Ocean Going Shipping Containers Make Waves as Alternative Building Material

If you live anywhere near I-5, I-95, or the eastern stretch of the I-10 corridor, you may have seen ocean cargo shipping containers used as land based steel buildings. These alternative container structures are cheap, they are easy to build, and possessing the properties of a recycled material, are earth friendly.

Seattle, WA (PRWEB) May 19, 2005 -- Paul Sawyers, author of "Intermodal Shipping Container Small Steel Buildings", envisions budget conscious artists, hobbyists, and small business owners creating affordable work places and extra storage rooms using these units. "Starting or running a small business requires rock bottom overhead. To build a work space from lumber, or pre-fabricated steel building kits can be an expense that their budgets will not easily absorb."

Paul's view of shipping container buildings is to fit them into the current framework of our society at a low cost. "This usually means building them as utility structures, but you can get more creative after the building is set-up."

If you are considering the idea of buying a used shipping container, keep in mind that the price you pay will vary greatly depending on the source and condition of the unit. Port city dwellers have a distinct buying-power advantage over people located far inland. Never the less, Intermodal units have become so prevalent in recent years, they are now available coast to coast.

These buildings are as unique as the people that build them, no two ever look the same, but cost savings and high strength is inherent in all shipping container structures. If you need a highly secure weather proof small building, and lack the funds for a new pre-fab affair, Intermodal Shipping Container Small Steel Buildings are definitely worthy of further investigation.

Paul Sawyers new book is really for anyone who is thinking about constructing a small building, and wants to save money.

Readers learn how to save 40% over tradition lumber or factory made steel structures using intermodal shipping containers as building blocks. How to purchase containers, modify them for use as workshops, garages, cabins, guest houses, super carports, RV & 5th wheel covers, delivery, placement, foundations, and gable roofs are some of the topics covered.

Containers are water tight, and ready for use upon delivery with very little set-up required. Minimal amounts of extra building materials (optional; for interior framing, insulation, paneling, windows, etc) can be used to 'fit-out' a container building.

Steel shipping containers are designed to survive in the brutal environment of the high seas. They are constructed of 14 gauge corrugated steel side & roof panels, with 7 gauge tubular steel frames. One and a half inch thick marine grade plywood floors, vandal-proof locking steel doors, water-resistant welded seams, and all weather paint are just a few reasons why these boxes make great land based buildings.

Choose from one of two common standardized sizes: 20ft or 40ft long, by 8ft wide, by 8 1/2ft high, then stack and anchor units side by side into one of many building configurations, even install a gable roof. The final result is a unique small steel building that's up to fifty times stronger than most structures, built quick and with amazingly little labor.

"Intermodal Shipping Container Small Steel Buildings" is available at www.lulu.com/paulsawyers

J.R. Sawicki is a freelance writer living in the North Olympic Peninsula, and covers rural life stories.

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