Custom Container Modification?

[|2 /-\ | /|/]

http://www.storstac.com/container-modifications-gallery/

Does anyone have any experience with doing this? I am hoping to create a garage out if this if possible in my back yard. Obviously permit would be required from city? I live in Toronto.

Also If its just a shipping container can I keep it in my back yard and use it for storage. Would I need a permit even though it just sits in the ground in the backyard?

Looks like the company above does custom work as well...

 

[John Henry]

If you want to use a shipping container as a garage , first off you'd better make sure that you're on good terms with all of your neighbours . Even though it just might be sitting on the ground you would still need a permit for something that big . In my area you can put up a structure up to 108 square feet with out a permit . Anything bigger than that you need a permit . It doesn't matter if it's just sitting on the ground . That's what most large sheds are doing yet you still need a permit .

It also depends how big your property is and where you wish to put it . In my area there is a limit in how much you can cover your backyard . It all depends on how much open space one has in the backyard after you cover part of it with a garage or shed(s) . There is a ratio in how much of your property can be covered and how much has to be open . The bigger the property the more you can cover it .

Hope this helps .

 

[huckfinn]

My past is in zoning and building code matters. So you know, the 108 sq. ft. is set by the Ontario Building Code, and applies all across the province. JH is correct about bigger than that you need a permit, even if it is sitting on the ground.

Regarding coverage, JH is also correct, although I am not sure if it can be counted towards coverage if it isn't classed a 'building'.

Your's is an interesting idea. I would actually make a visit to the City's zoning and building department, to get the facts. If you stay within zoning and building regulations, your neighbours have no input.

 

[notthemama]

If you want to use a shipping container as a garage , first off you'd better make sure that you're on good terms with all of your neighbours . Even though it just might be sitting on the ground you would still need a permit for something that big . In my area you can put up a structure up to 108 square feet with out a permit . Anything bigger than that you need a permit . It doesn't matter if it's just sitting on the ground . That's what most large sheds are doing yet you still need a permit .

It also depends how big your property is and where you wish to put it . In my area there is a limit in how much you can cover your backyard . It all depends on how much open space one has in the backyard after you cover part of it with a garage or shed(s) . There is a ratio in how much of your property can be covered and how much has to be open . The bigger the property the more you can cover it .

Hope this helps .

First, I live in a semi rural area. My property is 10+acres and so is my neighbours. I hardly see them and they're not an issue here. You city folks tend to be more uptight about these things.
Last year he got two containers.
They've done a lot of work to them. Painted in acceptable colours, run hydro etc.
One issue they did have was condensation. A sealed steel box with our weather fluctuations quickly developes moisture problems.
They had to put in vents.
Another issue is they got theirs without the side doors for access. 40 some feet and narrow. You have to leave a lot of space for walk ways to access stuff at the back.
They are narrow. He had planned to store a couple vintage cars. You can't open the doors to get in or out.
His larger tractors don't fit either width or height wise.
They are good security wise but give a good thought as to what you plan on putting in there.
Your zoning bylaws may only be a small part of the container issue.:hand:

 

[JohnHenry]

There is a garage I have seen that was constructed using 2 forty foot containers spaced about 20 feet apart to produce a building about 40 feet long and 36 feet wide. The containers supported a truss roof 36 feet wide.

 

[|2 /-\ | /|/]

This is very helpful stuff and thanks for the info. I was hoping to compare using the container method for the garage because we already have an expired permit for garage when I moved in at a cost of approximately $20,000 that includes construction. I wanted to compare the container method to see if it is viable. If not then just keep it as storage since we are running out of space and paint it all nice so it looks decent and could be a fun project for the kids to partake in. Ideally I would like to do the two containers side by side with various modifications. I wonder if it is possible to build a vegetable garden on top as well. City might like that for the water balance requirements, but then the neighbors might have an issue.

I will definitely speak with the building code department to see what my options are. Lots of good points to consider.

Thanks again

 

[JohnHenry]

Another issue, how do you plan on unloading the container from the delivery truck?

 

[|2 /-\ | /|/]

Another issue, how do you plan on unloading the container from the delivery truck?

My backyard opens fully and can easily fit a trailer backing up. Don't they just lift their trailers and slides into place like a garbage bin.

I will call these guys to see if they have any packages and what they suggest...http://www.storstac.com/container-mo...tions-gallery/

Maybe they even apply for permit for me.

 

[Promo]

My backyard opens fully and can easily fit a trailer backing up. Don't they just lift their trailers and slides into place like a garbage bin.

I will call these guys to see if they have any packages and what they suggest...http://www.storstac.com/container-mo...tions-gallery/

Maybe they even apply for permit for me.

Ugh, if I were your neighbour, I certainly wouldn't appreciate you dropping one or two shipping containers on your property whether you paint them or not. That would be ugly! Would they be hidden by fences, trees or any other landscaping?

Interesting solution though. There are other alternatives like pre-built garages. Unfortunately more money:
http://www.summerwood.com/products/garages
http://northcountrysheds.com/garages/custom-garages/
http://www.futurebuildings.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=local

 

[SchlongConery]

Many municipalities prohibit the use of Shipping Containers on lands zoned other than for Outdoor Storage. Many specifically prohibit their use on residential zoned property as garages, outbuildings etc.

I had a quick look through the City of Toronto Zoning Bylaws but gave up.

They make shitty garages though. As someone said, no room to open the car doors.

 

[|2 /-\ | /|/]

Ugh, if I were your neighbour, I certainly wouldn't appreciate you dropping one or two shipping containers on your property whether you paint them or not. That would be ugly! Would they be hidden by fences, trees or any other landscaping?

Interesting solution though. There are other alternatives like pre-built garages. Unfortunately more money:
http://www.summerwood.com/products/garages
http://northcountrysheds.com/garages/custom-garages/
http://www.futurebuildings.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=local

I like some of those products in your links such as this one

I just think it might be pricier vs the containers since you can get a used 20' container for $2,000 if not cheeper vs. that garage I like in pic above starts at $10,000+. But yeah, might piss off neighbors and city might not like it, so its a toss, unless you attach surficial panels to the outside and hide that it is a container. I also like container because they are so durable and you don't need to worry about leaks, racoons, or anything else like that and they are tough structures/boxes, and can always move them, dispose them easily and remove them just as easy. Just do some modification like window, vent, and maybe side door or just a door with window. You can also modify them easy by cutting one of the walls and extending them if you just want to use one container as a garage vs. two side by side.

Might look really nice with my model 3 yeha serious this is the only thing holding me back from getting it. I realize without a garage you will just damage the battery.

I really need a garage...will definitely talk to some of those contacts. Thanks for the info.

 

[Galseigin]

The have several across the street form Toronto Western, they have small vendors selling food and cell phone repairs in them.