Table of Contents
I. Basics of Tiny Houses
II. Living in a Tiny House
III. Tiny House Building and Construction
IV. Tiny House Placement and Zoning
V. Tiny House Utilities and Off-Grid Living
VI. Tiny House Financing and Insurance
VII. Tiny House Resources
I. Basics of Tiny Houses
What exactly is a tiny house?
A tiny house is a small, efficient home ranging from 80-400 square feet. They are fully functional homes with living spaces, kitchens, bathrooms, and sleeping areas to meet basic needs.
What are the typical size ranges for tiny houses?
Tiny houses are typically between 100 and 400 square feet. On the smaller end, they may be as small as 80-120 square feet. More spacious models can be up to 400 square feet. The most common sizes are in the 200-300 square foot range.
How is a tiny house different from an RV or mobile home?
Tiny houses are typically built on a trailer foundation, which makes them mobile like an RV. However, tiny houses are normally designed for full-time living, with amenities like a full kitchen, shower, and residential appliances. RVs are made for travel and have fold up tables and beds. Mobile homes are pre-fabricated dwellings that are transported to a location where they remain permanently.
II. Living in a Tiny House
What are the main benefits of living in a tiny house?
Benefits include lower housing costs, minimalist living, sustainability, mobility and flexibility, customizability, and an emphasis on experiences over stuff and space. Tiny house living leads to less cleaning/maintenance, more financial freedom, and thoughtful consumption.
What are some challenges of living in such a small space?
It requires constantly decluttering and organizing since storage is limited. Multi-purpose furniture and creative storage solutions are a must. Tiny house living also leads to less privacy, challenging hosting guests, and difficulty accommodating large groups. Outdoor space becomes more important.
Is tiny house living comfortable and practical?
With thoughtful design, tiny house living can be very practical and comfortable. The space constraints force you to carefully evaluate what you really need. You must prioritize quality multi-use furnishings and storage for maximum functionality. Daily routines require some adjustments but become natural.
How much stuff can you fit in a tiny house?
It varies, but general advice is to start by removing anything you haven’t used in a year. Pare down to essentials that fit your lifestyle. Custom built-in storage can house more than you think. Most tiny homeowners live comfortably with 1-2 people and just 1-2 wardrobes of clothes.
How do you handle laundry with limited space?
Many tiny houses have a washer/dryer combo. For those that don’t, owners rely on communal laundry facilities provided by an RV park or tiny house community.
III. Tiny House Building and Construction
How are tiny houses constructed?
Like traditional construction, tiny houses are built upon a foundation atop a trailer or skids. Framing uses typical techniques and materials like wood or steel studs. Exteriors may be wood, metal, or composite siding. High quality insulation is key.
What foundation options exist for tiny houses?
Tiny houses can be built on trailers, cinder blocks, posts/piers, or directly on the earth stabilized with tie-downs. Trailer and pier foundations allow for mobility while slab and earth foundations are fixed.
What building codes apply to tiny house construction?
Tiny homes on foundations must meet standard building codes – electrical, plumbing, fire safety, etc. Those on wheels bypass some codes but mobility means complying with RV standards for road safety and transport.
How much does it cost to build or buy a tiny house?
Costs range from $25,000-$150,000+ depending on size, customization, quality, and features. The average tiny house costs $25,000-$50,000 when DIY and $65,000-$100,000 when custom built by a company.
Should I build it myself or hire a contractor?
If you have construction experience, building it yourself will save money. If not, hiring a contractor provides expertise. Some opt to have a tiny house shell built, then finish the interior work themselves.
IV. Tiny House Placement and Zoning
Where can I legally park and live in a tiny house?
Most tiny houses are classified as recreational vehicles (RVs), meaning they do not meet building codes for permanent residences. You’ll need to find RV friendly locations like RV parks, private land (with permission), tiny house communities, or backyards where they are permitted.
Zoning laws for tiny houses vary. In certain areas, they are allowed wherever RVs can be. Some rural areas have few restrictions, and many larger cities are starting to allow tiny house living as well.
What are some zoning restrictions and challenges?
Common zoning limits relate to minimum square footage, restrictions on accessory dwelling units, required hook-ups, limitations for dwellings on wheels, and codes prohibiting compact permanent structures. Tiny house proponents aim to ease overly restrictive policies.
How do you find land to place a tiny house on?
You can look for RV parks, trailer parks, or campgrounds that allow tiny houses. Some tiny home communities exist. Or you can seek out private landowners looking to rent out space. Farmland or large rural lots work well too.
V. Tiny House Utilities and Off-Grid Living
How are utilities like water, sewer, and power handled for tiny houses?
Tiny houses on foundations often hook up to standard residential water, sewer, gas, and electric. Those on wheels self-contain water in tanks and use RV-style hookups when parked. Composting toilets are common. Solar provides off-grid power.
What options exist for off-grid utilities?
Solar systems with batteries store enough off-grid power. Composting toilets avoid sewer. Wells access groundwater. Propane provides off-grid heat and cooking fuel. Water tanks store onboard, refilled at supply stations.
Is sustainable living easier with a tiny house?
Small space and energy efficient building enables simpler off-grid systems. Tiny houses allow people to right-size consumption and live minimally. The smaller footprint treads lighter on the land. Eco-friendly build materials are often used.
VI. Tiny House Financing and Insurance
Can you get a mortgage loan or financing for a tiny house?
It’s challenging to get traditional bank loans for houses under 400 square feet. Possible options include personal loans, private lenders, builder financing, and RV/manufactured home loans. Creative solutions help but financing access limits broader tiny house adoption.
How does home insurance work for a tiny house?
Standard home insurance won’t cover a tiny home on wheels. Renter’s or RV insurance works for some models. Or specialty tiny house insurance is available, covering both building and contents. Insuring a fixed tiny home is easier.
Do tiny houses hold their value well for resale?
The resale market for tiny homes is still developing. Their value retention remains uncertain and likely depends on customization, construction quality, features, and location. Tiny home models by leading builders tend to hold value better.
VII. Tiny House Resources
Where can I find a list of builders in my area?
We have a list of 150+ tiny house builders.
Where can I tour tiny houses in person?
Visit our Festivals page to view a list of upcoming tiny house festivals and events.