Long Beach Off-coast Port Container Modifications

Container Modifications

It may be very well possible that our current container offer does not exactly match your needs. Therefore inter-modal container ltd has specialized itself in modifying containers, always based on the unique needs of the customer.

Custom storage containers make an affordable and eco-friendly base for a modular building unit. Long Beach Port, we convert used shipping containers into functional and attractive commercial buildings. We believe modular buildings don’t have to be boring — for innovative custom designs that expand the possibility of what modular means, make Long Beach Off-coast Port your partner for your next build!

Shipping Container Modifications

Custom shipping containers

Through container modification we can create containers that exactly match the application you have in mind. Our team makes custom shipping containers for all sorts of purposes, from safety cage to pop-up restaurant. Our specialists modify containers based on your personal wishes.

Interested in shipping container modifications?

Shipping containers modifications always come down to custom work. Based on your requirements our team of technicians will get to work in creating a container with your required properties. All employees have the right qualification and certification required to modify the containers, in such a way that they meet all the wishes of our customer. Are you looking for a shipping container with specific purposes, or a container that is tailor-made? Contact us to discuss the possibilities!

End-to-end programs.

In 2022 we are in an economy where it’s important to cut costs and improve efficiency wherever possible, companies and organizations all around the world are turning to shipping container modifications.

If you’re in search of a durable, secure, and sustainable structure for your specific needs, consider shipping container modifications for your next building project.

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Shipping Container Modifications

There’s no shortage of possibilities regarding the custom shipping container design. Take a look at a few of the many available options for the customization of your structure:

Flooring — New shipping containers are delivered with their original plywood floor intact. Some customers choose to leave this as-is, although it’s more common to have it finished or even replaced with a durable modern laminate.

Walls — In most climates, the steel walls of a shipping container don’t provide enough protection from the elements. Walls can be finished in drywall or wood paneling, with spray foam or fiberglass insulation available to minimize heat loss during the winter. Shelving can also be included in pricing upon request to store tools and boxes.

Windows — Shipping container buildings can support several different window types, including double-hung, sliding and fixed designs, in a wide range of shapes and sizes. For extra energy efficiency, double pane glass can be installed.

Doors — Wooden doors are rarely used in custom shipping container buildings as they can detract from the unit’s structural integrity. Metal doors are the most economical option, though sliding glass storefront doors make an attractive and welcoming alternative that lets more light inside. Roll up doors are also a common solution for industrial cargo containers.

HVAC — To keep your staff comfortable all year round, air-conditioned modular units can be equipped with either through the wall or ductless HVAC appliances. Vents, solar installations and other green technology are also viable options.

Shipping Container Sizing & Layout

Custom shipping containers come in several standard sizes, and the most common are 20′ or 40′ long, 8’6″ or 9’6″ high and 8′ wide. Though shipping containers are the basic building blocks of our modular structures, this doesn’t mean you’re limited to these sizes. Individual containers can be modified, walls can be removed, and units can be placed together. This leads to multiple potential layouts and configurations. Because shipping containers are capable of withstanding up to 213,000 lbs. of weight, it’s even possible to design a multi-story unit.

One of the best things about a custom shipping container building is that it can be added to or altered as your needs change. When it’s time to grow your business, our modular designs make finding additional space easy and effecient.

Looking for something else?

Shipping container modifications are completely custom-built, and nearly all of the design features are up to you. If you’d like to add or modify something that you don’t see here, chances are, we can probably do it.

SHIPPING CONTAINER CONVERSION FAQS

Shipping containers have been around since the 1950s, and, from the very beginning, enterprising people have been re-purposing them for a variety of uses. However, it’s only in recent years that the idea of a shipping container building or commercial building has really picked up steam. Part of this is due to the rising cost of conventional real estate in many parts of the country as well as to an increasing focus on recycling and green building techniques. For these reasons and more, shipping container buildings are starting to pop up with higher frequency in all corners of the world.

Naturally, this has caused a lot of people to have questions, particularly when they see newer builds — the best of which are barely distinguishable from traditional buildings. Because of this, we’ve prepared this exhaustive set of shipping container FAQs. Read on for answers to some of the most common questions our team and our customers receive.

Got a question we haven’t answered here? Get in touch with Inter-modal containers Ltd directly — one of our team members will be happy to help. You can also check out our Gallery page to see some real-world examples of the work we can do and some of the ways an old shipping container can be transformed into a functional working or retail space.

Which parts of a shipping container can you modify?

One of the best things about converting a shipping container house or commercial space is the endless opportunities for customization. Unlike an older home or building, you’re not bound by the limitations of design or layout. And compared to a custom build using conventional construction techniques, the savings afforded by going modular give you more room to spend on upgraded appliances and other premium components.

Here are just a few of the choices our customers have when ordering and customizing their shipping container building:

Shipping Container Colors: Shipping container buildings already have a distinctive exterior look. A limitless pallet of colors accentuates this uniqueness and allows you to put your own personal spin on your building. Choose a lighter color to reflect the sun’s heat and make your property seem larger. You could also select a darker color for a more imposing look — or throw out the rulebook altogether to mix and match colors as you see fit.

Shipping Container Doors: Shipping containers can be modified with a wide range of door options depending on your needs and your budget. Choose from conventional insulated metal doors or add an aluminum/glass sliding storefront entryway for additional convenience and elegance. When it comes to adding or modifying the doors on a shipping container structure, there are very few practical limitations to worry about.

Shipping Container Windows: A bright, sunny space is one of the most desired characteristics of a home or office. Shipping container buildings afford you great flexibility to capture the most sunlight. In a shipping container, adding additional windows is easier than with conventional housing. Multiple size and shape options are also available, as are high-efficiency windows that provide a tighter seal and keep your utility bills low.

Shipping Container Flooring: Shipping containers come with marine-grade plywood flooring which can be polished or cleaned up as necessary. Many customers prefer the rough look and feel this offers. Alternatively, we can add tile, laminate, hardwood or several other types of conventional flooring.

Shipping Container Roofing: A shipping container roof presents a number of opportunities for upgrading. For additional ventilation, add a vent or turbine that lets air in. For a brighter, lighter space, add a flat or domed skylight — you’ll also save on your heating and lighting bills.

Shipping Container Locks & Security: A container building can be equipped with all the same security features as a conventional home or office. Door locks are standard, though it’s also possible to add sophisticated modern security features such as video surveillance, access control systems and intrusion detection alarms.

Shipping Container Electricity: All shipping container buildings can be wired for electricity as well as phone, internet, cable and all other amenities available in your area. Shipping containers provide an ideal platform for solar conversions as well, whether you want to go off the grid entirely or simply heat your water and offset your monthly energy usage.

Shipping Container Plumbing: There’s no reason why a shipping container building can’t be outfitted with a full modern bathroom or kitchen. In fact, one of the reasons why shipping containers make a great choice for restaurants is that they can easily be modified with additional sinks, washbasins and other necessities for cooking and cleaning.

Shipping Container Heating and Air Conditioning: Complete climate control solutions are available on any shipping container building. Both wall-mounted and ducted AC systems can be installed, as can high-efficiency electrical heating and hot water units. Roof mounting a compressor or HVAC unit is a great option for saving space on your property.

Shipping Container Insulation: Insulating your space keeps it warmer in the winter, cooler in the summer and quieter and more comfortable all year round. Several insulation options are available for shipping container homes and office buildings, including closed cell spray foam that can help you earn LEED certification or credits.

Shipping Container Lighting: When you’re looking at lighting for your shipping container building, you can choose from a wide variety of options — from conventional ceiling fixtures to stylish recessed lighting, there will likely be a lighting system that will fit your style and tastes.

Shipping Container Accessibility: The design flexibility of shipping container buildings allows for more organic integration of accessibility features such as ramps and loading zones. We’ll work with you to ensure any commercial property meets or exceeds ADA and related guidelines.

The greatest opportunities for modifying a shipping container building come by modifying the containers themselves. Individual units can be stacked side by side to create a great, open concept space, or they can be placed one of top of the other for multi-story convenience in a smaller lot.

There is no limit to the amount of potential combinations. You even have the option of building your dream space slowly over time — the beauty of modular construction is that expanding your space doesn’t require tearing down what you’ve built already. Additionally, a fast and easy build process ensures renovations don’t significantly disrupt your life or your business, either.

Does it get hot in a shipping container?

One of the biggest misconceptions about shipping container buildings is that their steel construction makes them extremely hot and stuffy during the summer months. The fact is, any type of building that’s poorly constructed and improperly insulated can get unbearably hot.

One of the reasons people think this is a problem inherent to shipping containers is that, until recently, they were generally only repurposed for storage and warehouse spaces, where comfort is not a primary concern. With proper insulation, adequate airflow and the right HVAC appliances, a shipping container office or home can be just as comfortable as any other type of construction.

Are shipping containers subject to local building codes?

At the moment, the International Building Code (IBC) — the main document outlining the standards that have been adopted by most municipalities — does not cover shipping container buildings and houses. Some municipalities have drafted their own rules, while others have not. Your best bet when building a shipping container home or office is, first, to check with your local bylaw office and, second, to build to the same standards set out in the IBC for conventional structures.

One of the benefits of working with a professional modular shipping container builder is that you will be better positioned to meet any current or future regulatory challenges that come up.

Are shipping containers flood/wind resistant?

Yes, in fact, in most cases, a shipping container house or commercial space will be more resilient to floods and other natural disasters than older properties built to the standards of yesterday. Shipping containers are designed to stand up to the elements and can withstand winds of up to 175 mph. They are also obviously more fireproof than wooden frame homes and are less likely to suffer from termite or mold infestations.

How do I maintain my shipping container building?

The most important part of maintaining a shipping container building is to be vigilant about checking for rust. Just as you would look for cracks in the foundation of a conventional building, be on the lookout for corrosion and take action as soon as you notice it. Surface rust can easily be sanded down and painted over before it spreads. If that’s no longer an option, a patch can be welded over the affected area.

Other than that, you care for a shipping container building the same way you would for any other property. Keep your yard clean and free of debris, service your appliances according to their regular maintenance schedules, tend to any leaks or other plumbing issues quickly and make sure you have working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors installed at all times.

What are the exterior dimensions of a shipping container?

Shipping containers come in several different sizes. The majority used in building construction are either 20 or 40 feet long by 8 feet wide. Standard shipping containers are 8’ 6” high, whereas high cubes add an extra foot of clearance, to stand 9’ 6” tall

What are the interior dimensions of a shipping container after the walls have been installed?

A modified 20-foot high cube container is approximately 19′ long by 7′ wide by 8′ 7″ tall, measured from the interior. This translates to 133 sq. ft. of floor space.

A modified 40-foot high cube shipping container measures 39′ long by 7′ wide by 8′ 7″ tall, providing 273 sq. ft. of floor space.

The interior dimensions of a completed shipping container building will vary according to a number of factors, including the type of wall and insulation used. It is also possible to modify an existing container to make it longer or to attach multiple units together to create more floor space. Really, the possibilities are endless — the shipping containers themselves are simply the building blocks for the completed structure.