Shipping container buildings are an easy and innovative way to add extra space to your life, providing a habitat that can be customised to your needs without having to dig foundations. This is all for a fraction of the cost of building a bricks-and-mortar extension.

Another attraction of a shipping container extension or outbuilding is that, provided you have the necessary space, it can be placed almost anywhere on your property with relative ease. If you're thinking about installing a shipping container building, here's a run-down of what we will cover in this article:

• The different shipping container uses
• Using a shipping container as a home
• Shipping container extensions and sheds
• Ideas for a shipping container extension
• Rules on putting a shipping container in your garden
• Planning permission for shipping container outbuildings and extensions
• And more..

Let’s take a look!

What can they be used for?

As a flexible, adaptable living-working space, there is barely any limit to how a shipping container building might be used. It's also not unheard of for people to blend their shipping container into the exterior of their property by getting creative with landscaping.

Half-submerging it into a hill or incline, or growing foliage over it can really help it to ‘disappear' into the greenery if you're concerned about the aesthetic impact its presence might have in the garden.

Shipping Container Homes

If you're planning to place a shipping container outbuilding on empty, uninhabited land in order to use it as a shipping container home, bear in mind that this is something that needs to be looked into carefully, since it could be counted as a ‘change of use' of the land in the eyes of the law.

On the other hand you may simply wish to install a shipping container building outside your existing home and use it as an extension, which is potentially far more straightforward regarding planning permission. A shipping container can also be customised with doors and windows to your specifications to make a family-sized summerhouse.

Can you put a shipping container in your garden?

Yes you can. There are numerous applications for using a shipping container in your garden. These include:

Shipping Container Extensions

Using a shipping container outbuilding as an extension to your home or business is a versatile and cost-effective solution. These durable structures can be transformed into a variety of functional spaces, providing additional room without the high costs and lengthy construction times associated with traditional building methods.

Potential uses for a shipping container extension include:

• Home Office: Create a quiet and productive workspace separate from your main living area.
• Guest Room: Provide comfortable accommodation for visitors with a unique and stylish guest room.
• Studio: Perfect for artists, musicians, or hobbyists, a shipping container can be converted into a creative studio space.
• Garden Room: Enjoy the beauty of your garden all year round with a cosy and functional garden room.
• Gym: Set up a personal fitness area equipped with your favourite exercise machines and equipment.
• Storage: Utilise the space for extra storage, keeping your home or business clutter-free.
• Retail Space: Enhance your business by adding an extra retail area, ideal for home-based enterprises.
• ‍Playroom: Give your children a dedicated play area that is safe and fun.

Garden Sheds

Popular and effective, using a shipping container building as a garden shed provides secure, roomy storage for more heavyweight tools and outdoor appliances, which are often expensive and provide an easy target for thieves.

Typically, you don't need any planning permission for a garden shed, provided that you meet certain conditions. These are outlined in detail on the Planning Portal website, which you can view here. Again, double-check with your local authority to be certain. For garden sheds, check out our range of smaller containers, available here.

Shipping container extensions offer a flexible and eco-friendly option for expanding your space, allowing you to repurpose these sturdy structures into practical and stylish extensions tailored to your needs.

Storage

Of course, the most obvious use for a shipping container is to use it for its original purpose! As storage becomes a premium inside the home, creating extra storage space outside gives you more breathing space inside.

Usually you won't need planning permission to use a shipping container in this way (it's essentially the same use as a garden shed), but it's always best to check with your local authority (see below) as rules vary around the country, and it depends on your plot.

Location

Whether you need to apply for planning permission will in part depend on where you would like to locate the site of your shipping container home. If it's next to a highway or road junction, for example, it's possible that planning permission will need to be obtained.

Similarly, if it will be in prominent view of your neighbours, or highly visible as a structure within the local surroundings, planning permission may need to be applied for. Let common sense and community spirit prevail, and ask yourself how your planned shipping container building might impact on your local environment before applying.

Local authority and planning permission

The variable factors covered here should all be considered carefully before you go ahead with your shipping container outbuilding or extension project, since they will affect whether planning permission will need to be applied for. Save yourself from a potential setback and check with your local authority first before ordering and installing a shipping container, no matter what you plan to use it for.

Ultimately, the responsibility of sorting the paperwork for a planned shipping container building will rest with you. Do as much research as you can based on the individual circumstances of your shipping container proposal.

Regardless of whether you need to apply for planning permission or not, once your project has been given the go ahead, do remember to make sure you put your plans in the hands of somebody who will ensure your shipping container building complies with building regulations. 

To determine if your project requires planning permission, reach out to your local planning authority (LPA) via your local council.

How do I convert a shipping container?

Converting a shipping container into a functional space involves several key steps. Here's a overview on how to do it:

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1. Planning and Design:
   • Start by defining the purpose of your shipping container conversion. Whether it's for a home office, studio, guest room, or retail space, having a clear vision will guide the entire process.
   • Create detailed plans and blueprints, considering factors such as layout, dimensions, and the placement of windows and doors.
2. Foundation:
   • Ensure the container is placed on a stable and level foundation. Common options include concrete slabs, concrete piers, wooden beams, or gravel beds. The foundation must support the weight and ensure the container remains level and secure.
3. Structural Modifications:
   • Cut openings for doors, windows, and any other necessary modifications. Use appropriate tools and techniques to maintain the structural integrity of the container.
   • Reinforce the cut areas with steel or other suitable materials to ensure stability.
4. Insulation and Damp Proofing:
   • Insulate the container to maintain a comfortable interior temperature and improve energy efficiency. Common insulation materials include spray foam, rigid foam boards, and fiberglass batts.
   • Damp proof the container by sealing gaps and applying a vapor barrier to the interior walls, floor, and ceiling. Ensure proper ventilation to prevent condensation and moisture build-up.
5. Interior Finishing:
   • Install internal walls, flooring, and ceiling panels. Choose materials that suit the intended use and aesthetic of the space.
   • Add fixtures such as shelving, cabinetry, and furniture as needed.
6. Utilities:
   • Install electrical wiring, plumbing, and HVAC systems. Ensure all installations comply with local building codes and regulations.
   • Plan for lighting, power outlets, heating, cooling, and water supply as per your requirements.
7. Exterior Finishing:
   • Paint the exterior to protect against rust and weather elements. Choose a durable, weather-resistant paint suitable for steel surfaces.
   • Consider adding exterior features such as cladding, roofing, or decking to enhance the appearance and functionality.
8. Final Touches:
   • Complete any remaining details, such as decorating, furnishing, and landscaping around the container.
   • Conduct a thorough inspection to ensure everything is in place and functioning correctly.

For professional conversion services and more detailed information, visit our Shipping Container Conversions page. Our experts can help transform shipping containers into customised, functional spaces tailored to your specific needs.

Willbox - The shipping container specialists

We hope you enjoy the fruits of your labour, and we're here to help if needed.

For more information about the high-quality shipping containers that Willbox provides, contact us today.