With the trend of affordable housing on the rise, buying and building a container home is more affordable than a conventional one. Unique style, bold architecture, and more flexibility, that’s why people are transforming containers into tiny homes.
Creative individuals opt for portable, comfortable living spaces without spending a fortune. If you are thinking of building one, this guide will help you get an in-depth look at the container home prices and costs.
Building a Container Home
Despite being a relatively new construction style, container homes are becoming immensely popular. It appeals to people with lower budgets, requiring less living space.
This temporary home unit is made out of steel and can be easily transported. Large shipping containers with more living space and higher ceilings are generally expensive. Check local building codes and zoning regulations before building a container home.
How Much Does it Cost to Build a Container Home?
The average cost of building a standard container home with basic facilities is between $10000 to $50000. While larger homes with luxurious facilities may cost around $100000 to $1750000. It is quite inexpensive, equal to a fraction of the cost of a traditional house.
In addition, the container home cost depends on the size of the container, desired amenities, and materials used. The more features and facilities you want, the more it will cost. In all, whether you choose a standard or luxurious container home, it is worth every penny.
Costs Associated with Building A Container Home
- Land Cost – Land is not cheap and makes up a large portion of the container home building cost. Unlike a trailer or an RV, a container home will remain in one place, therefore, you have to own land to place the container. Today, buying one acre of farmland costs $3,160 or more. Similarly, buying a one-acre lot in urban areas may cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.
- Foundation – After purchasing the land, the next step is to lay the foundation. There are multiple foundation options; trench, concrete, and slab. Opt for any of the said options depending on the home design plans and the type of soil. Whatever you choose, expect to pay more or less $5000 for this process.
- Buying a Shipping Container – Depending on the budget, you can either get a new container or a used one. On average, you can purchase a used container for about $1500-$2000. Based on size and ceiling height, the cost of a new container may go up to $8000.
- Insulation – Insulation is vital to make it livable and control the climate in your home. Installing insulation can cost $0.50 to $2 per square foot.
- Facilities – Exact cost for facilities can not be determined as it varies depending on personal preferences and location. Also, it depends on the number of amenities you wish to include.
Conclusion
Even though the cost of a container home is relatively lower than traditional houses, it takes some work to find the right place and make it livable.
Talon Juper is Civil Engineer. He has written many research papers about construction techniques, structural design, geotechnical engineering, transportation, and environmental issues.
