Site Prep & Utility Costs for Container Homes

These estimates provide a general overview and can vary based on specific project requirements and local conditions. For a more accurate and tailored quote, consider starting with a Feasibility Study. This study assesses your property’s suitability for a container home and can be credited toward permitting if you proceed with us.

Piers (Typical for Container Homes)

• Average Cost per Pier: $600–$850
• Recommended Number of Piers: 6 per container
• Total Estimated Cost: $3,600–$5,100
• Ideal For: Uneven terrain, minimal excavation, and quicker installations​
• SonoTubes

Concrete Slab

• Average Cost per Square Foot: $6–$20
• Estimated Total for 320 sq ft: $1,920–$6,400
• Ideal For: Permanent structures and areas prone to flooding

New Electrical Service Installation

• Average Cost: $12,250 for a 500-foot run
• Best For: ADUs requiring independent metering or when the main home’s panel lacks capacity​

Upgrading Existing Service

• Average Cost: $1,200–$2,000
• Best For: Connecting to an existing home when capacity allows

Residential Solar Installation

• We recommend finding a local provider
• Average Cost: $21,816 for a typical system
• Cost per Watt: Approximately $3.03
• Benefits: Reduces long-term utility bills and is ideal for off-grid setups​

Connecting to Existing Sewer

• Average Cost: $1,000–$15,000
• Note: Costs are lower if the sewer line is nearby​

Septic System Installation

• Average Cost: $3,610–$12,412
• Ideal For: Rural areas without access to municipal sewer systems​

Connecting to Existing Water Line

• Average Cost: $248–$422 per piping run
• Note: More affordable when the main water line is nearby

Drilling a New Well

• Average Cost: $5,500, ranging between $1,800 and $24,500<>
• Ideal For: Rural properties or areas without municipal water access<>
• How much does drilling a new well cost?

• Purpose: Removing trees, brush, rocks, or debris; leveling the land to create a build-ready surface
• Average Cost: $1,000–$5,000 (can be more for heavily wooded or sloped lots)

• Purpose: Ensures the ground can support your foundation and helps prevent settling or shifting
• Average Cost: $500–$2,000
• Why it matters: Required for many permits, especially if you’re installing a slab or septic

• Purpose: Allows delivery trucks and equipment to reach the site
• Average Cost: $2,000–$8,000 depending on length and materials
• Note: Essential for rural or undeveloped land

• Purpose: Prevents water pooling or erosion on sloped sites
• Average Cost: $2,000–$10,000+
• Important for: Builds on hillsides, flood zones, or heavy rainfall areas