Our Process

Embarking on the journey of purchasing a shipping container home can seem daunting at first. However, rest assured that we’re here to support you through every step of the process. With careful consideration and our guidance, you’ll feel confident in your decision.

This page (along with the accompanying videos) will guide you through our seamless process from start to finish, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience.

How it Works:

Residential Container Homes

Off-Grid Container Homes

Commercial Projects

Step 1: Determine Location Feasibility

If so, contact the HOA to make sure they will allow a container home. Find out what expectations they have for the exterior look and if there is a minimum size requirement.

The idea of having an off-grid home typically means minimal utility connections unless you desire to connect them to your home. Each off-grid home we build has the ability to connect to sewer (city or septic), connect to water (city or well), and electricity. It is completely up to you what utilities are connected. If your property has restrictions or requires a permit, it is highly recommended you check with the local authority to see what utilities they require to be hooked up, if any.

Water: If water is not available through the city or a well on your property, you might have to haul in water through a local water hauling service or do it yourself. You also have the option of using the rain catchment system, but in the off seasons you might have to consider alternative ways to get your water tank full.

Sewer: If sewer is available through the city or you have a septic system installed on your property, you have the ability to order your home with a standard flushable toilet instead of using a composting toilet.

Electricity: Your off-grid home is designed to supply power through the solar system that has been installed. However, if you’re in an area that does not produce the needed power due to overcast sky, weather related, etc., don’t worry as you have a few options to consider:

1. We outfit each home with the ability to connect a generator to charge the batteries or power your home. The generator is not provided.

2. You could grid tie to power if that is available. The home has been prepared to accept grid power.

For budget reasons, it is important to know if the property offers sewer, water, and electrical connections. If not, then a well might be needed for water, a sewer system installed for sewage, and either solar or a generator for electricity. If the utilities are already there or you have to install them, it is probably worth exploring the cost of each one.  

One benefit of a container home is how versatile they can be and the ability to place them in more remote areas. It is very important that we know we will be able to deliver your home when it is complete. Before placing an order, we strongly recommend reading through the requirements or watching our delivery video. 

    1. Roadways leading up to the property have at least 14’6” clearance from any low hanging objects such as trees, bridges, powerlines, etc.
    2. Entrance to your driveway is approx. 40’ wide and solid; we will be delivering with a semi so having room to make the turn is important.  If the driveway entrance is not 40’ wide, then we need to make sure there are no ditches or dips on either side of driveway or on the opposite side of the road.
    3. The driveway and/or path to foundation is solid with compacted gravel or a hard surface so we don’t get stuck.  It is the customer’s responsibility to let CCL know if the property is too wet for delivery. 
    4. An open area around the foundation is critical so we can straighten our semi with the foundation. We require approx. 150’ of almost level ground in the direction we will need to straighten out for unloading the home.
    5. The foundation is fully cured. If it is not, CCL will need permission from your general contractor to go back and place your home on the foundation. 
    6. For a standard delivery make sure the foundation is not elevated more than 3” to 4” above grade. 
  • NOTE: A standard delivery will not include any foundation with a crawlspace.  We will need a crane to place the home.

The delivery cost is not included in the starting price listed on each floor plan page. We offer two ways to get an estimated delivery cost:

  1. Get a Quote: Visit the “Get a Quote” section and fill out the form with the required information. The resulting quote will include the estimated delivery cost.
  2. Delivery Page: Visit our “Delivery” page and enter your delivery zip code and the floor plan you are interested in. This will provide an estimated delivery cost for your chosen floor plan.

Codes and zoning will differ depending on the state/city/county where the container home will be located, what it will be used for, and how it will be secured.  In many counties and smaller towns across the country, there may not be any zoning which will expedite the construction process.  Below is a list of a few steps we recommend researching:

Call the building/zoning department in your local area and ask the following:

  • Do they require a building permit for a new residential home? 
    1. If so, what is required for the building permit?
    2. Some areas do not require a building permit.

If a permit is required, be prepared to ask the next two questions.

  • Do they allow shipping container homes? 
      1. One thing to note is sometimes as soon as you mention shipping container homes, they may be apprehensive and say “No”, since they have the incorrect idea of what you are asking. Please assure them it will be a state-certified modular home. If modular/manufactured homes are allowed, unless they have it written specifically as no container homes, then it should be accepted, if all other criteria are met. 
  • Find out minimum square footage?
    1. Some locations have a required minimum square footage. If that is the case, please know what that is. 

Step 2: Select a Floor Plan

Here are a few simple things you need to consider when selecting a floor plan:

  • What is your budget
  • How many bedroom(s)
  • How many bath(s)
  • Square footage (space you need)
  • Upgrades you may want to explore
  • Modifications you may request
  • Your ideal timeframe

Once you find the floor plan you like, please click “Get a Quote“ to build out a complete quote showing the final price which includes delivery and installation. When you submit your final quote, we will work with you to provide any needed documentation for the general contractor, local jurisdiction, and lender.

For commercial projects, a dedicated CCL team member will work with you to develop a customized quote based on state/local requirements. We also offer bulk order discounts based on the number of containers you are planning to order.

Step 3: Select a General Contractor

Now that you have the property and floor plan selected, it is time to research some general contractors in your area. We would recommend contacting two to three and requesting bids to complete the work. It is important to ask for some references for past work they have completed and what their availability is to complete the job. If the general contractor asks questions you are not familiar with or requests additional documentation, we are here to help.

Below is a list of things in which you might need your contractor’s help.

If permits are required, it is generally the responsibility of the general contractor to obtain all the necessary permits for the job. Once your contract is signed, we will provide an engineer-sealed set of plans (certified containers only) that your general contractor can provide to the local jurisdiction. This set of plans will also be helpful for completing the sitework.

Your general contractor will install the foundation for your container home. Once the foundation style is selected, we will work together with them providing the documentation that is needed to install the foundation.

This is something your general contractor should coordinate and install. We will instruct them on the connection points and sizes for the water, sewer, and electricity. Generally, the water connection line is ¾”, the sewer connection is 3” and the electrical connection point is 2”. CCL is not responsible for completing any of the on-site utility work or connections.

At some point, CCL and your general contractor will discuss the delivery of your home to make sure all the pieces of the puzzle are in place for a smooth delivery. Your general contractor may take care of any last-minute details and shore up any areas that need attention before delivery. The general contractor will be responsible for installing your driveway. If a new driveway is installed, it is important that it be solid enough to handle the loaded weight of the delivery truck. They will also complete all the dirt work (digging, removing, etc.) and final grading. After the container is in place, the general contractor will arrange for the utility connections. Once these steps are complete, the home is ready for final inspection/occupancy from the local jurisdiction for you to move in.

Step 4: Production

  1. After you have selected your floor plan, upgrades, and customizations, we will send a production contract for you to review and sign. Once the contract and deposit payment has been received, we will place your order on our build schedule. Please keep in mind that all selections/finishes must be finalized before we place any order in the production schedule. Once this step is completed, we can share information with your general contractor regarding your project. 
  2. After step one is completed, sit back, and let us take care of the rest. Each project is completed in a professional and timely manner. We will provide progress updates during construction so you can follow the journey. If it is possible, we would love to schedule a time for you to visit our factory during the construction of your home so you can see it for yourself as we build it. 
  3. The lead time will be determined once you have selected your floor plan. It will vary depending on our current orders in the queue. Once your build enters production, it will be ready for delivery in approximately 60 to 90 days.  

Step 5: Delivery & Install

Our delivery process is set up to make your life hassle free. We are the build team and the installation team supplying the truck, trailer, and tools to get your home delivered and installed safely. Our delivery fee is based on the distance from Butler, Missouri, to your site location. It will include our standard delivery and installation of your home. We strongly encourage you to “Visit Our Delivery Page” to make sure all the requirements are met for a smooth delivery.

Our goal is to provide a home that will last for years to come. That is why we take pride in making sure you are completely satisfied before we leave your site. After finishing up, we will do a walk-through with you to make sure everything meets your expectations. 

Afterward, we’ll give you the keys and say,

“WELCOME HOME!”

This is the rewarding aspect of what we do, and we are honored to take part in your journey.