Buying guide

The complete guide to buying a container

Nine steps from defining your needs to handover, so the unit you buy fits its purpose, has a clear cost and is ready to use.

Start reading Download the checklist

This guide is based on the questions our customers ask us most. Read it in order, or jump straight to the step you need.

Step 1: Define the purpose & space you need

Start with simple questions: what is the unit for, how many people will use it and for how long? The answers determine the size, the facilities and even whether renting or buying makes more sense.

Main use: office, storage, toilet, staff quarters, café, guard post or something else
How many people or how much stock it must hold
Must-have facilities: air conditioning, power, clean water, toilet, partitions
How long you will use it, and whether it will be moved often

Browse example layouts by use to get a first picture before talking to our team.

Ideas by use Solutions by industry

Step 2: Choose the container size

The most common sizes are 10ft, 20ft and 40ft. As a guide, a 20ft container gives about 14 m² of floor space and a 40ft about 28 m². High Cube versions are about 30 cm taller.

Measure your site, including clearance to open the doors
Leave room for furniture and for people to move around
Need more space? Several units can be joined or stacked
High Cube suits a higher ceiling or tall shelving

Container size guide

Step 3: Choose the condition: new, one-trip or used

New and one-trip containers (used for a single shipment) last the longest and look the neatest. Grade A used containers cost less and are still sturdy for storage or temporary use.

New or one-trip: for offices, homes or long-term businesses
Used grade A: for storage and budget-driven needs
Ask for photos or inspect the frame, floor and walls in person

New containers One-trip containers Used grade A

Step 4: Decide: rent or buy

For temporary needs, such as a project lasting a few months, renting is usually cheaper and needs little capital. For long-term use, buying pays off. The calculator on the Rental page shows the break-even point for the unit you choose.

Rent: low upfront cost, maintenance follows the rental terms
Buy: your own asset, free to modify and possible to resell
Not sure? Compare the total cost over the same period of use

Rental calculator Buyback & trade-in

Step 5: Plan the conversion & facilities

Decide where the doors, windows, air conditioning, power points and partitions go. A clear plan from the start makes the quote more accurate and the build faster.

Lay it out yourself in the 3D configurator, then send us the design
Size the air conditioning to the room's area and use
Work out the power needed for the equipment you will use
Consider sun and rain direction when placing windows and canopies

3D configurator AC calculator Power calculator

Step 6: Check materials & workmanship

Two units that look the same can differ greatly in quality. Ask about the wall and floor materials, insulation, type of paint and the electrical installation standard used.

Wall and roof insulation so the room stays cool
Anti-rust primer before the top coat
A floor strong enough for loads and foot traffic
Electrical installation with an MCB and grounding
Visit the workshop to see the process and finished units

Materials & standards Workshop & production Schedule a visit

Step 7: Count the total cost, not just the unit price

The unit price is only part of the cost. To keep your budget on track, include the costs that are often forgotten.

Conversion work and extra facilities
Delivery to your site
A crane or forklift to unload the unit
A base or simple foundation on site
Connecting power and water on site

Check delivery costs Container vs brick building Request a quote

Step 8: Prepare the site & delivery

Make sure the truck and crane can reach the drop-off point and the ground is level before the unit arrives. Good preparation avoids extra costs on delivery day.

Roads and turns wide enough for the truck
No power lines or trees in the crane's way
Level, firm ground with the base ready
Permission from the site or estate manager if required

Delivery across Indonesia

Step 9: Secure the warranty, contract & after-sales service

Before paying, make sure everything agreed is in writing: specifications, working drawings, schedule, payment terms and warranty. Also ask who handles any damage after handover.

Working drawings and specifications approved in writing
A clear production and delivery schedule
Payment terms tied to stages of work
A written warranty and how to claim it
Inspect the unit together at handover

Warranty & after-sales Terms & conditions

Download the container buying checklist

This guide summarised in one PDF: tick each item before ordering, at contract stage, before delivery and at handover.

The checklist covers:

Key points across the four buying stages
Print it and bring it to the site survey or handover
Free, ready to download

Fill in your details to download the checklist.

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Download the checklist (PDF)

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FAQ

Questions about buying a container

How long does it take from order to installation?

It depends on the conversion work and the production queue. Ready-stock units can ship sooner, while custom units follow the production schedule stated in the quote.

Does a container need a foundation?

It does not need a foundation like a permanent building. Level, firm ground with a simple base, such as concrete blocks under the four corners, keeps the unit off the ground and the doors closing tightly.

Does a converted container need a building permit?

Rules differ by region and estate, especially for permanent use. Check with the estate manager or local government; we can provide the unit's working drawings that are usually requested.

Can the unit be moved after installation?

Yes. Containers are designed to be lifted and shipped, so the unit can be moved to a new site by truck and crane.

Can I see a unit before buying?

Yes. Schedule a workshop visit to see finished units and the production process, or ask for a video call if you are far away.