Everything You Need to Know About Building A Tiny Home

Nearly every American has heard of the tiny house movement. These homes have been getting a lot of attention over the years, and for good reason. Tiny homes are incredibly affordable, carrying low maintenance and utility costs. Some people live full time in their tiny homes while others build a tiny home on a lot for vacations. Since many tiny homes are portable, some people use them like a travel trailer. But there’s a lot to consider when you’re thinking about joining the tiny home movement. So, read on to learn everything you need to know about building a tiny home.  

How Big Are Tiny Homes? 

Let’s get this basic question out of the way first. The answer: It depends on who you ask. There is no set size for tiny homes. Most people agree that a tiny home is any freestanding home under 500 square feet. However, some say that tiny homes are under 200 square feet. And still others identify tiny homes as being under 1,000 square feet.  

There is one thing that everyone agrees on, though, and that’s that tiny homes are freestanding. So, let’s say that tiny homes are freestanding and under 500 square feet. That’s compared to the 1,600 square foot size of an average single-family American home.  

How Much Does a Tiny Home Cost? 

Just like regular homes, there’s a wide price range for tiny homes. The bigger the tiny home, the more it will cost. It also depends on whether you’re looking for one with full amenities that’s ready for you to move in. That said, let’s look at some averages.  

• A portable tiny house (300 square feet) with full amenities costs an average of $60,000.  
• A portable tiny house (150 to 200 square feet) with basic amenities (like a toilet and shower) costs an average of $30,000. 

• Buying a tiny house shell can cost as little as $10,000 or as much as $30,000.  
• Building a tiny house yourself can cost $10,000 or less if you’re using recycled or reclaimed materials. This is not a small job, though, and you’ll need to factor in the time it takes you to build the home, as well.  
• Luxury tiny homes are available for as much as $150,000.  

How Long Does it Take to Build a Tiny Home? 

The time it takes to build a tiny house depends on many factors. You can buy a ready-made tiny home and have it shipped to you in a matter of weeks, provided you have a place to put it. Professional builders with dedicated facilities can build a custom tiny home and deliver it to you in a matter of months, or sometimes weeks, depending on the level of customization you choose.  

If you’re looking to build a tiny home yourself, how long it takes depends on your skill level and the size/complexity of the home. Those with no prior experience can expect to spend 500 to 700 hours building a tiny home. If you have building experience, you can probably do it in around 300 hours. If you have help (professional or otherwise) you can expect to reduce this time by a significant amount (20 to 40%).    

What Kind of Tiny Homes Are Available? 

There are dozens of different tiny homes available, each with a unique name and features. But, most of these tiny homes have several important things in common. So, we’ll go over the most popular types of tiny homes here. Just keep in mind that this isn’t a definitive list, but rather it’s a worthy sampling. 

• Tiny Homes on Wheels 

          The ability to move these tiny homes like you would a travel trailer makes them especially attractive. These                      tiny homes come in a wide variety of styles.  

• Tiny Homes on Foundations 

          These are permanent tiny homes that can be added to a lot with a home already on them, in which case they’re              called Alternative Dwelling Units (ADUs). Or, you can build these on an empty lot as a full-time or vacation                      home.  

• Tumbleweed Tiny Houses 

          Tumbleweed is an American company that builds tiny homes on wheels with many of the same features as an                RV. It’s one of the big names in the business.  

• Shipping Container Tiny Homes 

          Making use of retired metal shipping containers has become a popular choice for many tiny home owners.                      These can be tricked out and customized to your heart’s content.  

• Cabin Tiny Homes 

          These tiny homes are great for those who have a piece of land but don’t want the hassle of building a large                      house. Cabin tiny homes are perfect for hunting, fishing, hiking, and vacation getaways.  

What Kind of Land is Best for a Tiny Home? 

Tiny homes haven’t been around long, which means that most state governments are still struggling to determine proper zoning for these miniature mansions. This is important to consider if you want to own a tiny home.  

Rural land is the best kind for tiny homes because rural areas rarely have strict zoning laws that many urban areas have. Not only that, but rural land is less expensive than urban land. Still, it’s good to do your research to make sure a tiny home is allowed on any given plot. It’s also important to consider utilities, sewage, and road access.  

At Land Elevated, we actually have a tiny home category so you can look at what vacant land is available and ready for a tiny home.  

What Kind of Amenities Do You Need for a Tiny Home? 

The amenities you want for your tiny home depend on what you plan on doing with the home. If you’re going to live in it full time, you’ll probably want the essentials you already enjoy in your home. These include an oven with stove top, kitchen sink, microwave, shower, toilet, bathroom sink, a small washer/dryer, and maybe even a miniature dishwasher (yes, they make those). 

However, if you’re only going to be using the tiny home as a vacation spot, you could probably make do without some of these amenities. You could wash dishes by hand, wait until you get back home to do laundry (or go to a laundromat if there’s one nearby). If you have a tiny home on wheels, you could stop at RV parks and shower in their community facilities.  

Tiny homes run the gamut when it comes to amenities. You can go for as few or as many as you want, tailoring the home to your needs.  

Everything You Need to Know About Tiny Homes: Conclusion 

The tiny home movement just keeps growing. Many people realize that buying a tiny home and a plot of vacant land on which to set it can actually cost them less than buying a full-size home with a mortgage. Others just want a nice little place of their own to get away to. Still others want to rent out their tiny home, turning into an investment property when they’re not using it.  

There’s no wrong answer when it comes to tiny homes, but there is a lot of research to do to decide on what is best for you. Luckily, our dedicated Land Specialists can help you determine if a plot of land is right for you and your tiny home. Having a place to put a tiny home is an essential part of the process, and one we can help you with.  

Contact us today to find out what land is available for your tiny house. We have a wide selection of vacant land available for low monthly payments, ideal for tiny houses and beyond!