Renovation in Gatineau: how to choose your container according to the type of project
Choosing the right container from the start simplifies the work, keeps your site clean, and avoids unnecessary expenses. In Gatineau, renting a container is a practical solution for managing construction and renovation debris. Rather than accumulating materials in your driveway or making multiple trips to a recycling center, you can drop them off directly in a container suited to your needs. But which 10, 15, 20, or 40 cubic yard container should you choose? Here are Godmaire's recommendations for different types of projects.
Understanding container dimensions
Before choosing your container, it's helpful to understand what its capacity represents. Dimensions are expressed in cubic yards, a unit that corresponds to the available volume for holding materials.
To give you an idea, here is a rough comparison with full-size pickup truck loads.
Dimensions | Approximate capacity |
10 cubic yards | 3 to 4 loads |
15 cubic yards | 5 to 6 loads |
20 cubic yards | 7 to 8 loads |
40 cubic yards | 14 to 16 loads |
These estimates vary depending on the type of materials and how they are laid. The maximum permissible weight must also be taken into account, particularly for heavy materials such as concrete, ceramic, and asphalt shingles.
Which container should I choose for a bathroom renovation?
Recommended container size: 10 cubic yards
A bathroom renovation typically generates a relatively small amount of debris. Even for a complete demolition, a 10-cubic-yard container is often sufficient for the project. Materials to be removed might include old tiles, the bathtub, shower, toilet, vanity, countertops, and some drywall. While these materials can be heavy, they usually take up less space than those from a multi-room renovation. If you're renovating two bathrooms simultaneously, or if the work also involves walls and adjacent rooms, a 15-cubic-yard container might be a better option.
Which container should I choose for a kitchen renovation?
Recommended container size: 15 or 20 cubic yards
Renovating a kitchen often generates more debris than you might expect. In addition to removing old cabinets and countertops, the work may require removing the flooring, backsplash, some walls, and existing fixtures. Kitchen cabinets, in particular, take up a lot of space even after being disassembled. For a small kitchen, a 15-cubic-yard container might be sufficient.
However, if you're planning a complete renovation that includes cabinetry, flooring, and some wall modifications, the 20-cubic-yard size offers a significant increase in capacity. If your project also involves opening up a wall to the dining room or transforming a living space, the 20-cubic-yard size is generally a more suitable choice. Appliances should be checked beforehand, however, as they are not always accepted in renovation containers.
Which container should I choose to renovate a basement?
Recommended container size: 20 cubic yards, sometimes 40 cubic yards
A complete basement renovation can generate a significant amount of material, especially when existing structures must be demolished before rebuilding. Removing drywall, ceilings, flooring, interior partitions, and insulation quickly adds up to a considerable volume. For a typical residential basement, a 20-cubic-yard shipping container is often a good starting point.
For a very large basement or a project combining several renovations, a 40-cubic-yard container or a rotation of 20-cubic-yard containers may be considered. The choice will depend primarily on the quantity and weight of materials, as well as the available space on your property.
Which container should I choose for roof renovation?
Recommended container: depending on the surface area and weight of the materials
Roof replacement primarily involves asphalt shingles, underlayment, flashing, and sometimes damaged wood sections. Unlike other renovation materials, asphalt shingles are particularly heavy. Therefore, the choice of container should not be based solely on available volume. For a residential roof, a 20-cubic-yard container might be sufficient, but a smaller size or multiple trips may be necessary depending on applicable weight restrictions.
Before booking, ask your roofer to estimate the roof area to be removed and the number of existing shingle layers. The Godmaire team can then guide you toward a solution tailored to the quantity of materials to be removed.
Which container should I choose to renovate a bedroom or living room?
Recommended container size: 10 or 15 cubic yards
Renovating a single room typically generates less material than a kitchen or basement project. If you're simply replacing the flooring, trim, and some drywall, a 10-cubic-yard container may be sufficient. For a larger renovation involving wall demolition, ceiling removal, or decluttering, a 15-cubic-yard container can offer more flexibility. The goal is to have enough space to work efficiently without renting a container much larger than necessary.
Which container should I choose to renovate an entire house?
Recommended container size: 40 cubic yards or several 20 cubic yard containers
When a project involves multiple rooms simultaneously, debris management becomes a crucial aspect of site organization. A major renovation might include removing cabinets, flooring, walls, ceilings, and numerous building materials. Two solutions can then be considered. A 40-cubic-yard container provides ample on-site capacity, provided the available space and the type of materials allow it.
Rotating 20-cubic-yard containers is another attractive option. When a container is full, it can be replaced according to an agreed-upon schedule, allowing work to continue without accumulating debris. For renovations that extend over several weeks, this second approach often offers greater flexibility.
Which container should I choose for a house extension?
Recommended container size: 20 or 40 cubic yards
A home addition project generates materials at various stages of construction. The first phase might involve demolishing an exterior wall, deck, or existing structure. Construction then produces wood scraps, packaging, panels, and other waste. A 20-cubic-yard container can be suitable for several stages of a home addition. For larger projects, a 40-cubic-yard container or container rotation can facilitate material management throughout the construction process.
Which container should I choose for outdoor work?
Recommended container size: 15 or 20 cubic yards
Outdoor renovation projects may also require renting a container. Demolishing a deck, removing an old shed, or dismantling a gazebo often generates significant amounts of wood and other materials. For these projects, a 15-cubic-yard container may be sufficient. The 20-cubic-yard size becomes more practical when multiple structures need to be demolished. However, branches, shrubs, soil, and other organic matter may be subject to specific regulations. Therefore, it's important to check which materials are accepted before filling your container.
How to optimize your container rental during renovations?
Estimate the quantity of materials with your contractor
If you hire a contractor, ask them to estimate the amount of debris that will be generated. Their experience can help you choose the right size container and determine the best time to have it delivered.
Allow enough space for delivery
Before booking, make sure you have an accessible location for the delivery truck.
In some residential areas of Gatineau, particularly in Hull and Aylmer, driveways may be narrower. It is therefore advisable to check the container dimensions and the space required for delivery and pickup. If the container must be placed on the street, also check the applicable municipal regulations.
Plan the rental period according to your work
The duration of a renovation varies considerably depending on the scope of the project. A bathroom may take a few weeks, while a kitchen or a complete basement may require much more time.
Plan your rental according to the work schedule and inquire about the possibilities of extending or replacing the container.
Check the accepted materials
Not all materials can be placed in a renovation container. Paints, solvents, propane tanks, electronic devices, and certain other products generally require a specific disposal method. If you are unsure, contact Location Godmaire before placing any material in the container. This precaution will help avoid problems during pickup and additional charges.
Respect the loading limits
A container must not be filled beyond its maximum permitted height. Weight limits for transport must also be respected. Heavy materials, such as ceramic tiles, concrete, and asphalt shingles, can quickly reach these limits even when the container appears to have some remaining space.
Container rentals in Gatineau: trust Godmaire
Every renovation project is different. The right container depends not only on the size of the area to be moved, but also on the materials to be removed, their weight, and the duration of the project. Generally speaking, 10-cubic-yard containers are well-suited for smaller projects, while 15- and 20-cubic-yard sizes meet the needs of many residential renovations. For larger projects, a 40-cubic-yard container or a container rotation service may be considered.
Are you hesitating between two sizes? The Godmaire team is here to advise you. Contact us at 514-536-3026 to discuss your renovation project in Gatineau and choose the container that meets your needs.
