The best things often come in tiny packages, and this is certainly the case when it comes to tiny houses. At no more than 500 square feet, tiny houses come packed with functional and often eco-friendly features. There are two main types: tiny houses on wheels and tiny houses on foundations. A tiny house on foundations has all the comforts of a residential home and is usually built on a concrete foundation. While similar to a tiny house on foundations, tiny houses on wheels are built securely on a trailer.
Tiny living comes with a number of benefits. Here’s a few of the top ones:
- Kind to your wallet
- Kind to the environment
- Off-grid capabilities
- Brings people closer together
Does this way of living interest you? Luckily, there are a number of different ways to get your very own tiny house.
Buy from a Qualified Tiny House Builder
Similar to a residential home, a tiny house should be built by someone who knows what they’re doing. In the U.S., each state has a number of qualified tiny house builders who know how to build to code. Here are a few important questions to ask before choosing your tiny house builder:
- Do they have experience building tiny houses?
- Do they have certifications?
- What kinds of materials do they use?
- Can they build exactly what I want?
Buy a Second-Hand Tiny House
Lots of people opt to go second-hand, although buying a “used tiny house” is a lot like buying a used car. Be sure to do plenty of research and view the tiny home with someone who knows what to look for. Here are a few tips on what to look for when buying a second-hand tiny house:
- Find out why the tiny house is being sold. If there are any issues with the tiny home, be sure to find out what they are before taking the leap.
- Find out who the builder is. Knowing who built the tiny house will tell you a lot about the quality of the home.
- Compare prices. See how the price of the second-hand tiny house compares to new tiny homes.
- Check out the features. If you need to add features later, this could bring up your cost significantly.
Build Your Own Using Reclaimed Materials
By using second-hand materials, you can put together some beautiful and eco-friendly finishing touches on your tiny home. First, start by making a list of all the features you would like to include. Next, look around your local area for building sites and second-hand stores. You never know what treasures you’ll find to make your tiny house standout!
Pro Tip: Windows are a pricey part of the build process. You can save a pretty penny by purchasing your windows second-hand.
Prefabricated or a Tiny House Shell
A prefabricated tiny house is a great affordable option because they’re typically a set design with variations in size. With each piece of the tiny house perfected in a warehouse, the prefabricated home is generally durable and highly energy efficient. On the other hand, a tiny house shell is another great option if you feel unsure about the structural aspect of building your own tiny house.
The Takeaway
Tiny houses are perfect for anyone who desires simple, mindful living. While living in a tiny house isn’t necessarily for everyone, it’s an excellent option for those who are willing to go tiny to live in a big way.
Interested in learning more about tiny houses? Visit www.tinysociety.co for more!
Author: Molli McGee
Molli is a U.S. citizen currently living in Cape Town, South Africa. Aside from writing about tiny houses for the Tiny House Society, she enjoys to surf and promote a sustainable way of living.
Website: www.tinysociety.co