Custom Shipping Container Offices
Shipping container offices are an innovative way to create fully functional, modern workspace solutions with speed and efficiency. BMarko Structures specializes in converting steel shipping containers into durable, climate-controlled office environments complete with all the essentials from electricity and HVAC to restrooms and workstations.
Choosing a container office allows much of the work to happen off-site in parallel with site preparation, significantly reducing the overall build time. Each BMarko project is 100% custom-built to your needs, there are no one-size-fits-all floor plans here. Get a free quote today!
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What Are Shipping Container Offices?
Atlanta, Georgia’s BMarko Structures delivers high-quality modular building solutions for a wide range of industries. We provide portable custom-built ground- level office containers to clients around the country backed by our design expertise and a commitment to exceptional customer service. We take pride in our mission to awaken our clients’ inner architects, guiding them through the creation of their ideal buildings. We offer tailored shipping container office ideas that meet their specific needs for storage space, security, furniture, meeting rooms, and all other essentials of a functional office.
Modular office spaces can be built on your existing property as a separate outbuilding, an extension of your current facilities, or even a rooftop structure on top of your current building. Find out how to build a shipping container office that’s bespoke by speaking with a BMarko Structures representative today!
Let’s examine the different aspects of shipping container modifications and consider how a BMarko modular unit can benefit your business.
Benefits of Shipping Container Offices
There is no shortage of reasons why a custom shipping container office building is a great choice for your business. When you invest in a BMarko modular office, you’ll benefit from:
A Bold Design Choice
Attract new customers and win praise from returning clients by choosing a shipping container to house your business in. They’ll appreciate your commitment to selecting an eco-friendly material and be wowed by the unique aesthetics of your new office.
Decreased Construction Time
By choosing a unit with a shell that has already been assembled, you’ll save precious time on your project. You’ll be able to re-allocate that time to running the day-to-day responsibilities of your business.
Same Interior Design Choices As A Traditionally Built Structure
Once assembled, it’s hard to differentiate a shipping container office from a stick-framed building. Choose from a variety of wall coverings and flooring selections to create a distinctive office environment.
Do I Need My Own Architectural Design Before Coming to BMarko?
In most cases, yes. We are a fabricator and modular builder, not a full-service architecture firm. This means we excel at the construction and engineering side once a design is in place, rather than creating the initial architectural drawings from scratch. We strongly recommend working with a licensed architect to develop your basic design and floor plans for the container office first. While we don’t have an in-house design team, our pre-construction experts collaborate closely with you and your chosen architecture firm to bring your vision to life. You can come to us with detailed architectural plans or even just a basic concept, and we will transform those ideas into a fully functional, code-compliant office space.
Our in-house operations and production team has seen it all – from simple napkin sketch concepts to elaborate engineered drawings. We can assist at any stage of design development. However, having professional drawings up front is preferred because it streamlines the process and helps us provide more accurate quotes and timelines. In short, you should have at least a conceptual design (ideally from an architect) before we build. BMarko will then handle the detailed engineering, fabrication, and finishing needed to turn that design into reality. This collaborative approach ensures you get exactly the office you envision, without us imposing a generic design.
Who Are Custom Container Offices For (And Are They Only for Established Businesses)?
Our custom container offices are ideal for businesses of all sizes – from growing startups to well-established companies. There is no strict requirement that you be a long-time corporation or an industry veteran to work with BMarko. In fact, entrepreneurial startups can greatly benefit from the flexibility and speed of container offices (for example, to quickly add office space or a field office). We have helped new ventures create unique offices that set them apart.
That said, it’s important to approach a container office project with the right expectations in terms of budget and project scope. These structures are high-quality commercial buildings, not cheap backyard sheds. A common misconception is that a shipping container building will only cost around $20k-$25k to complete, but in reality, a fully outfitted custom office will typically cost significantly more. In fact, shipping container buildings may cost just as much as traditional construction when all factors are considered. The steel container itself is just the shell (often a few thousand dollars), but the interior build-out, insulation, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, windows/doors, and finishes add to the cost.
At BMarko, with our premium materials and custom fabrication, projects generally start around $50,000 for a single-container office and go up from there, depending on size and features. In other words, investing in a container office is a serious project, comparable to other commercial build-outs of similar size. We typically work with clients who have a realistic budget and a clear business purpose for their container building. If you are a small business or startup, as long as you understand the investment required and have a solid plan, we are excited to work with you. A container office can be a fantastic solution for a new company – it’s rapidly deployable, scalable, and has wow factor – but it’s not a “dirt cheap” shortcut. We’ll ensure your investment pays off in a durable, attractive office that serves you for years to come.
(Tip: If budget is a major constraint, consider starting with a smaller unit or fewer custom features, then expanding later. Modular designs can grow with your business.)
Does BMarko Offer Standard or Off-the-Shelf Floor Plans?
No – all of our builds are 100% custom. We do not sell pre-fabricated “stock” floor plans or kits for container offices. Every project is designed and built to meet our client’s specific requirements, site, and use case. Since we focus on 100% custom builds, our floor plans are entirely based on your specifications. We can certainly share examples of past projects for inspiration, but there is no catalog of ready-made layouts to choose from. This custom approach means you have complete freedom to configure the space as you need – whether that’s an open-plan office, a mix of private offices and conference room, added restrooms or a break area, etc.
Working from your plans (or concept), our team will develop a container layout that maximizes space and functionality for your operations. The result doesn’t even feel like it came from a shipping container – you can include all the interior finishes and design touches you’d find in any contemporary office. From exterior facades to interior floor coverings, everything is tailored to your preferences. This is a key difference with BMarko’s approach: rather than selling a one-size-fits-all container module, we build a unique office for each client’s needs. It may take a bit more design effort up front, but it ensures your container office isn’t compromising on your vision.
Keep in mind that because each project is custom, the design phase is important. If you need assistance refining the layout, we can provide input on how to best utilize the container space. Our experts will advise on optimal placement of doors, windows, AC units, lighting, and other elements to create an efficient workplace. Just come prepared with your ideas and requirements – we’ll handle translating them into a workable plan.
Building Sizes and Design Options
Shipping containers come in 20’ and 40’ lengths. Most are 8’ wide and either 8’6” (standard) or 9’6” (high cube) tall. However, these standard dimensions don’t restrict the design possibilities of a modular office building. BMarko offers both single and multiple units. Units can be placed together or stacked beside one another for additional floor space. Layout configurations are limitless, and many individual components can be customized to suit your purposes:
Walls and Flooring
Container offices can be built out with a range of interior wall systems, including wood or metal studs with optional drywall, FRP panels, or other commercial-grade finishes. For insulation, we can apply materials either on the interior or exterior of the container to meet climate requirements. Flooring typically begins with marine-grade plywood, which can be finished with vinyl, epoxy, carpet tiles, or other durable, low-maintenance options based on project needs.
Windows and Doors
We install commercial-grade doors and a variety of window options to provide light, ventilation, and function without compromising structural integrity. Clients can choose from standard steel man doors, glass storefront doors, sliding windows, or fixed-pane glazing in several sizes. All openings are cut and reinforced in-house, allowing full flexibility in placement and configuration.
Heating and Air Conditioning
Our team can equip your container office with high-efficiency climate control systems including through-wall units, mini-split HVACs, and fully ducted solutions depending on the layout. Each system is tailored to the container’s size and insulation rating to ensure year-round comfort. For off-grid or sustainability-focused projects, solar-ready electrical infrastructure can also be integrated during fabrication.
Lighting and Electrical
We provide complete electrical packages built to code, including overhead LED lighting, wall outlets, data ports, exterior lights, and breaker panels. Conduits and wiring are integrated cleanly during the build process and customized to your floor plan and equipment requirements. Emergency lighting and exit signage can also be added based on intended use or jurisdiction.
Work Stations
Interior layouts can be built to support individual desks, shared work areas, or multi-room configurations. Partition walls, casework, built-in counters, and furniture mounting points can all be included based on your drawing set. The final interior is delivered ready for furnishing and wired for power and connectivity.
Bathrooms and Plumbing
We fabricate container offices with full plumbing systems when restrooms, sinks, or breakroom utilities are needed. This includes everything from wall-mounted fixtures and ADA-compliant grab bars to water heaters, PEX lines, and drain routing. We’ll coordinate stub-outs for site connections or interior tanks depending on your setup.
Exterior Signage
BMarko can prep container exteriors to accept your branded signage, vinyl graphics, or mounted wayfinding. We can also build out integrated signage panels during the wall fabrication phase if you plan for permanent signage on-site. If preferred, we’ll leave exterior walls clean and ready for post-installation branding by your signage vendor.
Exterior Paint
We offer full exterior painting services using commercial-grade coatings designed to withstand weather and wear. Choose from custom color-matched paints or standardized industry palettes to reflect your branding or architectural intent. Paint is applied in a controlled environment for clean coverage and durability.
Multi-Container Setups
Multiple containers can be joined side-by-side or stacked vertically to create larger or multi-level structures. Our team handles all structural modifications and reinforcement, including inter-container framing, floor and ceiling cuts, and shared wall systems. These builds allow for flexible layouts with added square footage, whether for expanded offices, meeting rooms, or circulation areas.
How Much Does a Shipping Container Office Cost (Budget Expectations)?
Cost is one of the most common questions, and rightly so. We’ve touched on budget above, but let’s break down the key factors that influence the price of a container office:
Size and Number of Containers: Using a single 20′ or 40′ container will cost less than combining multiple containers into a larger structure. More containers = higher cost in materials and labor, though large multi-container builds often have better cost per square foot value.
Level of Customization & Features: The more you customize, the more it will cost. Adding elements like bathrooms, kitchens, extensive interior walls, high-end finishes, specialty doors/windows, or a rooftop deck will increase the price. A basic finished office with minimal partitions will be more affordable than one loaded with custom amenities and architectural flourishes. Decide which features are must-haves versus nice-to-haves based on your budget.
Interior Build-Out Quality: Commercial-grade interiors (insulation, drywall or paneling, flooring, lighting, HVAC, etc.) are built to the same standards as any office building. We don’t cut corners on quality, so these components represent a significant part of the cost. Using top-notch materials and systems means your container office will perform just like a traditional office. (For example, proper insulation and a robust HVAC are crucial for comfort but will add cost – a necessary investment for an office environment.)
New vs. Used Container: The condition of the shipping container itself can affect cost. New (“one-trip”) containers are more expensive than used ones, but they offer maximum lifespan and structural integrity. At BMarko, we only build with one-trip/new containers to ensure the highest quality result. A new 20′ container might cost on the order of $3,000–$5,000, whereas a heavily used unit is cheaper – however, starting with a new container helps avoid issues down the road. This is factored into our pricing (we prioritize quality and longevity).
Site Location and Delivery: Delivering the finished container office to your site will involve transportation costs. If your site is far from our manufacturing facility, in the Southeastern United States, shipping the unit and craning it into place will add to the budget. We’ll include estimated delivery fees in your quote based on distance and logistics. Local projects will naturally incur less delivery cost than cross-country projects.
Site Preparation and Permitting: Your site may need preparation (like a foundation pad or utility connections). Any significant site work or special permitting requirements are outside the container fabrication cost and should be budgeted for. For example, securing permits or installing a concrete footing will add expense (handled by you or a local contractor, typically). Modular construction often simplifies permitting, but it’s something to plan for in both time and cost.
Given all these variables, the overall cost for a custom container office can range widely. As mentioned, a small simple unit might be tens of thousands of dollars, whereas a larger, fully customized multi-container office could be in the hundreds of thousands. Many find that the price ends up comparable to traditional construction for similar functionality. However, you often save time (and “time is money”) and get the unique advantages of modular construction in return.
Important: We will work with you to develop a solution that fits your budget without sacrificing essential quality. Transparency is key – we provide clear, itemized quotes so you understand what each component of the build costs. If you have a target budget, let us know early and we can discuss how to scale the project to meet it (for example, using a single container now with provisions to expand later, or opting for cost-effective finishes initially). Our goal is to deliver value for your investment.
How Long Does It Take to Build and Install a Container Office?
One big advantage of container construction is speed. Once designs and permits are ready, fabrication can begin in our facility while your site is being prepared simultaneously. Most container office projects are completed within roughly 8–12 weeks from the start of production to installation, depending on the complexity of customization. This is significantly faster than a comparable stick-built structure. Because we construct the office in a controlled factory environment, weather delays are minimized and work can progress efficiently. Meanwhile, you or your contractor handle the foundation or site prep at the same time, so that by the time we deliver the unit, everything is ready for quick setup.
After fabrication, the finished office module is transported to your location (often by flatbed truck) and then placed on your site. Installation (setting the container in place and connecting utilities) is usually a matter of days, not weeks. Once installed, it’s essentially ready to use. This accelerated timeline means you get a usable office much sooner, allowing your business to benefit from the new space without the long wait associated with traditional construction. We will provide a more specific timeline for your project once we scope out the design and requirements, but rest assured that speed is a hallmark of modular builds. If you have a particular deadline (for example, you need the office operational by a certain date), let us know and we will do our best to accommodate it in the schedule.
How to Get Started on Your Custom Container Office
If you’re considering a shipping container office, here are the basic steps to kick off the project:
Define Your Needs and Budget: First, outline what you need in your office (size, number of people it should accommodate, key features like restroom, conference area, etc.). Having a ballpark budget in mind (and being aware of the $50K+ likely investment) will help guide the scope. Research local building codes or any zoning requirements for a container structure in your area so you know what’s permissible.
Consult an Architect or Designer (if possible): Engage with an architect or designer to sketch out a preliminary floor plan and ensure your ideas are feasible. This doesn’t need to be a fully engineered plan initially, but a scaled layout and basic elevations will go a long way. An architect will also help navigate permitting. (If you don’t have an architect, you can still approach BMarko with a concept, and we will advise on next steps to firm up the design.)
Contact BMarko Structures: Reach out to our team to discuss your project. You can fill out our contact form or call us directly to get the conversation started. We’ll typically ask for any drawings, sketches, or descriptions you have. Don’t worry if everything isn’t figured out yet – our experts can help refine the details. The more info you provide, the more precisely we can tailor our proposal.
Receive a Quote & Proposal: Based on your requirements, we will provide a detailed quote. This will outline the scope of work, specifications, and pricing for your custom container office. We strive for transparency, so you’ll see line items for major components. We can adjust the plan as needed to fit budget or design changes. Once you’re comfortable with the proposal, we’ll move into the contract and planning phase.
Design Finalization and Permitting: Our engineers will produce detailed construction drawings and specifications. If not already handled, structural and MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) plans will be completed for your build. You (or your architect) will use these to obtain any necessary building permits locally. BMarko can assist with technical information required for permits (we provide certified plans, etc., as needed for code compliance).
Fabrication & Construction: With permits and plans in place, we start building your office in our manufacturing facility. Steel cutouts for windows/doors are made, insulation and framing are added, then interior build-out proceeds (electrical wiring, plumbing lines, drywall or wall panels, flooring, fixtures, paint, etc.). In parallel, you ensure the site is ready (e.g., concrete pad or piers in place, utilities brought to site). We’ll keep you updated with progress reports during the build.
Delivery & Installation: Once the container office is fully constructed and passes our quality checks, we arrange delivery to your site. Our team (or a partnered local crew) will crane the unit into position on your prepared foundation. Final hookups are made for power, water, and sewer (if applicable). We then do a final walk-through with you to confirm everything is to spec. The office is now ready to use!
After-Sales Support: BMarko stands behind our work. We will ensure you have all the documentation for your records (such as drawings, certifications, warranties on materials). If any issues or questions come up after installation, our support team is just a phone call away. We want you to be completely satisfied with your new container office.
Build Your Container Office With BMarko
We encourage you to reach out and discuss your project with BMarko. Even if you’re in the early idea stages, our team can provide guidance on feasibility, budgeting, and next steps. Building a custom shipping container office is an exciting undertaking, and we’re here to make the process as smooth and rewarding as possible for you.
Contact us today to start turning your container office vision into reality. We’re happy to help answer any further questions and get you on the path to a one-of-a-kind office space!
Our Past Container Office Projects
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- 2624 Weaver Way, Suite 200, Atlanta, GA 30340
- (678) 666-3688
- [email protected]
