

A concrete slab foundation is the most common and cheapest at $5.75 to $13.50 per square foot, while pier footings and crawlspace foundations are priced at the higher end of the range. Shipping container home foundation costĪ shipping container home foundation costs $3,000 to $19,350, depending on the type and size. Check local zoning regulations and building codes before investing in a container home. Many cities do not allow tiny shipping container homes. Grading land costs $500 to $1,000 to level a small area or contour the slope for proper drainage.Ī building permit costs $500 to $2,000 for new construction. Land clearing costs $1,500 to $6,700 per acre to remove trees, stumps, brush, and rocks.Įxcavation costs $1,000 to $2,500 to dig a foundation for a tiny home. Land surveys and site prep involve additional expenses:Ī land survey costs $200 to $1,200 on average, depending on the survey type, property size, and terrain. Land costs $5,000 to $18,000 per acre on average, depending on the location. Most shipping container homes are placed on a permanent foundation, requiring land in an area with compatible zoning regulations.

Land, permits, and zoning for a container house A high cube container is 9'6" high and provides more interior space for higher ceilings or ductwork.īefore purchasing a used shipping container to build a house, confirm there is no rust or structural damage and the container was not used to transport toxic substances. A standard container is 8' wide x 8'6" high with interior dimensions of 7'8" x 7'10" before adding insulation, framing, or drywall. Shipping containers come in 10', 20', and 40' lengths. A single container can be used to build a tiny home, or multiple containers can be stacked on top of each other or placed side-by-side to create a larger home. Shipping container costĪ shipping container costs $1,200 to $10,000, depending on the size and if it’s new or used.

Shipping container home cost calculator Factor In most states, a single-container residential unit placed on the same property as an existing home qualifies as an accessory dwelling unit (ADU). Many builders offer single-container structures for use as a separate home office, guest house, in-law suite, or rental unit placed on the same property as an existing traditional home. Most prefab container homes are single-story, while custom container homes can be configured with multiple stories and in a variety of layouts.
