The 2 story shipping container homes are a suitable accommodation solution for those with limited land space. Essentially, they consist of container units stacked on top of each other to create a two-story structure.
They are equipped with corner castings at the corners, and forklift pockets on the sides of the container make it easy to lift container units onto each other. In other words, these two features make the construction of a two-story container house possible.
The cost of building 2-story shipping container homes can vary widely depending on multiple factors. While the use of shipping containers offers savings compared to traditional construction, several variables still impact the final price.
To know what they are, find out in this article!
Contents
Key Factors Affecting the 2-Story Container Home Price
Here’s a breakdown of the factors affecting the 2 story shipping container homes price:
1. Number and Size of Containers
The number and size of shipping containers used in a 2-story container home have a direct impact on the overall price.
Using more containers increases initial material, foundation, cutting, welding, reinforcement needs interior finish, and labor costs.
2. Site Preparation and Foundation
Site preparation and foundation work play a major role in determining the total price of a 2-story shipping container home.
These are essential, non-skippable steps, and their cost can vary dramatically depending on location, land conditions, and design.
Costs vary based on soil quality, topography, urban vs rural location, and type of foundation.
3. Structural Modifications
Cutting containers for doors, windows, stairwells, or open-concept rooms requires reinforcement.
However, more cuts mean more steel, welding, and labor costs. Also, removing too much steel can compromise the structure, requiring added framing or beams.
4. Insulation and Climate Control
Metal containers are poor insulators; you’ll need proper insulation to prevent heat/cold issues. Insulation and climate control significantly affect the price of a 2-story shipping container home, and they are essential for making the space livable.
5. Plumbing & Electrical Work
Routing services inside containers requires framing and careful planning. The cost for that varies, depending on local building codes, distance to utility connections, and quality of fixtures and appliances.
6. Interior Finishes
While the containers themselves provide the structure, the interior finish determines the livability, comfort, and cost. Custom, high-end interiors can double the cost compared to basic finishes.
Budget finishes like vinyl flooring, laminate counters, and basic drywall are much cheaper than hardwood floors, quartz or granite countertops, custom cabinetry, and designer fixtures.
7. Labor Costs
Labor costs affect the price of a 2-story shipping container home. In fact, it is one of the biggest variables in the total cost of your project.
It varies by region. Rural areas or countries with low wages will have a cheaper cost. Meanwhile, urban or high-cost-of-living areas will have the expensive one.
For example, labor in California or New York could cost 2–3x more than in parts of the South or Midwest.
8. Permits and Regulations
The 2-story shipping container homes’ cost also depends on city/county zoning rules, building permits, and engineering or architectural plans are required for approval. Some areas have strict codes that may limit or forbid container homes.
9. Transportation and Crane Use
Moving containers to your site, especially for a 2-story build, may require flatbed truck rental and cranes to stack containers. If you are using those tools to transport to rural or hard-to-access areas, you will have higher transport and setup fees.
10. Off-Grid Features
Reducing the housing operational cost can be done by using solar panels, battery storage, rainwater systems, and composting toilets for your house. However, its upfront cost is high, but it may reduce utility bills over time.
Benefits of 2-Story Shipping Container Homes
Here are the key advantages of going two stories with container construction:
1. Maximized Space on a Small Footprint
Vertical building means you can double your living space without doubling your land use. The 2-story homes are ideal for urban, suburban, or narrow lots.
With a vertical landscape, it will leave more room for outdoor spaces like gardens, patios, or driveways.
2. Better Separation of Living Areas
With 2-story shipping container homes, you will have better separation of living areas. This enables clear zoning, like living downstairs, sleeping upstairs.
Great for families or shared living as they offer more privacy and less noise transfer.
3. Improved Views & Natural Light
Upper floors allow for better views. This is especially important in scenic or coastal areas, as you can have more windows and balconies, improving daylight and ventilation.
4. Modern Architectural Appeal
Two-story designs offer more dynamic and eye-catching architecture. They provide the possibilities for cantilevered sections, rooftop decks, or split-level designs.
5. Structural Efficiency
Shipping containers are designed to be stacked, making 2-story builds very natural. They are also engineered to handle vertical loads, so stacking them is safe when done properly.
6. Cost Efficiency (Compared to Traditional Homes)
Building a house up instead of out can reduce foundation and roofing costs. A 2-story container home is still cheaper than traditional two-story homes when designed efficiently.
To reduce costs, you can use fewer materials for things like roofing and ground-level infrastructure.
7. Off-Grid & Sustainability Potential
The 2-story shipping container homes have off-grid and sustainability potential. They are easier to incorporate as you can add solar panels on the roof, rainwater harvesting systems, green roofs, or rooftop gardens.
With this, you will have a smaller environmental footprint with reused materials and efficient use of space.
8. Customizable & Expandable
When you are about to customize and expand the container, start with a basic layout and add more containers later. The 2-story concept allows you to expand vertically without buying more land. Moreover, the container’s modular nature makes it easier to renovate or reconfigure over time.
9. Enhanced Resale Value (In Some Markets)
Two-story homes often have higher market appeal and resale value. They are considered attractive by eco-conscious buyers, tiny home enthusiasts, or Airbnb investors.
10. Unique & Personal
2 story shipping container homes can stand out with a one-of-a-kind structure. They reflect a modern, minimalist, or industrial aesthetic popular with certain buyers or renters.
Conclusion
A 2-story shipping container home can be expensive, but it depends on how you build it, where, and what kind of features you include.
We also offer you a wide range of house customization, like additional doors, windows, insulation, and electrical systems.
We will help you find the perfect container solution for your housing needs at a reasonable price. Fill out the contact form on our page to get container homes for sale at Tradecorp. We will respond to your inquiry promptly.