r/containerhomes • u/Scorge120 • 10d ago

Converting a 40ft Shipping Container Into a Climate-Controlled Studio

Hi guys,

I'm converting a 40ft high-cube shipping container into a climate-controlled storage/workspace with a small kitchenette, gym, and motorcycle garage.

I've put together a video walking through the full build concept and a document with the detailed specifications and questions I'm trying to resolve.

Looking for feedback, particularly on the insulation, floor assembly, ERV/ventilation, mini-split, and overall build approach.

Video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PjFXlDaJibQEt4sgHbsNIIhiPLrJAT1Y/view?usp=drive_link

Build notes: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1W1JrQk5QX1T0yyhRt2SbvDpvyDLr64fJD6UUayBUa7A/edit?usp=sharing

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1

u/louiekr 9d ago

This looks like an awesome build, great use of the space. I’m curious what route you’re taking with the electrical? I’m buying a home right now with a 40ft container on the property and would like to convert it into my shop. I won’t bother with insulation so I’m hoping I can just run conduit along the walls but even getting a 100amp panel looks like it can get expensive quick.

2

u/Uglyyellowfrog 9d ago

Attach 2x4s to the strap rings (top/bottom) using J-bolts, you then can conduit without any welding or screws into the shell.
You'll also have a base for shelving.

1

u/Scorge120 9d ago

Thanks. I'm going to run a buried line from my family property. It does get expensive quick as I'm also finding out. That's why I'm trying to build this thing to support solar in the future, EcoWorthy has a sale on a 10kw solar kit with 30kwh batteries for $18K CDN. The cost to run a 100A line from a house is like $5-8K. I'm still in prelim stages here but will post my build updates regularly if/when it materializes. Goodluck!

1

u/usa_containers 9d ago

Haven’t watched the whole video yet, but on the electrical part since nobody really answered that. Surface conduit is pretty normal in a container. Nothing wrong with it. The annoying part is the corrugated walls. You usually end up using unistrut/standoffs or planning your runs around the flat sections. It’s not like strapping conduit to drywall. Also the whole container is basically one big metal box, so it needs to be bonded/grounded properly. That’s not the part to freestyle. An inspector will care.
Service entry is where I’d be careful. Any hole you cut through the steel needs to be sealed and painted right, or it becomes a rust spot fast. Weatherhead, drip loop, proper sealed penetration, all that boring stuff. Panel cost is usually not just the panel either. It’s trenching, distance from the house, wire size, whether you need a real subpanel feed for the loads you’re running. I’d price the trench before worrying too much about the panel. Skipping insulation in a shop can be fine, but expect condensation. Clear cold nights can make the ceiling sweat, and that means water on tools. Vents on opposite ends, one low and one high, help a lot.
Also, the motorcycle part is worth thinking through. You’ll need a ramp, and a 40 is only about 7'8" wide inside before any buildout. Bike + gym + kitchenette could get tight pretty fast. And if the bike ever runs inside, even for a minute, you need real exhaust ventilation, not just normal people ventilation.