Shipping containers are no longer restricted to storage and transportation usage. Their size, build and robustness have made a popular choice as dwelling structures. Their simplistic design offers more leeway for modifications and therefore is better suited to be made into portable buildings. These container homes offer a practical and efficient alternative to traditional houses and in fact, offer more flexibility in customization and comfort for the people. The possibilities in design and structure are limitless and are also cost effective in the longer run. There are specialized home designers with expertise in modification and completion of container homes.

There are a few modifications that are prerequisites for container homes and listed here are the most important ones

• Ventilation: Containers are cubical units with only one provisioned door. To make it habitable, the users will need to cut open windows and sometimes, open up entire sides if required, to ensure adequate ventilation. The cut open places will need to be reinforced for stability, thereby preventing the weakening of the structure.
• Plumbing & Electrical wiring: Container homes need to be provisioned with standard plumbing and electrical installations for proper habitation. External plumbing will also need to be installed. This is no different when compared to regular home constructions but the advantage is that the homes can be transported and slung onto the ground via a crane.

Flooring: Containers have flooring that is more suited to storage requirements. To make it more homely, additional flooring can be added onto the existing floor, as per the tastes and designs of the customers. Sometimes, it is recommended to have additional flooring to meet the acceptable standards, not to mention aesthetic satisfaction.

• Insulation and Fire proofing: These portable buildings are intrinsically insulated but insulation testing needs to be done prior to its commissioning as a container home. This has to be done to rectify damages and also to ascertain standards. The container homes are fire proof as a whole but internally, regular fire proofing standards will have to be followed just like any other home.
• Placement: Unlike traditionally constructed homes, container homes need to be placed on an even, smooth surface. Traditional homes can be foundationally reinforced to rest on sloped and uneven surfaces but portable homes are basically modified cubical units and so, must be placed on an even surface for stability. This might be the only disadvantage for container homes but the advantages far outweigh the cons.