RESOURCES
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers about WTR models, project requirements, permitting, delivery, utilities, timelines and pricing.
Can’t find what you need? Contact our team.
No Matching Questions
Getting Started & Project Types
The process usually begins with an initial consultation so we can understand your intended use, project location, timeline, budget and requirements.
Depending on the project, the next steps may include a feasibility review, model selection or customization, scope and pricing confirmation, engineering and permitting, fabrication, and delivery and site coordination.
Yes. We welcome customers to visit our Gainesville, Florida facility to see our workmanship firsthand. Depending on current production and inventory, completed units, production models or active projects may be available to view.
Please contact us in advance so we can confirm what is available and schedule a convenient time for your visit.
WTR Structures develops container-based solutions for a wide variety of residential, commercial and operational applications, including:
- Equipment enclosures
- Emergency housing
- Office containers
- Storage solutions
- Container farms
- ADUs and tiny homes
- Multi-container homes
- Commercial spaces
- Short-term rental units
- Custom container structures
Yes. WTR has experience with projects combining 2, 3, 5, 9 or more containers.
For larger projects, we coordinate with architects and engineers as required to address structural design, permitting and execution.
Permitting & Property
Permit requirements depend on the project location, intended use, installation method and local regulations.
Factors such as zoning, setbacks, foundations, utility connections and whether the structure will be permanent or mobile can affect what approvals are required. The local building or planning authority makes the final determination.
Property suitability depends on several factors, including local zoning, setbacks, access for delivery, site conditions, foundation requirements, available utilities and any applicable HOA restrictions.
WTR can help you identify the information that should be reviewed before the project moves forward.
Yes. WTR can help identify common project requirements and coordinate the drawings, specifications or engineering information needed for the permitting process when included in the project scope.
Because requirements vary by jurisdiction, clients may also need to work directly with their local authorities, contractors or other licensed professionals.
No. Permit approval is controlled by the local authorities responsible for the project location, so WTR cannot guarantee that a specific project will be approved.
We recommend confirming zoning and permitting feasibility before making final project commitments. Our team can help you understand which information may be needed for that review.
Container structures can be used as ADUs or residential units in many locations, provided the project complies with applicable zoning, building codes, utility requirements and property restrictions.
Requirements vary significantly by jurisdiction, so local feasibility should be confirmed before proceeding.
Delivery, Site Setup & Utilities
Yes. WTR coordinates delivery across the United States.
Delivery availability and cost depend on factors such as the unit size, project location, route, site access and transportation requirements. These details are reviewed as part of the project quote.
Site preparation depends on the selected unit, intended use, installation method and local requirements.
The delivery area typically needs to be accessible, level and prepared for the applicable foundation or support system. Required utility connections should also be planned before delivery.
WTR can provide information about the selected unit, but site preparation is generally the client’s responsibility unless it is specifically included in the project scope.
Installation and final site work are not always performed by WTR. In many projects, the client is responsible for preparing the site, arranging placement and completing the required utility connections through qualified local contractors.
If placement or installation services are included, they will be clearly identified in the project scope and quote.
Depending on the project, container structures may be placed on concrete slabs, piers, prepared pads or other engineered support systems. Some models may also be configured on a trailer or wheeled platform.
The appropriate solution depends on the intended use, site conditions, engineering requirements and local building regulations.
WTR units can be configured with utility-ready connections for electricity, water and wastewater, depending on the selected model and project scope.
Final connections to the property’s utilities are typically completed on site by the client’s qualified local contractors unless those services are specifically included in the agreement.
Wastewater can typically connect to an available municipal sewer or septic system, subject to local requirements and site conditions.
For certain projects, a macerator or pumping system may help move wastewater approximately 80 feet to an appropriate connection point. The suitable configuration must be confirmed for the specific site and intended use.
Construction & Engineering
WTR typically works with one-trip and cargo-worthy shipping containers.
The container type selected depends on the intended use, project requirements and level of modification involved.
Yes. When properly engineered, modified and installed, shipping containers can provide an extremely durable and structurally strong foundation for a wide range of applications.
The specific structural requirements depend on the project design, site and applicable building codes.
Container structures can be engineered to comply with applicable wind-load requirements and building codes, including requirements in hurricane-prone regions such as Florida.
Engineering requirements vary according to the project, location and local jurisdiction, so the appropriate specifications must be determined for each individual build.
Insulation depends on the selected product and intended use.
Modified living and office units typically use closed-cell spray foam insulation suited to hot and humid climates, helping improve interior comfort and energy efficiency. Empty storage containers are not necessarily supplied with an insulation package.
Yes. Depending on the selected model and project requirements, WTR can incorporate mini-split systems, window units or PTAC heating and cooling systems.
The appropriate system is determined by factors such as unit size, intended use, layout and project location.
Timelines, Pricing & Financing
Every project includes two important timing phases:
Lead time
Lead time is the period between placing your order and the start of fabrication. It depends on WTR’s current production schedule and the number of projects ahead of yours.
Production time
Production time begins once your project enters fabrication. Standard projects generally require 6 to 16 weeks of production, while larger or highly customized builds may require additional time.
Feasibility reviews, design, engineering, permitting, site preparation and delivery may add time outside the production period. Your proposal will include an estimated lead time and production schedule based on the selected project.
WTR does not provide direct in-house financing.
However, we work with financing partners and can connect clients with available financing options for qualifying projects. Approval, terms and eligibility are determined by the applicable financing provider.
The base price depends on the selected model and project scope.
Depending on the proposal, pricing may include structural modifications, insulation, electrical systems, plumbing, interior finishes, HVAC and other model-specific features.
Delivery, site preparation, permitting, taxes and selected upgrades may affect the final project price. Your quote will identify what is included for the selected unit.
Business & Commercial Use
In many cases, yes. Container units can be developed for short-term rental or guest accommodation applications.
However, short-term rental regulations, zoning requirements, permitting, utility requirements and HOA restrictions vary by city and county. Clients should confirm that the intended use is permitted for the specific property before moving forward.
Yes. WTR builds container-based offices, commercial units and other business-related structures according to the operational needs of each project.
Available solutions include open workspaces, offices with restrooms, combined office and storage units, and custom configurations.
Yes. WTR works with homeowners, investors, developers, contractors, universities and government-related projects.
Our team can support both individual units and larger projects requiring additional planning, engineering coordination or multiple container structures.