Whether you are buying a shipping container to make into a home, a garage, shelter or shed, the information below can help you save money and time. As the popularity of shipping container homes continues to rise, so does the cost of containers, making it more important to take all the necessary precautions to pull off a good deal.
Keep the following in mind:
1. Consider which type and what size of container you need.
Various types are available, and prices may vary considerably between types. Decide which one is best for the purpose you require. If you want to store materials that need refrigeration, you may consider a refrigerated ISO container. If you need room to load materials, a normal storage container might be the best option.
The most common sizes for shipping containers for sale are 3, 6 and 12 metres. You may also consider a high cube container which is 300mm higher than the general purpose containers.
2. Where do you live and how must the container be delivered.
Buying a shipping container can be a logistical nightmare if you don’t live near a port. In such a case, you should contact a trustworthy supplier like Container King who will have the container shipped to you.
3. From what material is the shipping container made.
Not all containers are made from the same material. Look for those made from “Cor-Ten Steel”, because they will last the longest and will stand up to inclement weather and rust – after all containers are designed to sit on a ship out in corrosive salt air for years. It is important that you ask the supplier about the container’s design as well as durability before buying it.
4. Pay special attention to the detail of the shipping container you choose.
Pictures of containers can provide a quick and easy way to assess their condition and dimensions, however, make sure whether a website provides pictures of a actual containers for sale or just a generic photo of a certain type of container.
If at all possible, try to see the actual container so that you can walk around the outside and check its overall condition, as well as enter it to assess the inside.
Give attention to corner castings, paint and the seals around the doors. Although dents usually aren’t a big deal, very noticeable sections of corrosion could mean that they are in bad shape.
Check the doors – do you see significant damage? Can they lock and seal correctly?
Once the door is open, smell for any indication of mould or rust and find out if the container is watertight by closing the door during daylight and check for any indication of daylight. Pay particular attention to the floors and check for holes, or evidence of cargo spills.
If you have a container delivered that you could not see before purchase, make sure the exterior matches the description of the one you paid for since not all suppliers may provide a certified condition guarantee.
5. Consider all options before you negotiate to get the deal you want.
Companies such as Container King offers a large inventory and one of them will surely fall into the price range you are looking for.
Before you buy, once again ask the seller about its terms and conditions around delivery. Do you perhaps have to pay more than the pre-purchase quote and what about delivery accountability? Who will be responsible for the container while it is on the road? What if it’s damaged coming off the truck?
These are all important items to discuss before you put down your money.
You might also be interested in: 9 things you should know before building a container home
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