Not all containers company offers you modification services. Container modification is changing a standard shipping container so it can be used for a purpose other than just transporting cargo.
This is the process of transforming steel shipping containers into functional spaces or specialized structures, such as offices, cafés, homes, etc. Modification can range from simple adjustments to major structural changes, depending on the intended use.
Container modification is very important, especially if you plan to use a shipping container for anything beyond simple storage.
If you’re looking to pick the best containers company for modification, it’s smart to have a clear checklist of what to evaluate. In this article, we’ll discuss several things to consider if you need to modify a container to minimize disappointment and loss.
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How to Choose
Here are key factors you should use to assess any company you’re considering:
1. Expertise
Experts within a company will be able to provide advice regarding the container you’re ordering. They typically understand container sizes, types, and the maximum weight a container can accommodate. They can also advise on material choices, along with their respective advantages and disadvantages.
- Technical & modification capabilities
- The company should clearly state what kinds of modifications they do: doors/windows, insulation, HVAC, electrical wiring, shelving, partitions, structural reinforcement, exterior cladding, etc.
- They should have the engineering skills or access to certified welders, structural engineers, electricians, etc., to ensure modifications preserve structural integrity.
- They should have examples or a portfolio of past work showing they’ve done what you want (or similar).
- They should be able to advise on container condition, material quality (e.g., steel grade, rust treatment), because a bad base container will compromise your finished unit.
2. Experience
Find a container modification company with experience modifying containers.
Container modification is no easy task, so experience significantly impacts the results. Long-term experience means the company has faced and resolved various challenges over the years, making it an expert in container modification work.
Check the company history. Find out how many projects they have done and in what sectors (residential, commercial, industrial).
3. Work Results/Track Record
Look at the company’s track record or projects. This can demonstrate their capabilities and the quality of their work. This is directly related to the quality of their service, which ultimately determines their reputation.
Ask for references or testimonials from past clients, especially clients whose work is similar to yours. Look at their portfolio, such as photos of completed modifications, preferably ones where you can inspect quality of finishes.
Besides quality, quantity is also important, in terms of the size of the project the company can handle. If you have a large project, you must be sure that the container company you choose is capable of handling and completing the project well and on time.
4. Workshop Location
Choose a workshop location close to your project site, as the workshop’s location will affect shipping costs.
For example, if you need office containers in Florida, New Jersey, etc., choose a container modification company located in those areas to ensure more efficient shipping costs.
5. Field Survey
A field survey is also important if you want to verify the existence of the container company you choose. A field survey provides a sense of security and certainty. Furthermore, you can directly see the containers you will be using. You can also monitor the progress of the container modification process.
In addition to the above, make sure you know what you want before ordering a modified container, such as how many containers you need, when you need them, where they will be needed, and for what purpose.
6. Compliance, safety & building codes
Good firms will understand and work within local building/permitting codes. They should also know about structural modifications. For example, you cannot remove major structural steel sections without proper reinforcement (doing so compromises integrity)
Ask for certifications or proof of standards they comply with, as they should be clear about what they can and can’t do.
7. Project scope, timeline & budget transparency
A good containers company will go through a design consultation. This includes understanding your vision, your requirements (size, layout, functionality, utilities), and translating that into a plan.
It should provide a detailed quote, with a cost breakdown (base container, modifications, utilities, delivery, site prep, etc.), with what is included/excluded.
8. After-sales support & quality assurance
A good firm will offer some support after delivery, such as maintenance, warranty on modifications, and checking structural/insulation performance. They will also guarantee that the modifications were done properly and provide documentation of the work done.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
When evaluating companies, be alert if they cannot show previous similar projects or only have a very limited portfolio. Container modification involves much more than just cutting and welding steel.
Each type of project, such as a container café, office, home, or lab, has different requirements for structural reinforcement after cutting openings, finish quality, and interior layout.
If the company has no previous similar projects, they might not know how to deliver a usable, comfortable final space. That lack of experience can lead to costly mistakes – or even unsafe builds.
You should also be careful when they are vague about what modifications they can do, or claim they can do everything, but without credible evidence of doing so safely/structurally. This might lead to disappointing work.
Conclusion
When you compare a few companies, you will better understand which one is truly capable and reliable. Pick the company that clearly understands your goals and produces a thoughtful design rather than a “one-size-fits-all”.
Tradecorp is a trusted container provider and modification company with years of experience. With the right help and guidance from a container sales and modification service provider company like Tradecorp, you can get closer to finally realizing your dream office container.
Many clients from well-known companies have entrusted their container and modification projects to us, and we have successfully handled them with satisfactory results.
Fulfill the needs of prefabricated buildings from Tradecorp. Fill out our quote form to buy or rent from us!
