My WordPress

Build on a Budget: The Real Cost of Building Shipping Container Homes

filcoshipping — Tue, 16 Aug 2022 03:27:52 +0000

If you’re considering selling your home and downsizing you’ve come to the right place. Shipping container homes are becoming more and more popular and for good reason. They are much more affordable and have less maintenance than a single-family home or condo.

There are many factors to consider when budgeting for shipping container homes. Similar to building a traditional home, there are unavailable costs.

Before you commit to purchasing and building out a shipping container you must know the price. Keep reading to find out just how much money you’ll need.

Container Cost

Shipping containers come in a variety of sizes. You’ll also need to consider if you need more than one vessel.

The most common sizes are 20-footers (8x8x20) and 40-footers (8x8x40). A new 20′ container will cost you around $3800 while a 40′ will be closer to $5800.

Keep in mind that used containers will be cheaper. However, it’s important that if you decide to buy a used one, inspect it for damage.

A newer container will typically have a record of its trips available and you’ll be able to see what was being stored in it. Since you’ll be living in the shipping container, it might be beneficial to have this information.

You might want to opt for a new one so you have peace of mind since this will be your primary residence. You may end up saving more money in the end by buying a new container. A used or older one will likely need repairs costing you.

The container will last longer if it’s taken care of properly. You also always have the option to choose different sizes to make a larger home.

Land and Foundation

Before you pick out your container you need to have a place to put it. The land cost is going to be dependent on the location.

More populated areas such as Washington D.C., New York, and California are going to be more expensive. However, in Mississippi land is much more affordable.

You can’t have your container delivered without some type of foundation. There are many options to choose from, pre-poured concrete is a great choice. You can also do a poured concrete slab or stone.

The price is typically based on square footage, so if you plan to have a smaller home you won’t need a huge slab poured. It may also depend on the original foundation.

You might have to pay extra to have the land prepared for the pour. The average cost of a concrete slab in the United States is about $5,000.

Materials and Labor

Once your container is securely on the foundation it’s time to make it livable. If someone’s told you don’t have to insulate your container home they are wrong.

Investing in insulations will allow you to live in it year-round. Without insulation, your container won’t be comfortable, it’ll be too cold in the winter and too hot in the summer.

There are a few different types of insulations you can choose from, blanket, foam, or spray. Depending on which one you choose, you could spend as little as $0.50 per square foot or as much as $2. The blanket insulation will be the most affordable option.

You’ll likely want to install an HVAC system and insulation will also help reduce how hard it has to work. Purchasing and installing the HVAC has a wide price range depending on how much the company charges for labor and the quality of the unit you purchase.

Plan to spend about $6500. Keep in mind if you’re building a larger shipping container home you may need more than one.

You don’t want to see the insulation so you’ll have drywall installed which will cost you up to $3 per square foot. You’ll then probably want to add a few windows so you can get some natural light. You can have windows put in for as little as $100 per window.

You’ll need to decide if you want to upgrade your container to higher-quality materials or save money and use standard materials. You can choose from hardwood flooring which will be more costly or laminate. For budgeting purposes, plan to pay around $5000.

The same goes for the countertops. There’s a difference between quartz and granite and you’ll see it in the price. If you’re working on a budget stick with the quartz.

You’ll need storage space for your dishes and personal belongings. Adding cabinets and shelves will cost about $2000 after labor and you might also want to install a custom closet.

If you’re downsizing you’re probably getting rid of a lot of your old things. Considering how many dishes you bring with you to your new home, you might be able to save some money on cabinets by purging and keeping only what you need.

You’re going to want to have plumbing in your new home so you can shower and wash your clothes and dishes. Including piping and labor, you can expect to pay close to $7000.

You’ll still need to factor in the cost of the bathtub or shower and the sinks. You may be able to save money on a cabinet with a built-in sink for the bathroom and kitchen. Your initial electric installation is going to be about the same cost.

Roofing

Adding a roof isn’t required but it could be beneficial. A lot of heat can be lost through your roof, meaning you’re spending unnecessary money.

It can help regulate the inside temperature and prevents rainwater from dripping into your windows. If you decide not to install a roof, you’ll need to invest in a drip bar or the windows to prevent leaks.

Water will gather on top of your container if you don’t add a roof. This can lead to mold and bugs which you don’t want.

A shed roof is the most affordable option. It’s great for allowing water to run off and keeps your home’s temperature regulated.

The best thing is it doesn’t take long to install and later if you decide you want to invest in solar panels you can. Adding a roof will cost about $3000.

Add ons and Decor

Once you get the inside livable and to your liking, you can start to add on and work on the outside appearance of the container. Adding an awning and a porch will really make your container feel more like home.

You should also consider painting the interior and exterior. The paint will cost between $30 and $60 per gallon. Typically you’ll want to paint a layer of primer first.

Then two, maybe three coats of the desired color and a top coat to protect it. The amount adds up quickly so start by painting the inside first and if you can fit it into your budget paint the outside.

Miscellaneous Fees

It’s important that you don’t forget your property taxes. If you’ve previously been renting, you haven’t had to worry about that but now that you own land and a luxury shipping container you’ll need to factor it in.

Insurance is another fee that can add up quickly. While you might not have as many possessions, you still want to insure your home. You’ve invested a lot and you’ll want to know that if a storm comes or the unexpected happens you’ll be covered.

You’ll likely have a one-time delivery fee too. This amount will be dependent on your location and the distance the driver has to go. All in all, at the end of the day you’ll spend anywhere from $30,000 to $100,000 for your new home.

Shipping Container Homes

Now that you know how much it costs to buy shipping container homes, it’s time to decide if you want to follow through with the project. As you can see it’s much more affordable than a traditional home. If you don’t need a lot of space, this might be the best option for you.

We build the best shipping container homes around. We’ll help you throughout the whole process and answer all your questions. Don’t wait to start building your dream home, start today!

“
While it may take months and sometimes years to build a traditional home, building a shipping container home may only take a few weeks. This can be ideal if you don’t have another place to live while it’s being built.
You won’t have to spend as much money on other living rearrangements. If you’re planning to lease your container you can start making a profit more quickly.

Differences in Cost of Used and New Shipping Containers

filcoshipping — Tue, 02 Aug 2022 12:26:38 +0000

Did you know the use of shipping containers dates back to the 1950s? Moving products across the ocean and storage become much easier.

People still use containers today for those same reasons; however, there are many more uses for them. If you’re considering purchasing a shipping container for your home or business, then you’ve come to the right place.

Before committing to the purchase, it’s important to know the cost of shipping containers. Keep reading to find out the price for new and used containers and other factors that can contribute to the cost.

New Containers

The number of times a container is used contributes to the price. A new shipping container will likely have transported products at least once. The majority of containers are made in China, so they’ll have to ship it to you and they’ll possibly carry goods on their way over.

A new vessel will be the more durable and long-option. If you plan on using it for 15+ years, this will be the most reliable option. By purchasing a new shipping container, you’ll have access to specific information that you may not have with a used one.

If you want to know where the container came from, a new container is your best bet. Depending on what you’re using it for, you may want to know what goods or products the container has stored. This information can be hard to find with a used container.

Used Containers

A more affordable option is to purchase used shipping containers. However, there are some risks and things to need to be on the lookout for. You can expect a used container to have been in circulation for about 10 years.

During that time the container will have experienced a lot. The appearance may not be as nice as a new one. It could have multiple layers of paint or logos on it. This does significantly decrease the price.

Cargo-worthy

If you’re planning on shipping your container, you need to make sure it’s fit to transport goods. It shouldn’t have any holes, and it should have a solid structure so substances can’t get in or out. A used container won’t last as long as a brand new one, but you’ll be able to get a lot of use out of it.

If you’re looking for one step below new, you can get a premium shipping container. It will only be used for a few years, up to eight. It’ll still be in great condition and shippable. The cost is between $4,000 and $8,000.

You can also get a Grade-A container and see significant savings. It’s still able to store and ship goods, but it’s more than eight years old. It could have some rust and exterior damage and the cost will be from $3,200 to $6,500.

Winder and Water Tight

A Grade-B shipping container has a cost starting at $2,900. It’d be more than eight years old. The vessel will be wind and water-tight, but it won’t be in a condition to travel across the sea.

You can also purchase containers that have been previously repaired. The price will be determined based on what type of repairs were performed and how old it is.

If you want the cheapest option, you can buy a damaged shipping container and make the repairs yourself. Be sure to inspect the vessel thoroughly so you know if you can fix it or not.

A retired shipping container can still be in good condition even if it’s not fit to ship across the ocean. If you’re looking to use it for storage or to convert it, then this is going to be the most affordable option. The container should still be without holes and major damage and if you take care of the container it will last you a long time.

Size

You first need to decide how big you need your container to be. The size will contribute to the price you pay. A 20-foot container is 20’ x 8’ x 8′ and typically costs between $2500 to $6500. It’s one of the smaller sizes and isn’t too difficult to move around.

A 40-foot container will likely cost between $3000 and $6000. It’s significantly bigger than a twenty-foot container with the following dimensions 40’ long x 8’ wide x 8’6” high.

As the size increases so will the price. However, there is an exception. A 10-foot or cubed container isn’t as popular, making it more expensive.

If you’re running your business out of the container or using it for storage, you might need a taller-than-average vessel. A high-cube container is available and will add to the price. If you want a 20-foot container but taller than the standard eight feet, you’ll pay around $300 more.

To get a 40-foot container taller than 8’6″ you can add about $450-$500 to the price.

Delivery

You’ll likely need to have your container delivered, which comes with a fee. The distance traveled and size will make a difference in the price. Many freights have a weight limit.

If your container is empty, the freight will be able to load more and the cost won’t be as much for you. If you’ve loaded up your container, the cost will be more due to the fact that the cargo ship or plane won’t be able to load as many containers.

The mood of delivery is also important to consider. Shipping a container by air will be faster but also much more pricey than by sea.

If you’re having your container shipped to or from overseas, you can expect to pay a few thousand dollars. If it’s coming from another state, you’ll pay an average of $2 per mile.

Location

Similar to other products, the cost of shipping containers is determined by supply and demand. If the state or country you’re buying your container from has a shortage of steel or containers themselves, you’ll see the price increase. If you’re trying to decrease the cost, consider choosing a location close to a large port and not a landlocked country.

Life Span

A great benefit to shipping containers is that they have a long life span. If a container is taken care of it can be used for 25+ years. One that has traveled across the ocean multiple times has some wear and tear that may decrease the lifespan to 10 or so years.

Modification

When you are calculating the cost of shipping containers, you must factor in if you want to customize your vessel. Adding electricity and water is a great option if you want to keep your container stationary.

It may be beneficial to get quotes from a local electrician but plan to spend $50 to $100. If you need chairs or cubicles, those will also need to be factored into your budget.

Container Uses

There are many ways to use your container. If you’re only planning to use it a few times to ship products, then you might want to find another use for it.

Many people are using containers as home offices or converting them into tiny houses. You can also use them on construction sites as mobile offices. Many medical facilities and schools use them when they are low on space.

Make It Your Home

Many people are choosing to convert and live in their containers. Before you decide to do this, you need to know how much it’ll cost you in total.

A new container is probably the best option if you plan to live in it long term. You’ll want to guarantee it is durable and not compromised. Depending on your height and preferences, you might want to opt for a taller vessel.

You’ll likely spend anywhere from $10,000 to $35,000, not including the price of the land. If you want to build a larger shipping container home with multiple vessels, you could spend up to $100,000.

While the more a shipping container is used it’s possible to make a profit using your container. If you live in a popular tourist area, you could use your vessel as a rental home or short-term vacation rental. You could also buy a container to slip into a home and sell it for a profit.

“
Cost of Shipping Containers
As you can see there are many factors that contribute to the cost of shipping containers. However, the biggest factor is if you buy it new or used. There are pros and cons to both options.
At the end of the day, you’ll need to evaluate your needs and your budget to decide which option is best for you. If you’re having trouble deciding what size or what type of container is going to be ideal, contact us today. We are here to answer all your questions.