Shipping Containers FAQ

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO BUY A CONTAINER?

Shipping containers have a variety of uses ranging from granny flats and offices, to storage and this will affect the price. The price is also dependent on other factors such as delivery costs and the container’s condition (i.e. either new or used).

DO YOU NEED PLANNING PERMISSION FOR A CONTAINER IN YOUR GARDEN?

Planning permission refers to the formal permission given from local authorities to build or modify structures and is generally given as a building permit. Shipping containers are considered temporary structures and as such do not legally require a building permit. If however, the container is going to be situated in a dense residential area, then checking with local authorities is advised.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO MAKE A HOME OUT OF A SHIPPING CONTAINER?

While Tiger Containers do not formally make houses from shipping containers, we do modify them into granny flats, student retreats etc. Cost depends on factors including the condition, size, and age of the container and other factors. Costs can arise from the upfront payment of an empty container, labour and modifications to the container to make it liveable.

WHAT IS THE INTERNAL WIDTH OF A SHIPPING CONTAINER?

For all shipping containers, no matter the length, the internal width is always 2352 mm/2.352 m or 8ft wide.

HOW MUCH DOES AN EMPTY NEW OR USED SHIPPING CONTAINER COST?

The cost of shipping containers varies depending on whether the container is new or second-hand and whether you buy or hire it. Another factor is the cost to transport the container from the depot to your location.

ARE CONTAINER HOMES CHEAPER?

One of the appealing aspects of a shipping container home is their affordable price.

HOW LONG DO CONTAINER HOMES LAST?

Typically, new shipping containers will last approximately 25 years as a home with little to no maintenance. This number will vary, however, depending on the climate in which the house is situated along with several other factors.

HOW DO YOU INSULATE A SHIPPING CONTAINER?

Insulation for your shipping container comes in the form of spray foam which may be applied to both the internal and external walls of your shipping container as well as on the base of the container to prevent moisture seeping in from the ground.

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO INSULATE A SHIPPING CONTAINER?

Spray foam insulation is the cheapest, easiest, quickest and most convenient method of insulating your shipping container. This insulating foam can be sprayed on both internal and external surfaces as well as the base of the container.

HOW HOT DO SHIPPING CONTAINERS GET INSIDE?

Generally, shipping containers are constructed from steel and as a result do get hot. When not insulated, the internal temperature of shipping containers will generally match the external temperature outside.

WHAT IS A ONE TRIP CONTAINER?

One trip shipping containers are essentially the same as new shipping containers. One trip shipping containers are containers that are used to transfer only one load before being sold- i.e. they only take “one trip” before being sold on.

HOW MANY SQUARE FEET ARE IN A 40FT CONTAINER?

In a standard-size 40ft shipping container, there are 320 square feet of available space. This figure, however, will vary for the different types of 40ft shipping containers such as high cube containers.

HOW TALL ARE SHIPPING CONTAINERS?

The heights of shipping containers vary depending on their lengths and types. Standard 10ft containers have an internal and external height of 2.39m and 2.59m respectively. Standard 20ft containers have an internal and external height of 2.39m and 2.79m respectively. Standard 40ft containers have an internal and external height of 2.39m and 2.59m respectively.

WHAT IS A WWT SHIPPING CONTAINER?

A WWT Container is short for Wind and Watertight. These are sea worthy containers that have doors that form a firm seal when closed in order to keep the elements out during transport.