Office shipping containers offer a secure, portable, and affordable way to create workspace for small and large businesses. Converting small shipping containers into office space is great for any budget. Starting small is a good idea if you have a small budget as you can always work towards a larger office space down the line. Whether you plan to use a new or used container, you have many customization options to consider. The following details can help you learn more about how to turn a shipping container into an office.
What You Should Know about Planning
A shipping container office space has many benefits. You’ll enjoy convenience, customization, and the cost-effectiveness businesses want when investing in workspace that allows for creative control. You can conveniently choose the location of where you want the office to be, whether it’s next to your home, on on a construction site, or at another location. Customizing a container allows you to create the space you need whether for office equipment, conferences, or additional workspace for employees. These benefits are limited when renting an office space or utilizing a shared space. As a cost-effective option, you can choose the size and purpose-build it for your needs.
Making plans for office shipping containers includes learning about the containers available based on your budget. Older or used containers may cost less than newer containers depending on size and material. Understanding the quality of the shipping container is essential to ensure it will perform safely for your purpose. Other things to keep in mind as you plan for a converted container office include necessary essentials that make the container functional such as electrical connections, windows, security, HVAC, and plumbing.
Making the Most of Your Container Office
While it’s common for small shipping containers to be used for office space, it can be a challenge to design a small space without feeling cluttered. Afterall, you may want to add components to make the space functional including furniture and work equipment. Consider your needs and how to set up the interior space before moving in. Select office equipment and furniture to complement the size of the container. Working with a company that specializes in converting containers into offices can help you gain additional insight into designing your new space.
Taking Advantage of Design Flexibility and Mobility
Use the container to get creative with your space. Businesses not only use them to create more workspace for their employees, but it’s also another way to expand their brand. Homeowners may consider expanding their living space by using a container in ways their home may not allow. As a blank canvas, you can do anything with a shipping container when considering design ideas. The color of the container can be painted to represent your business or brand. As an office, consider adding heated floors, partitioned rooms, filing cabinets, counter tops, or lounge sofas.
You must also take things like windows, doors, and security features into consideration. Custom features like skylights, security doors, and stairs may suit your design. You may also install features to support people with disabilities such as a ramp that meets legal requirements or an ADA compliant restroom.
Additional Customization Options to Consider
Planning the perfect shipping container office includes knowing your options including how to customize it for your needs. You can customize a wide range of items for your container office including walls, doors, lighting, windows, climate control, and more.
Wall customization may include paneling, drywall, or insulation. For doors, you can choose double-swing doors, a roll-up garage door, a sliding glass door, or even a standard personnel door to create a welcoming, cozy space. Interior partitions can also be designed and customized as part of the structure.
Wiring is essential for electrical hooks ups such as outlets. When used as a workspace, you may need more than just overhead fluorescent lighting fixtures or a single outlet. You may want recessed lighting, floodlights or heat lamps. Containers can also be modified to include exterior outlets, a breaker box, and even connections for phone and internet.
Window customizations for a container office may include sliding glass windows or fixed windows. You can have a ticket window if the container is for retail use such as a pop-up store or a security booth.
Additionally, other customization options to think about include air conditioning and heating systems that allow you to control the internal temperature of the container. Plumbing options may include a sink, toilet, or a basic break room. Floors can be bare plywood or include vinyl, hardwood, or carpet.
Customizing a shipping container has many possibilities thanks to the availability of many interchangeable components. It is important to work with a company experienced in designing and creating custom office shipping containers to ensure the modifications are completed properly and the container lasts as long as possible.
