Struggling to find shipping container homes for sale in Nebraska? Because prefab and cargo constructions still haven’t spread out far enough in the market, your local options might seem limited.
Lucky for you, there’s a simple workaround.
Several US-based builders ship affordable, eco-friendly, and customizable models to the Cornhusker State. You just need to narrow down the list to match your housing needs.
In this article, we’ll round up the best manufacturers and compare their floor plans, financing options, fee structures, and specialties. We’ll also go over a selection of the top models on the market right now.
How much do container homes in Nebraska cost?
According to Manta, the average price for container homes built in Nebraska’s top cities hovers between $53,958 (in Lincoln) and $46,447 (in Hastings).
Generally speaking, pre-built models can cost anywhere between $250 and $300 per square foot. Still, the price could go beyond this estimate, depending on the finishing materials, number of windows/doors, etc.
On the other hand, going the DIY route can bring the cost down to $130 or $175 per square foot. Consider buying recycled shipping containers rather than new ones to save a few bucks.
4 best container home builders in Nebraska
Now that you have a general idea of how much it costs to build a container house, let’s see which one of these four builders is right for you:
1. Backcountry Containers
Backcountry Containers is a family-owned, Texas-based company that sells standard and custom-made homes from brand-new or “one-trip” shipping containers.
You’ll probably know the founder, Jon Meier, from HGTV’s “Containables.” However, that show wasn’t Meier’s first step into TV fame; the iconic red home was featured on season 4 of “Tiny House, Big Living.”
Today, Backcountry Containers ships all over the country from its workshops in Needville, Texas and Spooner, Wisconsin.
Shipping fees usually hover around $3 per mile. Do the math depending on where you are in Nebraska to get a close estimate.
Usually, you can expect the delivery in 6–16 weeks if you opt for a standard container model. There are also ready-to-ship homes, but the options are often limited. Meanwhile, you get to choose between 6 models in the standard selection.
One perk here is that the company is willing to tackle anything from vacation homes to commercial builds. Meier even did projects in the mountain ranges of North Carolina, so setting you up in Nebraska shouldn’t be an issue!
Pros
- Offers financing options through LightStream
- Includes electrical and plumbing hookups in standard models
- Has ready-to-ship models
- Prices start at $42,000 (for a container office)
Cons
- Doesn’t have preferred general contractors to handle the on-site work in Nebraska
- Standard models run on the small side
2. Snake River Tiny Homes
Snake River Tiny Homes is yet another family-owned dealership, but this one is headquartered in Rigby, Idaho and ships worldwide.
Although the company is fairly new to the market (a 2022 baby), it’s already the only US-based member of the Tiny Living Alliance, a badge that stands for trust, transparency, and security.
Plus, the folks at the dealership managed to wrap up a 5-star rating on Google’s reviews. Many of those reviews praise how Porter Talbot, the owner, is friendly and knowledgeable.
One thing that some people could consider a drawback is that Snake River isn’t focused on shipping container constructions only. The tiny home selection is more diverse than the container catalog, which has only three luxury models and one combined design.
That said, the company makes the customization process so simple and tempting. Instead of filling out a forum or contacting customer support, you can mix and match details from Ark models on the site and get a printable quote right away.
Keep in mind shipping an Ark container home from Snake River’s facilities to Nebraska could set you back a little over $2,500.
Pros
- Offers financing options through HFS
- Has special pricing for veterans, EMTs, police offers, firefighters, and teachers
- Includes RV water, sewage, electrical, and washer/dryer hookups, plus an AC and a 19-gallon water heater in the ARK models
- Finishes custom builds in 6–8 weeks
Cons
- Not specialized in shipping container homes
- A bit pricey
3. Custom Container Living (CCL)
Back in 2015, Robert Wagoner established Custom Container Living. Today, it’s one of the top-rated manufacturers in the country, featured in major events like the Denver Home Show.
What makes CCL a top pick is how diverse and easy to navigate the catalog is. Whether you’re looking for a basic 160-sq ft studio or a luxurious 3-bedroom house, odds are, you’ll find something that fits your needs.
Plus, much like Snake River Tiny Homes, you can tweak the design around, add upgrades, and find out the cost estimates without having to send an email and wait for a representative to get back to you.
Yet another perk is that three of the models are actually Certified Manufactured Homes, which can make your life much easier when you’re getting the permits and finalizing the loans.
While the headquarters and building sites are in Missouri, the shipping container home builder ships to pretty much all states, not just Nebraska.
Standard shipping from the facility in Archie to Nebraska is around $2,100, but you can get a better estimate using your zip code on the company’s delivery page. Unfortunately, if your site is hard to reach and the crew needs cranes or forklifts, the cost will go up quickly.
Pros
- Offers a wide range of financing options through partners like LightStream, BB&T, Lending Tree, and more
- Open to adding custom gas lines or solar power (via a local provider)
- Does plenty of floor plans, ranging from basic studios to luxurious family homes
Cons
- Has no preferred general contractors
- Requires a 50% down payment by mail or wire transfer
4. Custom Container Builders (CCB)
CCB specializes in homes, condos, and vacation houses. Headquartered in Indianapolis, the company handles projects worldwide but is best known for its local work in Indiana.
For one, CCB developed the first local residential container home in Kennedy King’s Bellefontaine Street after a fruitful collaboration with the Travis Price Architecture firm.
That wasn’t the only time that the company broke new grounds, either.
One of its creations was featured in the 2023 Indianapolis Home Show. That was the first-ever shipping container house to make it to the exhibition. For context, the show has been running for 101 years!
A drawback here is that you won’t be able to find quotes and detailed info about the shipping fees to Nebraska on the company’s site. One thing that’s clear is that CCB requires a $100 deposit.
Pros
- Completed 49 projects over the last 3 years
- Caters to large-scale commercial and multi-family houses
- Partners with Travis Price Architecture and Studio Saxe to create unique designs
Cons
- Pricing info and fee structures aren’t listed on the site
- Doesn’t offer a lot of single-container residential floor plans
Nebraska container homes for sale you can buy right now
Don’t get overwhelmed by the options; here are four great models to choose from:
1. The Clark
- Price: Starting at $129,000
- # of containers: 2
- Container sizes: 40 ft
- Size of container home: N/A
- # of bedrooms: 2
- # of bathrooms: 2
- Standout feature: Staggered look and great room
- Manufacturer: Backcountry Containers
If you’ve watched Containables, you’ll recognize this design right away. It’s inspired by a home that the Meiers built in episode 3, “Containers of Staggering Size.”
From the outside, the staggered look gives the house quite a bit of character, but the interior is just as impressive.
Since the two containers are welded and the midsections of the inner walls are removed, you’re left with a generous entertainment area (or a great room) in the middle of the floor plan.
2. Ark Hudson
- Price: Starting at $94,900
- # of containers: 1
- Container sizes: 40 ft
- Size of container home: 320 sq ft
- # of bedrooms: 2
- # of bathrooms: 1
- Standout feature: Spacious bathroom
- Manufacturer: Snake River Tiny Homes
The Delta is an IRC and IBC-compliant luxury design, and it proves that you don’t need more than one container to fit a family.
Interestingly, Snake River has two slight variations of the Huson. So, for instance, if you need more living space or a sizable bathroom and don’t mind sacrificing a bedroom, you could opt for the Hudson floor plan—it’s set at the same price and has similar square footage.
3. Dwell Well
- Price: $132,500 for the core package
- # of containers: 2
- Container sizes: 20 ft and 40 ft (1 of each)
- Size of container home: 480 sq ft
- # of bedrooms: 1
- # of bathrooms: 1
- Standout feature: Expansive kitchen
- Manufacturer: Custom Container Living
Next up, we have a perfect choice for a culinarian. The Dwell Well features the largest kitchen of all the standard floor plans by CCL.
In the core package, the u-shaped kitchen comes with three functional appliances (built-in microwave, electric range, and a 15 cu ft refrigerator) to help you whip up a classic Nebraska Runza sandwich.
It’s also lined with 8 ft of shaker-style cabinets and a Formica backsplash. However, you could upgrade to granite or quartz.
The rest of the layout covers a nearly 20 ft living-dining shared space, a bedroom with handy storage space underneath the bed platform, and a luxurious bathroom with an onyx vanity top.
Plus, you get an electric tankless water heater and a Mitsubishi Mini Split heating system with the package.
4. Odyssey
- Price: –
- # of containers: 7
- Container sizes: 20 ft and 40 ft (2 and 5, respectively)
- Size of container home: 1976 sq ft
- # of bedrooms: 3
- # of bathrooms: 3 full and 1 half
- Standout feature: 3 levels
- Manufacturer: Custom Container Builders
Finally, we have the Odyssey floor plan, where the internal metal walls were cut out to create spacious interiors.
The first floor is where all the action is. There, the kitchen and living area opens up to a full glass panel that overlooks the patio. A bit further away from the bright view, you have a half bathroom, a storage space, and a backdoor that leads to an external garage.
Beyond the expansive floor plans, one of the main perks is the house’s energy economy, thanks to the double-pane low E windows, R-50 ceiling insulation, and 95% efficiency gas furnace.
Although the price isn’t listed on CCB’s online catalog, the Odyssey is actually similar to the company’s installation on Bellefontaine Street. For reference, that property was sold for a whopping $500,000 in 2023!
Are container homes legal in Nebraska?
Some areas in Nebraska, like Lincoln, already have container homes. However, the legal situation depends entirely on where you are in the state, and you need to check with the authorities on the city/county level to get your permits in order.
For instance, Valley’s zoning ordinance recognizes cargo container houses as special dwelling units, but there are some conditions and restrictions.
One of the city’s regulations states that your home needs to have at least one habitable room that’s 120 sq ft or more. Plus, the structure itself has to be anchored to a permanent foundation that meets the building codes on the state level.
The city of Gering also allowed building container houses on planned developments back in 2022.
Meanwhile, you can’t build a shipping container home for permanent use in residential areas in Malcolm. Yet, the ordinance allows them in industrial and agricultural districts, where you can’t use the construction for habitation.
Conclusion
Reliable builders like Backcountry Containers, Snake River Tiny Home, CCL, and CCB can help you find your unconventional dream home.
Still, the key lies in understanding that the legal situation for owning shipping container homes in Nebraska isn’t cut and dry. Always double-check the local regulations and make sure you have a local general contractor to walk you through the nitty-gritty details.
Featured image: https://snakerivertinyhomes.com/
