Relevant Buildings Review
Summary of Operations & Home Offerings
Relevant Buildings is a home builder that specializes in shipping container homes and container ADUs. They offer 12 pre-designed models, ranging from 320 square feet to 1,646 square feet. The company is based in Oregon City, Oregon but can deliver anywhere in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho.
Design Overview
While all of their homes are built from combinations of shipping containers and feature corrugated metal exteriors, their models often incorporate wood finishes for a unique hybrid design. For example, some models include wood shingles and even horizontal siding for a homey finish. Despite the shipping containers only standing 9’-6” feet tall, containers can be combined and hybridized with elevated ceilings that reach up to 12 feet. While some models use the shipping container’s natural metal roof, others add site built roofs with lots of overhang. Wrap-around-porches and large decks are also popular.
Interiors feature a warm contemporary style, with plenty of wood to contrast the industrial, metal exterior. Dark wood beams and clerestory windows make the homes feel more open and spacious. Interiors also come with kitchen cabinets, countertops, efficient appliances, mini-split heating, and A/C.
Build Process & Timeline
Relevant Buildings “upcycles” shipping containers that would otherwise sit empty in shipyards. Although their hybrid designs use some wood, it’s significantly less than the lumber used in stick built homes. In addition to sturdiness, the shipping container shell also defends the home from rot, termites, winds, and fires. Homes also come with soy-based spray foam insulation that can achieve R values more than 10% better than what’s required by code, saving the buyer on energy costs. Solar paneling and off-grid upgrades are also available as add-ons.
From a process standpoint, after buyers settle on a design and pay the deposit, Relevant Buildings completes the build of the container home. The home often takes about 3 months to build in Relevant Buildings’ Oregon City shop. Completed containers are then shipped to the build site and set on the foundation via crane. Relevant Buildings then completes all interior finishes and hook up utilities. DIY-ers ordering just a shell can get all the materials and instructions to finish the unit on their own.
Factors to Consider
Strengths
Offer turn-key services and can build homes in as little as 3 months
Unique hybrid design combines shipping containers with wood finishes
Their fully-modular units are well suited for use as ADUs as they can easily be craned into place and require on-site work
Reasons they might not be for you:
You are looking for a bigger house (their largest model is 1,646 square feet)
You are outside of their Northwestern U.S. operating area
Keep reading to view Relevant Buildings reviews and ratings, Relevant Buildings pricing and cost info as well as photos, and other company facts.
Key Data
| Company | Relevant Buildings |
|---|---|
| Year Founded | 2017 |
| Website | https://www.relevantbuildings.com/ |
| # of Models | 13 |
| Areas Served | Oregon, Washington, and Idaho |
| Homes Built | 85+ |
| Headquarters | Oregon City, Oregon |
| Pricing | $351 - $651+ per sqft |
| Reviews | |
| 4.6 Stars (8 Reviews) | |
| Yelp | No Reviews |
| Creates Custom Plans | Yes |
Relevant Buildings Photo Gallery
Help With Building a Container Home Like Relevant Buildings’
Depending on how far along you are with your project, you might be researching options and possibilities or you’re ready to build. And that’s OK.
If you're just starting and your goal is to learn more about your construction options, you might find our sections on Prefab Homes for Sale in Oregon or even more specifically, Container Homes for Sale in Oregon helpful.
Or if you are ready to move ahead with your project, we’d love to discuss it with you & see how we can help.
