Opportunities for remote employment have been on the rise for years, but now that we are amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses have had to restructure their operations and shift towards remote and telework. Many people are taking advantage of the opportunity to work in sweatpants or are putting up with their distracting family while they work at the kitchen table because they believe the situation is temporary. What they don’t know is that for many, remote and telework won’t end when the pandemic is over. In a recent survey, Statistics Canada revealed that close to one-quarter of businesses expect 10% or more of their workforce to continue working remotely once the pandemic is over.
As the reality of this new normal sets in, many people are concerned about their level of productivity and mental state as the line between home and work becomes increasingly blurred. One solution to this problem is to modify a shipping container into an office, provided you have a backyard to place it. Efficient to build and affordable, you can easily modify a shipping container into a home office that is tailored to your exact needs and design aesthetic. In this article you’ll find information on the benefits of a shipping container home office, the cost to modify a shipping container, the steps to modify a shipping container into an office and it features some inspirational examples of completed shipping container home offices.
If you’re struggling to manage your time or optimize your work output while working from home, a shipping container home office might be the perfect option for you. A shipping container is a blank canvas, allowing you the freedom to create an idyllic work environment that you can’t get from renting a traditional office space or a makeshift workstation within your home.
Accelerated Construction Time: Choosing to modify a shipping container into a home office will have you set up and ready to work faster than any other building methods. Because the framework is already complete, the entire process can be completed in about three to four weeks.
Affordable: Whether you decided on a new or used shipping container, a shipping container into home office conversion is your best bet for cutting costs because it is already structurally sound and watertight. In addition to the money you will save on building materials, the quick building time will reduce your labor costs.
Sustainability: Environmental impact is another reason to modify a shipping container into home office as both new and used containers reduce the use of other building materials and natural resources. Converting a used shipping container into home office will further reduces the carbon imprint because the container is recycled for a second lifecycle rather than being discarded as waste.
Strength and Security: Build to protect cargo and withstand harsh weather conditions at sea, a shipping container home office ensures that your belongings inside are protected from the elements. This also makes theft and vandalism difficult with a shipping container home office.
Mobility: Shipping containers were built for transport which makes relocation easy and affordable. Moving services are readily available, making the process more efficient and less stressful than moving an alternative home office structure.
After you have done your research and planning, prepared your backyard location, and established your specific needs for you shipping container home office, the next steps are as follows (if you outsource your modifications, steps two through four don’t apply):
Before you can start to modify a shipping container into an office space, you need to buy a shipping container. The biggest considerations in this process are whether to go with a new or used container, and what size is best for your shipping container home office. Choose a distributer that offers customized modifications, and both sells new and used containers. Coast Containers is a great option because they have locations all across Canada, making it easy to visit one of their locations to consult with a specialist who can help with your plans to modify a shipping container into an office. Their specialists can help you with specifications and guide you through the process until what you need is delivered. If you are unsure of how to modify a shipping container, or lack the skillset to do it, your best option may be to have your container modified before delivery. Coast Containers can cater to your specific needs and can deliver your container with complete modifications, including; Insulation, Roll-up doors, Ventilation system, Windows, Custom locks, Built-in furniture, Solar panels, Electrical, Skylights, Security bars.
Once you have received and positioned your container, the next step to modify a shipping container into an office is to cut out the windows, doors, skylights, or any other openings you have outlined in your plans to modify a shipping container into home office.
In your research on how to modify a shipping container into home office, take your location and climate into account, because it will determine what type of insulation to use for your shipping container home office. There is a variety of insulation options, but the most common are blown insulation and foam insulation. Electricity components should be considered in this step so that the framing and insulation can support it.
The process of electricity installation when you modify a shipping container into home office is no different from any other home, it’s just on a smaller scale!
The cost to modify a shipping container into a home office can vary depending on factors such as; the condition container (new vs. used), container size, materials used in modification the process, and the decision to DIY or outsource your modifications. For example, a used 20’ standard size container costs around $2100, while a new container of the same size can cost $4100. Like any other structure, foundation and site preparation is an expense and should be factored into your budget when you modify a shipping container into home office. Be sure to do your research and get quotes from multiple sources to determine the best way to modify a shipping container into home office.
Canadian Architect Designed this Home Office for Himself and His Employees:
Randy Bens wanted the benefits of working from home but needing an independent space for staff and client meetings, Randy Bens opted for this 40’ x 11.5’w x 9.5’h shipping container home office. Randy provided the designs and his supplier had it delivered on site 95% complete.
German Company’s 100% Recyclable Shipping Container Home Office:
Designed and built in Germany by Diesignwerker, this 20-foot shipping container can be rented or purchased, and sent almost anywhere in the world.
Toronto Family Modifies a Shipping Container as a Space Saving Solution:
Featured on HGTV’s Backyard Builds Kristen and Joel Clayton converted this 13-foot shipping container into home office, with help from the supplier for construction and modifications.
There has never been a better time to start thinking about ways to modify a shipping container into an office. If the cost, construction time and sustainability benefits aren’t enough, a shipping container home office gives you the feeling of getting out of the house and going to work but keeps the convenience and comforts of home. Research and planning are critical steps in the shipping container into home office conversion process. Before you commit to a DIY shipping container modification into office, consider your skillset and timeline, you may risk damaging your container or spending more to hire different contractors for particular jobs, which could you more in the long run. Coast Containers is a great resource for your planning and construction process, which can save you a lot of time and stress.
