Foundations Guide
One of the great advantages of a container home is that it doesn't need a big concrete slab. A container is a stiff steel box that carries its weight down through four strong corners, so in many cases it can sit on a handful of piers. That saves money, time and concrete, works on sloping sites, and leaves the ground underneath largely undisturbed.
But "a few piers" still needs to be designed properly. The foundations have to carry the weight, resist wind uplift and sliding, keep the container level on reactive soils, keep water and termites out, and give the building surveyor something they can sign off. This guide explains how.
What is inside the full guide
Start with the site
How a container carries its load
Foundation options
Tying the container down
Height, clearance and termites
Levelling
Stacking and joining containers
Interbode tips
This is a paid guide. The full Foundations Guide is a 7-page A4 PDF with 3 detailed diagrams, written for Australian container homes. $25, instant download.
Not sure yet? Start with our free Container Dimensions Guide.