Are you in the market for an affordable and convenient housing solution in Kentucky that’s also stylish, modular, and quick to build? Finding your dream home in Kentucky can be challenging, especially with the state’s housing prices soaring by the year.
The good news is, shipping container homes are becoming more popular as a cost-effective, eco-friendly housing option. These homes are customizable to fit your budget and design requirements.
In today’s article, you’ll go through everything you need to know about shipping container homes for sale in Kentucky.
From the cost of building your own vs buying a pre-constructed one to the best container home builders and best container homes available for sale to the legal aspect of owning a shipping container home in Kentucky, this post offers it all.
How much do container homes in Kentucky cost?
In Kentucky, the cost of a shipping container home depends on several factors such as the size of the project, the type of materials you want to use, the complexity of the design, the nature of the building location, and many more.
But before all else, a major deciding factor in the price of your shipping container home is the party doing the job. In other words, are you going for the DIY approach or hiring a specialized company to get the job done for you?
Generally, building a container home on your own in Kentucky will cost you between $130 to $175 per square foot. On the other hand, purchasing a pre-built model from a container home builder will carry a price tag of around $250 to $300 per square foot.
As you can tell, it’s more expensive to opt for a pre-built container house than build a shipping container home. However, it saves you tons of effort and time that you’d otherwise spend thinking and performing tasks like designing, drawing up plans, finding/buying materials, constructing rooms, installing electricity/plumbing, and a lot more.
5 best container home builders in Kentucky
Backcountry Containers
In 2016, aeronautical engineer Jon Meier and his decorator wife Kristen founded Backcountry Containers.
Their first 20-foot container home went viral, and soon enough, another one of their creations got featured in season 4 episode 4 titled “The Simple Container” of HGTV’s Tiny House Big Living.
The company expanded with the couple’s siblings and cousins helping in construction and interior design, forming the current family-owned and operated business. Its sweeping success earned it its own show “Containables” in 2017.
Since then, this company was also featured on Yahoo! Life, Business Insider, U.S.News, and Advocate.
Backcountry Containers’ experience and capacity increased in tides, currently offering 6 standard models along with fully customizable containers and commercial container projects. The company is committed to providing cost-effective, unique, and beautiful homes.
Pros
- Thorough construction expertise with refined decor options
- They’re a 100 percent family-owned company
- They offer financing through LightStream
Cons
- They don’t help with permitting
- Standard models require you to hire a general contractor for building additional features such as decks and foundations
Custom Container Builders
Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, Custom Container Builders (CCB) has been around since 2020.
The company’s shipping container housing services revolve around the proprietary strategy of “Controlled Assembly”, which focuses on delivering quality homes with a short turnaround time.
This company promises innovative designs, solid builds, and highly personalized results with the help of partners Studio Saxe and Travis Price Architects. It’s committed to catering to the needs of all kinds of buyers, from first-time to move-up to luxury.
CCB offers 7 different models in its residential selection of shipping container homes. They also have options for multifamily and hotel structures.
Pros
- Collaborates with reputable partners to provide clients with the best possible products
- High attention to detail in a deep customer-oriented experience
- Committed to timely delivery
Cons
- The pricing lacks transparency; you need to contact them for an estimate
- The company’s website lacks information
Container Homes USA
Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Container Homes USA has a sole mission: to provide customers with the most durable, sustainable, and adaptable container homes on the globe.
The company offers an impressive series of 6 single-family housing options to meet different aesthetic preferences. If you want your own version of a container home, the in-house design team is ready to make it happen.
Container Homes USA works with some of the best partners in the industry, such as Panasonic, Kohler, and Mitsubishi Electric.
The company has a private manufacturing facility where homes are completed by up to 75 percent. Its typical project duration is 9 months.
Pros
- Can help clients obtain building permits
- 20+ exterior finishes to suit every taste
- An ideal choice for turnkey construction projects
Cons
- Pricing information isn’t readily available
- The company’s operating history is lacking
Custom Container Living
Established in 2015 and headquartered in Missouri, Custom Container Living has since managed to build a solid reputation for reliability. The team’s passion for helping people achieve their housing dreams comes through in every single project.
This company offers a wide range of pre-designed shipping container homes, from studio structures to large 3-bedroom models. Its 14 floor plans are more than any other builder on today’s list.
Custom Container Living has served hundreds of customers all over the country. All the homes are CCL-certified, which means they’re up to strict codes for easier municipality and financing approvals.
Pros
- Extensive record of experience
- Wide of pre-designed houses to choose from
- Floor plans are Certified Manufactured Homes
- Great customer service
Cons
- You can’t go in for a consultation without an appointment
- Projects can be lengthy
Global Modulars
Founded in 1987 in Europe, Global Modular‘s USA operation is headquartered in Florida and ships all over the country, including Kentucky.
The company offers 9 pre-designed plans for container homes ranging from simple 1-bedroom studios to 5-bedroom mansions. Besides constructing the house, it’ll help you obtain permits and even land financing.
With over 35 years of experience, Global Modular also provides easy transportation, fast production timeline, and high-quality craftsmanship.
Pros
- Global experience in USA, Europe, and Asia
- Partnership with Norcom to offer clients financing solutions
- Members of the Modular Building Institute
- All designs are 60 percent more eco-friendly than traditional construction methods
Cons
- Not for clients seeking a custom design
- Customer service could use some work
BMarko Structures
Founded in 2014, BMarko Structures specializes in custom conversions of shipping containers. Their operation is based on delivering high-quality, eco-friendly construction that religiously abides by the set deadline.
BMarko Structures has completed over 200 projects, with huge clients such as Google, Porsche, and Coca-Cola. The company’s product range is mainly commercial units, including:
- Container bathrooms
- Modular pump houses
- Modular hospitals
- Shipping container hospitals
- Event container
- Shipping container offices
Kentucky Container homes for sale you can buy right now
The Ezra by Backcountry Containers
- Price: starts from $54,000
- Number of containers used: 1
- Container sizes: 20 feet
- Size of the container home: 140 square feet
- Number of bedrooms: 1
- Number of bathrooms: 1
- Standout feature: highly space-efficient area combines bedroom, living room, and kitchen
- Manufacturer: Backcountry Containers
Sweet and to the point, the Ezra has everything you need in a compact package.
It consists of a bathroom attached to a spacious area where a kitchen corner and a living/bedroom reside.
The bathroom has a toilet, shower, and sink while the kitchen offers a farmhouse sink and block countertops. The couch/bed in the central area leaves plenty of space for a couple of chairs and a coffee table.
Journey by Custom Container Builders
- Price: n/a
- Number of containers used: 2
- Container sizes: 40 feet each
- Size of the container home: 1300 square feet
- Number of bedrooms: 3
- Number of bathrooms: 2.5
- Standout feature: Large patio deck
- Manufacturer: https://customcontainerbuilders.com/products/journey
The Journey model is a great entry-level home for a small to medium-sized family. It’s a double-story structure with lots of space to accommodate all your living needs.
The ground floor has a dining room, kitchen, living room, and powder room. There’s also a roomy patio deck where you can set up a table and chairs to enjoy the outdoors.
The upper level features 3 bedrooms (each with a closet and a balcony ), 2 bathrooms, and a laundry room.
2-Bedroom Home by Container Homes USA
- Price: starts from $169,000
- Number of containers used: 2
- Container sizes: 40 feet each
- Size of the container home: 640 square feet
- Number of bedrooms: 2
- Number of bathrooms: 1
- Standout feature: comes with upgraded materials such as granite countertops and Anderson windows
- Manufacturer: https://containerhomesusa.com/residential/
Perfect for any use from a vacation gateway to a retirement retreat, this model features a couple of 40-foot shipping containers that can be stacked on top of or next to one another.
It contains 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, and a sizable kitchen. There’s plenty of space for s dining room and a living area. You can also choose a forced air or mini-split HVAC system.
HAPPY TWOGETHER by Custom Container Living
- Price: $106,900 (core package)
- Number of containers used: 2
- Container sizes: 20 feet
- Size of the container home: 320 square feet
- Number of bedrooms: 1
- Number of bathrooms: 1
- Standout feature: includes Mitsubishi Mini Split heating and cooling system and an electric tankless water heater
- Manufacturer: https://www.customcontainerliving.com/happy-twogether.html
Shipping container homes are the epitome of practicality, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be pretty. This model is proof, featuring a convenient yet stylish design that pairs two 20-inch containers, true to its name.
This home has an open floor plan that maximizes space efficiency to accommodate all your needs. It features a gallery kitchen that fits full-size appliances and a generous countertop.
Next to the kitchen is a bathroom accessible through a 2-foot door. Inside, there’s a 42-inch fiberglass walk-in shower, a vanity with storage, and a toilet
The living room is spacious and can fit a wood-burning stove. The bedroom accommodates a queen size bed and a sizeable built-in wardrobe.
Uno House by Global Modulars
- Price: $65,300 (excluding tax)
- Number of containers used: 1
- Container sizes: 40 feet
- Size of the container home: 320 square feet
- Number of bedrooms: 1
- Number of bathrooms: 1
- Standout feature: front terrace with impact-proof doors and windows
- Manufacturer: https://www.globalmodulars.com/uno-house
Last but not least, this is a unique design for a single-bedroom container home. Right at the front, there’s an 81-square-foot deck for outdoor chilling.
It also features a bathroom with a granite counter, a shower cabinet, and a toilet. The kitchen has a granite counter, dual sink, and shaker cabinetry.
The windows and doors are impact-proof and the construction is mold-resistant, water-resistant, and fire-resistant.
Are container homes legal in Kentucky?
Yes, building shipping container homes in Kentucky is legal as there are no specific laws against it. That said, you should keep in mind a few points to ensure that the legal aspect of your project goes as smoothly as possible.
Before you start construction, you need to check that the final size of your container home is in line with the zoning regulations of your local building department.
Throughout construction and after the building is complete, the local authorities in your city or county will conduct multiple inspections to ensure that your container home is compliant with the safety standards set by the state.
This process involves checking for fire hazards, electrical wiring, insulation systems, ventilation methods, and more. The goal is to verify that your container home is up to code and free of issues that could cause damage to you, others, or your property.
There’s also the matter of obtaining a building permit before you begin working on your shipping container house. You need to apply for one and pay any relevant charges.
The requirements to get a permit in Kentucky vary across different counties. Some issue permits after sending inspectors to conduct site visits, whereas others call for the submission of design/construction plans beforehand.
Conclusion
Shipping container homes in Kentucky continue solidifying their position as viable housing solutions in place of conventional brick-and-mortar homes.
Now more than ever, you can customize a container home to fit your budget and style with various reliable builders such as Backcountry Containers, Custom Container Builders, Container Homes USA, Bmarko Structures, and Global Modulars.
Whether you’re in the market for a studio apartment or a multi-storey luxury unit, you’re bound to find a structure to fulfill your container home dreams.
Featured Image: https://containerhomesusa.com/residential/#:~:text=CUSTOM%0ACONTAINER%20HOME-,This%20two%2Dstory%20home,-is%20perfect%20for
