We spent $150k transforming two shipping containers into our dream home… but made a devastating oversight
A couple who spent $150,000 transforming two 40-foot shipping containers into their dream home have opened up about the lengthy process and revealed the one devastating oversight that nearly destroyed the whole project.
Lexi, 25, and Diego Newkirk, 26, from Texas, have always loved to travel and enjoyed staying in ‘unique’ homes on their trips.
So when they were looking for a place to call home, they decided to create something extraordinary for themselves.
In 2023, the couple purchased a 12.4-acre piece of land for $180,000 in a rural area an hour outside of Austin, as well as two empty shipping containers for $5,500 each.
They got to work on creating their dream home and did almost all of the renovations themselves, living in an RV on the property throughout the process.
Now two years and $150,000 later, the shipping containers have been transformed into a charming, three-story abode complete with a full-sized kitchen, cozy living room, two bathrooms, and sprawling master bedroom.
‘We decided to build a shipping container home because we wanted something unique, sustainable and completely our own,’ Lexi explained exclusively to the Daily Mail.
‘It wasn’t the most affordable option, but it was exactly what we dreamed of. Diego and I love to travel and always gravitate toward unique stays, and that’s what inspired us to create one ourselves.’
A couple who have spent $150,000 transforming two 40-foot shipping containers into their dream home have opened up about the lengthy – and pricey – process
Lexi, 25, and Diego Newkirk, 26, from Texas, purchased a 12.4-acre piece of land in 2023 for $180,000, as well as two empty shipping containers for $5,500 each
They quickly got to work on turning the containers into their dream home – but they made one devastating oversight that nearly destroyed the whole project
But it wasn’t an easy experience, and they faced an unfortunate setback along the way that almost ruined the entire thing.
When they were nearly finished with the renovations and about to move in, they discovered the property did not have access to water pipes.
It meant they would not be able to get any plumbing set up for their new abode.
But the couple did not give up, and ultimately found a workaround for the mishap.
‘Several contractors told us it couldn’t be done, but we eventually found an incredible plumber who brought it all together flawlessly,’ Lexi revealed.
They ultimately had to get 2,700 gallons of water delivered from the nearby city which is being used for plumbing the house.
The 640-square-foot house has two floors: the kitchen, living room, and half bathroom are on the bottom floor, while the primary bathroom and their bedroom is on the top floor.
A spiral staircase leads from the first to the second and large, glass windows allow sunlight to flood into the home.
It also has a washer and dryer and a basement that they built underground.
The couple have done almost all of the renovations themselves, living in an RV on the property throughout the process
After they were nearly finished with the renovations, they made a shocking discovery: the property didn’t actually have access to water pipes so they have to store it in a massive tank
The shipping containers have now been transformed into a charming abode complete with a full-sized kitchen, cozy living room, two bathrooms, and sprawling master bedroom
The 640-square-foot house has two floors: the kitchen (left), living room, and half bathroom are on the bottom floor, while the primary bathroom and their bedroom (right) is on the top floor
It also has a washer and dryer and a basement that they built underground. Diego is seen building the basement
‘We decided to build a shipping container home because we wanted something unique, sustainable, and completely our own,’ Lexi explained exclusively to Daily Mail
Next, they plan on installing an atmospheric water generator and solar panels to ‘move closer to our dream of living sustainably and off-grid’
‘We’re planning to add a wrap-around deck and second-story deck soon to take in the gorgeous Hill Country views and create more outdoor living space,’ Lexi dished.
‘Once finished, we’ll be listing the home on Airbnb so others can enjoy the experience, too.’
Next, they plan on installing an atmospheric water generator and solar panels to, ‘move closer to our dream of living sustainably and off-grid’.
‘This project has been anything but simple, but it’s been one of the most fulfilling things we’ve ever done,’ Lexi gushed.
‘We didn’t just build a house, we created something meaningful, personal, and worth sharing.’
