With the rising costs of mortgages and rent seemingly never ending, could businesses turn to alternative types of property as a base for their operations? Building large numbers of new commercial buildings can be a damage to our environment and with businesses and consumers becoming more and more environmentally conscious, they’re more likely than ever to review their options for where they could house their business.

Building new properties for companies is not only a costly process, but also bad for the environment as whilst being built, the process to make raw material such as bricks can produce harmful gases such as Carbon Dioxide and Carbon Monoxide. All this only contributes further to climate change.

Alternatives to using traditional construction

One alternative smaller businesses are turning to, is old shipping containers. Unlike a building, these would come at a fraction of the cost, as you would be paying considerably less rent on a container, and potentially less on bills such as electricity.

Using a shipping container would also provide a level of flexibility as you would be able to move your business to new locations as you see fit, this could mean potential new clients. To do this you would need to install a chassis, however this means whenever you want to move, you could easily hook your container up to a truck and you are good to go.

 As the business grows this also gives you the option to use more than one shipping container, with some companies able to create container roof covers to connect them together. This would allow you to not only use the shipping containers, but also the space in between them.

Different businesses

Due to this being a much more financially viable option, numerous businesses have taken this route, such as small coffee shops, small food venders and yoga studios. Using a shipping container as the business premises allows companies to invest further into their business. 

With street food and casual dining more popular than ever, using shipping containers for coffee shops and food vendors fits perfectly with that aesthetic.

Instead of businesses renting out a whole gym, using one or multiple containers for a workout area can not only save the company money, but these savings can also be passed onto the clients such as through lower membership fees.

What modifications can you make?

Having your own container allows numerous ideas to customize in your own layout and designs that work for your business. For example, if you’re a small coffee shop or a food vendor, you can install serving hatches which allow customers to access your business easier when ordering.

For a bar, you could implement a rooftop terrace with artificial grass to increase space and seating capacity. This would involve adding a small staircase and fencing for safety.

For businesses where the client will be present for a longer period of time, restroom facilities are easily installed. Within the container you can configure the space how you see fit. 

Whilst traditional commercial properties are considered to be more secure, there are numerous security modifications you can implement to reduce any security risks.

You can install anti vandal windows and shutters, so when you’re not at work, you know your business is safe. Other ways you can ensure security is adding keypad entry locks, alarm systems and motion sensor lighting, all of which can deter intruders.

Whilst there are pros and cons to both traditional commercial properties and using a reused shipping container, it’s clear there’s a shift in what companies require for their premises. Businesses now have another option when deciding where to house their company, with it being cheaper and more environmentally friendly than using a traditional property, shipping containers are only going to become more popular for smaller companies over time.

With shipping container businesses on the rise, could this be a potential opportunity for your company?

Jane