Planning lays the foundation for building a container home. Detailed steps ensure your project stays on track and within budget. Start by setting a realistic budget. Factor in costs for containers, modifications, permits, land, insulation, electrical systems, plumbing, and interior finishes.
Let's go over the process of how we connected the house to the electrical grid. Connecting to the electrical grid is done by running a wire underground through some conduit from the pole to the electrical meter and main breaker panel. The utility company wanted a straight run between the electrical meter and the pole.
Container homes allow flexible design options. Individual containers or several combined can create varied layouts. Common concepts include single-container studios and multi-container family homes. Modifications such as cutting for windows and doors enhance livability. Building container homes is generally cheaper than traditional construction.
Hooking the house up to water was a lot less complicated than electricity. Once the water meter was installed, we just had to run pipes underground and then enter the container at two different points. We're going to have a single on demand electric hot water heater to service the whole property.
Containers can be purchased for $1,400 to $4,500 each. Including modifications and interior work, the total cost remains lower than conventional homes. This makes container homes attractive for budget-conscious buyers. Reusing shipping containers contributes to sustainability.
Choosing the right foundation type depends on soil conditions, climate, and the size of the container home. The most common types include: Concrete Slab Foundation: This option involves pouring a single layer of concrete to create a flat and level base for the containers. It’s suitable for areas with stable soil and minimal movement.