Converted Shipping Containers

Andrew Laws on January 31, 2022

Have you ever seen those houses made out of shipping containers on TV and thought, “Wow! How in the world could I get something like that?” Well, that’s the result of converting shipping containers.

Converted shipping containers can be used for so many different things, like for storage, classrooms, chemical stores for farmers, and as we have mentioned, shipping containers can even be converted into a fully habitable home. Do you want to spice up your office or start a food truck? A converted container is your answer.

The history books don’t tell us exactly when we started converting shipping containers, but it’s likely that those shipping containers weren’t only used for shipping from the very beginning.

In the 1960s, the shipping and freight industry, including several shipping companies, saw a golden opportunity: Containers that were sturdier and cheaper than cargo containers. They took the world by storm and thus, the rise of the shipping container began.

Shipping containers are all built to strict standards, and can be expected to last for many decades, alongside their cheap price and sturdy material. If they’re secure and watertight enough to transport dangerous cargo across the oceans, we bet they will be secure enough for your home or business.
So, are they all the same? Not exactly, but they do have consistent dimensions that make it easy for converters to work with.

Why are they so good for conversion, though? It’s simple:

  • Their low cost
  • Rock-hard durability
  • Watertight as a shark
  • High level of security
  • They’re good for the environment
  • They are easy to paint, if you want to give your converted shipping container some character

How Do You Find A Good Shipping Container Conversion Company?

As with any company you will work with, you have to know everything you could about them. Not all companies are created equal; to find a reputable shipping container conversion company, here’s what you need to do:

Ask around – Word of mouth has and will always be the best marketing tool. Ask for recommendations from people who have used shipping container conversion companies that you know, or just go on forums like Reddit. We recommend searching for conversion case studies and articles; these resources often share which conversion company was used. Facebook groups are also a goldmine.

Look for companies with plenty of experience – It’s not always a guarantee, but the older the shipping container conversion company, the likelier it is that they know what they’re doing.

Check online reviews – online reviews can be a great way to get an idea of the quality of a company’s work. Negative reviews will be a given, but you must read between the lines, as not everyone has the same experience.

Get quotes – quotes are basically the price the company will charge you for the work, so you can compare the quotes to match your budget. Remember, the customer is always (at least usually) right, and this is where the customer service part comes in. If you don’t feel looked after during the quoting process, then you might find working with the company challenging in the long run.

Get referrals – “Hey, this company has done some conversion work for me in the past. Let me send you X’s number and you can hit them up” is how 90% of great work and service start: referrals.

Ask for details of previous projects – Everyone wants full trust in their conversion company, so you can ask for examples of previous works and see how closely they resemble what you have in mind.

At the end of the day, you need to know why each shipping container conversion company is special, so you need to know what they are doing differently to lesser companies. For example, are the converted shipping containers watertight? Are they secure? What method is used for painting the containers?

If you’re planning on buying second-hand, then there are plenty of used shipping containers on the market, and several reputable suppliers (like us!). However, sometimes the stars align and you get an opportunity to buy a container that has already been converted into a home or place of business. Sounds perfect, right? Only way to know how, though, is by calling shipping container suppliers or visiting their sites.

Everyone is special in their own right, but some suppliers specialise in specific types of conversions. For example, here at Billie Box Ltd we specialise in converting shipping containers into chemical storage for farmers, but that’s not all; we also build mobile offices, canteens and classrooms.

Read our facts about shipping containers blog post…

Examples of converted shipping containers

The sky is the limit for converting shipping containers, and you would be surprised at how versatile they can be and how creative you can get. Here are some examples:

Shipping Container Homes

Traditional homes are great, but maybe you’re looking for that extra spice in an unconventional and cost-effective home, and a second-hand shipping container might just be what you need.

Don’t worry about safety, as shipping containers are made from heavy-duty steel, so they’re tough. They are also weatherproof for those painful December rains. So, if you’re on a budget or feeling different, a shipping container home could be the perfect option.

converted shipping container homes
A whole street of shipping container homes

Container-Based Eco-homes

Let’s face it, the world is going through an energy crisis, and we all need to do our part to conserve energy. So, using a container-based eco-home is a great way to reduce energy consumption and reduce our carbon footprint.

These homes are designed to be as energy-efficient as possible and in a wide range of sizes. Because of their effective lining and insulation, you can save on your monthly utility bills. Plus, living in such an eco-home gives you the gratification of doing your part in making our little blue planet safer.

Mobile Offices for Building Sites

Shipping containers are very common on building sites and for good reason. With a few modifications, a shipping container can be turned into the ideal breakroom for contractors and other workers or even to store their tools. These mobile offices made from converted containers are sometimes called modular buildings. Interested?
Take a look at our mobile offices…

A School Classroom in A Single Shipping Container

Remember how crammed your class was at school? Well, what if there was a way to fit an entire classroom into a single shipping container? Turns out, there is! Converting shipping containers into classrooms isn’t just great for schools, but many businesses can use it for training courses, seminars, professional development, and more.
Here at Billiebox, we have got a wide array of interesting classroom options.

Chemical Stores for Farms

If you’re a farmer, you know that keeping your crops healthy is crucial to your success. So, storing chemicals safely and securely can prevent disaster. Instead of using needlessly complicated chemical stores, you can just convert a shipping container like ours.
Visit our dedicated Chemical Stores website…

Restaurants and Takeaways

Everyone knows food trucks, but have you heard of food containers? Specialist container converters who work with the restaurant industry are building some fantastic spaces for diners. Some container-based restaurants are even gaining popularity and because of their niche, they’re perfect for social media trends. The best thing about these containers? Takeaway.

An added bonus is that if work is a bit slow and you don’t like the spot where you’re set up, you can just pack up and go to a new location!

Permanent Market Stalls

Long gone are the days of long tables and big umbrellas, with container-based market stalls being the new player across the country. Not only do they provide an easy way for vendors to set up shop, but they’re also big on sustainability. Plus, they just look cool!

You can lock your market stall up safely when you’re not open for business, so converted shipping containers make great anti-vandal market stalls. For example, have a look at this market built using shipping containers near our depot at Felixstowe.

The cost of buying a converted shipping container

“Okay, this all sounds great, but how much will it cost me?” Well, the cost of buying a converted shipping container will vary depending on the conversion company, the specification of the conversion, and whether you buy a new or used container. For big and fancy container conversions, this price can rise considerably, especially if the build takes a couple or more containers.

Converted shipping containers and suits have one surprising thing in common. How, you may ask? Well, in the same way an off-the-rack suit is cheaper than a bespoke one, a ready-made converted shipping container will be cheaper than one made to your exact requirements.

Finally, transport costs are a big factor in the price of converted containers – the further away from a manufacturer or depot you are, the more you will need to pay for transport.

Summary

Ultimately, ever since shipping containers were invented in the 1950s, we quickly found out we can use them for way more than just transporting goods. In this case, it’s all about your creativity in how much you can use them for your business or personal life.

If you think investing in a converted shipping container seems daunting, don’t worry! There are plenty of converting shipping container experts who can help you build your next beautiful living space, productive office, and so much more.

We can help!
Here at Billie Box Ltd we convert containers into chemical storage for farmers, site offices, classrooms, mobile offices and canteens. To find out more please get in touch for a quick quote.

School Refurbishment

Jane on July 6, 2020

Shipping containers for school and college refurbishment

This week, the UK Government announced a ten-year plan for the refurbishment of schools and colleges across the nation. With over £1 billion in funding, it is the first major rebuilding programme to be launched since 2014, and will begin as soon as 2020-21.

You may be familiar with the use of converted shipping containers for offices, but they can also be used to increase space in schools and colleges. Likewise, regular shipping containers can also be utilised by these institutions for storage. If you are an educational institution planning to refurbish, you may want to consider a shipping container or converted container for reasons outlined below.

Converted shipping containers for increased space in schools

Converted shipping containers are ideal for use in schools and colleges. A converted container is very different from a regular container – although they may look similar from a distance. While they are both made with weather-resistant corten steel, converted containers are insulated, and fitted with doors, windows, lighting and heating systems – everything you may need for a comfortable teaching environment.

These containers can be positioned as required, as long as there is access for a forklift. Each container is fitted with forklift pockets, corner posts and corner castings, making it very easy to install and relocate as needed, with the right equipment. 

If you are looking to use a converted shipping container as an IT room, a canteen or design technology room where high value equipment is present, you also have the benefit of the strong corten steel exterior, steel reinforced entrance door with strong locks, and windows with lockable steel shutters. This helps deter and prevent theft or vandalism, which is essential in a school environment to protect students and staff, as well as expensive equipment.

School design in a post-lockdown UK

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way that we consider design for establishments such as schools and colleges. To prepare for education post-lockdown, converted containers may be used either as temporary classrooms, or alternatively as permanent solutions to the issue of social distancing in classroom environments in case the pandemic continues or develops.

As more children return to school, it is possible that classes need to reduce in size in order to accommodate more space between students. Converted shipping containers fulfill this need by creating more classrooms at a much lower cost than would be required to extend school buildings.

Shipping container storage for schools and colleges

If you are a school or college undergoing refurbishment in future, you will likely need storage for equipment while the refurbishment is taking place, whether that’s sports apparatus, computers, furniture such as desks and chairs, or other equipment. Shipping containers are excellent for this purpose, as they are weather-resistant, watertight, fire resistant and can deter thieves with the use of a lockbox and padlock. 

As mentioned earlier, shipping containers are ideal for temporary storage as they can be easily installed, relocated and removed with a forklift. We can arrange delivery and collection should you wish to hire a container for storage through Billie Box.

Interested in hiring a container for storage or purchasing a converted shipping container? Do not hesitate to contact Jane today on 0800 121 7388 or 01473 557409.

5 ways an office container can save you money

Jane on June 18, 2019

Whether you’re a small business, a not-for-profit or a self-employed individual, your office space most likely accounts for a large chunk of your outgoings. As a small company ourselves, we at Billie Box can identify with the difficulty of striking the balance between keeping costs down and finding an office space which suits your needs.
Like many business owners, you might have spent hours on the internet, searching local listings for office rentals. However, there is one option you might not have considered: converted shipping containers.
Converted shipping containers make excellent office spaces which can save you money.
They are practical and budget friendly alternatives to standard offices with many other benefits, including mobility and security, ideal for a growing business. Here are five ways an office container can help you save money:

1. They’re mobile

As the saying goes, you don’t know what the future holds. You could find that, in a year’s time, you identify a new market and need to move location. In rented office accommodation, this could mean giving several months’ notice, spending money on rent that you could have otherwise saved, and allocating valuable time to looking for an office in your new location, which could be more expensive than your current rental.
Converted shipping containers can be moved easily with the right equipment. If for any reason you decide to relocate, your office can come with you. No need to dismantle the container; it can be transported as it is. This is particularly suited to construction companies who require temporary onsite portable offices.

Rural crime

New (once used from China) 20ft x 8ft storage container

2. They deter thieves

Mobile or portable offices in converted shipping containers offer effective anti-theft features. A steel personnel door is provided with each unit, which features a 10-lever locking system to deter thieves or vandals. Additionally, each of the two 3ft x 3ft windows feature exterior lockable steel shutters.
When closed and secured, the door and window defences make it very difficult for thieves to break into the unit. This provides peace of mind that your office equipment or stock will be safe while you are away from your office.

Office container

3. They can double up as storage space

Storage facilities can be expensive, which is why converted shipping containers are popular with business owners. If you require a dedicated storage space as well as an office, we offer a ‘50/50’ option which provides you with a working environment and store, separated by a built-in partition.
The storage space is accessible by the original container doors, which feature a lock box for security. This is an ideal space for storing stock which might have otherwise cluttered your office, leaving you with a tidy work space which not only benefits your physical and mental well-being, but also allows you to present your business in a professional way to visiting clients and colleagues.

4. They help you avoid rising rent prices

Many business owners struggle with finding a working environment which suits their budget, and the situation is only getting tougher. Rising rent is an issue which affects the entire country. It hinders growing companies, making it difficult for entrepreneurs to get to the next step in their business plans.
However, an office container can help you avoid losing a substantial portion of your income to rent. The only aspect you’ll need to consider is the land on which your container will sit.
This might be in your garden at home, on another site which you have purchased, or in a temporary space. As long as the land is accessible in order to place or remove the container, there is sufficient space for the doors to open, and the surface on which the container sits is level, you can place your container almost anywhere with permission.

5. They adapt to your needs

As your business evolves, you might find that your working environment needs to adapt to these changes. A converted shipping container offers versatility, as it can be re-purposed time after time in order to suit your needs, whereas a rented office or commercial space may not be able to accommodate major changes.
For example, if you are a shop owner, but you have made the decision to convert your business into one which offers cafe style food and drink to your customers, this can be accomplished in a converted shipping container with the installation of kitchen facilities.
Conversely, in rented spaces, your landlord may not have allowed a change of use such as this, forcing you to move your business elsewhere.

In conclusion

Can a converted shipping container office save you money? Absolutely. These units are well suited to a variety of businesses, with a myriad of other benefits. If you are interested in purchasing a container for your business, please get in touch with Jane or Matt today on 0800 121 7388.

Classroom shipping container conversions

Jane on March 26, 2018

All too often these days the news carries worrying details of schools being put under increasing pressure to perform, not only from a results perspective but also from a financial perspective.  Teachers are under pressure to provide dedicated teaching to all students, with appropriate attention given to students with additional needs.

Headteachers are under pressure to provision the correct resources for both teachers and pupils.  While the attention and opportunities available for children with additional needs is certainly great news, finding the resources can be extremely challenging.  Appropriating the teaching resource is only one issue; another issue is finding a physical space that suits the needs of all concerned.

Many schools are struggling to find classroom space to use for assisting students with additional needs.  Urban schools may not have the space to build additional classrooms, and rural schools may not have the budget for building new teaching spaces.  Of course, the same challenges apply to all schools.

One solution to the challenge of finding additional teaching space sees schools turning to converted shipping containers.  A shipping container that has been converted into a teaching space is warm, secure, and can be easily sited wherever most convenient.  If the initial placement proves to be impractical, it is relatively simple to move.

shipping container classroom inside
Inside a converted classroom

For many years, schools and education authorities have looked to a popular brand of temporary building (legally we can’t mention the name, but we’re sure you know the brand we mean).  Converted shipping containers have many advantages over traditional ‘mobile’ buildings.  They are surprisingly good value, incredibly secure, vandal-proof and stay draft-free and watertight for many years more than a temporary building made from wood.

Shipping containers, converted into classrooms for one-to-one support spaces, offer a very viable, and long-term cost effective alternative to traditional temporary mobile buildings.

Call us today on 0800 121 7388 or get in touch via our contact page.

We would love to explore ways we can help you meet the challenges of finding extra space in your school.

Contact us to find out more about classrooms and to get a fast quote

Cost effective, secure alternative to Prefab buildings

Jane on February 22, 2017

Finding office space and canteen space can be challenging for businesses who find their space is at a premium.  Some businesses (like motor dealerships) sometimes simply do not have any indoor space at all.  Providing your staff with a warm, comfortable and productive working environment is an important consideration for any business.  Ensuring your staff have somewhere comfortable to take work breaks and eat meals is important for morale.
In the past increasing the size of a work environment involved either building an extension, or investing in a modular building.  Building work may either be impractical, or impossible.  Modular buildings come with challenges that mean they are not always the best solution for every situation.

Converted shipping containers

Here at Billie Box we offer a cost-effective solution to your business space problems. We convert new shipping containers into offices, canteens and office space with secure storage. When we convert a container to include storage space the split is typically 50 / 50 between office space and storage space.  

Let’s take a look at some of the advantages of using converted shipping containers as your office or canteen.

Cost

Converted shipping container offices and canteens work out around £100 per square metre cheaper than prefab buildings.

Security

Our converted containers are built from high-tensile Corten steel. The doors are anti-jemmy proof and are kept securely locked with a ten lever locking system. Windows can be fitted with lockable steel shutters, secured from inside with a shoot bolt. These features are a small example of why our offices and canteens are considerably more secure than modular buildings.

Comfort

Our offices and canteens are insulated with rock-wool and finished internally with tidy melamine paneling. Your converted container will be fully fitted out electrically. Every unit is fitted with lighting, heating and double power sockets. Converted containers are also supplied with anti-slip flooring.

Shipping containers that have been converted into an office, canteen (or other business facility) are entirely self contained. They can be supplied with an open plan layout or with an internal wall to provide additional secure storage within the unit.

Our offices and canteens are a cost-effective, secure and simple alternative to traditional modular buildings.

Comodo SSL