Welcome to our "Our Process" page, where we guide you through every step of creating your custom container building. From the initial planning and site evaluation to the final delivery and setup, we ensure a seamless and efficient experience. Whether you're looking for a bespoke design or a pre-existing floor plan, our team is dedicated to bringing your vision to life with precision and care. Explore our process and see how we can turn your container project into reality!
Step 1: Permitting & Location Feasibility
Questions you should ask:
Do you require a building permit for my location?
- If so, what rules exist that could potentially affect my prefabricated metal structure from being placed on my property?
- Are there any minimum square footage requirements?
Questions you should not ask:
Can I place a container home on my property?
Most areas and rules official’s welcome container homes but some say “no” because container homes are a new trend, out of ordinary, and most officials have little to no experience with builds involving shipping containers. The last thing we want to do is ignore any permits, codes, and zoning that is required. We are happy to provide any blueprints or build plans that are needed to receive the green light to move forward. In many counties and rural areas, there may not be any zoning which would expedite the process. If you have any questions or need any guidance with this process, please let us know.
It is important to know if the location offers sewer, water, and electrical connections. If not, a well might be needed for water, a septic system for sewage and either solar panels or a generator for electricity. (All of our containers include a generator receptacle) There are additional off-grid options as well. Don’t stress it though, we make the “hook-up” process quick and easy. In fact, it’s practically the same as connecting an RV.
We offer a variety of delivery methods to accommodate your location and specific needs. Before moving forward, we strongly recommend reading through the delivery requirements.
- Roadways leading up to the container foundation must have over 14 ft of overhead clearance of any hanging objects, 18 ft of width, and must be solid with compacted gravel or a hard surface. All road entrances must have at least 30 ft of width to allow semis to make the turn safely.
- An open and level area around the foundation is critical. We must have room to turn around, straighten our semi with the foundation, and pull out straight from underneath the container. Additional equipment like a crane or loader might be needed as well.
- The foundation must be fully cured and complete when the container is delivered. Recommended foundations are concrete piers, concrete slab, helical piers/screws, or crawl spaces.
*Please check with the local jurisdiction to see if they have any requirements.
Step 2: Select A Floor Plan
Choose from our floorplans or customize your own! Here are some things you will need to consider when selecting a floor plan:
- What is your budget?
- How many bedrooms?
- How many bathrooms?
- How you will want it to sit at your location (think where the doors and windows will be, the view when looking out of them, the way the sun sets & rises, drainage, etc)?
- Upgrades or modifications to the build (It is very important to pay attention to all the little details and make any changes you may want before the build process starts. Once the build starts it can be hard and costly to implement any changes).
- Your ideal timeframe.
Once you find the floorplan you like, please click “Request a Quote” to enter all the information needed to receive an accurate quote.
Step 3: The Build Phase
After you approved the quote and you have finalized your floor plan, upgrades, and customizations, we will send you a final detailed invoice and contract for you to review and sign. To initiate the project and secure your place in our production schedule, a down payment is required. After the down payment is received, we immediately start on your project. We will provide project updates, send progress photos, and welcome you to visit our shop at any point during the build. As we are working on your project, we recommend you start preparing your land for delivery by hiring a general contractor. Do your research and get several bids to complete the work needed. We will work closely with your general contractor to make sure the site development runs smoothly, and they have all the information and documentation needed.
Step 4: Delivery
Once the container is complete, it is thoroughly inspected, and utility lines are tested. Once passed inspection, we require the remaining amount of your deposit to be paid before delivery. We then will schedule a delivery convenient for you. Depending on what equipment is needed to offload the container and successfully place it on its foundation, we will schedule accordingly. Once the container is delivered and securely placed on your property, your general contractor will return to complete the quick and easy connection process. Now it’s all yours! It’s time to add your personal touch and truly make it your home.
