We bought 2 shipping containers for $5,500 each and built our ‘dream’ tiny home – a key method helped us save even more

A YOUNG couple has transformed two used shipping containers, each costing $5,500, into their priceless dream home.The Texas couple managed to turn the steel structures into a stunning house over the past year, investing their hard-earned cash and taking advantage of a key cost-saving measure to turn the dream into a reality.Lexi NewkirkA Texas couple built their own dream tiny home from two used shipping containers[/caption]Lexi NewkirkLexi Newkirk and her husband built their shipping container home from scratch over the past year[/caption]Lexi NewkirkLexi Newkirk (@lexiiiinewkirk) documented the journey of building their first-ever home as a couple on her TikTok page[/caption]Lexi Newkirk, 25, and her husband, 26, told The U.

S. Sun they have always loved to travel and stay in unique Airbnb properties.The couple first thought of building an Airbnb ranch to fill with tiny homes, purchasing 12.



5 acres of raw land in the Texas Hill Country to bring their idea to life.They started out by buying two single-use 40-foot high cube shipping containers for $5,500 each.However, once the shipping containers were delivered to their property, the couple discovered that they were unable to fulfill their Airbnb ranch idea due to property laws and restrictions.

Although initially disappointed, Lexi and her husband were inspired to transform the two containers into one dream home for themselves to live in.The young couple has been living in an RV for the last year on the property, building their own shipping container home from scratch and sharing the journey with their over 100,000 TikTok followers (@lexiiiinewkirk).Lexi spoke exclusively with The U.

S. Sun about the process of building their first-ever unconventional dream home.COST CRUNCHLexi and her husband purchased the 12.

5-acre lot for $180,000 just over one year ago.She noted that the property was considered raw land because it was untouched and undeveloped, lacking essential utilities such as running water, electricity, and a septic system.While the two 40-foot shipping containers cost only $11,000 in total, Lexi estimated that the total cost for the home would come out to roughly $100,000 once everything was said and done.

She explained that the couple’s approach to building the shipping container tiny home has prevented them from needing to take out a loan. They have been able to fully finance the property through their incomes as a digital marketing agency owner and a mold remediation worker, gradually building their dream home over the past year as they funded it. Lexi explained that her husband served as the contractor for most of the build, saving the couple money.

They also saved money through second-hand sourcing, purchasing a handful of their items via Facebook Marketplace, including the exterior staircase, bed frame, bathtub, welders, and spiral staircase.However, Lexi admitted that a container home wasn’t necessarily the most budget-friendly option.“It’s more expensive than a traditional home build,” she said.

“So if you’re looking to save money, it’s not necessarily the cheapest option.”It’s more expensive than a traditional home build. So if you’re looking to save money, it’s not necessarily the cheapest option.

”Lexi NewkirkShe explained that every aspect of the home was custom-built, contributing to the costly nature, and that the price per square foot of a shipping container home exceeded that of a traditional home.“We learned that while doing it,” said Lexi. “Everything just came out to be a lot more than we anticipated.

”Despite stretching their budgets more than they had hoped, the couple still firmly believes that shipping container homes are a great option. Lexi noted that houses, especially in the current housing market, are “very expensive,” and that being able to own their own home was more cost-effective in the long run than paying rent.PROPERTY TOURLexi said that while the young couple’s shipping container home was “definitely smaller” than a traditional home, it had everything they needed.

The two-story home’s lower level features a full traditional kitchen, a small living room, a washer and dryer, a half-bathroom, as well as a basement under the house.Lexi NewkirkThe two shipping containers are stacked on top of one another[/caption]Lexi NewkirkThe couple’s shipping container home was built with all the necessities in mind, including a kitchen, washer, and dryer[/caption]Lexi NewkirkThe shipping container tiny home is immersed in nature and offers beautiful views of Texas Hill Country[/caption]A spiral staircase leads to the upstairs area, equipped with the couple’s bedroom, a glass sliding door and outside deck, and a shower room with a bathtub and two showers.The tiny home sits on 12.

5 acres of raw land in the Texas Hill Country, with scenery that Lexi described as “super beautiful.”What the home lacks in size, the property makes up for in charm, featuring a vast expanse of natural beauty and wildlife.The shipping container house has huge windows to let in the natural light and allow the couple to see the surrounding nature, and Lexi shared that they are able to see the stars at night.

The couple also plans on filling their expanse of property with 20 chickens, some cows, and a home garden.After a year of hard work, Lexi and her husband planned to move in late last month once the inside of the home was completed and the last few appliances arrived. She noted that there were still a few tasks they wanted to complete outside, including building out the deck and adding a shipping container pool.

“It’s been super fun seeing the whole project come together. It’s been a lot of hard work and hours, and just seeing it finally coming together – it’s just been so exciting,” said Lexi.It’s been super fun seeing the whole project come together.

It’s been a lot of hard work and hours, and just seeing it finally coming together – it’s just been so exciting.”Lexi NewkirkEventually, the Texas couple plans to move out of the shipping container home and list it as an Airbnb for others to experience.They will then buy a larger house and build a barndominium.

COMPACT LIVINGThe Texas couple felt compelled to build their own shipping container tiny home because they “always thought they were super cool.”Their 640-square-foot home, featuring the two shipping containers stacked on top of one another, is considered a tiny home due to its small size.However, Lexi and her husband opted to construct their house out of the steel structures rather than the traditional wood, viewing shipping container homes as “more unique.

” Because the containers are made of steel, they are also more stable than a traditional tiny home or regular house.Where to buy a tiny homeTHE tiny home phenomenon found new heights as an alternative living solution for consumers concerned with ballooning homebuying costs and sustainability concerns.*If you click on a link in this boxout, we may earn affiliate revenue.

You can buy ‘tiny homes’ online in a few places, including:Shop tiny homes at Amazon – shop hereShop tiny homes at Walmart – shop hereShop tiny home at Wayfair – shop hereShop tiny homes at Home Depot – shop hereShop tiny homes at Lowe’s – shop hereYou can also check out our full tiny home guides here:Where to buy a tiny homeTiny home buying guideLexi also noted that her husband’s best friend worked for a company that built homes out of shipping containers, which further drew their interest.She admitted that while constructing their shipping container home was “expensive” and “a lot of work,” it was ultimately worth it and she couldn’t be happier with how it turned out.Lexi encouraged others to do some research and consider building their own shipping container tiny home.

“I highly recommend it,” she said. “I totally think it is doable, and you can make some awesome homes out of shipping containers.”For those seeking to downsize their living space without having to build a property from scratch, Amazon has you covered.

The ecomm giant is selling a customizable tiny home for $9,300 – it can house up to four bedrooms and even has its own deck.Amazon shoppers can also score a “mobile” tiny home for just $9,350 – it’s “low maintenance” and can be easily relocated.Lexi NewkirkThe young Texas couple spent $5,500 on each of the shipping containers to construct their dream home[/caption].