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Once you have a good understanding of what you want and can expect from a shipping container, it is time for the next step: physical inspection. At least, if you are considering buying a used shipping container. With new containers, you can safely assume that the container is delivered per your instructions. But with used containers you just don’t really know until you see it with your own eyes. Think of it like this: you are never going to know what chocolate cake tastes like if you only read books about it. Similarly, you will only get a real feel for what to look for when buying a shipping container if you have seen, touched and smelled a few. In person.
Most used shipping containers are stored in or close to a port. In fact, the larger the metropolitan area and the closer it is to a large body of water used for international transport, the higher your chances will be of finding possible shipping container suppliers, let alone getting some great deals on these structures.
If you do not live in the vicinity of a port, you may consider skipping physical inspection to save yourself some money. Do not make this mistake. It is absolutely crucial that you inspect a container before purchase. After you have bought it and commenced building your home, there is no going back. And if your container starts to develop rust at a rapid speed shortly after you moved in, which you could have possibly prevented if you had inspection the container first. By then, you will probably want to punch yourself in the face.
Be smart. Don’t punch yourself in the face.
If you really cannot do the inspection yourself, hire an expert to check out the container for you. Make sure he also takes photos – or even better: record a video – so you get the full picture when he reports his findings to you.
So what do you need to look out for when inspecting a shipping container?
● CSC plate: Every shipping container will have a so-called CSC plate on the door. This plate contains basic information about the container, such as the manufacturer, the production date, and for whom the container was built. This will give you an indication of how old the container is. A container that was manufactured 10 years ago has likely experienced more wear and tear than a younger one-trip container.
● History: Ask for the history of the container as this is readily available information. This way you will learn if it has been used for transporting agricultural products or livestock, and what kind of treatments or cleaning may be necessary to ensure that it will be safe for you to convert the container to a living space. In addition, you must also be aware of whether the container has been used for transporting other toxic substances or chemicals which would require additional solutions for treatment.
● Doors: Try opening and closing them. How do they feel? If they need a little push, that is not an immediate red flag. But if the alignment is off, that may indicate corrosion, which may then also be a concern elsewhere on the container. Also see if the doors swing open freely and if the locks work well.
● Paint: Some DIY shipping container home enthusiasts will advise you not to purchase a shipping container that has been repainted, especially if you smell fresh paint. The paint job may have been done to cover up any damage, rust, corrosion, or other imperfections that you should be aware of.
● Dents: Some minor wear and tear is to be expected on a shipping container. Serious dents are a cause for concern though.
● Rust: First closely examine the exterior and interior of the shipping container for damage such as flaking or paint chips. These could point to corrosion or rust underneath. Another method is one that works best on a sunny day. Close the doors after you have entered the container. It should be as dark as a black hole now. Do you see any light shining through? If so, that is not a good sign: this could indicate deep rust, which is a no-go. However, a little bit of rust is no reason for concern. If you remember, shipping containers are coated with weathering or Corten steel, which forms a coating of rust-like oxidation to resist the corrosive effects of rain. When in doubt, consult an expert prior to purchasing a container.
● Corten Steel: Although most shipping containers are made with weathering steel, double check if this is the case for the one you are inspecting. Corten steel is much stronger than other types of steel and should you be your preferred building material.
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