Some people are building shipping container homes instead of traditional houses. Living in an off-grid tiny home feels like a big adventure, plus you'll save lots of money. Just ensure you prepare the land before getting it delivered.
You can't throw a shipping container onto a random piece of land. You'll need to make some preparations well in advance, for safety and legal reasons. Let's look at some steps you'll need to take before moving into your home.
1. Asking For A Land Survey
Someone will need to survey the land before you do anything. It will tell you everything you need to know about your land boundaries. It describes the details, mentions monuments, and maps out the boundaries.
It will let you know if it's even suitable for a manufactured home before you call expert industrial demolition contractors and architects. You'll also have a good idea of what you'll be able to do with the land before asking for permits.
2. Getting All Your Permits
You will need a permit for many things before bringing in a shipping container home. If you're tearing down a structure that needs asbestos removal first, you'll need permission to ensure it's done properly.
A transport permit, occupancy permit, building permit, and much more are needed. You'll even need a utility connection permit because you must connect your home if you want plumbing and electricity inside your container.
3. Picking The Best Location
I'm sure you have a rough idea of where you'd like the shipping container to sit, but once all your permits are sorted, you can look for your ideal location. Use string to lay out the outline of your future home.
You'll know exactly how big your outdoor living space will be thanks to the boundaries on your land survey. You will probably need to throw away shrubs and trees to ensure you have enough space for your container.
4. Build A Strong Foundation
You can't throw a shipping container onto a random piece of land. It might be okay for a while, but something could go seriously wrong. You must call someone in to create a rock-solid foundation under your home.
Once a thick concrete slab has had plenty of time to cure and dry, it will handle any weather conditions and keep you safe. You'll need to pour the foundation well in advance, so ask a builder how long it will take.
5. Bringing In The Utilities
You will need to run power lines to your home unless you're trying to live off-grid. If you want to clean your dishes and relax in hot showers, you'll need to put water pipes into trenches coming into your shipping container.
A septic tank will make it easy to flush waste away. If you need to be hooked up to utilities, it makes site preparation more complicated. You will need to cover all the costs yourself, but it shouldn't break the bank.
It's Tougher Than It Looks
I know it seems like throwing a shipping container onto a piece of land is easy, but it's a little more complicated than you think. You should be okay if you follow these steps.
