Custom 20ft Shipping Container House

Clear and level the delivery area — remove rocks, vegetation, and debris extending at least 5 ft around the container footprint.

Ensure a minimum 12 ft wide access path for the tilt-bed or roll-off delivery truck, with adequate overhead clearance (no low power lines or tree branches).

Prepare a flat, compacted surface before delivery. An unlevel site causes door misalignment, structural stress, and water pooling.

Plan drainage away from the container — grade the surrounding soil at a 1/4" per foot slope to prevent water accumulation under the unit.

For multi-container setups, mark exact placement locations with stakes and string lines to ensure precise positioning during delivery.

Concrete pad: 6" reinforced slab (f'c=3000 PSI) with #4 rebar @ 12" O.C. each way — ideal for permanent installations and habitable structures.

Gravel bed: 6" compacted 3/4" minus crushed stone over geotextile fabric — cost-effective for storage containers and temporary placements.

Concrete pier blocks or railroad ties at each corner casting — minimum 2000 PSF soil bearing capacity required.

Install 5/8" anchor bolts embedded 7" into concrete at all eight ISO 1161 corner castings for wind/seismic resistance in permanent installations.

Use a 6mil polyethylene vapor barrier under the slab to prevent ground moisture from corroding the container floor from below.

For high-cube containers (9'6" height), verify overhead clearance on the delivery route and at the final placement site.

Inspect the container exterior annually for rust, dents, and paint damage — pay special attention to corner castings, door frames, and weld seams.

Touch up scratches and bare metal immediately with rust-inhibiting primer and matching industrial enamel paint to prevent corrosion spread.

For Corten (weathering) steel containers, allow the protective patina to form naturally — do not paint unless required by local ordinance or aesthetic preference.

Lubricate door hinges, locking bar cams, and cam keepers every 6 months with a silicone-based or lithium grease for smooth door operation.

Check and replace door weatherproofing seals (gaskets) when they show cracking, compression set, or water intrusion — maintain a weathertight seal.

Keep the roof free of debris, standing water, and snow accumulation — inspect corrugated roof panels for dents that could create water pooling.

Ensure floor cross-members remain dry and ventilated — check for signs of wood rot in the 28mm marine plywood floor, especially in humid climates.

Repaint painted containers every 5–7 years with industrial-grade polyurethane or epoxy coating systems for maximum service life.