If you’re considering building with shipping containers, you’re probably wondering whether storage containers are the right choice for your next project. This is to be expected — after all, containers aren’t originally built to be converted.
Before you begin construction with shipping containers, it is vital for you to know all of the limitations, as well as the benefits, of building with shipping containers.
Luckily, when it comes to modified shipping containers, there is TONS of free information online.
There’s just one problem.
How do you know if this information is TRUE? Often, the people talking about converted shipping containers online are hardly experts, and they spread false information on the internet for all to see. As a result, several myths about shipping container modifications are circulating online.
In this article, we will go through 4 of the most popular shipping container modification myths so you can get the facts right and make the correct decision.
Myth #1: Converting a Shipping Container Costs Much Less than Traditional Construction
In this day and age, companies and individuals are always looking for ways to reduce costs and save money. So, naturally, when looking to build a new structure, people tend to gravitate towards cheaper options.
When architects first began building with shipping containers, they thought that the prefabricated containers would significantly decrease building costs. However, they soon found this to be not true.
You see, shipping container modifications are not very different from traditional construction. When converting a shipping container, builders actually use about 80% of the same materials as traditional construction.
Though converting a shipping container may save you some money on building materials, the process will cost about the same.
The bottom line: Building structures with shipping containers can certainly save money, but you should be realistic with how much you intend to save and how much you’re willing to compromise to obtain those savings.
Myth #2: Shipping Container Modifications are Temporary
While researching for a permanent space, many people will ignore the possibility for a shipping container conversion. This is because they believe that shipping containers are “too temporary” for their project. However, as many satisfied BMarko Structures customers will tell you, this is far from the truth.
As an example, let’s look at the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, a devastating storm that destroyed millions of dollars’ worth of structures in North America.
As you can see in the picture, the hurricane did lots of damage in this area. In an area once dominated by buildings, now we only see wood and bricks. And, of course, we see one more thing.
Shipping containers.
Yes. Though the traditional construction surrounding them are completely gone, shipping containers remain fully intact! So, as you can see, shipping containers are actually more durable and more permanent than traditional construction.
The bottom line: Shipping container modifications are actually much more permanent than traditional methods of construction.
Myth #3: Converted Shipping Containers are Not Transportable
The theory might make sense: once you build a shipping container structure, it remains static and cannot be moved elsewhere.
However, believe it or not, converted shipping containers are not necessarily stationary. In fact, they’re quite the opposite.
Because shipping containers can be picked up and moved fairly easily, you can transport them virtually anywhere for their entire lifetimes! This is probably very good news if you plan to move your structure sometime in the future.
The bottom line: Modified shipping containers are surprisingly easy to move, and they can be transported anywhere for the entire duration of their life.
Myth #4: Custom Shipping Containers Are Contaminated with Noxious Chemicals
This myth is particularly scary, as it creates worry about safety and an insecure environment for humans.
The myth goes like this: since shipping containers are shipped overseas many times, harmful chemicals could have spilled on the floors and deemed the container unsafe for humans.
If you are worried about your shipping container being contaminated, here’s some good news: it’s not true.
At BMarko Structures, we either use new, USA-made shipping containers, or we use containers that have made one trip from china. As for the latter, there are codes printed on the container that tell us what was shipped in them, and we will never use a container that could possibly harm you or others.
The bottom line: Unless you use 12 year-old used containers, our shipping container modifications are completely safe to use.
Conclusion
With the abounding wealth of online knowledge about shipping container conversions, it’s important to make sure you have all the facts. Hopefully, this article cleared up the most common misconceptions regarding shipping container modifications.
Are you ready to get started?
At BMarko Structures, we take shipping container conversions very seriously. With our top-notch shipping containers and modification practices, we build durable and secure permanent spaces for any need. If you’re interested in modifying a shipping container for your next project, give us a call at (678) 666-3688 today and get a FREE QUOTE!
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