Building a Budget DIY Container Shop (Full Build)

In this video we build a budget minded workshop from two 40' shipping containers, a set of used trusses, and lumber we milled ourselves for less than $15,000.

We're a husband and wife team who bought 20 acres of bare off-grid land in North Idaho. Follow along as we turn a pole barn into our dream shop with an upstairs apartment!

00:00 Building with shipping containers
00:55 Shipping container delivery and placement
01:33 Window installation and painting
03:30 Roof trusses and metal brackets
06:20 Installing the roof
07:43 Making the deck
09:06 Finishing the roof

[juliansmith]

I just want to say. Thank you for harnessing off, im a industrial roofer and i cant tell you how hard it is to get people into doing what we do, our fatality and injury statistics are so high bc of commercial and DIY roofing, so i truly appreciate you not only tying off for your own safety, but setting an example of what to properly do

[davidruss]

On several past job site occasions where we built similar equipment areas we had roll up doors added in to the covered sides of the containers. Turns what was long tunnel type storage in the containers into several easy to access “rooms” in each of the 40 ft containers.

[crystalroane]

Hoping Riley is feeling better, health and family are what matters most. I love watching all of your projects and how your land and lives are progressing. Keep up the good work!

[mikewieggers]

Now you just need to add a gutter system to the one side for rain water collection. Cheers! Love your videos and cheerful attitudes!

[winnieRallycar]

Appreciate the pace of the video, no wasted time.

[wheels-n-tires]

I build exactly this setup as a workshop for my company. Only difference, the trusses sit right on and are bolted to angle iron welded to the container roof. Has worked fantastic.

[donalddodson]

Thank you for this quick recap. So sorry you had health challenges, and pray you got good prognoses. All the best.

[akquicksilver]

I learned the hardway about predrilling for roofing screws. I didn't when I built my shop and I had several leaks. If you notice in the slowmo of Courtney installing a screw, the screw produces a "swarf" the protrudes from under the rubber gasket. When I discovered I had leaks, I examined the screws and found on the majority of the screws, that "swarf" was on the uphill side of the screw head, which of course provided a leak path. I have no idea why the would frequently end up on the uphill side, but they did. I went back and removed all the screws where I had leaks and knocked removed the pigtail "swarf" and installed new screws. If I ever install another metal roof, I will pre drill or go with a seamless roof style.

[magicarpetmoto]

Thanks for keeping this video concise and to the point! To all the people I see whining about the fact they used expensive equipment: most people looking to do this project arent going to be building this into a mountainside; so to me those costs are irrelevant. Cut them a break this is a solid video, and the material cost is accurate.

[anonymousdude]

It's nice to see you use fall protection and set a good example for others. People underestimate the potentially life altering/ending result of a fall.

[Pestsoutwest]

I had a cool idea for a cabin layout a lot like this. Picture three small buildings arranged in a U-shape, with a big outdoor area in the middle. Underneath everything, there's a sturdy concrete floor. Over the top, there's a roof covering everything. Inside the buildings, there are sliding glass doors that let you open up to the outside. And there's also a kitchen area with big sliding doors that can be opened wide or closed tight. So basically, you can easily switch between hanging out inside or outside, depending on the weather or your mood. It's like having the best of both worlds!

[JavierLBach]

Building a budget DIY container shop is a testament to creativity, practicality, and the entrepreneurial spirit.

[datmofomac]

In Australia 🇦🇺 we use tin or "sheet metal" for our roofs mostly & the roof screws go in the high bits here rather then the flat, to help stop water leaks ect as flat is where the bulk of the rain will go

[Midcon]

Glad to hear Riley's feeling better - I never knew he wasn't feeling well actually! You guys rock so definitely do whatever you need to do to get better, take care of Oliver, and then get us more content, in that order. We'll be here! :)

[kwatt-engineer]

That's a great concept. I built a similar setup from two 40 foot shipping containers in 2012. I spaced the containers 25 feet apart by using beams to get a clear span. It was originally intended to provide shelter for our tractors. However, once got started we built a gambrel style roof Which gave us room to build a two bedroom apartment. Once the apartment was framed in, Much to my surprise I was able to build a cozy little loft apartment above. We rented the loft and used the apartment for ourselves. When our house burned down that apartment was priceless becsuse it gave us a place to live until we could build a new home. The move was made easy since it was fully furnished. Our original plan was to just build a shelter, but once we got started it was hard to stop.

[danielharsh]

I have loved watching you folks on your journey so far. I really want you to install a railing around your new deck.

[stevehaken]

I recommend closing in the back to get more protection against old man winter. No cross wind to blow in snow!

[mikeelmore]

This is the first video of your channel im seeing, and in the first minute im blown away by your past projects and current ambitions, oh to have what you have

[johnmichaels]

Very cool building. Having that much equipment and tools most people dont have, had to help a lot. Nice life there

[paurano]

A solid and multifunctional building built in record time and with maximum yield for minimal expense.👍