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If you have ever wondered how much it will cost to build a shipping container home, then you’re not alone. This article will help you understand the overall cost of this innovative building concept, including the cost of land, hiring a general contractor, and materials. It will also help you budget your project.
Cost of building a shipping container home
There are many factors to consider when estimating the cost of building a shipping container home. First of all, it’s important to have a team to support you throughout the process. This group can include your spouse, a contractor, an architect, an engineer, an interior designer, and a building official. Together, you can plan your construction to make it as successful as possible.
Shipping container homes are generally much more affordable than other types of buildings. A single container home might cost as little as $30,000, while a comparable house would run about $90,000. Before getting started, it’s important to understand the process and costs involved. There are several steps to the construction process, and each step is going to come at a different price.
Cost of land
If you’re considering building a shipping container home, it will be important to consider the cost of land. This cost varies by state and location. In rural areas, land can be very affordable, while in urban areas land can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. Nevertheless, some people find a good plot of land for under $100,000.
The cost of land for a shipping container home depends on several factors, including the type of soil available on the property, the design of the shipping container home, and the type of foundation. Some people build their shipping container home on a slab foundation. This method involves pouring concrete into a shallow hole in the ground. This method is less expensive, but it does not provide much ground clearance.
Cost of hiring a general contractor
One of the biggest costs of building a shipping container home is labor costs. A general contractor can save you money on this expense by focusing on certain tasks. Having a skilled laborer on your project will help you avoid the pitfalls of inexperienced labor. You should also check whether permits are necessary before you begin construction.
The cost of hiring a general contractor for a new shipping container home depends on the size and complexity of the construction. It will also depend on what services and materials are included. You can expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $200 per hour.
Cost of materials
Shipping container homes come with a metal roof, exterior walls, and metal frames that double as a foundation. However, they still need additional materials, insulation, and finishes, and they need land to be placed on. Depending on the area, a shipping container home can be built on flat, zoned land or be elevated on sturdy pilings. This way, you can save money by not excavating the ground or building a foundation on a sloping lot.
Costs for a shipping container home depend on several factors, including the size of the home, the layout, and the number of shipping containers used. A new 20-foot shipping container can cost up to $5,300, but used containers can be bought for up to $3,500. Then, there are additional costs for fabrication and welding, as well as for plumbing and electrical work. Other materials and costs, such as siding and insulation, can add an additional $2-$3,000 to the total cost.
Construction time
The first stage of shipping container home construction starts with the preparation of the site. This includes clearing the land and laying the foundation. The next step is to make final utility connections, complete the final grading, and obtain a building permit from your local municipality. The entire process takes anywhere from three to six months. The time spent on this phase is dependent on several factors, including site preparation, the size of your lot, and the design of your home.
The construction time of a shipping container home is much faster than the time needed for traditional stick-built houses. Typically, a simple home can be completed in three weeks, while a more complex home can take a couple of months. However, it is important to remember that the construction time of a shipping container home is still subject to normal construction delays.
