Budget Considerations for Modified Shipping Container Structures

We’re no strangers to questions about modified container costs. From a rough order of magnitude (or ROM) estimate in the first phone call to a precise quote with one of our account executives, we understand what an important part budgets play in a company’s decision making. But the finished container should not be the only component in your project budget. 

In today’s blog, we’ll walk you through the most common budget considerations that come with a modified shipping container project.

Permits & Approvals

Not all container structures require permits, but it’s important to find out from your local authority having jurisdiction early in the planning process. If they are required, permits and approvals depend on factors like your container’s intended use, location, and local building codes and regulations. Costs incurred could include permit fees, review fees, consultant fees, and administrative fees. 

Delivery

Falcon will gladly coordinate delivery for you and include the price in your quote. Some customers, however, opt to coordinate delivery themselves. You’ll need to research carriers and find quotes, keeping in mind that the further your location is from our factory outside of Austin, Texas, the higher the delivery cost will be. 

Site Preparation

While we’re building your container, you’ll need to prepare your site for its arrival. Containers require a flat, solid surface. If your site doesn’t meet these requirements, you’ll need to install flat packed earth, a gravel pad, or a concrete foundation depending on your project. We’ll help you determine which option is optimal for your project.

Site Setup

Your container has been delivered to your site - congrats! Now you have to get it off of the delivery trailer. An industrial forklift or crane is the best way to remove and place a container in its final location. Some customers already have such equipment and qualified personnel to operate it. If you don’t, you’ll need to find and schedule these services to align with your delivery date. 

Once the container is off of the trailer, it still requires a few final touches. We’ll provide you with how-to documentation for any tasks like bridge fitting installations, backer rod and caulking installation, and more. If that’s out of your comfort zone, we recommend hiring a handyman to take care of it for you. Similarly, we highly recommend hiring a licensed electrician to connect your container to power. If your container has plumbing, be sure to budget for a licensed plumber as well. 

Insurance

Protect your shipping container structure, its contents, and the employees who’ll use it with insurance. Your insurance agency will determine the cost of coverage depending on how you plan to use the container, where it’s located, if it’s permanent or temporary, etc. 

Contingencies

We recommend designating a contingency fund for the unexpected. Once a project has begun, a customer might realize they need to adjust the scope or scale of their container. A contingency fund acts as a safety net in the case of change orders. 

The details of a modified shipping container project can vary widely, but these budgeting considerations apply to everything from a single container workspace to a highly customized multi-container structure. 

Are you ready to take the next step with your container project idea? That’s why we’re here! Call us at 512-131-1010 or email us at Sales@FalconStructures.com.