DIY - Build your own Shipping Container Home in 2020 course from Udemy

Up to Date as at: January 2020.

Shipping Container Homes in 2020, why or why not?

Do's and Don'ts When Building a Shipping Container Home.

Learn the things to avoid and the things you must do when building your own shipping container home. You will save a lot of sleepless nights, time and money by just planning your building process better.

You can save more than $500 on your building project by applying the information covered in this course.

Why should you look into this course?

Over the last 10 years, an idea evolved to use stockpiled shipping containers as modular units for building office space as well as domestic homes. Because these empty hefty steel boxes are piling up in ports around the world and posing a storage problem. Since 2005 several architects and builders are taking advantage of this surplus to recycle the containers.
Looking at a container has 2 metric tons of steel which will take 8000 kwh of energy to melt down and make new beams. The process of modifying that entire 2 metric tons of steel into a higher and better use domestic home only takes 400 kwh of electrical energy (or 5%). This takes a bit more muscle and planning but we feel is that next step up for better Re-cycling.
Each long container measures 2.4 m wide by 12 m long by 2.5 m tall. Depending on the quality of a used shipping container, it could set you back anything from $2,000 - $10,000 per container.
According to structural engineers, these units are stronger than conventional house framing because of their resistance to "lateral loads" those seen in hurricanes and earthquakes and because steel is basically welded to steel. The roof is strong enough to support the extra weight of a green roof - which has vegetation growing on it - if the owner should want it.
As for their energy efficiency, they claim that when the appropriate coatings are installed, the envelope reflects about 95 percent of outside radiation, resists the loss of interior heat, provides an excellent air infiltration barrier and does not allow water to migrate in.
When applying a standard exterior siding to a house, the finished house is virtually indistinguishable from conventional housing.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Avoid the 10 common mistake most people do when building with shipping containers

Apply the 10 thing every shipping container home must include

Avoid the 10 common mistake most people do when building with shipping containers
Apply the 10 thing every shipping container home must include

Syllabus

From South Africa to the World

Learn how to avoid the 10 Don'ts When Building your own Shipping Container Home after 2019

Don't buy Cheap, you could be paying more in the long run. Get Value for Money

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Focuses on practical advice for avoiding common mistakes, which can save learners time and money on their shipping container home project

Explores the re-purposing of shipping containers, which aligns with sustainable building practices and appeals to environmentally conscious learners

Examines residential codes, which are essential for ensuring compliance and safety in building projects

Requires learners to personally select and mark containers, which may pose a logistical challenge for those without access to shipping yards

Uses information that is up-to-date as of January 2020, which may not reflect the most current building codes, materials, and best practices

Covers topics such as welding doors and windows directly to container walls, which may not be structurally sound or meet building codes in all areas

Reviews summary

Practical container home building basics

According to learners, this course provides a practical foundation in building with shipping containers, focusing heavily on essential do's and don'ts that can help avoid costly mistakes. Many find it a good starting point for those new to the concept. However, some students note that the course could benefit from greater technical depth in areas like engineering specifics or detailed building codes. The title's reference to "2020" leads some to perceive the content as potentially slightly dated. Overall, it's considered a valuable resource for gaining initial knowledge.

Worth the time and cost.

"For the price, this course offers solid foundational knowledge that saves research time."

"Saved me time and money by highlighting important considerations I hadn't thought of."

"A good return on investment for getting the basics right before diving in."

"Provides key insights that could prevent expensive errors down the line."

Provides a solid starting point.

"This was a great introduction for someone like me who knew nothing about container homes."

"It lays out the basics clearly and provides a good overview to get started."

"If you're just exploring the idea, this course gives you the essentials you need to know."

"A valuable resource for understanding the concept and its potential."

Offers essential tips for building.

"The 'Do's and Don'ts' section was incredibly useful and helped me rethink some initial ideas."

"Learning the common mistakes upfront definitely saved me potential headaches."

"I feel much better prepared to plan after learning what to avoid."

"The course highlights the critical things you need to consider before starting."

Some content feels slightly old.

"Seeing '2020' in the title made me wonder if codes or methods have changed significantly since."

"Some information felt a bit older, though the core principles are likely still valid."

"The examples could probably be updated to more recent projects and techniques."

"I noticed some references that seem a few years out of date."

Could use more technical detail.

"I wish it went into more technical detail about structural considerations and specific building requirements."

"While good for basics, I need to find other resources for in-depth engineering info."

"The course highlights what to avoid, but doesn't always explain the 'how' in depth."

"Needs more concrete examples and detailed steps on complex procedures."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in DIY - Build your own Shipping Container Home in 2020 course with these activities:

Review Basic Welding Techniques

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Reviewing basic welding techniques will help you understand how to safely and effectively join shipping containers and reinforce structural elements.

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Watch introductory videos on welding safety and techniques.
Practice basic welds on scrap metal.
Familiarize yourself with different welding processes.

Review 'Shipping Container Homes: What You Must Know Before You Buy'

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Reading this book will help you avoid common mistakes and make informed decisions when building with shipping containers.

View Putting Knowledge to Work on Amazon

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Read the book's introduction and overview of container home construction.
Take notes on key considerations for container selection and modification.
Review the book's checklist of essential steps for building a container home.

Review 'Container Atlas: A Practical Guide to Container Architecture'

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Studying this book will provide a solid foundation in container architecture principles and best practices.

View Putting Knowledge to Work on Amazon

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Read the book's introduction and overview of container architecture.
Study the case studies to understand different design approaches.
Take notes on key construction techniques and considerations.

Four other activities

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Follow Online Tutorials on Container Modification

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Following tutorials will provide hands-on experience with container modification techniques and help you develop practical skills.

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Search for online tutorials on container cutting, welding, and framing.
Watch the tutorials carefully and take notes on key steps and techniques.
Practice the techniques on scrap metal or a small container section.

Design a Shipping Container Home Layout

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Designing a layout will help you apply the course's principles and understand the spatial challenges of container homes.

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Research different container home layouts online.
Sketch a preliminary layout based on your needs and preferences.
Refine the layout, considering structural and code requirements.
Create a detailed floor plan with dimensions and annotations.

Create a Blog Post on Container Home Insulation

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Writing a blog post will solidify your understanding of insulation techniques and their importance in container homes.

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Research different insulation materials and methods for container homes.
Outline the key points you want to cover in your blog post.
Write the blog post, including images and examples.
Edit and proofread your blog post before publishing.

Create a Cost Estimate Spreadsheet

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Creating a cost estimate will help you understand the financial aspects of building a container home and manage your budget effectively.

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Identify all the materials and labor required for your container home project.
Research the cost of each item and enter it into a spreadsheet.
Calculate the total cost of the project, including contingency funds.
Review and refine your cost estimate based on your budget and priorities.

Career center

Learners who complete DIY - Build your own Shipping Container Home in 2020 course will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Architect

Architects design buildings and oversee their construction. This course helps build a foundation for architects interested in exploring sustainable and cost-effective housing solutions. The course covers crucial aspects of shipping container homes, including structural considerations, energy efficiency, and design possibilities. Architects can use this information to create innovative and functional living spaces. In particular, the course's discussions of efficient recycling using shipping containers may appeal to architects interested in sustainable design.

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General Contractor

General contractors are responsible for overseeing all aspects of a construction project, including managing subcontractors and ensuring work is completed to code and on schedule. This instruction may be helpful for general contractors looking to expand into the niche market of shipping container homes. The course covers the specific do's and don'ts of container construction, including proper modifications, insulation techniques, and foundation requirements. General contractors can use these insights to effectively manage container home projects and avoid costly mistakes. The course highlights things to avoid in construction planning.

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Sustainability Consultant

Sustainability consultants advise organizations on environmentally friendly practices. This course can support sustainability consultants by detailing the environmental benefits of repurposing shipping containers for housing. The course explains how using containers reduces energy consumption compared to melting and reforming steel, and it highlights features like efficient insulation. Sustainability consultants can use this information to promote shipping container homes as a sustainable building option. The course presents valuable information about the energy efficiency of container homes.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Consultant

Real Estate Developer

Real estate developers oversee the planning, financing, and execution of real estate projects. This course helps real estate developers learn about the potential of shipping container homes as a cost-effective and innovative housing solution. The course covers topics such as container acquisition, modification, and construction best practices. A real estate developer can leverage this knowledge to assess the feasibility of container home projects, manage costs, and attract buyers interested in unique and sustainable properties. The course's explanation of common mistakes serves to reduce risk.

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Construction Manager

A construction manager oversees building projects from start to finish. They ensure projects are completed on time and within budget. This course may be helpful for construction managers interested in the innovative approach of using shipping containers for residential construction. It covers essential knowledge about container properties, modifications, and best practices, potentially saving time and money on projects. The course emphasizes avoiding common mistakes and implementing crucial steps when building with shipping containers, which aligns with a construction manager's goal of efficient and effective project execution.

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Structural Engineer

Structural engineers analyze and design structures to ensure their safety and stability. This course may be useful for structural engineers seeking to expand their knowledge of alternative building methods. Structural engineers will benefit from the course's focus on the structural properties of shipping containers, including their resistance to lateral loads and suitability for multi-story construction. The course's insights into welding, modifications, and foundation requirements will aid in the design of safe and durable shipping container homes.

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Building Inspector

Building inspectors examine buildings and structures to ensure they comply with safety regulations and building codes. This course may be useful for building inspectors aiming to understand the unique aspects of shipping container construction. The course covers essential information on structural integrity, modifications, and code compliance specific to container homes. Building inspectors gain insights to properly assess the safety and adherence to standards of these increasingly popular housing alternatives. The course emphasizes the importance of knowing residential codes.

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Welder

Welders use specialized equipment to fuse metal parts and structures together. This instruction may be useful for welders looking to specialize in the growing field of shipping container homes. The course specifically addresses the do's and don'ts of welding modifications to containers, ensuring structural integrity and safety. Welders can enhance their skills and knowledge to meet the specific demands of container construction, opening up new career opportunities. The course also emphasizes that welding doors and windows directly to container walls is not ideal.

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Home Inspector

Home inspectors evaluate the condition of residential properties for potential buyers or sellers. This course may be useful for home inspectors who want to become familiar with the construction methods and potential issues specific to shipping container homes. The course provides insight into the structural components, modifications, and insulation techniques used in these homes. Home inspectors gain the knowledge necessary to accurately assess the condition and identify potential problems in shipping container dwellings. The instruction on common mistakes is likely quite valuable.

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Carpenter

Carpenters construct, erect, install, and repair structures and fixtures made from wood and other materials. This course can support carpenters interested in expanding their skills to include shipping container modifications and construction. The course highlights essential techniques for cutting, welding, and joining materials to adapt containers for residential use. Carpenters can learn how to integrate their traditional skills with the unique challenges and opportunities of container architecture. The course emphasizes the need to plan before cutting into the container.

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Urban Planner

Urban planners develop plans and programs for the use of land, helping to create communities, accommodate population growth, and revitalize physical facilities in towns and cities. This course may be useful for urban planners interested in sustainable and affordable housing solutions, such as shipping container homes. The course helps planners consider the efficient use of resources, potential for modular construction, and integration of container homes into urban environments. Urban planners can explore the possibilities and challenges of incorporating container housing into their development plans. The recycling and reuse of containers may particularly appeal to this role.

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Project Manager

Project managers plan, execute, and close projects, defining the scope, budget, and timeline. This course may be useful for project managers who are interested in exploring the potential of shipping container homes as a unique project. The course goes over topics such as container modifications and construction practices. Project managers may leverage this knowledge to assess the possibility of container home projects. The course goes into detail on planning and building processes that may save project managers a lot of time.

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Interior designer

Interior designers plan and design interior spaces of buildings to be functional, safe, and aesthetically pleasing. This course may be useful for interior designers interested in exploring the unique design challenges and opportunities presented by shipping container homes. The course helps inform designers about container dimensions, modification limitations, and the integration of utilities. Interior designers gain inspiration and technical knowledge to create innovative and stylish interiors within the constraints of container architecture. In particular, information on finishes may prove useful.

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Real Estate Agent

Real estate agents assist clients in buying, selling, and renting properties. This course may be useful for agents looking to specialize in the niche market of shipping container homes. The course provides foundational knowledge and skills of container construction, including their unique features, benefits, and potential drawbacks. Agents are better equipped to represent container homes effectively, attract interested buyers, and address common questions or concerns. The course points out that these homes are stronger than traditional homes, which may be a selling point.

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Appraiser

Appraisers estimate the value of properties for various purposes, such as sales, financing, or taxation. This course may be useful for appraisers who need to assess the value of shipping container homes. The course on container construction and modification can enlighten appraisers about the factors that influence the value of these unique dwellings. Appraisers gain insight into construction costs, structural considerations, and market demand to arrive at accurate and informed property valuations. This will help you know what to look for when assessing the value of a shipping container home.

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DIY - Build your own Shipping Container Home in 2020 course

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

Traffic lights

Save this course

Reviews summary

Practical container home building basics

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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