Used School Portables for Sale in Austin & Central Texas

What is a decommissioned school portable?

A decommissioned school portable is a modular classroom building that a district no longer needs. Austin area and other Texas districts regularly retire older portable classrooms as campuses are renovated or rebuilt. Instead of demolishing these structures, the district transfers them to structural movers like Billingsley Structural Moving, who can help a new user repurpose the structure.

Decommissioned portables are still functional buildings — they’ve just reached the end of their use at a specific campus. Many buyers repurpose them as daycares, office space, storage, or even guest houses. Even with the cost to remodel, these structures are significantly less expensive than starting from scratch.

How much do Used school portables cost in Texas?

Pricing depends on the size, condition, and location of the building, but here are some general ranges:

• Single-classroom portable (24x36 ft): $5,000–$12,000 (plus relocation)

• Double-classroom portable (24x64 ft): $10,000–$25,000 (plus relocation)

• Larger custom modular units: $30,000+

Keep in mind: relocation is the biggest cost factor. Moving a portable requires specialized equipment, permits, insurance, and a professional structural mover. That’s why many buyers find that purchasing directly through us — with relocation included — is more affordable than buying “cheap” on paper and then trying to hire a mover afterward.

Can you move a portable I purchased elsewhere?

Yes — we can! Moving costs depend on the size of the building, distance, and route accessibility. Contact us for a custom quote!

Keep in mind: while buying a portable without relocation included may seem like a great deal, the cost of moving it with a professional structural mover (carrying full structural moving liability insurance) is often higher than people anticipate. In many cases, purchasing directly from us — with relocation included — ends up being the most cost-effective option.

Can I see the building before I purchase?

Absolutely! Contact us to schedule a viewing. (Most of our school portables are located on area school campuses, so we need to accommodate school schedules and be present for access.)

Where do you deliver?

We serve Austin, Central Texas, and beyond. Delivery is generally included with a school portable sale, but fees may vary by distance and access.

What’s included?

• Safe removal from school district property

• Relocation and reset on your prepared site

• Basic foundation

• Liability insurance

• TxDot transportation permit

What’s not included?

• Site prep (grading, gravel pads, fence removal, tree trimming, etc.)

• Exterior ramps and decking (may be available for an extra charge)

• Utility connections (water, sewer, electric)

• Remodeling or repairs (all school portables are sold “As-Is”)

• Your building permit (varies by county/city)

• Site planning (it’s your responsibility to determine any setback requirements for your site and plan and mark the building location PRIOR to arrival)

Tell me more about the included foundation.

Most school portables sit on hollow cinderblock piers. As part of the move, we’ll relocate the building and reset it on the existing cinderblocks at no extra charge. If you’d like additional cinderblocks, solid blocks, or a poured concrete pier foundation, those are available at an added cost.

For best results, we recommend preparing a compacted gravel pad before delivery — it greatly improves the stability of the cinderblock foundation.