Best Shipping Container Homes for Sale in Texas
Shipping container homes are rapidly gaining traction in Texas's diverse housing landscape. These homes merge affordability, sustainability, and contemporary design.
With Texas being one of the largest states, the housing market can be overwhelming. Container homes offer a more budget-friendly option compared to traditional housing. However, prospective buyers must navigate various factors, including zoning regulations and customization possibilities. This is true across the state, especially for buyers looking for container homes in cities across the state including Dallas, Houston, and Austin.
This guide aims to make your search easier. If you find yourself wanting to build a shipping container home in Texas but are unsure which builders specialize in this type of construction, you are in the right place. We have compiled a list of some of Texas’ best container home builders along with the shipping container homes for sale in the Lone Star state. Continue reading below for a list of some of Texas’s best shipping container home builders and container homes for sale in Texas.
Understanding Shipping Container Homes in Texas
Shipping container homes are favored for their ecological benefits. Crafted from repurposed shipping containers, they foster sustainability by reusing materials. Their distinctive designs allow them to shine in both urban and rural Texas settings.
The Lone Star State provides a hospitable environment for these innovative residences. Lenient building codes allow for creative designs, complemented by a range of climates across the state. Nevertheless, being informed about Texas's zoning laws and construction requirements is essential to avoid complications.
Overview of Texas’ Shipping Container Home Market
When it comes to shipping container homes, Texas is one of the leaders. The Lone Star state is home to a growing number of builders, all of which utilize recycled shipping containers for construction. So far, we have covered 4 different builders that are based in Texas and an additional 10 that can work on projects throughout the state (including Dallas, San Antonio, Austin, and Houston).
Altogether, buyers in Texas have access to over 80 pre-designed floor plans to choose from plus the option to modify designs or create a custom home. And while costs will vary from project to project, container homes for sale in Texas typically range in cost from $267 - $433 per square foot. While this is not as affordable as manufactured homes in Texas, it is still cheaper than other modular and kit home options.
Key Considerations When Buying a Shipping Container Home
Before buying a shipping container home, familiarize yourself with basic structural aspects. Shipping containers are robust, designed to withstand severe weather.
It's important to consider location and site preparation. Texas has varied zoning laws by municipality, making research crucial to comply with regulations.
Customization options are another key consideration. Container homes feature extensive design flexibility. You can personalize both interiors and exteriors.
Here’s a quick list of essentials to keep in mind:
Verify zoning regulations and building codes
Plan for insulation and climate considerations
Assess site preparation needs
Explore customization possibilities
Consider potential resale opportunities
Financing is also a vital aspect. While these homes can be cost-effective, securing a mortgage might involve additional steps. Investigating financing alternatives early will help you find the best terms.
By considering these elements, you’ll be better prepared to make a smooth purchasing decision. With proper research and preparation, your dream container home in Texas is within reach.
Companies Offering Container Homes For Sale in Texas
Bob's Containers - Olive
Bob's Containers - Del Valle, TX
Bob’s Containers is a Texas-based container home builder that specializes in both pre-designed and custom shipping container homes. They currently sell 18 designs of container-based ADUs, tiny homes, offices, and homes. Additionally, buyers can work with Bob’s Containers to come up with a fully-custom home design. Stylistically, their homes often feature a modern farmhouse aesthetic.
Bob’s Containers offers turn-key building services for projects based in Central Texas. That means they can handle all stages of the project including design, permitting, manufacturing, and installation.
Turn-Key Cost Estimate for a Container Home from Bob's Containers: $238 - $640+ per square foot
Example of Work: Casey
Stackhouse Container Homes - CoHo 800
Stackhouse Container Homes - Cedar Park, TX
Stackhouse builds custom shipping container homes and steel framed homes. While they do have a series of container home renderings, they are intended to be used as inspiration for a fully-custom project. Their homes feature contemporary architecture and are typically built by combining several shipping containers to achieve a larger square-footage home.
It is important to note that Stackhouse’s primary service area is Central Texas. While this may limit the number of projects they can work on, it allows them to offer turn-key building services and assist in all stages of a project’s development.
Turn-Key Cost Estimate for a Container Home from Stackhouse Container Homes: $350 - $600+ per square foot
Example of Work: Shipping Container Cabin
Backcountry Containers - Family Build
Backcountry Containers - Needville, TX
BackCountry Containers specializes in building custom shipping container homes and ADUs. They offer complete customization though many of their past designs typically blend country and industrial design influences. Often, they combine several shipping containers to achieve homes that are larger than the square footage of a standard 20’ or 40’ shipping container.
From a logistics standpoint, homes are usually built in collaboration with a local contractor who prepares the site while Backcountry Containers manufactures the container home itself.
Turn-Key Cost Estimate for a Container Home from Backcountry Containers: $314 - $367+ per square foot
Example of Work: Kennedy
Conclusion: Is a Container Home Right for You?
Determining whether a container home aligns with your goals entails assessing different factors. Reflect on your lifestyle, financial capacities, and sustainability aims. Container homes attract those who appreciate unique aesthetics and environmentally friendly living.
Weigh the benefits of shorter construction time and costs against traditional or other prefab options. Consulting with experts can help you evaluate the feasibility for your location.
Shipping Container Home Alternatives in Texas
If you are looking to build a shipping container home in Texas and the builders or homes listed above aren’t good fits for your project, there may be alternative options that you might want to consider.
If you would like to build a home with smaller square footage or an ADU, you can find builders in Texas that match these profiles in our article for the Best Tiny Home Builders in Texas.
Or, if you are looking for homes that offer more value, you might be interested in our resources on manufactured homes for sale in Texas or kit homes for sale in Texas
Or, if you are looking for a custom-built home in Texas, you can find our list of custom home builders in Texas and select cities:
Ultimately, the decision is personal. Analyze your values and resources carefully. Through well-informed planning, a container home might be the ideal solution for your housing needs in Texas.
