Container Home Site Checklist: 24 Things to Verify Before You Order

Most delays and cost overruns on a container home trace back to the site rather than the unit. This checklist covers the twenty-four things worth verifying before you place an order, grouped by access, ground conditions, services and permissions. Work through it in order, because the early items can rule a site out before you spend any money on the later ones.

Access, items 1 to 6

1. Road width to the site. Measure the narrowest point on the route, not the widest. A standard unit needs a clear carriageway plus clearance for the delivery vehicle.
2. Overhead obstructions. Check the whole route for low bridges, cables, tree canopy and signage.
3. Turning circle at the site. Delivery vehicles need room to manoeuvre. A site reachable only in a straight line may need a crane instead of a hiab.
4. Ground bearing at the entrance. A loaded delivery vehicle is heavy. Soft ground near the gate is a common cause of failed deliveries.
5. Gate width and height. Measure both. A gate that clears the unit but not the lifting equipment is not clear.
6. Permit requirements for wide loads. If the loaded unit exceeds local width limits you need a permit, and possibly a pilot vehicle and escort.

Ground and drainage, items 7 to 12

7. Ground levels. A container needs a level base. Significant slope means either excavation or a stepped foundation.
8. Ground type. Clay, sand, rock and fill all behave differently under load. Fill that has not been properly compacted is the riskiest.
9. Water table depth. A high water table affects foundations and rules out certain below-ground solutions.
10. Surface water flow. Where does water go in heavy rain? A unit placed across a natural flow path will be wet underneath.
11. Flood risk. Check the official flood map for the area, not just what the land looks like today. Flood mapping is usually published by the local authority or a national agency.
12. Tree roots and overhang. Roots affect foundations, and overhang drops debris on the roof and blocks light.

Services, items 13 to 18

13. Electricity supply capacity. How many amps are available, and how far is the nearest connection point?
14. Water supply. Mains pressure and pipe diameter both matter. A long run from the boundary reduces pressure.
15. Wastewater solution. Mains sewer, septic system, or a treatment unit. This can be the single largest site cost.
16. Cable and pipe runs. The physical route from the boundary to the unit, including any trenching.
17. Internet and mobile signal. Check actual signal at the site rather than the coverage map.
18. Fuel delivery access. If the unit uses gas or oil, can a delivery vehicle reach the tank?

Permissions and practicalities, items 19 to 24

19. Zoning. What is the land zoned for, and does a dwelling fit within that?
20. Planning or building consent. What approvals are needed, and how long do they take in your area?
21. Boundary setbacks. How far the unit must sit from each boundary.
22. Height restrictions. A stacked or double-storey unit may exceed local limits.
23. Neighbour and access rights. Any shared driveways, rights of way, or neighbour consent needed for access.
24. Installation equipment access. Can a crane or hiab reach the pad? If not, the installation method changes, and so does the cost.

Frequently asked questions

What is the most commonly missed item on a site checklist?

Access for the lifting equipment. Buyers measure the road for the delivery vehicle and forget that a crane or hiab also needs somewhere to stand, with room to swing the unit. If the crane cannot reach the pad, the installation method has to change, and that is discovered on the day.

Do I need planning permission for a container home?

In most jurisdictions, yes for a permanent dwelling, and the rules vary widely by country, state and municipality. Some areas treat container homes as temporary structures with lighter rules; others apply the same standards as a conventional house. Check with the local planning authority for the specific plot before ordering.

How level does the ground need to be?

Level enough that the base does not twist. Containers are rigid, so a base that is out of level will distort door and window openings. Small variations are handled by the foundation; large ones need groundworks or a stepped design.

Can a container home go on sloping land?

Yes, usually with either a stepped foundation, ground screws of varying length, or a raised plinth. All three add cost and should be priced before you order rather than after delivery.