If you need extra storage on your residential property, your first thought is to buy a shed, right? But what if you considered a shipping container instead? Such containers are often more durable, longer lasting and versatile than simple sheds. That said, they each have their benefits and drawbacks.
Pros and Cons of Shipping Containers
Pros
Shipping containers:
- Are secure: They are made from extra strength steel and feature heavy-duty doors, which keeps them safe and secure against theft, water, and pests.
- Are easy to set up: Shipping containers do not require assembly, and can easily be unloaded to the designated spot from the truck.
- Are customizable: It’s super simple to make upgrades, customizations, and modifications like shelving, locks, electricity, and plumbing.
- Don’t require assembly: Containers arrive as is and ready to go, unlike sheds, with no need to waste an entire weekend assembling the unit.
- You require a foundation: You should place the container on a flat, dry, level space, but you don’t need a formal foundation.
- Are mobile: You are able to move your storage container if you ever needed to, but it’s harder to do that with a shed.
- Can endure more: Shipping containers withstand extreme conditions of oceans and roads, so they are hands-down the more durable option. In fact, containers can last up to 30 years with the proper upkeep.
Cons
Shipping containers:
- Can cost more than a shed: You will pay more initially for a shipping container than a shed but it lasts much longer.
- Can have zone restrictions: Always check with your town or city about zoning restrictions or permits needed.
- Can have longer lead times: Lead times for delivery on shipping containers are usually longer than sheds because they often need more modifications at the time of ordering.
- Can encourage pests: Because shipping containers are built wind and water tight for long-distance transportation, they are more tightly sealed and are thus more rodent-proof than metal sheds. All it takes for a mouse to squeeze into a shed is a hole that’s ¼ inches in diameter.
Metal Shed: Pros and Cons
Pros
Sheds:
- Are more affordable: You won’t shell out as much for a metal shed as you would a shipping container but your shed will only last you 10 years.
- Can resemble your home with more attractive aesthetics: You can more easily convert a metal shed into a home-like structure with windows and flower boxes. Thus, they’re often more attractive to look at.
- Have short lead times: Delivery times are shorter, especially when buying a pre-made shed kit.
Cons
Sheds:
- Need a foundation: Many sheds need a concrete foundation slab to provide more stability, prevent pest infestation and prevent flooding. Hiring a mason for this job isn’t cheap.
- Don’t include flooring: Vinyl flooring doesn’t usually come in the purchase price of a shed. This means you’ll have to pay about $300 extra if you want a floor.
- Must be assembled: While you could buy a pre-assembled shed, you could save some money and purchase a shed in modular pieces. This will take extra time for assembly, which can be a stressful hassle for homeowners.
Contact A&M Container
Now that you see how versatile and durable shipping containers can be over metal sheds, contact us for a free quote and consultation on any of our shipping container sizes.