The cost of a shipping container will depend on condition and locality. That is to be expected when purchasing a shipping container. The cost of delivery is another part of the equation left for your local transport company and you.
As a general guide, shipping containers are growing in popularity with ever increase costs of housing, along with failing building companies. The uncertainty of having your traditional home completed is a serious concern. With shipping container homes the structure is already in sink. You just need doors and windows.
Not all shipping containers are the same. Important to remember when on the look out for shipping containers of any size. Today we are on the look out for 20ft shipping containers new and used. Using a popular go to online website as our point of reference. Lets take a gander at what is available and price range, read on.
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Looking for a Shipping Container
One Way 20ft Three Door Shipping Container
The above three door 20ft shipping container which has the side opening and end opening was advertised at AU$10k and used once. Of note GST to be added or an increase of AU$1k. Reported as next to new. From the images it does look new and in very good condition. Even the flooring looks new.
If you are looking to create a shipping container home or business this would be the ideal shipping container. Fit out the interior with what it is you require and hey presto, done. They can be that simple.
The term ‘One-way‘ refers to the fact that the shipping container has traveled from point A to point B and not been used as a cargo hold or at worst may have been used but is undamaged by its experience. Many shipping containers are transported from the place of manufacture to a shipping container holding somewhere around the world where they will in time be utilised or sold.
One Way 20ft Standard Shipping Container
This is a new One-way trip (6m) 20ft General Purpose Shipping Container in next to new condition. Very clean inside and out. A single door container opening. Advertised for AU$4.5k
If you were looking to build a three shipping container home, this shipping container and friends would be perfect. A very clean unit and by the looks of it no damage.
Used 20ft Shipping Container
Used 20ft shipping containers are cheaper than new. The above selling at AU$2.8k each. Almost two for the price of a new one-way shipping container. The only downside is that you need to refurbish them. Appearance wise they look straight and undamaged which is a bonus.
These can be converted into livable dwellings. On a budget you could purchase three for half the cost of one-way new shipping containers. You could stack them, joint them, create a ‘H’ build. The choice is yours.
Shipping Container Size
Shipping containers are not all the same size. The most common in use for home and business use are the 20ft and 40ft containers. But these do come in different heights. In this case, it is smaller on the inside even though it looks big!
The standard or most common height is 8ft 6in or 2.59m overall, also known as 8ft high. However there is the other size. That being the 9ft high container (not listed). The higher the container the more head room available. Something to consider if you are planning to insulate the inner roof.
Pricing Differences
We are all aware pricing will vary by location. We are also aware pricing will vary between sellers. And pricing will vary based on condition. These are all expected. They are also un-quantifiable variations. The only option you have is to inspect the container in question and decide if the price is appropriate. Negotiation is entirely up to you.
As a general guide for a quality shipping container you can expect to pay AU$5k upwards. For a shipping container that is used but reasonable condition expect to pay around AU$2.5k or half that of a one-way container. The cheaper the price the more damage to expect. Don’t forget GST or sales tax may need to be added.
On top of the cost of the container, you still need to get it to your location. That cost you will need to negotiate with a trucking service. Many container operators do have a delivery service available. For private sales you will need to find your own trucking service.
20ft Converted Shipping Container Used
If you are starting a business a used converted shipping container is a great opportunity to purchase. Already having doors and windows fitted you only need worry about the color. Damage is to be expected dependent on the previous use of the container. The one above is selling for AU$6.2k.
It has minor panel damage as we can see on the images. However doors and windows are intact and the floor looks presentable. If you were needing it for a business it is a good start. I guess you could also use it as a home office or spare room. Throw in a bed, some furniture and you have a Airbnb.
20ft Modified Shipping Container
This converted shipping container comes with side door access, interior LED lights and 4 power points. It also includes an internal lockable caged area (not sure why you might need that!) along with shelving racks and has vents installed. It was selling for AU$8.4k.
What is cool about this container mod is that if you remove the shelving, you have a perfect garage for your Mustang or Pontiac with a side door exit/entry point and power.
20ft Modified Student Accommodation
This student accommodation is a modified 20ft shipping container. Ideal for any student looking to live the self contained life. The unit includes bathroom, shower and toilet, kitchenette and pantry, combined living and sleep, and most importantly a smoke alarm. Fully functional with lighting, and insulation. Selling for AU$44.5k
Purchase six of these and you have a mini hotel business overnight. They look very comfortable and cosy. They are neatly finished inside and out. You could easily use it for any accommodation purpose as the need arose. Great for visiting guests staying for the weekend.
20ft Storage Shipping Container
The above 20ft shipping container has been modified with the addition of a roller door and window. Purpose built for storage however you could utilize it as a entertainment module. In fact you could place your “Barbeque” or “BBQ” on the rear wall with flue, and inline with the opening of the roller door. Plenty or room for refrigerator and preparation tables safely concealed within.
This unit is for sale at AU$7.7k Not bad for a self contained modified shipping container if you want a self contained waterproof solid shelter. Once again you could use it as a garage for your Holden or Ford pride and joy.
It is a refurbished container and undergone needed minor repairs. Judging by the images it is in very good condition as in almost one-way finish.
20ft Shipping Container Head Start
This here is the beginnings of a shipping container home. Two 20ft containers spanned by a gable style roof. Advertised for AU$30k is not a bad starting point if you had somewhere to locate it. Potentially a fixer upper with much of the metal work completed.
You could place it on a slab of concrete or pylon each container. Concrete or build a platform between for entertainment. I would place the kitchen between the two containers with open plan area. The interiors of the containers need attending to. Quite easily transforming them into living quarters.
You could potentially add a swimming pool spar surrounded by decking in the open area. Great entertainment area if finished nicely.
Conclusion
There is on the local markets a variety of shipping containers from new to one-way and those that have been used. You will find occasionally some interesting modified containers that can be revitalized into creative dwellings. Take the time to search your local online buying and selling websites to find what you are looking for. It is out there. You just have to look.
Using a shipping container for a home office or airbnb is not such a crazy idea. Way more affordable than traditional builds. Certainly a shipping container is less maintenance friendly, more durable and accommodating.
Shipping containers are growing in popularity with ever increase costs of housing, along with failing building companies. The availability of shipping containers is not an issue or concern, there are literally hundreds of thousands waiting for new life. What you do with your shipping container is really just a simple case of imagination and desire put together in a metal box.
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