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Man caves, she sheds, tiny farms, playrooms – let your imagination run wild. 

Do-it-yourself projects are on the rise as people spend more time at home, and Secure-Rite is proud to be a part of an ever-growing trend of people turning to shipping containers as a cost-effective, durable, and secure solution to recession-proof and simplify their lives and businesses.  

If you think that modifying a shipping container will meet your needs, there are some questions you should be asking yourself before embarking on your project. Preparation is a critical part of any project, and it will help ensure you’ve clearly thought through all of the uses for the container, and help you set a budget and understand the external influences that can impact the price. 

WHAT’S THE PURPOSE OF THE MODIFIED CONTAINER? 

How could a modified container help make your life or work less costly and more efficient? Chances are, you already know what you are thinking of using this space for, but here are some ideas: 

• Office quarters if you're working from home and need a little separation between personal life and work life 

• Custom storage enclosures 

• "Man Cave" / "She Shed' 

• Workshops or garages 

• Accommodations for temporary living quarters 

• Portable washrooms and wash cars 

• ...what's your idea? 

WHO WILL BE USING THE MODIFIED CONTAINER? 

Do they have any unique physical or health requirements that would affect the layout or specifications of the unit? Should the unit be one level versus stacked with stairs because accessibility is a requirement? 

HOW MUCH SPACE DO YOU NEED? 

Most containers are 8 feet wide and are available in lengths of 6, 8, 10, 20, 40, or 45 feet. 

WHAT KIND OF ENTRYWAY IS NEEDED? 

Every shipping container that we modify comes equipped with double cargo doors at one end of the unit. However, this type of door is not practical for many of our projects. As a result, Secure-Rite has spent years perfecting the design and installation of personnel doors, roll-up doors, and other custom openings for containers. Today, our quality doors and hardware are recognized as some of the best in the industry. 

DOES THE UNIT REQUIRE WINDOWS? 

It isn’t easy to install a window in the corrugated steel walls of a container. Many options on the market are not weatherproof, secure, or suitable for a modified container. Fortunately, Secure-Rite has developed a window system using cutting edge technology and age-old security. Our vinyl windows are double-paned, mounted in a steel frame, and equipped with an expanded steel security cover. Secure-Rite windows will provide light while protecting your modified container from weather and vandalism. 

IS HEATING AND COOLING REQUIRED? 

We believe that working or living in a modified container should be as comfortable as being in a traditional building. Therefore, we can add air conditioning and heating units to maintain a comfortable temperature in any climate. What are the temperature extremes for the location where the unit will be used? Insulating the container is typically a good idea, especially if people will be using the modified container through every season. We typically recommend R14 insulation for temperate areas, and a minimum of R21 for harsher climates. We can provide you with fiberglass, rockwool, or polyurethane spray insulation. 

WHAT ARE YOUR ELECTRICAL NEEDS? 

All aspects of work on our modified container projects are completed by certified trades people. The same is true of our electrical installations, and we rigorously test the work completed at each stage in accordance with our QAI factory certification. 

DOES THE CONTAINER NEED PLUMBING FOR A RESTROOM, SINK, OR OTHER WATER NEEDS? 

Will this unit be connected to water and sewer services, or does it require holding tanks? 

HOW DOES THE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR NEED TO BE FINISHED? 

We can finish the interior of your modified container to meet your unique needs. Most of our offices and accommodation units have vinyl paneling on the walls to create bright, durable interiors. Alternatively, plywood lining makes for a work-ready, flexible interior for more rugged applications. We have also installed steel paneling for safety requirements and drywall for high end projects.  

All of our modified containers come standard with a 1.125” thick hardwood floor. For many projects, we simply apply a polyurethane coating to create an attractive, durable surface. However, we can also paint a non-slip surface or install commercial vinyl or other flooring materials to finish the unit to your liking. We can also outfit your container with welcoming exterior touches like wooden slats, panels, or creative decals. 

 DO YOU NEED SPECIALTY SHELVING, FURNITURE OR OTHER ACCESSORIES? 

Do you need extras such as shelving, hooks, or cabinetry? Much like planning any project, taking the time to think through all of the possible activities and people who will be within the modified space will help ensure your container is an organized and functional space that meets your needs. 

DIY projects can be fun and can give you a deep sense of accomplishment, especially during an extended period of downtime for many. You should always know where to draw the line, and if you've got a container concept you need help with, Secure-Rite would love to help you bring that concept to life.