Shipping containers have become an ever-increasing sight on large-scale construction sites.
It shouldn’t come as a surprise, containers have a wide variety of uses that can greatly benefit a construction business that’s trying to keep costs down, maximise productivity and meet fast-approaching deadlines.
ContainerCo’s range of high-quality units can take on many roles for a construction business that’s taking on their next project. This is your guide to making the most of our containers on your worksite, allowing you to save money, time and keep your workforce happy.
The Advantages of Using Shipping Containers For Construction Projects
When it comes to the use of shipping containers on construction sites, the best place to start is with the variety of functions that containers can provide.
There are many ways that containers can be utilised, depending on their size, to fit the needs of a construction site. It could be a break room for workers, an office space for construction officials such as project managers, or it could be customised into a temporary bathroom.
With choosing a container over alternative amenities, you’re taking advantage of a product that brings with it certain benefits that alternative options don’t offer.
For example, shipping containers are cost-effective in comparison to traditional methods.
Storage, for example, requires some form of sheltered building which can store equipment and materials that require protection. A shipping container is a relatively inexpensive choice compared to constructing a temporary storage space from scratch.
By saving money, you’re also saving time by choosing a shipping container as a temporary storage space, office or bathroom on the worksite. The quick set up time of a prefabricated and modular container means you’re saving time and able to focus on more important aspects of the project.
Shipping containers are also highly durable, boasting robust construction and strong weather resistance. Their performance during heavy weather conditions, such as torrential rain and heavy wind speeds, is without question. They’re safe, secure and resistant to any environmental hazards.
Ultimately, shipping containers are a highly reliable, efficient and multi-purposed option for large scale construction projects with many moving parts. ContainerCo’s variety of containers are the perfect choice for any of the above uses, with our selection you’re choosing a product that looks and feels like quality.
Different Types Of Shipping Containers For Construction Sites
The type of shipping container you’d be looking to secure for your construction project will depend primarily on the function it will provide. When choosing the right container, consider the different sizes and which one would be the best fit for your business.
Open-top containers, for example, resemble the regular-purpose containers with one notable difference – the roof is replaced with a tarpaulin cover. This allows for more vertical space when storing taller items, or loose contents that might move around a little.
Side-opening containers are your traditional shipping containers that have been modified with a side door, as well as opening doors at either end. The side door can either span the entire length of the container, or just a small section – depending on what you’d prefer.
This container design makes for much easier loading and unloading of materials. They’re also a great container choice when you’re choosing to retro-fit it into a make-shift office or breakroom for your workers.
ContainerCo also provides other options of container, like refrigerated containers that are designed to keep the contents cool. This can be ideal for storing items like food and plants – buying and hiring these styles of container makes the storing of temperature-sensitive products much easier.
Make sure to research the different types of storage containers before choosing one for your construction site.
The On-Site Process For Installing Shipping Containers
Once you’ve settled on your preferred container option, you’ll then begin the process of preparing your worksite and installing the unit, before potentially kitting it out to suit your specific needs.
First, assess the site that the container will be installed on. Check to make sure it’s in a convenient and easily-accessible location on the worksite that won’t cause headaches once it’s installed. Also, assess the ground stability to ensure weather conditions don’t impende the container’s foundation.
Consider the type of surface the shipping container will be placed on. Grass, for example, will easily muddy during rainfall, so you’d need to check it every month or so to make sure the container isn’t sinking or tilting.
You’ll also need to check whether there’s any on-site permits to install the container, as well as complying with all building codes and regulations. You can learn more about this here.
With ContainerCo, we’ll confirm with you which shipping container you’d like to use and then coordinate with your worksite around the best time to deliver it. You’ll need to clear and level the site, removing any debris that might interfere with the container’s flat surface.
Once the container is delivered and secured, you’ll possibly look to install utilities into the container and transform it into a functional space – such as an office or set of bathrooms. You’ll need to hire a contractor to set up the sewage, electricity and water supply for the unit.
Issues And Fixes For Shipping Containers On Worksites
Whilst shipping containers are a fantastic way to improve productivity, save money and protect valuable equipment, you’re bound to hit the odd snag with your container during the project timeline.
Here’s a few solutions to common challenges with your container on the worksite.
Supporting heavy loads
The key here is reinforcement. It’s important to check your shipping container has adequate support beams and additional reinforcements if it’s going to be bearing the load of particularly heavy equipment or materials.
You’ll also want to check the stability of the foundation you’re laying the container onto, particularly if you’re aware ahead of time that your container will be bearing particularly heavy loads.
Over time, continue to inspect the structural integrity of your container and make sure it’s coping with any intense levels of load bearing.
Withstanding extreme weather
You’ll want to make sure your container is capable of withstanding any extreme weather phenomenons during your project, particularly in Auckland where cyclones and torrential rain are seemingly ever present.
Weatherproofing options are a great way to protect your container during harsh climate changes. Use weather-resistant coatings and sealants, plus install insulation to manage any temperature fluctuations. This means your workers and construction officials will be well protected if they’re working inside.
A final critical component of weather-proofing is ensuring there’s proper drainage in the container. Implement really effective drainage systems so when the rain comes down, it doesn’t come in.
Security and Safety
Keeping your materials and belongings safe is important. Securing your shipping container against theft, vandalism and protecting its occupants is a basic requirement.
Once your shipping container is properly secured, go about installing locks, alarms and security cameras to keep your unit safe. These options all vary in price and sophistication, but shipping containers are conducive to a range of security options.
Also, enhance the overall security of the site by investing in fencing and lighting that surrounds the container – helping deter any opportunistic crime that might occur.
Space utilisation and layout
Shipping containers are surprisingly spacious, but you may find there are still limitations on what you can and cannot do with the space. The first tip is to make sure you’ve chosen a container ahead of time that’s large enough for your construction needs, but even the largest options are still smaller than some alternative buildings.
The solution is maximising the space using smart design. Implement some space-saving designs and products such as cabinets, shelving units and minimalist furniture.
Also, design the space to serve multiple functions instead of just one. Rather than a split container office for workers and construction officials, maybe combine the two into an open-plan space that increases access to the unit.
Choose ContainerCo For Your Construction Site
At ContainerCo, we pride ourselves on providing an extensive range of shipping containers for hire or purchase. Our range of 10ft, 20ft and 40ft containers can be used for various purposes, including shipment, storage or construction, to name a few. Featuring more than just containers in our product range, we also sell accessories and parts for shipping containers to ensure your container can be maintained and repaired after prolonged use.
Offering specialised containers along with dry standard variations, ContainerCo’s containers include refrigerated, dangerous goods, high-ball, open-top and side-opening options. As a fully-established shipping container company, we also have the facilities to modify purchased shipping containers. Our specialised team can assist you with altering containers into workspaces, cafes, tiny homes or construction site offices.
We can serve Kiwis across the country with facilities operating in Auckland, Tauranga, Christchurch, Wellington and Waikato. So next time you require a shipping container, make sure to hire or buy yours at ContainerCo today!
Contact us on 0508 732 873 or request a free online quote today!