Construction Business Review

Gillis Custom Containers
Crafting Containers into Comfortable Living Space

Simon Leveille, Owner, Gillis Custom ContainersSimon Leveille, Owner
Affordable housing presents a significant global challenge due to increased construction costs, limited land availability, and regulatory hurdles. These issues, compounded by economic disparities and population growth, make it difficult for many communities to access affordable, quality housing. Gillis Custom Containers addresses the housing shortage with sustainable solutions by converting shipping containers into flexible, customizable, and affordable homes.

Gillis Custom Containers tackles the affordability issue head-on by prioritizing cost-effectiveness and availability. To counter high living costs, it constructs modular homes in Canada as an alternative to conventional, more expensive site-built homes. Each modular home, measuring between 600 and 800 square feet, comprises container units that provide essential living space. The company targets budget-conscious buyers, building homes within a $150,000-$160,000 price range, catering to customers who desire quality living spaces without breaking the bank. Prefabrication processes at their shop significantly reduce on-site construction costs, resulting in further savings for customers. This is particularly important in northern regions with harsher weather conditions.

Once the foundation is laid, Gillis Custom Containers assembles the container homes within a few weeks, allowing customers to move in just a couple of weeks. The rapid process underscores Gillis’ faster build times compared to traditional building methods, which represent its key advantage.

As Gillis Custom Containers prioritizes speed and quality, it ensures that each of its homes conforms to the required building codes. To address this, it employs engineers and designers to provide diligent oversight throughout each build. It also uses steel structures instead of traditional wood-based materials, simplifying code compliance. Careful planning of the construction process is crucial, especially in remote areas with accessibility issues that might necessitate using cranes during assembly. Gillis Custom Containers efficiently manages groundwork responsibilities, such as subcontracting or general contracting, to complete customer home setups within one to two weeks.

When we talk about modular units, much of it is related to mining. So, either the mining direct or the spinoff of any subcontractor that works for the mines, everything related to offices, portable washroom facilities, shower facilities, or oil containments

In addition to affordable housing, Gillis Custom Containers focuses on the mining sector.

“When we talk about modular units, much of it relates to mining. This includes everything related to offices, portable washroom facilities, shower facilities, or oil containments for the mining operations or the spinoff companies that work with them,” says Simon Leveille, owner of Gillis Custom Containers.

The company allocates around 60-70 percent of its business to the mining sector, catering to various mining-related needs. It has a proven track record of success, as demonstrated by a remarkable case study where the company built a 40-foot by 80-foot structure for Agnico Eagle Detour Lake Mine, within six days. This project exemplifies the company’s commitment to quality, efficiency, and client satisfaction in the mining sector.

Gillis Custom Containers consistently pushes the boundaries of building container homes. Its expertise encompasses all aspects of container construction, including electrical certification and trucking services for deliveries. From internal finishes to insulation packages, the company excels by delivering excellence and continues to refine its offerings, solidifying its position in the container construction sector.