FAQ:
Do you have a show room where I can see DEMO HOUSES?
We do not have a show room like a car dealership would have. Everything that we build is already sold and is custom for the buyer. We do have a model home that travels across the US from show to show. When the model is not at a show we do keep it at our facility and it is available from time to time for tours by appointment only. Sorry, but we do not accept walk-ins or non-scheduled visits. Before we schedule a visit, we would like to understand if you already own property and what your budget is for the container home (not including land).
What is the process for buying a home?
What sizes do you offer?
As we use standard shipping containers, we are able to offer 20 foot and 40 foot options. Both container widths are 8 feet. The standard 20 foot and 40 foot containers are 8 1/2 feet tall. The 20 foot and 40 foot containers are also available as a ‘high cube’ and this container is 9 1/2′ tall (1 foot taller than the standard height). We are able to raise the ceilings in all of the containers to accommodate one or more lofts.The industry also makes 48′ and 53′ containers, however we consistently use 20' and 40' containers to keep our homes the most cost effective.
What is the price?
This is the most commonly asked question, so we want to give you a realistic idea of what one may cost. When selecting a floor plan, you can see what all is included in the core price. We also have included our most common upgrades for you to consider under the custom page. Adding the standard upgrades will include additional costs, but they are options that need to be considered when designing your container. Any upgrade not found on our website will be priced on an individual basis. This will provide you with a fairly accurate cost of the floor plan you are interested in, with the only variances based on any customizations you may require or the local jurisdiction may require.
When it comes to purchasing, we require 50% down and the remainder due once completed. Final payment is to be made before the container home is delivered.
Click here to see all of our available Floor plans
When it comes to purchasing, we require 50% down and the remainder due once completed. Final payment is to be made before the container home is delivered.
Click here to see all of our available Floor plans
Do you offer financing?
We do not offer financing directly. As the Tiny Home movement is a bit new, financing can be a challenge as we wait for banks and other lenders to determine exactly how they want to loan on these structures. Having said that, there are some lenders who are starting to come around. After doing a bit of research, below are the various options we have found. The first two are “Tiny Home” specific. The others are a combination of personal loans and peer-to-peer financing.
Are they mobile? Can I transport them?
While shipping containers were made to be easily transported, they are not conducive to placing on a trailer and moving around each weekend as some of the “tiny homes” you see on TV. Those are made on trailers with a normal wood construction.
A 20′ container weighs approximately 4,800 pounds and a 40′ container weighs over 8,000 pounds. Fully built out, a 20′ container could weigh easily over 10,000 pounds and a 40′ container could be well over 20,000 pounds.
These homes are made to be transported, set in place, and stay put. This does not mean that you could not easily move them to a new location should you have the need or should you sell it. This will just require a call to your local tow company. What it does mean, however, is that this is not something you would likely do yourself on your own trailer.
A 20′ container weighs approximately 4,800 pounds and a 40′ container weighs over 8,000 pounds. Fully built out, a 20′ container could weigh easily over 10,000 pounds and a 40′ container could be well over 20,000 pounds.
These homes are made to be transported, set in place, and stay put. This does not mean that you could not easily move them to a new location should you have the need or should you sell it. This will just require a call to your local tow company. What it does mean, however, is that this is not something you would likely do yourself on your own trailer.
Are delivery and set-up included in the price?
Click here to see delivery charges for your location. You are also welcome to pick it up if you have a roll-back trailer and the means to do this.
It is your responsibility to watch the delivery video and determine if access to your property for delivery fits within our standard guidelines . If you have any question at all about access to your property or any potential delivery issues you have the option of having someone from our team visit your site to determine accessibility. They then can determine if there is a need for any special equipment such as a crane, wrecker or other necessary equipment. If after inspection of your property we determine there is need for any special equipment, we will let you know what the additional delivery fee will be. The fee for an optional property inspection visit is $750.00.
When we deliver the container home we will place it on the pad site that has been prepared ahead of time. If placing on steel plates we will have the container welded down. It is the homeowners responsibility to contact local contractors to have site work completed. We will provide the contractors with all the info needed to hook-up the container home.
Click here for site prep/installation video.
It is your responsibility to watch the delivery video and determine if access to your property for delivery fits within our standard guidelines . If you have any question at all about access to your property or any potential delivery issues you have the option of having someone from our team visit your site to determine accessibility. They then can determine if there is a need for any special equipment such as a crane, wrecker or other necessary equipment. If after inspection of your property we determine there is need for any special equipment, we will let you know what the additional delivery fee will be. The fee for an optional property inspection visit is $750.00.
When we deliver the container home we will place it on the pad site that has been prepared ahead of time. If placing on steel plates we will have the container welded down. It is the homeowners responsibility to contact local contractors to have site work completed. We will provide the contractors with all the info needed to hook-up the container home.
Click here for site prep/installation video.
How are they heated and cooled?
We install a 12,000/10,600 BTU air/heat combination unit in our 20′ homes. This unit is rated for 115V so it will operate on your standard 120V plug. The 20′ cabins are 160 sq. ft. and the unit has a coverage of 450 sq. ft. This is 280% more coverage area than the cabin itself.
In the 40′ homes, which normally contain a bedroom, we will install two air/heat units—one in the bedroom and one in the main living area.
You can also upgrade to a Mitsubishi ductless mini-split system in either of the units. These come in both standard (down to 6 degrees) and hyper-heat (down to minus 13 degrees) options.
In the 40′ homes, which normally contain a bedroom, we will install two air/heat units—one in the bedroom and one in the main living area.
You can also upgrade to a Mitsubishi ductless mini-split system in either of the units. These come in both standard (down to 6 degrees) and hyper-heat (down to minus 13 degrees) options.
How are they insulated?
We use closed cell spray foam insulation in both the walls and the ceilings of our container homes. This not only provides the maximum insulation possible, it also reinforces what is already the strongest construction available.
As these are containers and not traditional wood construction, they start out wind and water tight. The only holes in the container are those we cut for doors and windows (and raised ceilings if applicable). Because of this, the containers heat and cool very quickly.
As these are containers and not traditional wood construction, they start out wind and water tight. The only holes in the container are those we cut for doors and windows (and raised ceilings if applicable). Because of this, the containers heat and cool very quickly.
What about codes and zoning?
Codes and zoning will differ depending on the state/city/county where the container home will be placed, what it will be used for, and how it will be secured. In some cases it may be considered an outbuilding. In other cases it may be considered a home. In many counties and smaller towns, there may not be any zoning at all. The first thing we recommend is to contact your local state/city/county and discuss your plans. As “Tiny Living” is a fairly new concept, more and more localities are having to decide how to classify this type of dwelling when used for a residence.
Another option, when looking at residing in the container home and you do not yet own land, is to contact a local mobile home park and discuss placing your container home in the park. The advantage to this option is that all utility services are already present.
If the above options will not work in your state/city/county then this option is most likely the way we would need to move forward with your custom container home so it will be approved in your jurisdiction. There are many states/cities/counties that will require the home to be certified through the state as a Manufactured home (Factory Built). We have been approved through many states and continue to add states to our list. If your state/city/county require the home to be certified as a Manufactured home we have three different floor plans that have already been approved or ready to be approved through the specific state program which you reside. The floor plans we have available are the 40′ Empty Nester, the Double Duo and the Dwell Well. If you have a completely custom container design that does not fit any of the above floor plans then we will have to have all the plans and engineering completed. This process will take additional time and will add additional costs to the base price of the home. If you select one of the floor plans we have completed already there will be a minimal cost added to the base price to cover the states cost, inspections and anything else that might be required. The additional cost added to the base price will vary from state to state and whichever floor plan is selected.
Another option, when looking at residing in the container home and you do not yet own land, is to contact a local mobile home park and discuss placing your container home in the park. The advantage to this option is that all utility services are already present.
If the above options will not work in your state/city/county then this option is most likely the way we would need to move forward with your custom container home so it will be approved in your jurisdiction. There are many states/cities/counties that will require the home to be certified through the state as a Manufactured home (Factory Built). We have been approved through many states and continue to add states to our list. If your state/city/county require the home to be certified as a Manufactured home we have three different floor plans that have already been approved or ready to be approved through the specific state program which you reside. The floor plans we have available are the 40′ Empty Nester, the Double Duo and the Dwell Well. If you have a completely custom container design that does not fit any of the above floor plans then we will have to have all the plans and engineering completed. This process will take additional time and will add additional costs to the base price of the home. If you select one of the floor plans we have completed already there will be a minimal cost added to the base price to cover the states cost, inspections and anything else that might be required. The additional cost added to the base price will vary from state to state and whichever floor plan is selected.
How long does it take to build one?
It takes between 8 to 12 weeks to build a custom container home, depending on the design and construction materials. Total time between order and delivery is dependent on the number of homes being constructed. We can give you a more exact timeframe when you order your home.
How are the utilities hooked up?
The utilities (electric, water, sewer/septic) are connected the same as they would be in a normal house. Of course, we can customize this based on your need. If hooking to a generator, we can make sure you have the right connection for electric. We can also include gas lines for the hot water heater and stove if you plan to run propane. We discuss all of this with you when designing your container home.
Do you offer solar?
All of our homes can accommodate solar and it is best to work with a local solar provider who understands the solar capability, best location for solar panel placement and amount of sunlight for your area. We can work with your local solar provider prior to building the home and incorporate any necessary modifications as needed so that your home is delivered “solar ready.” You can choose to work with a local solar provider after we deliver the home and retrofit it with solar panels. We can also work with them to deliver a full or partial off-grid quote specific to your situation.
How large of a home can you build
As it is well known, you can use multiple containers to construct a new
home. We offer a wide range of homes using multiple containers that you can view on the floor plan page. It is very possible
to build your home with more containers then we offer as a standard floor plan, however most of our
standard floor plans are either state certified or ready to be state certified as a manufactured/factory
built container home. If you desire something larger and the local city/county requires permits we
would have to go through the process of getting your design state certified which can take some time
and get pretty costly. If your local city/county does not have permit requirements, then it is possible
depending on your location we might be able to help. We look at these on an individual basis.
home. We offer a wide range of homes using multiple containers that you can view on the floor plan page. It is very possible
to build your home with more containers then we offer as a standard floor plan, however most of our
standard floor plans are either state certified or ready to be state certified as a manufactured/factory
built container home. If you desire something larger and the local city/county requires permits we
would have to go through the process of getting your design state certified which can take some time
and get pretty costly. If your local city/county does not have permit requirements, then it is possible
depending on your location we might be able to help. We look at these on an individual basis.
HOW ARE CONTAINER HOMES ATTACHED TO THE GROUND?
There are two main options. (Click here for video on how they are fastened down)
- Set the container directly on the ground or on blocks to level the unit. You may want to choose this option if you plan on moving the unit in the near future or you do not need a permanent installation. This option is not recommended for a container home that is intended to be a permanent home.
- We will provide steel plates that are 12″x12″ with “J” hooks welded to the bottom side to insert into the concrete piers as they set up. The container will be set on the piers and welded to the steel plates. This is the option we strongly recommend for our container homes.
How does delivery work and what is included in a standard delivery?
The delivery video below will help you gain a better understanding of what is included in a standard delivery of a container home. Pricing for each zone shown on the Delivery Tab includes a standard delivery. Anything that doesn’t qualify for a standard delivery might have additional cost associated with the delivery of the container home. After viewing the video, if you still have questions about your site qualifying for the standard delivery pricing, please send us an email with your questions through the Contact Us Button.
Recommended foundation types?
We have three different types of foundations that we would recommend when preparing for your container home.
We have three foundation types we recommend:
1. Piers: Digging and pouring concrete piers, then placing crushed gravel around the piers to allow for drainage.
2. Piers & Slab: This option includes pouring the piers and then a concrete slab on top of the piers to give a good solid surface under your container home, this helps keep things from digging under the home. This is our most popular option and the option we would recommend.
3. Crawl space: This option would add a partial crawl space to either the concrete piers with crushed gravel or the piers and slab. This option we strongly recommend in areas that have really cold climates, this is where all the plumbing connections would be made. In most cases we see a base board type heater mounted in the crawl space to keep it warm in the extreme cold.
*** All of these options are recommendations, you will need to check with the local jurisdiction to see if they have any requirements.***
Check out these videos covering foundations:
We have three foundation types we recommend:
1. Piers: Digging and pouring concrete piers, then placing crushed gravel around the piers to allow for drainage.
2. Piers & Slab: This option includes pouring the piers and then a concrete slab on top of the piers to give a good solid surface under your container home, this helps keep things from digging under the home. This is our most popular option and the option we would recommend.
3. Crawl space: This option would add a partial crawl space to either the concrete piers with crushed gravel or the piers and slab. This option we strongly recommend in areas that have really cold climates, this is where all the plumbing connections would be made. In most cases we see a base board type heater mounted in the crawl space to keep it warm in the extreme cold.
*** All of these options are recommendations, you will need to check with the local jurisdiction to see if they have any requirements.***
Check out these videos covering foundations:
Can you stack containers?
We often get asked can you stack containers for my home? The answer is yes
with a few things to keep in mind. Most of our standard floor plans are either state certified or ready to
be state certified as a manufactured/factory built container home. If you desire something stacked
and the local city/county requires permits we would have to go through the process of getting your
design state certified which can take some time and get pretty costly. If your local city/county does not
have permit requirements, then it is possible we can help depending on your location. A few things to
keep in mind when stacking containers: 1. The room you lose for the staircase from floor to floor 2. The
cost to stack them once onsite 3. The fabrication that takes place making them able to be stacked
4.Depending on the design, time and cost of the engineering to safely stack them. We look at these on
an individual basis.
with a few things to keep in mind. Most of our standard floor plans are either state certified or ready to
be state certified as a manufactured/factory built container home. If you desire something stacked
and the local city/county requires permits we would have to go through the process of getting your
design state certified which can take some time and get pretty costly. If your local city/county does not
have permit requirements, then it is possible we can help depending on your location. A few things to
keep in mind when stacking containers: 1. The room you lose for the staircase from floor to floor 2. The
cost to stack them once onsite 3. The fabrication that takes place making them able to be stacked
4.Depending on the design, time and cost of the engineering to safely stack them. We look at these on
an individual basis.
LARGE WINDOWS & DOORS?
A very common question we often get is can we add large floor to ceiling
windows and large doors to our container build? We can definitely help with that, however the
strength of a container comes largely from the container walls and when you start removing larger
sections it requires additional engineering, bracing and welding. If larger openings are desired, we will
work with our engineer to make the modifications to the plans show the additional bracing and welding
that needs to be completed. The cost to have the engineer modify the drawings and the cost of the
larger windows and doors are priced on a individual basis due to many factors.
windows and large doors to our container build? We can definitely help with that, however the
strength of a container comes largely from the container walls and when you start removing larger
sections it requires additional engineering, bracing and welding. If larger openings are desired, we will
work with our engineer to make the modifications to the plans show the additional bracing and welding
that needs to be completed. The cost to have the engineer modify the drawings and the cost of the
larger windows and doors are priced on a individual basis due to many factors.
Can we build a partially finished container?
In short: No. All of our homes are fully completed when they leave our shop due to certifications and inspections that must take place during and after a build is finished.
Do we ship outside OF the United states?
For those outside of the United States interested in purchasing and shipping their home, we can make arrangements to ship the finished Container Home to a US port. Once the container reaches the US port, all liability is assumed by the buyer/owner during shipping to the destination. One thing to keep in mind when shipping outside the US are the codes it must comply with, as all our homes are typically built to the IRC. If the final destination has different codes, we aren't equipped to build the house as our plans are based on the IRC set of codes. However, if the location does not have any codes or permits, or will accept IRC code, then it should not be an issue.
Can container homes be off grid?
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF A CERTIFIED MANUFACTURED HOME?
