Page 7 - REN_May-June 2021

Hire Smart for Home
How to Build a Shipping Container House

Remodeling

courtesy Family Features
hen you decide to make the investment in a home
improvement project, you’re likely entrusting a professional
Wcontractor to bring your vision to life on time and on
budget.
Remodeling contractors are diverse, so it’s important to take your time, ask lots of questions and do your research
before selecting the right one for the job. Keep in mind these considerations from the experts at the National
Association of the Remodeling Industry:
Choose local
A local home improvement contractor with an established business in your area is likely connected to your community
and has a vested interest in doing a job well. Referrals are an important source of business for local companies,
so local remodelers are typically compelled to perform quality work that satisfies their customers in order for their
businesses to survive.

Discuss experience
While a skilled remodeler may be willing to take on something new, chances are you’ll be best served by working
with someone who has experience with your specific project. A learning curve can be expensive, and the results
For those hoping to make a custom-made container castle your home, bear in mind it isn’t as simple as snagging one aren’t always exactly as you hope. Talk about similar projects the contractor has completed in the past and how that
online (where a 40ft model sells for around $2,500 used and upwards of $6,500 new) and then parking your work compares to what you’re planning. Also be sure to ask what, if any, outside certifications a contractor may have
unconventional abode wherever you please. Canadian housing law clearly states that shipping containers still earned that are pertinent to the project.
technically qualify as “buildings” and are therefore subject to the same laws that govern traditional structures. They
must obey lot line setback rules, for instance, and pass rigorous safety inspections. And while containers don’t require Understand staffing
a true foundation, they must nevertheless sit on an approved concrete pad to prevent sinking or shifting. Be sure you’re clear about who will be in your home completing the work, whether it’s the person you meet to discuss
a bid or an assigned team. Ask who the project supervisor will be, and if any work is to be subcontracted, who is
Self-proclaimed “cargotects” (yep, cargo architects!) will also tell you ultimately responsible for those tasks.
that shipping containers are cheaper to build with, but, unfortunately,
that isn’t always the case. Anyone in the market for a pre-owned Check references
container should know the containers are specially manufactured A reputable contractor should be able to produce a list of past customers who can attest to the remodeler’s
workmanship and service. You can contact the government Consumer Affairs Office and the Better Business Bureau
to withstand the rough and tumble cargo-bearing life. That means to check for complaints on record for the contractor. Also ask if the remodeler is a member of any trade groups or
thick layers of toxic lead paint and interiors treated with pesticides, associations.
both of which must be addressed prior to repurposing.
Verify licensing
Used containers have also endured considerable wear and tear and Many provinces, but not all, require contractors to be licensed, bonded or both. Contact your provincial or local
may need repairs. Don’t expect discounts when it comes time for licensing agencies to ensure the contractor meets all requirements. Ask the remodeling contractor for current copies
insulation, wiring, HVAC and plumbing either—you’re looking at the of applicable licenses.
same price for those, regardless of whether it’s a house or a big metal
box. It is true, however, that recycled containers are eco-friendly in Confirm insurance
that they eliminate lumber use and are well-suited to solar power Ask to see a copy of the remodeling contractor’s certification of insurance or the name of his or her insurance agency
and off-grid living. to verify coverage. Most provinces require a contractor to carry worker’s compensation, property damage and
personal liability insurance. Make sure the contractor’s insurance coverage meets all the minimum requirements.
Lastly, if you still have your heart set on a bespoke shipping container palace, we called up a company in Western
Canada who are ready to design, build and deliver the home of your dreams. Their top model, dubbed the HO5+, is Compare bids
made from five brand new 40ft containers and boasts three bedrooms, ensuite bathroom, a living room, den and full There are a number of different factors that go into pricing a remodeling project. Be sure that every estimate reflects
kitchen spread over a spacious 1,530 sq ft. g the same scope of work. If the estimates don’t fully spell out what work is going to be done, go back to the contractor
for clarification in writing. g

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