Building a shipping container home

In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy and amid escalating demand for affordable green building solutions, the industry is scrambling for alternatives that will better withstand extreme weather while providing greater cost and energy efficiencies. This is increasing demand for shipping cargo container-based construction, including shipping container home construction.

Scheduled to build more than $109 million in projects during the next 24 months across the United States and abroad, Three Squared uses retired shipping containers as its primary framing material for new residential and commercial construction

While new in the United States, shipping container home construction is common in Europe, New Zealand and Korea because of its strength, affordability, sustainability and reduced construction time.

“Cargo containers meet and exceed building and safety codes making the structures stronger than most…and with much higher energy efficiencies,” says Leslie Horn, CEO of Three Squared.

Scheduled to build more than $109 million in projects during the next 24 months across the United States and abroad, Three Squared uses retired shipping containers as its primary framing material for new residential and commercial construction.

Prepare for another storm

If Hurricane Sandy caught you unprepared or if you work in areas that experience damaging storms of any kind, Compliance Consultants recommends the following to prepare jobsites for a strong storm:

• Secure all loose materials, especially sheet goods, rigid insulation boards, decking materials, etc.
• Pay special attention to all materials on roofs and upper levels that are exposed to wind.
• Identify areas that can flood and remove any materials from these areas.
• Identify vulnerable work in progress and determine how best to protect it from damaging winds, water and snow.
• Ensure mobile equipment is secured and equipment booms, blades, buckets, and other attachments are lowered.
• Make sure hazardous materials are stored high and dry.
• Take pictures before and after storms for insurance purposes.
• Turn off water, power, gas, etc.
• Make sure all emergency contact phone numbers are current.