an all-time high, cargo containers can be found all over the globe at very attractive prices. This makes it very convenient for anyone looking to take on a container project to find the materials.

III. Fast turnaround. Unlike traditional construction which could drag for months, shipping container modifications are pretty quick. Constructing a container building could take just a few weeks as compared to the months it would take to build with brick and mortar.

IV. Modular construction. With shipping containers, complex structures can be broken down into modules for easier and quicker construction. Modularity also enables offsite pre-fabrication for improved efficiency.

V. Going green. Reusing old shipping containers by modifying them for new uses saves them from the junk yard. This reduces waste and the need to exploit new resources.

It’s these factors that have seen shipping container modifications shift from a niche undertaking to the mainstream of building and construction.

What are the popular container modifications?

The number of things you can modify the shipping container into is virtually unlimited. However, there are a few uses for modified containers that have proved to be widely popular.

Home and home extensions. Complete homes can be constructed through container modifications quickly and for less. Modified containers can also make granny flats or sheds for home extensions.