Sea Container Home Conversion Guide
Steps to Prepare a Sea Container for Conversion
1. Pressure Wash
- Start by thoroughly pressure washing the entire container, both inside and out, to remove dirt, rust, and any contaminants.
2. Inspect and Repair
- Structural Inspection: Check for any structural damage, rust, or weak spots in the container.
- Rust Removal: Use a grinder or sandblaster to remove rust spots, then treat the area with a rust converter.
- Welding Repairs: Fix any structural issues or holes with welding, ensuring the container’s integrity is restored.
3. Seal Coat Inside
- Apply a sealant or waterproof coating to the interior surfaces to prevent rust and moisture infiltration.
- Consider using an insulation-friendly coating to help with thermal efficiency.
4. Floor Repairs
- Existing Floor: If the container has a wooden floor, inspect it for damage and replace any rotten or weak sections.
- New Flooring: Install a new subfloor if necessary. Use marine-grade plywood or other durable, moisture-resistant materials.
5. Modify Doors
- Rear Doors:
- Option 1: Remove the existing container doors entirely if they are not needed.
- Option 2: Cut one of the rear doors in half using a plasma welding torch to create a half-door. This can serve as an additional access point or decorative feature for the rear of the home.
- New Openings: Create openings for new doors and windows as per the design plan. Use a plasma torch or metal-cutting saw to make precise cuts.
6. Frame Openings
- Weld steel frames around the new door and window openings to reinforce the cut edges and provide support for the installations.
7. Insulate
- Install insulation in the walls, ceiling, and floor. Closed-cell spray foam insulation is a good option for sea containers as it provides a vapor barrier and adds structural strength.
8. Install Plumbing and Electrical
- Plan and install the plumbing and electrical systems before covering the interior walls. Ensure all installations meet local building codes and regulations.
9. Interior Finishing
- Walls: Install interior walls using metal studs and drywall or wood paneling.
- Ceiling: Finish the ceiling with drywall or another preferred material.
- Flooring: Lay down the final flooring, which could be hardwood, laminate, or tiles, depending on your preference.
10. Exterior Finish
- Apply an exterior paint or cladding to protect against the elements and improve aesthetics.
Example Workflow
- Day 1-2: Pressure wash and inspect the container.
- Day 3-5: Remove rust, apply seal coat, and perform welding repairs.
- Day 6-8: Modify doors and create openings for windows.
- Day 9-11: Frame openings and install new flooring.
- Day 12-15: Install insulation and plumbing/electrical systems.
- Day 16-20: Finish interior walls, ceiling, and flooring.
- Day 21-25: Apply exterior finish and complete any remaining installations.
This structured approach ensures the container is well-prepared for conversion into a residential home, addressing key aspects like structural integrity, moisture protection, and functionality.
Interior Surface Area Calculation
- Ceiling and Floor Area:
- Length x Width = 40 feet x 8 feet = 320 square feet each
- Total for both: 320 sq ft + 320 sq ft = 640 sq ft
- Wall Area:
- Two long walls: 2 x (Length x Height) = 2 x (40 feet x 9.5 feet) = 2 x 380 sq ft = 760 sq ft
- Two short walls: 2 x (Width x Height) = 2 x (8 feet x 9.5 feet) = 2 x 76 sq ft = 152 sq ft
- Total for all walls: 760 sq ft + 152 sq ft = 912 sq ft
- Total Interior Surface Area: Ceiling + Floor + Walls = 640 sq ft + 912 sq ft = 1,552 sq ft
Sealant Calculation
- Sealant Coverage: Assuming one gallon of sealant covers approximately 200 square feet.
- Total Gallons Needed: Total Surface Area / Coverage per Gallon = 1,552 sq ft / 200 sq ft per gallon = 7.76 gallons
- To be safe, round up to 8 gallons to account for any waste or additional applications.
Estimate Labor Time
- Pressure Washing:
- Time per Container: Assuming it takes about 2 hours to thoroughly pressure wash the entire container.
- Tools: High-quality pressure washer, scrub brushes, mops, and exhaust fans.
- Applying Sealant:
- Time per Container: Assuming it takes about 4 hours to apply the sealant (including drying time and multiple coats if needed).
- Tools: Mops, brushes, rollers, or spray equipment for applying the sealant.
- Total Labor Time: Pressure Washing: 2 hours + Applying Sealant: 4 hours = Total Labor Time: 6 hours per container
- Equipment and Tools:
- High-quality pressure washer
- Mops and scrub brushes
- Big exhaust fans for ventilation
- Sealant application tools (rollers, brushes, or spray equipment)
Summary Table
| Task | Labor Time per Container | Tools Required |
|---|---|---|
| Pressure Washing | 2 hours | Pressure washer, scrub brushes, mop |
| Applying Sealant | 4 hours | Rollers, brushes, or spray equipment |
| Total Labor Time | 6 hours |
Total Costs (Materials and Labor)
- Sealant:
- 8 gallons x $30 per gallon (estimate) = $240
- Labor:
- 6 hours x $30 per hour = $180
- Total Cost per Container: $240 (sealant) + $180 (labor) = $420