Shipping container storage and architecture have taken Australia by storm. The housing crisis has paved the way for economical and customizable container housing. Shipping container sales are booming, with people using these things as refrigerated storage units, garden sheds, offices, studios, and what not.
However, as with any useful innovation, caution has to be exercised when buying used shipping containers. While buying shipping containers for sale in haste, you could make a few mistakes in the choice of your containers. Read about these mistakes here.
Buying containers that look alright in pictures
Getting your shipping containers from individuals selling them is not recommended. This is because the container’s pictures that your seller shows you could be misleading. Pictures could strategically hide parts where the container is damaged. Buyers who have purchased used containers from individual sellers often recount how they had to pay for haulage even if the deal was scrapped later.
To avoid this mistake, buy from a reliable container company with proper inspecting staff and depot facilities. Container companies are usually very strict about quality testing and often offer shipping containers for sale as well.
Buying a container just because it is cheap
Buying a 40ft shipping container just because you’re getting it at the price of a 20ft shipping container is a bad strategy. Buyers are also under the perception that the only good thing about shipping containers is their low prices. If you’re getting a used container at a rather low price, it is a warning sign that is an ‘as-is’ container.
As-is containers are the most worn category of shipping containers and shouldn’t be used for residential purposes. Trying to save a little money this way could prove a lot costlier in the long run. Alternatively, buy from a reputable shipping container company to get good quality containers at a competitive price.
Not knowing the type of container you need
Assuming that all used containers are the same is another mistake. Research the different kinds of conditions that container companies offer. Whether you need a relatively new container or simply a well-worn one depends on your requirement.
One-trip containers are almost as good as new containers, since they have been used just once for cargo shipping. These can have a few scratches but are ideal for residential/storage purposes. It is even better to choose one-trip shipping containers made from cor-ten steel.
Cargo-worthy containers and wind water tight containers have a very slight difference. If you plan on transporting goods on a vessel, choose cargo-worthy containers. Wind water tight containers are more suited to storage, but haven’t been inspected by surveyors, unlike the former.
Not checking for structural damage
If you’re buying a container that hasn’t been inspected yet, like a wind water tight container, do not forego inspecting it personally. Here is how to do it:
- Make sure the container is actually watertight. One way to do it is to check for any cracks that admit daylight through the roof.
- Make sure that wooden flooring hasn’t undergone excessive damage. Check for holes as well.
- Check if bars for locking work and if the doors open easily.
Also, make sure there aren’t any foul smells, since these could indicate mould.