Shipping container homes are becoming more famous as an eco-friendly and affordable way to live. These clever homes are made from old shipping containers that have been reused and turned into modern, stylish houses. But, like any other type of housing, they have prices that people who want to buy one should be aware of.
This article will list the main costs of shipping container homes to help you better understand how much money you will need to spend.
Initial Purchase and Delivery Costs
Buying the containers is the first big cost that comes up when you build a shipping container home. Prices can be very different based on how good the containers are and how big they are. Many times, a brand-new 20-foot container costs around $2,000 to $5,000.
A used one, on the other hand, can cost around $1,200 to $2,500. One that is 40 feet long and has more room can cost between $3,000 and $6,000 when brand new, and between $2,500 and $4,500 when used.
Besides the price of the item itself, you also need to think about how much it will cost to send. Shipping containers are big and heavy, so they need special tools to move. Delivery fees depend on how far away the seller is from your building site and can be anywhere from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.
Foundation and Site Preparation
You’ll need a strong base to put the bins on once you have them. Prices for foundations can change based on the type you pick. A simple concrete block could cost around $5,000, but a foundation with piers or a full basement can cost more than $10,000.
Another important part is getting the site ready. This includes removing any weeds, leveling the ground, and maybe even putting in utilities like water, sewage, and power. These prices can change a lot depending on where the land is and how good it is, but they usually fall between $3,000 and $8,000.
Modifications and Insulation
Since shipping containers aren’t originally made to house people, they need to be changed a lot. This means removing windows and doors, making the building stronger, and adding insulation. Metal containers can get very hot or very cold based on the weather, so insulation is very important
Spray foam insulation is also popular because it works well, and each container costs between $1,000 and $3,000.
Interior Finishing
How you finish the inside of your shipping container home will have a big effect on how much it costs altogether. It can cost between $10,000 and $15,000 for simple finishes like drywall, flooring, and basic fixtures. This price can go up a lot if you want a more high-end look with high-end materials and tools.
Utilities and Permits
It can cost a lot to connect your shipping container home to utilities like water, power, and sewage. How much this costs will depend on how close the services are and how hard the installation is. If everything goes well, you might spend around $5,000 to $15,000.
You’ll also need to make sure you have the right building permits. Different places have different permit fees, which can be anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. It’s important to check the building codes and rules in your area to make sure your container home follows them.
Weigh the Costs
Shipping container homes can be a cheaper choice than regular homes, but it’s important to think about all the costs that come with them. If you want the best quality for its price, check out Shipping Containers.
Typically, the end cost includes the purchase and delivery of the house, the foundation and site preparation, any changes that are made, the finishing of the inside, utilities, and permits. You can make an educated choice about whether or not a shipping container home is the right choice for you by carefully planning and budgeting for these costs.
If you plan, a shipping container home can be a unique, long-lasting, and inexpensive way to live.