Container conversion pricing is opaque — most suppliers either won't give prices online or quote eye-wateringly high numbers for full fit-outs. Phil takes a different approach: a straightforward pricing guide, honest about what's included and what drives the cost up.
Container conversion cost table — 2026
| Conversion type | Size | Basic (from) |
|---|---|---|
| Container office | 20ft | £5,000 |
| Container office | 40ft HC | £8,000 |
| Container classroom | 20ft | £7,000 |
| Container café / kiosk | 20ft | £6,000 |
| Container workshop | 20ft | £4,000 |
| Welfare unit | 20ft | £6,000 |
| Bespoke conversion | 20ft or 40ft | On application |
All prices are indicative, ex-VAT, and include the container and HIAB delivery to your site within South East England. A delivery surcharge applies elsewhere. These are guide prices — Phil quotes specific to your specification.
What's included in the base price?
A standard Phil conversion quote at the basic spec level includes:
- Container (Grade A used or new one-trip, depending on spec)
- Spray foam or PIR rigid insulation to walls, ceiling, and floor
- Internal plywood or drylining lining
- One personnel door (side panel)
- One or two windows (side panels)
- LED lighting (one or two circuits)
- Four to six power sockets (certified installation)
- Internal primer coat and gloss or satin finish paint
- External primer and topcoat
- HIAB delivery and placement on site
This base package gives you a functional, insulated, and lit space. It's the starting point — everything else is added to spec.
What pushes the price up?
Common additions and their typical cost impact:
- Air conditioning or MVHR ventilation — adds £1,500–£3,000
- WC and sink unit (welfare units, home offices) — adds £1,500–£4,000
- Full external cladding (timber or composite) — adds £2,000–£5,000
- Multiple rooms or internal partitioning — adds £1,000–£3,000 per partition
- Data cabling and network points — adds £300–£800
- High-specification flooring (LVT or hardwood) — adds £500–£1,500
Most conversions Phil builds fall in the mid-spec range — the majority of customers want a few extras beyond the base but don't need everything. Phil will tell you what's worth spending on for your intended use and what you can do without.
Is the container price included in the conversion quote?
Yes. Phil's conversion quotes include a suitable container as standard. If you already own a container and want Phil to convert it, he will quote on the fit-out only — at a lower price reflecting the fact that no container needs to be sourced or delivered to his workshop.
What's the cheapest way to get a container conversion?
The base price option (from around £4,000 for a workshop, £5,000 for an office) gives you insulation, lining, electrics, a personnel door, and a couple of windows. This is perfectly functional for a site office, garden room, or storage unit. Every upgrade adds genuine value — but not every customer needs air conditioning or hardwood floors.
Phil will work through your actual requirements before quoting. There's no pressure to go higher spec than you need. For a full overview of what Phil builds, visit the container conversions page — or call 020 8226 0007 for a direct conversation.
Ready to discuss your conversion?
The fastest way to get an accurate quote is a five-minute call. Phil will ask what you need, what size suits the space, and what spec you're looking for — then come back with a clear number.
Send an enquiry or call Phil direct on 020 8226 0007.
See also: Container Office Conversions for more detail on office-specific options and specifications.