How Much My 2-Story Container Home Cost to Build

Summary

In this detailed breakdown, the creator shares the full cost of building the Pacific Bin, a 1,600-square-foot Airbnb in Sultan, Washington. From land acquisition to final construction, the video covers every expense, including critical area studies, architectural plans, materials, labor, and unexpected costs. With insights into structural engineering, unique shipping container design, and the challenges faced, the creator explains how each element, from the well to the HVAC system, contributed to the total cost. The video concludes with a look at the equity generated and the potential resale value of the property.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Pacific Bin is a 1600-square-foot, three-bedroom, one-and-a-half-bath Airbnb located in Sultan, Washington.
• 😀 The total construction cost for the Pacific Bin was $542,451.92, and the all-in cost, including the property, is around $750,000.
• 😀 A critical area study, necessary for determining buildable land and avoiding wetlands or steep slopes, cost $3,925.
• 😀 A land survey to mark the lot's corners cost $10,000, but the builder used Google Maps as a cheaper alternative for future projects.
• 😀 Engineering and architectural plans for the structure totaled $10,700 due to unique structural challenges with stacking shipping containers.
• 😀 The civil engineering plan, which addressed drainage issues and water infiltration, cost $6,180.
• 😀 The well drilling and pump installation came in at $22,000, including a 260-foot deep well and the pumping equipment.
• 😀 Building a power system for the property cost a staggering $27,000 due to high utility fees, including the transformer and wiring.
• 😀 The structural steel reinforcements for the shipping containers, necessary for the unique design, totaled $20,000.
• 😀 The home’s deck, which includes 1,000 square feet of outdoor space and TimberTech decking, cost around $26,000.
• 😀 The home’s HVAC system, consisting of mini-split units, cost $28,000, though the builder later realized this was overpriced.
• 😀 High-end features like Hickory hardwood flooring, a high-end hot tub, and spiral staircases were significant costs, contributing to the home's luxury appeal.
• 😀 For all the furniture and home decor, the builder spent about $14,000, but many furnishings were discounted in exchange for promotional posts on Instagram.
• 😀 The builder’s attention to detail, especially the integration of natural elements like live-edge wood countertops, added around $9,000 to the costs.
• 😀 The builder used a metal roof for long-term durability and minimal maintenance, costing $17,650.
• 😀 Overall, the builder made thoughtful design and construction decisions, keeping long-term durability, equity, and Airbnb rental potential in mind.

Q & A

What was the total cost to build the Pacific Bin shipping container home?

The total cost to build the Pacific Bin shipping container home was $542,451.92, excluding the property cost. Including the property, the total project cost was $750,000.

How much equity is generated from the Pacific Bin project?

The estimated equity generated from the Pacific Bin project, assuming the property is sold for its estimated resale value of $1,000,000, is $250,000.

What were the major costs involved in the land and utility setup?

The major costs involved in the land and utility setup included land clearing and equipment rental ($7,400), well drilling ($22,000), pump house construction ($2,400), and the installation of power transformer and lines ($27,000).

What are some of the significant construction-related expenses?

Some significant construction-related expenses included the purchase of five shipping containers ($33,000), the foundation construction by a contractor ($23,000), structural steel ($20,000), and the installation of windows and doors ($36,000).

How much was spent on the home's interior design and furnishings?

For interior design and furnishings, significant expenses included flooring (hickory and tile) at $17,000, spiral staircases (two) costing $15,000, a live-edge and walnut table ($9,000), and quartz countertops ($10,000).

What unexpected costs were mentioned in the script that could affect the final budget?

Unexpected costs mentioned include the $27,000 for the power transformer and lines, as well as significant costs like $24,000 for septic installation, which are required for rural properties.

Why was a significant amount spent on HVAC and plumbing?

The HVAC system ($28,000) and plumbing ($43,000) were significant costs because the home required an advanced system to ensure proper heating, cooling, and water supply for the remote location.

What additional amenities were included in the project beyond basic construction?

Additional amenities included a $17,000 hot tub, a Tesla wall charger and Starlink satellite dish ($2,640), and premium exterior features like architectural soffits ($11,500) and a metal roof ($17,650).

How did the cost of construction in Washington impact the overall budget?

The cost of construction in Washington is higher than in many other areas of the country, which contributed to the overall higher project costs, especially with material and labor costs being more expensive in this region.

What does the YouTuber plan to do next after completing the project?

The YouTuber plans to continue sharing breakdowns of the Pacific Bin project's performance, including updates on how the Airbnb rental is doing, and also to offer opportunities for viewers to stay at the property via links provided in the video.