Frequently Asked Questions

We offer a variety of pre-permitted homes (and other types of buildings) that are prefabricated in a shop setting and made from used shipping containers as the frame. Using our designs provides the quickest and cheapest way to purchase one of our buildings. We make minor modifications to our designs for free.

We also provide ‘fee based’design and permitting services to modify our plans or create new custom buildings. We incorporate engineering intel into our designs to minimize cost and maximize utility. We provide coordination with structural engineering and thermal analysis consultants to complete a building design package.

Ideally, the property will be mostly flat with appropriate space to fit a secondary structure. Requirements vary by jurisdiction but generally there must be enough space for at least a 5 ft. setback from side property lines, a 6 ft. setback between the primary structure and accessory unit, a 10 ft. setback from the rear property line, and a 15 ft. setback from the front property line. It is also important that there is enough space for a crane to access the area in which the structure will be placed.

Typically the height of a basic shipping container is 8’-6”, however we use High Cube containers which are 9’-6” tall.

While we prefer upcycling containers that have completed their useful life as hauling vessels, we offer ‘single use’ containers for those that want them. These are sometimes referred to as ‘new’. Market conditions affect availability of both ‘well used’ and ‘single use’ containers.

We use a high quality, environmentally friendly, closed cell spray foam to insulate. This provides a very high R-value per inch, while also protecting against the possibility of condensation. This superior insulation exceeds build standards for new homes by more than 10%.

Our proprietary framing method and the use of closed cell spray foam in our building envelope is designed to meet code requirements relating to condensation. We make certain that only inert materials (such as vinyl or closed cell insulation) are in contact with the container proper. Window openings are connected to the metal window frame and the interior wall using pressure treated wood.

No different than any building project, flat is best and cheapest.  The cost of a foundation and placement on a sloped lot will typically cost more and the steeper it is, the more it will probably cost.

Yes. Any of the De Lux series of units make a perfect unit for that approach. We can provide water-tight shells for the two container portions so you can finish the interior and lofted ‘bridge’ section between them with a mix of our parts and your local resources. While all our models have been approved by the state, local permitting jurisdictions will need to provide the ‘local’ inspection services. We also sell simple ‘shell’ units for those who want to build them out themselves.

We estimate 3 months from start to finish for a building to be completed in our shop.  We schedule our buildings in the order that deposits or down payments are made. However, depending the on the local jurisdiction of your property, permitting can take anywhere from 8 to 36 weeks for approval before we begin the construction process.

There is no restriction on that from our side.

We believe that if you purchase an optional roof for your project and keep paint on the exterior of the building, the end of useful life is undeterminable.

Yes, all of our units include mini-splits for heating and cooling.

All of our homes are built to Energy Trust Standards. We can provide certification if arranged before the building is started as 3rd party inspections are required. Energy Trust requires a thermal shell that is 10% higher than code, fresh air to house and other nice energy efficient and healthy standards. We set this as our standard.  Get more information about EPS ratings here.

Solar systems are much more efficient and less expensive now than in the past so a net-zero option is available to any building we offer. Grid tied systems and battery storage options vary greatly in price. Off-grid systems steer towards the high side of the two options.

We generally oversee the placement of the containers on your foundation, connect the units, and complete all interior finish work and exterior closure between the house and foundation. We normally also complete the utility connections and the underfloor insulation.

We try to work with others to perform the foundation work and the utility connections as our availability is limited.

For the DIY-ers, we can provide you with the material and instructions to finish the unit on your own if you are outside of our working footprint, saving you some money along the way.

The most common method is via crane assuming no power lines are in the way. In those cases we normally use dollies and winches to get them into position.

Early on in the discussion we assess the placement options and viability. Sometimes it just isn’t practical to use a container based plan.

RBC offers permitting services in order to secure the site permits. There will be an hourly charge for our time and the permit costs themselves need to be covered by the homeowner.

This is a common question we get, and a topic you’ll also see discussed in social media circles where most ‘inexpensive’ conversions are not built to code. It’s a little bit like asking, why does a stick built house cost so much when a piece of plywood only costs 50.00.

Ultimately, we provide durable and comfortable buildings that carry the state insignia for prefabricated structures. This allows you to fully permit, finance and insure your investment, giving you peace of mind for years to come.

Yes, we have sold several homes now that have qualified for ‘take out’ or ‘mortgage’ loans typical to those of standard site built homes. Since Relevant buildings are fully permitted homes,most lenders can provide loans. Construction financing is difficult irregardless of the type of home you plan so it is best to discuss this with us individually. In general, however, if you have 20% of the necessary costs for a building project and good credit, lending is available.

If you don’t have a preferred bank, we can direct you to lenders that we’ve worked with.

We are partial to tankless water heaters, but outfit most of our model units with electric because many folks don’t have gas which is the preferred fuel for tankless.

Condensation in the wall is eliminated using large quantities of closed cell spray foam insulation. Not only is it waterproof, but it has a very high R value which makes the risk of condensation very limited.

Our shop is net 0 solar, meaning the solar panels on our shop roof produce enough energy to cover our electric usage in the shop.