$20k Container Home: Couple’s Clever Build

In our latest tiny home tour, we share a cozy modern DIY container home on a dreamy waterfront location in northern Washington.

After living in a rustic school bus conversion, Matt and Paiton were looking for affordable homeownership opportunities to put down roots. So they searched for land and researched alternative dwellings, like yurts and container home builds.

Ultimately, they settled on converting a used shipping container due to its low upfront cost, $4,500.

container home

A year later, they successfully built a 45-foot high cube shipping container home conversion. It's situated on a bluff overlooking the Pend Oreille River. Matt and Paiton are now developing a 5-acre homestead.

They secured a low-interest lot loan for the land. Their monthly land payment is $300-400 less than renting a nearby one-bedroom. Further, within just a few years, the loan will be paid off.

Impressively, their tiny container home itself cost only $20,000.

They saved thousands through the resourceful use of free and low-cost salvage materials. Matt and Paiton also came up with clever design features to add character and more efficiently use their 308 square feet.

For example, instead of using boring drywall for their built-in island, Paiton finished it with tin ceiling tiles. They use it as a dining table, as well as a clothes folding station. Tucked just below the bartop are their washer and dryer units. Paiton also utilized it as a home office space. We love how their island both multi-functional and an accent piece.

Watch the full container home tour for low-cost design ideas, plus conversion insights.

Check out Matt & Paiton's YouTube channel for container home build how-tos, and for more of their tiny home lifestyle, follow them on Instagram.

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