Building Codes...Building a shipping container home?

O....K.... Jansen . GOOD LUCK.. I agree with you, you are right.
Henry

Save the effort Jensen... he just doesn't get it. Definitely not worth the time 🙄

I found this on youtube. Insulating a shipping container with straw bales. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XsVMIBZ2JCI
Also. Building codes are very lacks on unorganized townships.

I'm assuming that a shipping container is attractive for shelter as the steel walls will provide great security.

As for that, there isn't much more advantage from a building perspective. There are cheaper methods, and more energy efficient portable units out there. The Ontario Building Code would be applicable and to get a permit you will need someone with a BCIN #, and due to the intent most likely a registered Architect.

With all the modifications required to a shipping container to make it livable, would you entertain portable living units which were made to be lived in? What is the primary attraction of a shipping container? Some of the posts critical of using them have some valid points. They will pose some negatives, and the modifications required to make it liveable will be extensive.

I'm assuming that a shipping container is attractive for shelter as the steel walls will provide great security.

I am not confident that the steel walls provide much security. I certainly would not plan on it. It provides shelter from weather and are extremely resistant against rust etc. They are built to withstand loads potentially shifting inside in stormy weather on the sea transports and to withstand salt water and its effects. Security not so much.

As for that, there isn't much more advantage from a building perspective. There are cheaper methods, and more energy efficient portable units out there. The Ontario Building Code would be applicable and to get a permit you will need someone with a BCIN #, and due to the intent most likely a registered Architect..

We can argue all day about whether its more expensive or not and whether this is more energy efficient or not. Untill you can provide some real facts its all just speculation from your side. Nothing wrong with that except that you use it as a proven argument to conclude that there is no advantage in building a house with shipping containers. From my experience it was very cheap to do but then again I have no real numbers to show here. So instead I just googled for you. Here is a few articles so you can see its possible, its cheap and its happening even if you did not know any doing this or were up to date with building developments.

http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2014/01/30/shipping-container-house-vancouver_n_4697469.html

http://www2.canada.com/vancouversun/news/story.html?id=513fd7e8-12b9-4f8e-b5b4-1b00133ff93f

http://zigloo.ca/

http://sustainablepersonalfinance.com/living-in-a-shipping-container/

Building a home from scratch would almost always require you to involve an architect. There is no reason why it should be any different with building a shipping container home. That is NOT an argument for NOT building a home with shipping container home.

With all the modifications required to a shipping container to make it livable, would you entertain portable living units which were made to be lived in? What is the primary attraction of a shipping container? Some of the posts critical of using them have some valid points. They will pose some negatives, and the modifications required to make it liveable will be extensive.

Attraction is personal taste and ideas. We all have different likings and ideas so only the OP can tell you what HIS attraction to this idea is. If you look at the articles I provided I seriously doubt that these people would swap their homes with a portable unit. In this scenario the OP wanted to build a home.

Okay... so by now I hope you will have read the articles I provided and I hope you have realised that your speculations and henry's speculations were just that. Speculations. Real life experiences are different and are proving the OP idea as possible even in Ontario.

Jensen, I have significant experience in building and design. The speculation is based on that. It involves a lot more costs than you are thinking about. Just pointing that out. I'm not trying to talk anyone out of it if they are set on using c containers, just that there are most cost befeit alternatives out there. At the end of the day, that's why you don't see these containers being used. Your building team (architect/builder/engineers, etc.) will go over that at the onset. It's a cool idea, but economically impractical.

Here is my perspective...and yes, I have built 2 additions onto my house, so I know the costs involved in construction.
With a shipping container, there are first off, modifications that have to be done...the 2 big doors on the end will have to be replaced with a solid structure, or at least modified to accomodate a typical door...unless you want your entrance to be that wide and tall.
Window openings will have to be cut into the sides, and a header system put in over each opening.
You will need to put on an actual roof, either sloped like a shed or gable style, or flat roof with draining system.
Inside, you will have to erect some sort of framing to put in insulation and fix the drywall to.
Floors and ceilings also need framing and insulation.
Basically, all you are getting with the container is exterior sheathing.
A basic container is 8' x 20' giving you 160'sq. of space.
I can and have built this area for a heck of a lot less that the cost of a container...remember, all it is is the basic box that needs all the other elements such as insulation, roofing, framing, windows, etc...etc...etc.
As for an architect, you are going to need one to get a permit, regardless of construction method.
The idea has merit IN SOME CIRCUMSTANCES AND CLIMATES...but I just can't wrap my head around the economics of it anywhere that has winter temperatures like Ontario...not to mention snow loads.
Perhaps a good idea for a retreat or hunting cabin...but not practical for everyday housing in an environment like ours.

thecrownsown and Denob. Please see the links I have provided in previous post.

They show that its economically viable which translates to saving you dollars !. You will also learn that its considered Green living using recycled materials such as a Shipping Containers. Finally you will see that its aesthetically pleasing to look at the examples provided in the articles. But hey... don't let FACTS get in the way of your opinion :).

I know I said finally above but this one gets me smiling. You guys keep referring to architects etc as an authority which will make such a project impossible. However if you actually read the links I provided you will realise that link two is an architect who built his own home with Shipping Containers.

But thecrownsown... I don't have to convince you as your mind is made up. That is perfectly okay with me. I don't care if you also believe the earth is flat. However you are trying to convince other people to believe in something that is simply not true. So I hope that people reading this post will actually read the links provided and realise that you don't know what you are talking about and that you don't need me to make you look stupid with your assumptions when presented with real facts and evidence. I think you have achieved to do that just by yourself by sticking to your assumptions even in the face of contrary evidence.

Denob I do respect anyone who has actual experience in building themselves and I like the way you immediately are trying to problem solve issues around actually converting a shipping container. But please see the examples I provided. Its possible and cheap to do there is nothing more I can say. If you don't believe me or the links I referenced to that's okay. But at least look into it. For myself I could never get my family to live in a Shipping Container home no matter how fancy it looks ad how fashionable it would be. But I agree with you Denob for us on a Prepping Forum as a retreat and a hunting cabin it could be perfect. But the OP wanted to know whether its possible in Ontario and whether its possible to get permission to do so. Its yes to both questions.

I would have to disagree with you on the economics...using one of your links as reference.
http://sustainablepersonalfinance.com/living-in-a-shipping-container/
A 1280 sq.ft. home costing $192,000?
Only $8000 of that was for the containers (estimated at $1000 each for 8' x 40') and transportation (estimated at $1000 each).
This means $112,000 for all the stuff I mentioned in my last post, which I believe proves my point, IF you can get the containers for those estimates.
Sorry, but I just don't see the economics.
Can it be done...YES.
Can it be done in Ontario...depends on local building codes.

Here is my perspective...and yes, I have built 2 additions onto my house, so I know the costs involved in construction.
With a shipping container, there are first off, modifications that have to be done...the 2 big doors on the end will have to be replaced with a solid structure, or at least modified to accomodate a typical door...unless you want your entrance to be that wide and tall.
Window openings will have to be cut into the sides, and a header system put in over each opening.
You will need to put on an actual roof, either sloped like a shed or gable style, or flat roof with draining system.
Inside, you will have to erect some sort of framing to put in insulation and fix the drywall to.
Floors and ceilings also need framing and insulation.
Basically, all you are getting with the container is exterior sheathing.
A basic container is 8' x 20' giving you 160'sq. of space.
I can and have built this area for a heck of a lot less that the cost of a container...remember, all it is is the basic box that needs all the other elements such as insulation, roofing, framing, windows, etc...etc...etc.
As for an architect, you are going to need one to get a permit, regardless of construction method.
The idea has merit IN SOME CIRCUMSTANCES AND CLIMATES...but I just can't wrap my head around the economics of it anywhere that has winter temperatures like Ontario...not to mention snow loads.
Perhaps a good idea for a retreat or hunting cabin...but not practical for everyday housing in an environment like ours.

Taking a closer look and tossing it around the office this morning, other fees will include a structural engineer to certify the steel structure is suitably supported, welders to provide the additional bracing that an engineer will require for the structure, costs for various trades like electricians, plumbers, HVAC, etc. will be significantly more as you are not running services in stud walls or floors with voids, but everything needs to be torched or cut open, the actual costs itself of torching/grinding/cutting openings, the foundation for the structure will have to be bigger, engineered as the dead load is significantly larger than conventional stick framing, etc.

It can be done, I've no doubt. We've built a lot weirder stuff, this isn't a complex job. If money is not the issue then absolutely this can be done. It can also be done compliant to the Ontario Building Code, and all authorities having jurisdiction. It just comes down to costs.

I can recommend that if your in the market for a smaller portable home, school boards from time to time sell off older portables, or you can buy them brand new. CL Martin out of SW Ontario sells new portables. Portable trailers like construction trailers you see on jobsites also come in various sizes and can be transported, or even a larger trailer RV such as you see in RV parks? This latter choice also avoids costly foundations, and you may save some $$$ on property taxes as you don't have a "permanent home" persay, if the wheels are left on the RV trailer. There are lots of options on the table.

I remember seeing an episode of doomsday preppers where they had a "castle" almost made of sea containers. I think the location they were in didn't face the same freeze/thaw conditions we face here where a significant foundation would be required but thats just a guess. It looked more desert/arid region. I havn't seen it for a while, but would be interested in the mech./elec. distribution they had and the how the building envelope itself was made. In some ways, because of our freeze/thaw cycle we get some benefit compared to a continue desert exposure.....

Its an interesting idea to toss around for sure. Doable, absoluetly. Practical. Well..depends on your intent. For a simple long term living strucutre, meh...i can do way cheaper. 🙂

Just watch the show on ; GEO (524) called BUILDING WILD it is on tonight and they are building using containers . You see all the extra costs involved and that is in much warmer climate. You would have to be loaded to do it.
Henry

Hey Denob. The name is; BUILDING WILD and it is again tonight again at 8 pm. It series just starting but this particular episode is very good if you are thinking using shipping containers for structures, especially in remote area. It looks that it will be informational series.
Henry

I would have to disagree with you on the economics...using one of your links as reference.
http://sustainablepersonalfinance.com/living-in-a-shipping-container/
A 1280 sq.ft. home costing $192,000?
Only $8000 of that was for the containers (estimated at $1000 each for 8' x 40') and transportation (estimated at $1000 each).
This means $112,000 for all the stuff I mentioned in my last post, which I believe proves my point, IF you can get the containers for those estimates.
Sorry, but I just don't see the economics.
Can it be done...YES.
Can it be done in Ontario...depends on local building codes.

The quote you are referring to assumes that you invest a further $ 150 per square feet. That could be considerable lower or higher depending on personal taste. It also compares against traditional houses being built around the at a cost or purchase price of around $ 460.000. So in Comparison the $ 92.000 or even the $ 192.000 would be considerable lower. That to my mind is sound savings so for me the economics would make sense.

I am sure that article two said the following about the economics: "Prices range from $38,000 to $92,000, depending on the size of the unit, which translates into about $100 per square foot, a significant saving as most houses cost twice that amount."

I know that you all can build considerable cheaper yourself and that henry most likely lives extremely cheap in a cabin somewhere up north so all your personal need's, do's and can's would in your mind be cheaper than this. However the perspective here is a comparison of cost of building a new house in Ontario versus a similar convenient/attractive looking Shipping Container home. The provided example above is estimated (it could be more or less I know...) $ 460.000 versus $ 192.000 (again it could be less or more I realize that - personal taste etc) in the example given. So there is the cost saving in building a home using Shipping Containers.

henry... Not again... Really... I know you are a high poster but really... You do NOT have to be a loaded to do this and yes it can be done right here in Ontario. But hey if you get all your info from TV shows you must know all about this. Surely a TV show would not lie or confuse anyone. I am not sure I understand why you want to misinform like this ?. Not sure what your agenda is here but bring some facts to the table like the posters above don't just bring your statements of glorified NO's.

I did the google search thing to learn about this :). Plus I have converted shipping containers as described above and lived in them in extreme cold and hot weather in the forces. That only compares very little in comparison to building a house using Shipping Containers however I have enough practical experience working with SC and understanding to advice the OP that this project/idea of his was both possible here in Ontario and cheap compared to conventional houses. I did try to suggest to my wife a few years back that we build a Shipping Container home but she couldn't overcome the stigma around that. But back then looking into it I learned that it was both possible and cheap.

Anyway as much fun as this has been arguing this back and forth I will leave the flogged horse right here. I have no issue with you guys going on about your reasoning's for why this is a bad idea of the OP. But I have nothing new to add beyond correcting errors However if anyone is genuinely interested in building a house out of Shipping Containers the first step would be to contact the people in the articles or the journalists behind them to get in contact with the owners and learn about their process. They would have first hand experience, advice and costs and will actually know what they are talking about.

Well, personal experience building aside...Jensen and I will just have to agree to disagree.
Step one of this project is to contact your municipal authority regarding permits.
They will explain what can and can't be done.
There may be restrictions regarding size (both height and square footage), foundations, distance from wells or septic, and others.
Make no bones about what you want to do...be very clear that you want to build using containers...push the recycled/green thing...it's an important issue these days and could only help your case.
Before approving any construction, they will need a set of blueprints, so off to the architect you go...
This will cost you between $500 and $1000, and finding one that feels comfortable drawing up plans for this kind of project may take some searching.
Don't be surprised of the architect want to physically see the containers that will actually be used and will likely need some specs on real dimensions, construction materials, and structural details. You may have to buy the containers before knowing if they will be useable or not.
Many would think that step 3 would be going back to the permit person, but it isn't...
Now is when you should take those plans to a general contractor for a quote...who will also likely want to visit the construction site.
Once you get your price...decision time!

I just tuned in. Please excuse. I haven't read all the posts. I will just give my thoughts on the subject...as there is a container outside of my window.

"...remember, all it is is the basic box that needs all the other elements such as insulation, roofing, framing, windows" Denob.

Yes, but what a box. I like containers for their sturdiness. Its just a shell...but one killer shell. We live in a hurricane zone. If we ever get hit head on, I WONT be staying in the house. I'll be in the container. I remember chilling in it during a big blow and I was amazed how outdoor proof it was. It would certainly be a comfortable work environment wile framing it without battling with weather. Cutting a door in the side is a top priority for me this year and small windows for ventilation (high And small, for security). One super storm can rune your whole day. Next. Its fire proof...also a big deal if you live in the woods...or California or Austrailia... or anywhere with pine beatles.lol. And of course...you can move it if your neighbors blow.... wich gets to the next subject.

It shouldn't be subject to inspectors if you are not tying into the grid. As long as its on blocks, its a mobile structure. Ive had backwoods friends that got around building codes that way. Making oldschool claptrap cabins, but up on blocks. Technically, it became a mobile home. In some places, you cant legally live in alternative housing. The way to get around that is to purchase a cheap motorhome. The motorhome is your legal residence with no requirement. The other house is a workshop.

Ill get back to this later as Im not up for typing.