Our Story & Mission

Welcome to Permit Container Homes! We’re honored you’re here and considering us for your container home project. Our journey began with a simple observation: many aspiring container home builders struggle to find comprehensive plans that include the detailed documentation needed for successful permit applications and construction.

We saw talented builders purchasing plans only to discover they lacked structural details, electrical layouts, or editable files—forcing them to invest thousands in redrawing plans. This inspired us to create something better: complete plan sets that include AutoCAD (.dwg) files and local contact lists to streamline the process with your Professional Engineer.

Today, we’re a dedicated team passionate about making container home construction more accessible. We collaborate with experienced architects and engineers to create plans that meet professional standards while remaining practical for individual builders, contractors, and families across the United States.

What We Believe: Our Core Values

🏗️ Complete Documentation

We believe every plan should include everything a Professional Engineer needs for review: architectural drawings, structural details, electrical layouts, plumbing systems, and editable source files. Our goal is to provide comprehensive documentation that saves you time and money.

💡 Honest Communication

We’re transparent about the container home building process. Professional Engineer involvement is typically required for container homes in the USA, and we design our plans to work smoothly with PE review. We provide the foundation—your local PE ensures compliance with your specific jurisdiction’s requirements.

🎯 Quality & Accessibility

Well-documented container home plans shouldn’t require $10,000+ custom design fees. We offer professional-grade documentation at fair prices, making quality container home plans accessible to more builders and families.

🤝 Ongoing Support

Your journey doesn’t end at purchase. We provide local PE & GC referrals to help you build your team. We also offer plan editing services after purchase if you need adjustments to accommodate your specific needs or site conditions.

What Our Container Home Plans Include

We’ve designed our plan sets to provide comprehensive documentation that supports successful construction projects:

📐 Architectural Drawings

  • Site plans showing property layout and setbacks
  • Floor plans with room dimensions and layouts
  • Elevation drawings showing all exterior views
  • Section drawings revealing interior details
  • Door and window schedules

💾 Editable Source Files

  • AutoCAD (.dwg) files included
  • Allows easy editing by your local PE
  • Saves money on redrafting fees
  • Fully layered and organized
  • Industry standard format

⚡ Electrical Systems

  • Service panel sizing and location
  • Outlet and switch placement
  • Lighting fixture locations
  • Circuit routing and specifications
  • GFCI and AFCI requirements

🚰 Plumbing Systems

  • Fixture locations and types
  • Water supply routing
  • Drainage and vent systems
  • Water heater specifications
  • Pipe sizing information

👥 Local Support List

  • Local PE Contact List for your area
  • General Contractor referrals
  • Helps you build your team faster
  • Vetted professionals familiar with codes
  • Included free with every purchase

📋 Construction Notes

  • Detailed assembly instructions
  • Material specifications
  • Recommended construction sequence
  • Special installation requirements
  • Quality control guidelines

Our Approach to Container Home Plans

Designed with Building Codes in Mind

We create plans with IRC 2021 and IBC 2021 requirements in mind, incorporating common code compliance strategies for container homes. While local requirements vary, our plans provide a solid foundation that Professional Engineers can review and adapt for your specific jurisdiction.

Professional Engineer Partnership

We design plans to work smoothly with Professional Engineer review. By providing editable AutoCAD files, we allow PEs to efficiently adapt plans for local requirements without starting from scratch. This approach streamlines the PE review process and significantly reduces engineering costs.

Multiple Foundation Options

Most plans include multiple foundation designs (pier, slab, and wall systems) to accommodate different site conditions and budgets. This flexibility helps you choose the best option for your property while providing PEs with comprehensive foundation details.

Climate Zone Considerations

Plans include insulation specifications for multiple climate zones, helping you meet energy code requirements regardless of your location. We provide guidance for adapting insulation strategies to your specific climate.

Understanding the Building Permit Process

We believe in transparency about what’s involved in container home construction. Here’s what you should know:

Professional Engineer Involvement

Container home construction typically requires Professional Engineer (PE) involvement in most US jurisdictions. Your PE will:

  • Review our plans for your specific location
  • Adapt designs to meet local code requirements
  • Perform structural calculations for your site conditions
  • Provide stamped/sealed drawings for permit submission
  • Ensure compliance with state and local building codes

PE Review Costs: Professional Engineer review typically costs $1,500-$5,000 depending on location, plan complexity, and required modifications. Providing them with our AutoCAD files often keeps this cost at the lower end of the range.

Building Department Submittal

After PE review, you (or your PE) will submit plans to your local building department for permit approval. Review timelines vary by jurisdiction, typically ranging from 2-12 weeks. Building departments may request clarifications or modifications during review.

Construction Inspections

During construction, building departments typically require inspections at key milestones: foundation, framing, rough-in (electrical/plumbing), insulation, and final. These inspections help ensure code-compliant construction.

Plan Editing & Customization Services

We understand that every project is unique. After purchasing plans, you may discover you need modifications to accommodate your specific needs, site conditions, or local requirements. We’re here to help!

Available Plan Modifications

  • Room layout adjustments
  • Window and door relocations
  • Electrical and plumbing modifications
  • Foundation design adaptations
  • Climate-specific insulation updates
  • Material specification changes
  • Custom modifications to meet local requirements

How It Works: Contact us after your purchase with your modification needs. We’ll provide a quote based on the complexity of requested changes, then update your plans accordingly. This service helps ensure your plans perfectly match your vision and requirements.

Timing: Most plan modifications can be completed within 5-10 business days, depending on complexity and our current workload.

Our Commitment to Transparency

We believe honesty and transparency build trust. Here’s what we want you to know:

What Our Plans Provide

  • ✅ Comprehensive architectural and construction documentation
  • ✅ AutoCAD (.dwg) source files for easy editing
  • ✅ Local PE & General Contractor contact lists
  • ✅ Multiple foundation and design options
  • ✅ Code-informed designs based on IRC/IBC requirements
  • ✅ Digital delivery with lifetime download access

What Our Plans Don’t Include

  • ❌ Professional Engineer stamping (you hire PE separately)
  • ❌ Site-specific engineering calculations (PE provides these)
  • ❌ Guarantee of permit approval (determined by local jurisdiction)
  • ❌ Warranty or money-back guarantee (plans provided as-is)
  • ❌ Local code compliance certification (PE ensures this)

Why We Structure Services This Way

Building codes, engineering requirements, and permit processes vary significantly across 50 states and thousands of local jurisdictions. By providing comprehensive base documentation and editable source files, we enable licensed local Professional Engineers to efficiently adapt plans for your specific requirements.

  • Ensures compliance with your local codes and conditions
  • Provides liability protection through licensed PE involvement
  • Keeps costs reasonable compared to full custom design
  • Maintains professional engineering standards
  • Gives you flexibility in PE selection

Why Builders Choose Our Container Home Plans

📦 Complete Packages

Unlike many competitors offering only floor plans, we provide complete construction documentation packages including structural, electrical, plumbing, and AutoCAD files.

💰 Fair Pricing

Professional-quality plans at accessible prices. We believe good documentation shouldn’t require five-figure custom design fees.

⚡ Instant Access

Digital delivery means immediate download after purchase. Start reviewing your plans within minutes, and access them anytime from your account.

🔧 Customization Ready

With included AutoCAD files, your local engineer can easily modify plans to meet specific site conditions or personal preferences.

📚 Local Support

We provide a curated list of local Professional Engineers and General Contractors to help you build your construction team quickly.

🤝 Responsive Support

We’re here to answer questions and provide guidance throughout your project. Contact us anytime via email.

Frequently Asked Questions About Container Home Plans

Do your plans come with a guarantee of permit approval?

We provide comprehensive, professionally-designed plans, but cannot guarantee permit approval in any specific jurisdiction. Building codes and permit requirements vary significantly by location. We recommend working with a local Professional Engineer who can ensure your plans meet your specific jurisdiction’s requirements. Our plans are provided as-is without warranty or money-back guarantee.

Do I need to hire a Professional Engineer?

Professional Engineer involvement is typically required for container home construction in most US jurisdictions. PEs provide site-specific engineering, structural calculations, and stamped drawings required for permit approval. While this represents an additional cost ($1,500-$5,000 typically), PE involvement helps ensure code compliance and structural safety.

Can you modify plans after purchase?

Yes! We offer plan editing services at an additional cost. Additionally, because we provide the AutoCAD (.dwg) source files, your local architect or engineer can also easily make modifications without needing to recreate the drawings.

What format are the plans delivered in?

Plans are delivered as high-resolution PDF files for easy viewing and printing, PLUS AutoCAD (.dwg) files. You’ll receive immediate download access after purchase, with lifetime availability in your account. The AutoCAD files are crucial for your local engineer to make site-specific changes efficiently.

Are your plans based on current building codes?

Yes, our plans are designed with IRC 2021 and IBC 2021 requirements in mind. However, each jurisdiction adopts specific code editions with potential local amendments. Your Professional Engineer will ensure plans comply with your specific jurisdiction’s adopted codes and requirements.

Do you help me find a builder?

Yes! Every plan purchase includes a Local Contact List containing Professional Engineers and General Contractors in your area to help you get started with the right team.