We Built Our Dream Home for $60K Using Two Old Shipping Containers
A Unique Abode in Rural Texas
A Texas couple spent $60k building their dream home in a charming rural area near their big city hometown — using just two 40 ft. shipping containers.
The Journey Begins
Lexi Newkirk, 24, and her husband, Diego, 25, wanted to escape city life in Austin, so they bought 12-and-a-half acres of land in a rural area not far away for a modest $180,000.
A Unique Home
The pair have always loved unique homes and decided to make a tiny home out of shipping containers — for which they paid just $5,500 each.
The Construction Process
Diego — who works in mold removal — has spent the last year constructing the containers into a 640 sq. ft. home with one bedroom and a bathroom.
Finishing Touches
The pair now hope to have it completely finished by the beginning of March — they’ll live there while they work on the rest of their land, where they hope to create a proper homestead.
A Home Fit for a Homestead
Lexi, a owner of a digital marketing agency, said: “We love it.”
“We’re living on 12-and-a-half acres and I love it — It’s like our own little city.”
A Dream in the Making
Lexi and Diego both grew up in Austin, and were ready to leave the fast-growing capital city. They bought their land — which they named Livingstone Ranch — in October 2023.
A Home with a View
The two-story tiny home will have both sunset and sunrise views.
A Home with a Story
Lexi said: “We grew up in the city and we wanted to escape it.”
The pair had originally wanted to turn their land into an “exotic tiny Airbnb ranch” by building 15 to 20 little unique homes — but couldn’t get the permits for a commercial project.
A New Beginning
Instead they decided to take the concept and build a small home just for themselves.
Living the Dream
The couple has been living in a renovated RV — which they bought on Facebook Marketplace for $4,000 — while they complete the container home.
They have been making the home bit by bit to spread costs out. Diego has been doing most of the labor himself.
A Home with a Purpose
Once the drywall is up, they’ll decorate, aiming to complete the project in just a month’s time.
Lexi said: “The living area and kitchen is all underneath. Then we have a bedroom, master bath and office. The bedroom wakes up to the sunrise and from the bath you can see the sunset.”
What’s Next?
Lexi and Diego hope to then save up to make a barndominium — a barn conversion — and have purchased chickens and two cows to build their homestead dream.
A Message from the Couple
Lexi said: “We didn’t want to put that money towards an apartment. Where my mom lives it’s a lot of homes right on top of each other. They are all the same.”
“We want to give people inspiration for different projects you can do.”
Conclusion
The Newkirks’ unique home is a testament to their creativity and determination. With a little bit of hard work and a lot of passion, they have created a beautiful and functional home that is truly one-of-a-kind.
FAQs
Q: How much did the shipping containers cost?
A: The couple paid $5,500 each for the two 40 ft. shipping containers.
Q: How long did it take to build the home?
A: Diego has spent the last year constructing the containers into a 640 sq. ft. home with one bedroom and a bathroom.
Q: What is the estimated cost of the home?
A: The estimated cost of the 1BR, 1BA home should total around $60,000.
Q: What are the couple’s plans for the future?
A: Lexi and Diego hope to then save up to make a barndominium — a barn conversion — and have purchased chickens and two cows to build their homestead dream.
