5TABLE OF CONTENTS CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION TO SHIPPING CONTAINER HOMES: ADVANTAGES OF SHIPPING CONTAINER HOMES: DISADVANTAGES OF SHIPPING CONTAINER HOMES: CONTAINER SIZES AND SPECIFICATIONS: NEW OR USED CONTAINER: PERMITS AND REGULATIONS: CHAPTER TWO FOUNDATION FOR SHIPPING CONTAINER HOMES: SITE CONDITIONS: CLIMATE: MARKET FACTORS: BUILDING DESIGN: EXCAVATION AND FOOTINGS: TYPES OF MATERIALS USED FOR FOUNDATION CONSTRUCTION: CHAPTER THREE PLACING THE CONTAINERS: JOINING THE CONTAINERS: WELDING BASICS: ADVANTAGES: DISADVANTAGES: PARTS OF THE WELDER KIT: WELDING SAFETY GEAR: PREPPING & GRINDING THE WELD: COMMON WELDING PROBLEMS: CONTAINER REINFORCEMENT: CHAPTER FOUR ROOFS: TYPES OF ROOFS: 1. SHED: 2. GABLE ROOF: HOW TO CUT SHIPPING CONTAINERS CHAPTER FIVE ADVANCED FRAMING: ROUGH ELECTRICAL & PLUMBING WORK: SOLAR PANELS: PLUMBING: CHAPTER SIX CONTAINER HOME INSULATION: THERMAL BRIDGING: FLOORING: SAFETY LOCKS FOR YOUR CONTAINER HOME: CHAPTER SEVEN: RESOURCE DIRECTORY CHAPTER EIGHT: PLANS PUBLISHER Introduction to Shipping Container Homes: Shipping container homes are houses that are built using shipping containers. The strength, durability, availability, and the cost effectiveness of containers as building material has made these types of homes popular in recent years. When you buy a container, it might appear as hollow boxes with no windows or openings. However, these boxes are highly customizable; they can be stacked and welded together to create beautiful yet economical homes. The next section is about the pros and cons of living in a shipping container home.