Building low-cost container homes in the U.S. can be a smart and sustainable housing solution, but it requires careful planning to stay within budget.
Container homes, also known as modular houses or prefabricated houses, are a solution for homeownership amidst high property prices in major cities. Interest in minimalist container homes continues to grow due to their affordability, efficient construction, and unique design.
However, several container home modifications are often uncontrollable and go over budget due to misplanning. To build low cost container homes, find out the tips in this article!
Contents
Factors that Influence Container Home Prices
The container home prices can vary depending on several factors, such as:
Number & Size of Containers
Container prices vary widely based on whether they are new or used and whether they are 10’, 20’, or 40’ in size. More containers = more space, but also more framing, welding, and connection costs.
Delivery and Setup
The cost of shipping the container from the collection location to the construction site also needs to be considered. The shipping distance and accessibility of the location will affect the cost. Also, the usage of a forklift to move the container is affecting the price.
Site Preparation
In building a container home, site preparation includes foundation, grading, and utilities (water/sewer/electric).
Labor Costs
DIY saves money but takes time and skill. If you want a short construction time, hiring a contractor for a full build is a good solution. However, it adds 30-60% more to the construction budget depending on complexity.
Level of Customization and Finishes
There are 3 levels of customization and finishes that you can choose for your homes. They are:
- Basic builds: simple insulation, flooring, and drywall
- Luxury builds: custom cabinetry, premium materials, high-end appliances, designer features
- High-end: luxury finishes, custom kitchens, smart systems, etc.
Straightforward single-container homes are cheaper. Meanwhile, multi-level, multi-container layouts with complex cuts and connections cost more due to extra structural support, insulation needs, and engineering.
Insulation and Climate Considerations
Hot or cold climates require better insulation, HVAC systems, and sometimes double walls. The good materials for shipping container homes are spray foam, rock wool, or rigid board. One thing to remember, each options have different costs.
Interior Features and Systems
Interior features and systems like kitchens, bathrooms, plumbing, and electrical systems can raise costs. This also includes off-grid systems (solar, rainwater collection, composting toilets).
Add-ons and Exterior Features
For comfort, safety, and aesthetics, you also need to equip your container homes with exterior features. They include roof decks, patios, landscaping, driveways, fencing, and exterior siding or cladding (some people cover the metal for aesthetics or extra insulation).
Tips on Building a Low Cost Container Home
Here’s a comprehensive step-by-step guide on how to make low-cost container homes:
1. Plan Every Aspect
Create a full material list and timeline before you start. Building low-cost container homes needs good planning so you will not go over the expected budget. It can also avoid mid-build changes, which lead to budget blowouts.
2. Choose Used Shipping Containers
There are 2 standard container sizes that you can choose from, 20’ and 40’. Some container comes in new condition, and the rest are used before. Used containers are cheaper, but inspect them for rust, dents, or chemical contamination.
3. Site Preparation
During the site preparation step, you need to clear and level the land. Then, make access to power, water, and sewage.
After that, pick the foundation type for your house; options include pier, slab, or crawlspace. However, pier foundations are the cheapest and easiest for DIY builds.
4. Use a Simple Floor Plan
Stick to a basic rectangular design. Avoid stacking or cantilevering, as it only adds complexity and structural support costs. Stick to a basic rectangular design.
5. Limit Cutting
Cutting steel (for windows, doors, and merging units) requires time, tools, and reinforcement. Fewer cuts = lower welding and framing costs.
6. DIY Where Possible
Watch making container home tutorials and take your time. Do your own framing, insulation, painting, and finishing if you can. Even learning basics like drywall or flooring can save thousands.
7. Avoid Over-Insulating
Choose appropriate insulation for your climate. Spray foam, one of the insulating materials, is efficient but expensive; rigid foam or fiberglass can work well too.
8. Minimize Plumbing Runs
Minimizing plumbing runs can significantly lower the cost when building a container home. Keep the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry close together to reduce pipe length and plumbing costs.
Shorter distances mean you need less PEX, copper, or PVC piping. Fewer fittings, connectors, and valves are needed.
9. Order Everything in Bulk
Buying insulation, framing materials, or even windows in bulk can save on per-unit cost and delivery. Paying one delivery charge for a larger shipment is cheaper than multiple small deliveries.
Also, suppliers often give volume discounts for bulk orders of lumber, insulation, drywall, screws, nails, fasteners, flooring, and siding materials. You may save 10–30% compared to buying small quantities repeatedly.
Conclusion
Low cost container homes can be achieved by the tips mentioned above.
Tradecorp has Container houses at affordable prices, fast construction, unique designs, and added to their eco-friendly construction.
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.