Self build using shipping containers

[kjacko]

Hi all,
Has anyone got any experience with self-building using shipping containers? Especially on land in the UK?
It’s something i’ve wanted to do for a good few years now, but no doubt there’ll be a laundry list of pros and cons, not least planning permission etc.
Initials thoughts are that if I can secure some land then containers might be the most cost effective option to use as a self-build/conversion.
So, i’d be grateful to hear from people with experience or knowledge of this
Respectfully, I’d like to avoid any here’say replies because everyone has opinions. I’m looking for real world advice based on experience.

TIA and a very Happy New Year to you all.

 

[noseall]

Hi all,
Has anyone got any experience with self-building using shipping containers? Especially on land in the UK?
It’s something i’ve wanted to do for a good few years now, but no doubt there’ll be a laundry list of pros and cons, not least planning permission etc.
Initials thoughts are that if I can secure some land then containers might be the most cost effective option to use as a self-build/conversion.
So, i’d be grateful to hear from people with experience or knowledge of this
Respectfully, I’d like to avoid any here’say replies because everyone has opinions. I’m looking for real world advice based on experience.

TIA and a very Happy New Year to you all.

I can't think of any reason why I'd choose a shipping container modular build over something more conventional. Just the sheer impracticality of all that metal, is enough to make a builder weep. I suppose if I was a metal worker with access to cutting and welding gear, a crane and a warehouse full of timber and insulation, it would be ok as a folly.

Is this intended to be a (saleable) home or office space or site office or some such?

 

[kjacko]

Hi, it would be to live in.
There’s plenty of YT videos of people who have connected a couple together and created amazing homes. I love that idea. Takes some imagination, but having base frameworks seems like a head start to me. Sure they need insulation etc, but again, if you look at the YT videos it’s no different to battoning and insulating a regular house, except you already have your frame.

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

Yea great wherever Regs or common sense don't apply, otherwise a pipe dream in the UK.

 

[helplessowner]

I used to work in shipping.
Having seen how the build quality of shipping containers deteriorated over the years (especially once China cornered the build market), and the speed at which new containers rust, I would only regard them as a short term option.
In the 80's the lifespan of a shipping container was anticipated to be 15 plus years.
By the 2000's they were considered to be exceptional if they lasted more than 5 years.
Council Planning departments are likely to want long term options for a permanent dwelling.
I suspect that by the time the base is laid and the utilities are run in, it would probably be just as cheap to build something as to convert and insulate shipping containers.

 

[kjacko]

Yea great wherever Regs or common sense don't apply, otherwise a pipe dream in the UK.

Well this is what I’m trying to gather info on.
Ideally I’d like to buy land. We’d prefer more land than building if ya know what I mean. Only need a smallish dwelling, but want enough land to put a large workshop on, which i’d intend to build myself (part of a hobby). Wife wants goats etc.

 

[Murdochcat]

IIRC there was an episode on Grand Designs following somebody who did what you are considering.

 

[carmanmemoranda]

Well this is what I’m trying to gather info on.
Ideally I’d like to buy land. We’d prefer more land than building if ya know what I mean. Only need a smallish dwelling, but want enough land to put a large workshop on, which i’d intend to build myself (part of a hobby). Wife wants goats etc.

I could sort of understand using containers for workshop use, but not for housing.

 

[Koolpc]

I say go for it! If it is of great interest to you then do your research and give it a shot.

 

[RandomGrinch]

Probably not of any practical interest, but attached are some planning documents related to a 'Container Village' near me...

Shipyard Posts Archive - Goodsheds

www.goodshedsbarry.co.uk

IIRC there was an episode on Grand Designs following somebody who did what you are considering.

Series 14, episode 4. Here's a short...

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

Well this is what I’m trying to gather info on.
Ideally I’d like to buy land. We’d prefer more land than building if ya know what I mean. Only need a smallish dwelling, but want enough land to put a large workshop on, which i’d intend to build myself (part of a hobby). Wife wants goats etc.

And therein is your problem, in the US or other country's where land is cheap eg Australia etc then shipping container homes can make sense but int the UK land is just never anything but cheap so whatever you build needs to be commensurate to the value of the land but it just won't be in the UK. You either need deep pockets or a philosophy that defies such things. So which do you have?