The trailer of a tiny house is an aspect that shouldn’t be overlooked because this serves as the foundation.
Your tiny house trailer is where your tiny house journey begins. This is because the trailer serves as the foundation of your tiny house. And, a good foundation is very important in every new venture.
There are a lot of things that go around when building a tiny house. As unique as each tiny house is, having them built on trailers has become popular throughout the years.
There are actually a few types of tiny house trailers that you can choose from. The choices might be few, but it can surely confuse you most especially when you have no idea about such things. With this in mind, we have created a list of the types of tiny houses trailers and some other things that you need to know before settling into one.
4 Popular Tiny House Trailer Choices
When choosing a trailer, make sure that you will get what it fitted to the design of your tiny house.
1. The Deck-Between Trailer
The Deck-Between trailer has a flatbed in between the wells of the two wheels. This means that the bed sits a little lower from where the tip of the wheel well reaches. Due to this, the tiny house bed can’t be wider than the space between the two wheels.
The width of the bed is confined by how far apart the wheel wells can be. With this, the floor of your tiny house will be very limited.
The advantage of using the deck-between trailer is that it sits nicely to the ground since it is very low. This makes it easier to build a taller tiny house in as much as it makes it possible to build a two-story tiny house.
2. Deck-Over Trailer
As the term implies, the deck over trailer is a trailer type where the bed is placed above the wheel wells. Typically, such trailer types measure around eight feet wide.
The deck over trailer gives extra space on each side of the tiny house. But, it is too far from the ground which means that a loft is not advisable. This means that the only choice for you is a one-story tiny house.
3. Dove Tail
The dovetail trailer can either have a deck-between trailer or deck-over trailer. What makes a dovetail trailer different from deck-between and deck above trailers is that it has angled towards the ground sections on the rear.
This feature is usually found on trailers that were once used to move around cars, trucks, or any other vehicles. The benefit of the dovetail section is that loading this trailer is much easier compared to other trailer types.
On the other side, the dovetail section makes it a little awkward to build a tiny house on the flatbed. But if you still want to pursue this type of trailer, then you will have to apply additional welding in as much as modifying the dovetail before building your tiny house is a must.
4. Gooseneck
This type of tiny house trailer can either be a deck over model or a deck between trailers. It was named after special hitches that it has. Moving around this trailer type requires you to have a pickup truck.
The head of the pickup truck has a ball hitch. The trailer’s gooseneck then reaches the tailgate of the truck in order to be attached to the installed hitch.
This type of trailer is well-fitted for the tiny house for a few reasons. First, moving it around is easier due to the pick-up truck. Second, it is light. And lastly, it’s size is real for tiny houses.
Gross Weight Vehicle Rating
Regardless of what trailer type you would like to use as the foundation of your tiny house, knowing what Gross Weight Vehicle Rating or GWVH is very important.
Basically, the GWVH is how much weight the axles are able to carry. The axles are the parts of the trailer that attach the wheels. It is also known as the weight limit for your specific vehicle which was set by automakers.
In computing the GWVH of your trailer truck, the base curb weight of the vehicle and the weight of any optional accessories, cargo and passengers are added. To be safer, you should not load your trailer truck more than what it is capable of.
If you overload your trailer truck then the breaks might not be enough to stop it when needed. The suspension components might not work. It is also possible that break under the added strain which might make the tires generate more heat for it to explode.
GVWR is not the total weight of the trailer. The total weight of the trailer is called gross vehicle weight or GVW. GVWR is constant while GVW is changing.
To understand further, take a look at this example:
You and your friend are riding the same vehicle. Your friend went out of the vehicle. Since your friend exited the vehicle, the GVW is reduced while the GVWR still remains.
One thing to always keep in mind when towing your tiny house trailer is that the total weight of the trailer is not a part of the GVW of the vehicle. However, the weight of the part of the trailer that is attached to the trailer hitch known as the tongue weight is part of the GVW of the vehicle. Neither of the two affects the GVWR.
Trailers have their own GVWR. If you want to find out the GVWR of your vehicle, labels are usually found in the area where the driver’s door latches. If you can’t find it there, you can look for it on the internet.
Things to Consider
There are a few things that you have to consider in order to choose the best trailer for your tiny house.
There are a few things that you need to consider when choosing a trailer for your tiny house. First things first, the trailer should have a place where you can place your license plate and brake lights, of course. Otherwise, you will be legally charged for it and you won’t even make it long on national roads.
So, here are some of the things that you have to consider when buying a trailer:
1. Size of Your Trailer
Ideally, you should already have the design of your tiny house before buying a trailer. However, there are limitations to trailer sizes that you need to know.
Legally speaking, the maximum width for trailers is 8’6″. Also, in most states, tiny houses are only allowed 13’6 inches off the ground. But in some Western States, they allow as high as 14′.
The allowable measurement for trailers is 53′. If it goes beyond that, a special permit is needed.
With that in mind, trailers for tiny houses should not be more than 28′. When choosing the trailers, do not forget to consider the length of your hitch as well.
2. Hitch
There are five different types of trailer hitches available. But regardless of what type of trailer you end up with, the only hitch that you can use for a tiny house is the Class V trailer. The Class V trailer hitch can max out as much as 17,000 pounds, enough for your tiny house to be moved around.
Hitches have this so-called tongue weight which refers to its own capacity for weight. In other terms, this is the total weight the hitch can shoulder. Make sure that you consider this factor into your final trailer weight calculations.
But before you can calculate the final trailer weight, you must know first that too much or too little tongue weight affects the rowing of your tiny house. If you already know the weight of your tiny house, you can simply ask the towing vehicle manufacturer the right amount of the tongue load.
This means that your ball mount and hitch ball should be rated for Class V too. Thankfully, these are available in almost any auto body store at a very affordable price.
3. Towing Vehicle
The towing vehicle might not be connected to the trailer at all times but it is needed in order to move around if you want a mobile tiny house. In most cases, a full-sized truck is enough to do the job.
If not a full-size truck, a large SUV is a good choice too. But if what you have is a gooseneck trailer, then what you will need as a towing vehicle is a pickup truck.
There is no such thing as one size fits all when it comes to towing vehicles. This is because the towing vehicle that you will choose has something to do with how heavy your trailer, your tiny house, and your things are.
Here is a guide on how you will choose a towing vehicle for your tiny house.
a. Light to Medium Duty
Light to medium-duty vehicles refers to either light trucks, minivans, or sedans. These vehicles can handle more or less 3,500 pounds. Honestly speaking, it is almost impossible for a trailer truck, a tiny house, and all your stuff to just weigh 3,500 pounds.
b. Medium to Heavy Duty
Medium to heavy-duty vehicles should handle as much as 5,000 pounds. Usually, these vehicles have two dual axle trailers or one large axle. The problem is, such towing vehicles come in different types. These vehicles could vary when it comes to towing capacity by as much as 3,000 pounds.
c. Extra Heavy Duty
Extra heavy-duty vehicles refer to commercial vehicles that can tow up to 10,000 pounds. Using an extra heavy-duty towing vehicle will take so much controlling power which you have to find out from the dealer or manufacturer.
d. Super Heavy Duty
If the total weight of your tiny house and trailer is more than 10,000 pounds, then certainly, you will need this type of vehicle.
The good thing about towing vehicles is that knowing their capacity is not a guessing game. And, if you can’t afford to buy a towing vehicle at the moment, you can simply hire one as long as you have your own hitch.
4. Cost
An average trailer cost around $3,000. But if you can’t afford the price, you can settle for a used one. You can also modify it if you want.
Trailers have been long debated because basically, it serves as the foundation of a tiny house. Some people choose to spend more on it while others prefer to allot more to the tiny house itself.
Ideally, you should know the price of different trailers first before you settle into one. This will help you know what goes within your budget or how much you need to get the trailer that you want.
5. Tiny House – Specific Trailers
The popularity of tiny houses gave birth to trailers specifically for them. These trailers ensure heavy-duty steel construction and axles, unlike regular trailers which barely have wood decking. Tiny house-specific trailers have steel beams where the tiny house is secured.
There are already a few companies that build such trailers. Aside from the better features that these trailers have, they can also be of help to figure out the other aspects of a tiny house that you need to understand.
6. Where to Park
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to trailers and tiny houses is where you are going to park it. The answer lies in the zoning regulations that each state has. Each state has different zoning laws and regulations which makes it very important to find them out before you park.
Some of the thing you have to look into include:
a. Minimum square footage for tiny houses
b. Legal parks for RVs
c. Whether you can live temporarily or permanently in an RV or tiny house
f. If the accessory dwelling unit or ADU is allowed or not
Conclusion
Choosing the right trailer for your tiny house is a very important decision. This is because the trailer will serve as the foundation of your tiny house. And, foundations should be strong and made out of high-quality materials to ensure safety. At the end of the day, what you will choose tells how your tiny house will last.
Related Questions
What size trailer should I use for my tiny house?
The average dimensions for a tiny house trailer are 20 to 24 feet long, and 90 inches wide. But still, each state has specific rules when it comes to the size of a tiny house trailer that they allow so, check it out first before buying one.
Do you need a permit to build a tiny house on a trailer?
Yes, most states require a permit to build a tiny house be it on trailer or not. This means that you have to secure a permit first and know existing laws and regulations to be sure that everything is legal. Be careful with this as a different state has different laws, regulations, and requirements for tiny houses.
How do attach a tiny house to the trailer?
The basic steps when attaching a tiny house trailer are flashing the underside and attaching the subfloor. Flashing the underside means securing the subfloor by installing a metal barrier under. In attaching the subfloor, it is recommended to add a steel flange along the side edges of the trailer to be more secured.
Tiny houses aren’t just tiny houses. They are following rules and regulations that each state has made.
About 10 years ago, tiny houses became popular. Since then, a lot of people have embraced minimalism through the tiny house lifestyle. Much more than a simpler lifestyle, tiny houses have helped people save money while saving the environment as well.
Due to its increasing popularity, states across nations have developed building codes and zoning regulations specifically for tiny houses. These building codes and zoning regulations have a direct impact on the construction and placement of tiny houses.
Whether you are planning to build a tiny house right on your own property or move into a tiny house community, you must know the tiny house legalities in your area.
Before you finally move into a tiny house, it pays that you carefully review the state and local regulations. Knowing so will help you get the most out of your tiny house right at the moment you step foot on it.
Here is everything that you need to know about tiny houses’ legality.
Building Codes for Tiny Houses
The following standardization for tiny houses are made in compliance with the International Building Code (IBC)
Ceiling Height
The ceiling of a tiny house in common spaces must have a minimum height of 6 feet 8 inches. Bathrooms must have a minimum of 6 feet 4 inches while lofts are allowed to be less than 6 feet 8 inches.
Windows
There is no existing law that requires how many windows a tiny house should have. However, the law requires tiny houses to abide by the standard requirement, which is to have at least one window that can be used as an emergency exit. This is important so that you can easily escape in case an emergency happens.
The bottom of the opening of the window shall not be located more than 44 inches above the loft floor.
Plumbing
One separate bathroom is required for each tiny house. This is required for sanitation purposes. It would be unhygienic to place your bathroom right inside your tiny house without a wall to keep it separate from the rest of your tiny house.
There are parts of the tiny houses which follow certain standards as some codes require.
Lofts
The code does not include the loft in the maximum floor area that a tiny house can have. However, the code requires a minimum floor area and dimensions for a tiny house if it will be used for living and sleeping.
According to Section AQ104 of the IBC, lofts shall have a minimum floor area not less than 35 square feet and shall not be less than 5 feet in any horizontal dimension.
However, there are portions of the loft that are not included in the minimum floor area and horizontal dimension that is required. If a portion of a slope is less than 3 feet from the floor to the ceiling, then this is not included in the minimum area required for a loft.
Stairways
Tiny houses are required to have stairs in order to reach loft areas. Stairways above the handrail height shall not be lower than 17 inches while the stairways below the handrail height shall not be less than 20 inches in width.
Risers shall not be less than 12 inches in height and not more than 7 inches in width. To get the accepted riser height of a certain tiny house, the following formula is used:
15 inches – ¾ of the Tread depth = Risers Height
Tread depth, on the other hand, is calculated using this formula:
20 inches – 4/3 of the riser height = Tread Depth
A landing platform shall be built from the top tread and the riser of the stairway accessing the loft area. The landing platform shall have the following measurements
and dimensions:
16 inches to 18 inches in height from the landing platform to the loft floor
18 inches to 22 inches in depth from the nosing of the landing platform to the edge of the loft
The handrails and stair guards of tiny house stairs follow the same dimensions that are required in a full-sized house.
Ladders
The rung of the ladders that are used to access the loft area of a tiny house shall have a width that is not lower than 12 inches. The rungs shall have 20 to 14 inches spaces in between.
It is required that a ladder could support a 200-pound load and shall be installed at a 70 to 80-degree horizontal incline.
When it comes to Alternating Tread Devices or Ship Ladders, the required is 20 inches and above below the handrail height. Loft guards shall be placed on the side of the loft that is open. The minimum height for loft guards is either 36 inches or ½ of the height to the ceiling.
Zoning Regulations
In as much as you can’t build a full-sized house anywhere, tiny houses have restrictions when it comes to where you can build or park them. To find out if it is legal to park or build a tiny house to where you are planning to have one, consult your local zoning department.
There are federal laws and local zoning regulations that a tiny house should comply with. However, you are allowed to build outside of the existing codes by applying through your local planning commission. At the end of the day, it all boils down to how tiny-house friendly a place is.
Variations in Tiny Houses
Generally, there are two types of tiny houses – tiny houses on wheels and tiny houses on a foundation. The rules and regulations that govern each of these types of tiny houses vary drastically. Take a further look at the things that each of these types has to abide:
Tiny House on Wheels
Legally, tiny houses on wheels are called recreational vehicles or RV. This means that you have to find a legal place where you can park your vehicle. RVs are required to be registered with the state’s motor vehicles department.
While there are a lot of campsites in the States, most of the states do not allow an RV to serve as a full-time residency. Not unless the campsite has a designated RV parking area.
In most cases, these rules are not followed not unless you give your neighborhood a reason to complain against you.
Tiny Houses on Foundation
Tiny houses on a foundation are legally referred to as an accessory dwelling units or ADU. This type of tiny house may be site-built, or it may be transported to your lot and permanently attached to the foundation. They often come in the form of cottages or granny flats.
Due to the regulations which prohibit purchasing lands for tiny houses alone, most owners opt to build their tiny house beside an existing residential dwelling.
Codes and Regulations for Tiny Homes in Some States
In the United States of America, laws, and requirements from each state vary.
Whether you own a tiny house or plan to have one, you will surely come across the problem of where you can build or park it. Finding a place where you can legally have a tiny house is not as easy as it sounds.
Finding a place where you can home your tiny house starts with knowing the codes and regulations that each state has. Here are the codes and regulations that each state has when it comes to where you can build or park your tiny house:
Alabama
Tiny House Friendly: 2⁄10
In Alabama, tiny houses are not that accepted. The building codes and zoning requirements drastically differ from one country to another. In fact, some cities in Alabama have their own set of limiting and unique requirements, which makes it hard to make tiny houses.
Thankfully, Alabama has not totally closed its door to tiny houses. Some areas in the state have accepted it. In Jefferson County, ADUs are allowed in certain areas, given they do not exceed 200 square feet.
Alaska
Tiny House Friendly: 4⁄10
Alaska is more open to tiny houses than it is in Alabama. But, there are still considerable differences between counties and towns in the state. In the Anchorage metropolitan area of the state alone, around 40 percent of the state’s population lives there already.
Tiny houses on a foundation are required to secure a conditional use permit and have to meet certain building codes. On the other hand, tiny houses on wheels are considered as RVs, which makes them restricted to R – 5 zones. Also, the state requires tiny houses that are built on municipal properties to be connected to sewage and water.
A point to remember is that Anchorage’s suburbs have specific requirements that vary from unincorporated areas. In addition, Anchorage and the communities that surround it do not have official building codes that are specifically made for tiny houses.
Arizona
Tiny House Friendly: 7⁄10
Arizona is more tiny house friendly than other states. Just like any other state, it does not have statewide tiny home building and zoning requirements. Due to this, tiny houses are subjected to city and county regulations and laws.
In Piman City, which is located on the southern border with Mexico, building a tiny house is legal. Pima City is the second most populated county in the state of Arizona. Tucson and its suburbs mostly compromise this county.
In this county, a tiny house on a foundation can be built on any lot allotted for single-family detached houses. On the other hand, a tiny house on wheels is considered as a factory-built home given that it is located on a permanent foundation, and its suspension and axles have been removed.
The county has building codes that are specifically made for tiny houses. Such building codes include the following:
Tiny houses with loft areas should have stairs or ladders as access.
Tiny houses with lofts must follow standardized safety requirements.
Tiny houses must abide by the special electrical circuit requirements.
The building codes in the county do not have any specific requirements when it comes to the number of windows, doors and emergency exits. It does not also require any specific ceiling height.
As of now, the county places second as the most tiny house friendly area in the state, which is followed by Coconino county. Unluckily, other areas in Arizona do not still have tiny house regulations.
Arkansas
Tiny House Friendly: 2⁄10
It is not a secret that the housing cost in California is expensive. This makes it very thrilling to know that somehow, California is open to tiny houses. Tiny houses are considered to be accessory dwelling units or ADUs in most jurisdictions which means that they are allowed yet with certain restrictions.
The destructive fires in Sonoma County have made it possible to build tiny houses without building permits. It also has permitted the fire victims to build tiny houses without compelling zoning.
Tiny homes on wheels are allowed as a secondary dwelling in San Francisco and Fresno as long as there is an existing residential house in the lot.
This means that tiny houses are only allowed in a residential neighborhood and can’t be built as a permanent house.
One thing to keep in mind when planning to have a tiny house in California is that RVs are not allowed to serve as a permanent house. But this isn’t exactly an issue. Besides, California has one of the highest numbers of nomads.
Nomad is the general term used for people who travel trailers or even their car or the ones who live in RVs. They are the ones who do not have a permanent address. It is advised to reach out to local jurisdictions since laws and regulations vary from one suburb to another in California.
Colorado
Tiny House Friendly: 6⁄10
In Colorado, there is no such thing as national laws or regulations specifically for tiny houses. The good thing is many counties have welcomed people who want to live in this lifestyle.
There are already established site-built tiny house codes in Park County. To be more specific, tiny houses in this county must have a private bathroom and a separate closet. The private bathroom must have a lavatory, a water closet, and either a shower or a bathtub.
Moreover, if the tiny house is for one or two occupants, then it should at least be 220 square feet. An additional 100 square feet is required for an additional occupant.
Tiny houses in Park County should also abide by the standard residential building codes for life safety features, mechanical equipment, ventilation, and lighting.
Also, the kitchen counter’s work area should be at least 30 inches long. If a modular or manufactured tiny house is your choice, then it should at least be 600 square feet. It should also follow local Land Use Regulations.
Walsenburg has a specific regulation when it comes to tiny houses. Tiny homes are required to compel to a lot of building code requirements just like residential houses do. However, the city has certain requirements when it comes to exit door width, stairways, and minimum square footage.
Connecticut
Tiny House Friendly: 0/10
Connecticut is considered as one of the strictest cities when it comes to tiny houses, be it an RV or on foundation. Despite the fact that the city needs affordable houses, the topic of tiny houses is not yet unveiled yet. This is because its zoning regulations aren’t compatible with tiny houses.
Delaware
Tiny House Friendly: 4⁄10
There is no specific regulation for tiny houses yet in Delaware, but there are already advocates who are bringing out the topic. Tiny houses on wheels are considered RVs in Delaware. This means that the owner should secure an ownership title 30 days after purchase.
If a tiny house is greater than 400 square feet, then it is qualified as a mobile home. Thus, it has to abide by existing laws and regulations. On the other hand, if a tiny house falls less than 400 square feet, then it is considered as a trailer.
Florida
Tiny House Friendly: 7⁄10
Most parts of Florida have openly welcomed tiny house dwellers. In Florida, there are already existing tiny house hotels and rental communities which allow everyone to experience the lifestyle. This indicates how open the city is when it comes to tiny houses.
Tiny houses on wheels in Florida are required to be properly registered as RV at the Department of Motor Vehicles. On the other hand, laws and regulations on tiny houses on foundation vary from one area to another.
In St. Petersburg, accessory dwelling units or ADUs that are between 375 and 750 square feet are only allowed in specific zones.
While in Orange County, it is required that an accessory dwelling unit should at least have footage of 400 square feet. Lastly, in Sarasota County, if you plan to stay in the same RV park for 45 days or more then you should build it on a foundation.
Georgia
Tiny House Friendly: 8⁄10
Just like Florida, Georgia has widely accepted tiny houses too despite the lack of statewide regulations and requirements. This is because tiny homes are more affordable compared to traditional houses. Most areas in Georgia have not addressed the issue yet between tiny houses on foundations and tiny houses on wheels.
In most cases, tiny house owners are required to abide by the 2012 International Residential Code. Furthermore, accessory dwelling units or ADUs are not legally available for rent.
Particularly, there is no minimum square footage requirement for accessory dwelling units in Decatur since 2014 under the Unified Development Ordinance.
On the other hand, Atlanta has classified accessory dwelling units as a tiny house that has a kitchen stove. Tiny houses with full-time occupancy are also considered as ADUs. Such tiny houses are only allowed in R-5 zoned areas.
Tiny houses without full-time occupancy or gas stove are considered as a guest house. Guesthouses are allowed to stay anywhere from R – 1 to R – 5 zoned areas.
Hawaii
Tiny House Friendly: 5⁄10
Unlike other states, regulations, and requirements of tiny houses in Hawaii is statewide. Tiny houses are allowed to be built anywhere in the state. Tiny homeowners wanna-be can freely buy land and build a tiny house. But, tiny houses are not allowed in places that are ruled by restrictive covenants.
Hawaii has a unique requirement when it comes to tiny houses on wheels. This is because tiny houses on wheels are considered as ADUs in the state. This means that they have to abide by all relevant zoning restrictions. They are also considered travel trailers so they must be registered to the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles.
The Hawaii Tiny House Initiative has greatly contributed to accommodate the affordable housing needs of the state’s agriculture workers. Building a house in Hawaii is expensive due to the booming tourism industry that makes it hard for residents to build a home which makes tiny houses a perfect option for them.
County codes have been changed through the Hawaii Tiny House Initiative. Such codes have allowed tiny houses (less than 220 square feet) to be built as special farm dwellings. These special farm dwellings should have a bathroom and a separate living room and kitchen.
Idaho
Tiny House Friendly: 7⁄10
Different types of tiny homes have different definitions in Idaho, which serve as the basis for regulations going forward. Tiny houses in Idaho must comply with one of the following options:
Modular Tiny House – This is a type of tiny home that has been mostly or entirely prefabricated in another place before it has been transported to its intended location. A modular tiny house must follow everything under the HUD construction and safety standards created for manufactured housing. A modular tiny house should at least have a floor space of 150 square feet.
Site – Built – Site built tiny houses are the ones that are built where they are really intended to be placed.vThey are not meant to be moved or relocated. It should also have a floor space of 150 square feet just like the modular tiny house.
Recreational Vehicle – A recreational vehicle in Idaho is defined as a travel trailer, camping trailer, motor home, or truck camper that is designed for emergency human habitation or for recreation. Their maximum width is 8½ feet.
Illinois
Tiny House Friendly: 5⁄10
Most areas in Illinois have not yet accepted tiny houses. Besides, there are areas which really do not accept tiny houses. Chicago and other cities, for example, have not allowed tiny houses to be built in their respective areas at all.
Yet, there are still places that have accepted tiny houses. In these areas, tiny houses are allowed to be built or parked in private properties as well as in mobile home parks and campgrounds.
Whether you can build a tiny house or not on your own land depends on the county-specific rules. If what you own is a tiny house on wheels, then it is classified as a recreational trailer that compels you to register it to the Department of Motor Vehicles.
Indiana
Tiny House Friendly: 6⁄10
Building codes for tiny houses in Indiana vary from one place to another. The residential building codes in the state are not applicable to tiny houses that were built for personal use. This is known as The Log Cabin Rule. The Log Cabin Rule is only applicable to tiny houses that are fixed on lands and not on wheels.
You can, however, find tiny home neighborhoods in Indiana. Some residential neighborhoods have also been allowed to build tiny houses near or beside residential homes. Also, the tiny house rules vary in Carmel, Indianapolis, Evansville, Fort Wayne, South Bend, Bloomington, and others.
Iowa
Tiny House Friendly: 3⁄10
A lot of communities and counties in Iowa can’t build tiny houses because of the set minimum square footage requirements for residential dwellings. This requirement hinders residents from building their own tiny house in their desired area. One particular place with such a rule is Iowa Falls.
In Iowa Falls, the minimum size requirement for residential properties has been adjusted to 500 square feet. So, the city can only allow larger tiny homes as of this time. But actually, the 500 square feet minimum is a downgrade of the 600 square feet requirement before.
Other parts of Iowa greatly discourage tiny homes. In Des Moines, a proposed tiny house development was not approved. This means that people who want to have a tiny house near Des Moines should look for land in rural or outlying areas surrounding the city. These places have less stringent zoning regulations.
Kansas
Tiny House Friendly: 6⁄10
Kansas is more open to tiny houses as long as it is on a foundation and not on wheels. There are county-wide and state-wide regulations in the state when it comes to tiny houses. The minimum square footage for tiny houses on a foundation is 170 square feet.
The 170 square feet floor space should have one room and a second room which can’t be either the bathroom or kitchen. The second room should at least be 50 square feet.
Furthermore, all tiny houses on foundation should be built on a lot with an area of at least 3,000 square feet. RS3 is the smallest zoning district that allows tiny houses.
Accessory dwelling units are not allowed in RS3 or RS5 zoned areas. They can only be built on single dwelling residential zoning areas with the likes of RS40, RS, RS10, and RS7. Composting toilets are banned regardless of where the tiny house is built.
But, propane gas and solar panels are allowed based on IFC regulations. A small wind generation system that does not exceed 35 feet is also permitted.
Tiny houses on wheels are not allowed to park in private lands and parks. They can only be parked on designated campgrounds.
Kentucky
Tiny House Friendly: 5⁄10
Most tiny houses in Kentucky are built in Louisville because of how large the city is. There are specific rules in restriction in the city but all in all, tiny houses are allowed in the entire metropolis.
Site-built or permanent tiny homes are allowed only if they are built on a foundation. And, the process of securing building requests for a tiny house on a foundation is the same as acquiring other residential construction requests.
In Louisville, a modular tiny house is considered as a house with components that are made off-site that will be assembled on a fixed foundation later on. In order for a tiny house to be considered as a modular home, special tiny house construction kits should be used.
Louisville is very open to tiny houses but a special review process is necessary before a permit may be granted. The applicant may also be required to submit additional documentation to secure a building permit.
On the other hand, tiny houses on wheels are required for the zoning restrictions of Louisville. Keep in mind that manufactured and assembled off-site tiny houses are considered as pre-manufactured homes in the state. Pre-manufactured homes in Louisville are subject to special state approval.
Louisiana
Tiny House Friendly: 4⁄10
A lot of tiny home designs are not conducive to Louisiana’s building regulations. This is because compliance with the 2012 International Residential Code is mandatory in the state.
The code requires ceilings of tiny houses to be elevated to at least 7 feet. This includes lofts and all other areas of the structure. Stairs are more preferred than ladders in loft areas. A window that serves as an emergency exit is also required.
Furthermore, one of the rooms of the tiny house should at least have a floor area of 120 square feet. Doors, hallways, and staircases must be 3 feet or wider. The city is open to tiny houses but its restrictions make it hard to build a tiny house.
Maine
Tiny House Friendly: 9⁄10
Maine is one of the few states that has approved requirements when it comes to the construction of tiny houses. To begin with, a tiny house should not exceed 400 square feet. Sleeping lofts with ladders as access are allowed. Skylights in loft areas that serve as emergency exits are also allowed.
Tiny houses on foundation must comply with the Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code requirements. These guidelines for tiny houses are statewide, but cities have the power to deny a construction request.
There are areas in Maine too wherein boat houses are converted into an accessory dwelling unit following the time home’s construction guidelines.
Tiny houses on North Yarmouth are considered as camping if it is in the same exact location for more than 120 days of the year. If it exceeds 120 days, then it must comply with the established building codes for tiny homes already. Tiny homes that were built before the effective date of the ordinance are exempted. The same goes for land areas that are more than 30,000 square feet.
Maryland
Tiny House Friendly: 4⁄10
There is no specific definition of what a tiny house is in Maryland. This means that there are no existing tiny house laws or requirements yet in the state. But generally speaking, they consider tiny houses on wheels as recreational activities or RVs.
Since tiny houses on wheels are considered as RVs, they can only be parked on designated RV parks. It is the management of the RV parks too who establishes specific rules for the tiny houses.
Tiny houses on a foundation are allowed in most areas in Maryland. That is, as long as zoning restrictions in urban and suburban areas permit. But since such zoning restrictions do not confirm with tiny houses, most tiny houses then are in rural areas.
Massachusetts
Tiny House Friendly: 8⁄10
Living in a tiny house that meets the requirements for an accessory dwelling unit is an easier option than living in a tiny house on wheels in Massachusetts. Most of the towns in the state allow accessory dwelling units. But, the building requirements vary from one town to another.
They are very open to tiny houses that certain towns allow up to three ADUs with the condition that the third tiny house should not be more than 550 square feet. However, the state has no definite definition yet of what a tiny house is. But certainly, tiny houses do not meet the requirements for accessory dwelling units.
Tiny houses on wheels are allowed for camping purposes in the state as long as they are parked on an RV park. Certain problems may arise for people who want to permanently live on tiny houses on wheels.
Michigan
Tiny House Friendly: 8⁄10
In the entire state of Michigan, zoning restrictions and building requirements are set in order to accommodate tiny houses. There were campaigns before for accessory dwelling units to be allowed in all residential areas as well.
As a matter of fact, Economy Efficiency Dwelling was introduced in Briley Township. An Economy Efficiency Dwelling is a house that has an area between 240 and 500 square feet. The exterior of this dwelling should be between 20 to 30 feet wide and 12 and 20 feet tall.
In addition, it also has to abide by the state’s sanitation and building codes. Economy Efficiency Dwellings is also required to meet all requirements for a Certificate of Occupancy.
They must be built on a permanent foundation. Such houses are only allowed in areas zoned for Residential 2, Agriculture and Forest Rec.
Minnesota
Tiny House Friendly: 7⁄10
For zoning purposes, Minnesota has defined tiny houses in two ways. The first one is, tiny houses on wheels are Recreational Activities or RVs. The second one is, tiny houses on foundations are considered as accessory dwelling units.
This is because ADUs in the state are required to be built on a foundation. Furthermore, ADUs also have to comply with the same building codes for traditional houses.
Finding a place where building or parking a tiny house is legal is very hard in the city. Thankfully, a lot of towns in this state are becoming more open to tiny houses as a more affordable option for seniors and disabled residents.
Mississippi
Tiny House Friendly: 4⁄10
After Mississippi was hit by hurricane Katrina, the state has used tiny homes as emergency shelters. But, the use of tiny houses as a permanent home is not yet allowed in most cities of the state. Generally, Mississippi has not yet officially accepted tiny houses since there are no defined rules and requirements yet.
However, there have been a lot of efforts in order for tiny houses to be fully accepted and be legalized in the state. Tiny houses on permitted places typically measure between 100 square feet and 900 square feet.
Some of the places in Mississippi which have accepted tiny houses include Southaven, Jackson, Vicksburg, Biloxi, Meridian, Hattiesburg, Meridian, Gulfport, and Tupelo.
Missouri
Tiny House Friendly: 3⁄10
Tiny houses on wheels are considered travel trailers in most parts of Missouri. This limits the place where tiny houses on wheels can park. Travel trailers are defined in the wheel-mounted portable temporary shelter platform.
Travel trailers are not allowed to be parked on streets and in any public place in the entire state. They are also not allowed to be used inside the boundaries of a city. Tiny houses with a living area that is less than 220 square feet are not required to secure special permits.
The cities Saint Charles, Branson, St. Louis, Jefferson City, Kansas City, Columbia, and Springfield have permitted site-built tiny homes on foundations. However, zoning restrictions and construction guidelines vary between cities.
Montana
Tiny House Friendly: 3⁄10
Montana is in great need for affordable housing solutions but has not yet recognized the existence of tiny houses. This makes it important for tiny house owners wanna-be in the state to do thorough research on laws and permissions which might be needed when building or parking a tiny house.
Tiny houses on a foundation are allowed while tiny houses on wheels are considered as RVs or travel trailers. Thus, it must comply with relevant restrictions and regulations.
Nebraska
Tiny House Friendly: 6⁄10
Nebraska has a formal definition of tiny houses. It also has specific building requirements and zoning restrictions when it comes to the different types of houses in the city.
A manufactured or mobile home is an assembled structure based on the regulations of the HUD Federal Manufactured Home. These are the tiny homes that have successfully passed the HUD inspection which qualified them to receive an approval label.
Modular home refers to tiny houses that are constructed under the guidelines and codes of the National Electric Code and the International Residential Code. These tiny houses have received a label that approved their status as a Nebraska Modular Housing Unit.
The last type of tiny house on the list in Nebraska is the tiny house on wheels. Tiny houses on wheels are required to comply with the Park Model Recreational Vehicle Standard, the National Fire Protection Association Code 1192 or the NFPA Standard on Recreational Vehicles.
Tiny houses on wheels in Nebraska are classified as to how travel trailers and motor-homes are classified.
New Jersey
Tiny House Friendly: 4⁄10
Due to how affordable tiny houses are than traditional houses, a lot of residents in New Jersey are getting interested in it. But, there are no zoning regulations and requirements yet when it comes to tiny houses. Besides, there are cities in New Jersey that have totally banned the building of tiny houses.
The Land Use Board did not allow tiny houses in a community that would be used by military veterans. Other areas have passed laws allowing restricted uses of tiny houses. For example, Haverstraw allows you to build a tiny house on a foundation if it will be used by a property caretaker and only if the parcel of land meets acreage requirements.
In Rockland-area communities, a tiny house on wheels that is classified as a recreational vehicle and that is not occupied can be stored on an unincorporated parcel.
North Carolina
Tiny House Friendly: 6⁄10
The legality and acceptance of tiny houses is a hot issue in North Carolina. This is because some netizens think that tiny houses have a negative value on the impact and appeal to their houses.
Others consider tiny houses as an excellent solution to overcrowding in high-density areas and are a good alternative for people who can’t afford a full-sized house.
In the county of Wilmington, a tiny house that is occupied by a single person is to at least have a floor area of 150 square feet. If there will be another occupant, then another floor area which is around 100 square feet should be added.
Tiny houses in North Carolina are subjected to local housing ordinances too. Just like in Winston-Salem wherein accessory dwelling units are allowed to be built on single-family residential lots given that the occupant is the caretaker or a relative.
There are still other restrictions on tiny houses in the entire state so make it a habit to check first before doing something.
North Dakota
Tiny House Friendly: 5⁄10
Tiny houses are of increasing popularity in North Dakota. But there are no specific laws in the state yet when it comes to tiny houses. The requirements in each city and county generally vary which requires a thorough understanding of each of them.
In Burleigh County, residential homes are required to at least 965 square feet floor area. This is too large for a tiny home.
Due to this, tiny houses are only allowed on agricultural lots throughout the area. This requires tiny houses to comply with the Burleigh County Ordinance and the North Dakota Century Code.
Tiny houses are also allowed on lots that are more than 40 acres. In the same county, all residential structures are required to meet all local building codes.
Tiny houses are also required to be connected to public utilities for water, electricity, gas, and sewer.
On the other hand, tiny homes on wheels that are meant to stay one place must be mounted to a permanent foundation. Accessory dwelling units are not accepted yet in Burleigh County. Only specialized granny suites that have met the specific requirements are allowed.
Ohio
Tiny House Friendly: 3⁄10
Ohio has no specific classification system for tiny houses yet. This means that there are no laws and regulations for tiny houses yet in the state.
For example, in Cleveland, residential homes, regardless of their size, are required to at least have 950 square feet floor area. There are no local ordinances yet for tiny houses alongside its unique building requirements. But, accessory dwelling units are allowed in the area as long as it will not serve as a primary house.
On the other hand, other areas have grouped tiny houses with other structures known as a variance. The confusion on the residents is the primary reason why tiny houses are not yet fully grown in the state.
Oklahoma
Tiny House Friendly: 4⁄10
The state of Oklahoma has no specific definitions and regulations yet for tiny houses. But this did not become the hindrance to tiny house owners to spread the lifestyle in the entire state. Besides, there are already tiny house communities in the Wheeler District and in the northwestern region of the state as well.
Tiny houses on wheels are considered as RVs in the state. This means that they should meet all necessary requirements. Due to the unaddressed specific requirements of tiny houses, a lot of Oklahoma residents prefer to have their tiny houses in a rural area which is not under the strict zoning regulations of the state.
Oregon
Tiny House Friendly: 8⁄10
The state of Oregon already has established laws and requirements for tiny houses. There are already existing housing construction and zoning requirements due to the popularity of the state’s Tiny House Hotel.
Tiny houses on wheels across the state are required to secure required documents from the Department of Motor Vehicles. However, the permits and inspections for tiny homes on wheels are not yet under the control of the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association.
This means that tiny houses on wheels residents must use a commercial hauler. They should also have a special trip permit whenever they want to transfer to another area.
Pennsylvania
Tiny House Friendly: 8⁄10
Pennsylvania is open to tiny houses. Generally, some cities are more accepting while others are not.
The largest tiny house community in the entire USA is located in Elizabethtown, which is a county in Pennsylvania. On the other hand, there is no minimum house size requirement for tiny houses in Philadelphia. But, they should follow the requirements of the International Residential Code 2009.
The tiny house should also have at least one room with a floor area of 120 square feet and above. In addition, another room with a floor area of 70 square feet and above is also required. Unless it is the kitchen of the tiny house, all rooms should be 7 feet and above in length, width or height.
Rhode Island
Tiny House Friendly: 2⁄10
There are no laws and regulations yet for tiny houses in Rhode Island. However, there are passed laws already for accessory dwelling units. The law allows ADUs to be built if the primary home is used by the owner or if the ADU will be occupied by a family member that is 62 years old and above.
South Dakota
Tiny House Friendly: 7⁄10
South Dakota has gone through a lot for tiny houses. Communities across the state have passed different ordinances for tiny houses. For example, tiny houses on wheels are allowed to stay at a commercial campground for a short time.
While tiny houses on a foundation are required to comply with the local zoning restrictions and building codes. A tiny house that will be occupied by one person only should at least have 187 square feet of living space.
If there will be an additional person, the tiny house should expand by around 50 square feet. The tiny house must have a width ranging from 8.5 feet and 20 feet.
Texas
Tiny House Friendly: 9⁄10
Tiny houses are not yet that popular in Texas but there are established regulations already. These codes and regulations are based and determined by local jurisdictions.
In Breckenridge, tiny houses should be permanently fixed on a foundation. They should at least have a floor area of 320 square feet. While on Spur, there is no required floor area. Tiny houses on wheels are also allowed as long as the wheels have been removed and the home is anchored to the ground.
Conclusion
Generally speaking, the laws which authorize tiny houses vary from one state to another. This makes it a must for you to check the existing laws and regulations in your target location. In as much as possible, avoid areas that are very strict when it comes to tiny houses to avoid any problem from arising.
Related Questions
Do you need council approval for a tiny house?
If your tiny house is registered as a trailer, then you do not need council approval. But if your tiny house is on a foundation, then you will have to secure DA approval.
Do you need planning permission for a tiny house?
Mobile homes that measure around 65 x 22 ft in size can be placed on a property without planning permission as long as members of the household use them as additional living space.
Tiny House Security: Ways to Protect Your Tiny House from Theft
Keeping your tiny house safe and protected is as important as keeping your full-sized house secure.
Stolen tiny houses are not something new. This is because of how mobile tiny houses are that burglars can easily pick them up. The necessity to put the security of your home on top of everything is very important.
The question is, “How do you keep your tiny home secure?” Well, this awful situation can be avoided if you are well prepared and you have the right tools with you. Remember, it is not just your stuff that you are protecting from being stolen. You are protecting the entire house as well.
Thus, a simple door lock won’t do the trick. An additional door lock can’t even keep your trailer from getting stolen.
Here are some of the things that you can do to make your tiny house as secure and as easy to find as possible:
1. Make Your Tiny House Immovable
If your tiny house is immovable then, sure enough, thieves can’t take it with them. Making your tiny house immovable is one great way to prevent your tiny house from getting stolen. To make your tiny house immovable, you have to remove the wheels.
But of course, you have to secure the wheels too. You can’t just put it anywhere. If possible, lock the wheels up somewhere that isn’t just around where your tiny house is located. This is because thieves will surely look for the wheels first to where your tiny house is parked.
If your trailers come with an adjustable coupler, then remove it. It is even better if you replace the bolts that hold it with a security bolt. There are a lot of different security bolts available in the market today.
Some are simple while others will require you to use a special keyed wrench just to remove it. Otherwise, thieves can get around the locks by replacing the locks you have installed.
Thieves are geniuses but not enough to bring their tires or couplers with them when doing the crime.
2. Lock Up Your Tiny House
Locking up your trailer has never been more convenient with the number of products designed for such function. There are heavy-duty chains that you can run through the walls of your tiny house.
Wheel locks are also available. Plus, you can use a coupler lock to prevent the trailer from being attached to a tow vehicle.
With such wide choices, choosing the best among them is kinda hard. Each of them claims to be effective, but do not simply rely on what they say. You have to do your very own thorough research to make sure that what you will get really works.
Do not get blinded with their offers. It will help if you watch videos maneuvering such products and read articles about these products. This will help you get the most out of what you are paying.
Locking up your tiny house will ensure that thieves can’t easily steal your home.
3. Lock the Doors and Windows
What is good about the windows and doors of tiny houses is that they are stronger and of better quality. This is the reason why thieves can’t easily break-in into tiny houses.
It is very essential that you secure the door of your tiny house with a high-quality door lock. For example, you can use bump proof locks for deadbolts to secure the door of your tiny house. Just be sure that you do not put anything in your door and windows that will stop you from coming out in case of an emergency.
Securing your doors and windows with good locks are very important. After all, these are the passages where thieves can sneak in. If possible, install double locks for better security. Here’s a durable and reliable double lock for your window. Check out Barn Door Latch, 2 Pack 4” Barn Door Lock Heavy Duty.
Another good option is to install a keyless deadbolt. Aside from keeping your doors secure, this door locks will also make it easier for you to open the door from time to time. You no longer have to fumble around to look for the right key. And, keys can easily get lost or are even hard to use when you are in the dark.
A motion-activated is an easy yet good way to prevent thieves from sneaking in. This LED lights will just light up if it detects any motion around it.
What is good about these lights is that they are solar-powered and waterproof. This means that your electric bill won’t actually rise because of using them. Ideally, these lights should be installed in the corners of your tiny house.
Each unit of these LED lights come with a battery and a small solar panel. The battery stores power during the day which will be used at night.
These LED lights work by staying on a very low output level when it’s dark. Then it brightens up if its motion sensors have detected any movement. When they are turned on, the lights can still light up the way.
LED lights are a good option not just to help you secure your tiny house but to help you see what is happening around during the night as well.
Having motion-activated LED lights make it easier to find out if someone tries to sneak in your tiny house.
5. Have a Security System for your Tiny House
Finding a security system that perfectly fits your tiny house is very easy nowadays. This is because of the availability of all kinds of security systems out there. A security system is very helpful most especially when you are near other households.
But if your tiny house is located in a far-flung place, a security system won’t work as effectively as using it in a populated area. After all, a security system needs someone to hear it and respond to the emergency. But this does not mean that you can’t install security systems just because your tiny house is located in a remote area.
Security systems will always be of help. Thieves can get uncomfortable with an alarm that just doesn’t go off. With this, they will be forced to go away.
If your tiny house is equipped with an internet connection, you can opt for an alarm that will notify you through your phone in case someone is trying to break in. With this, you can have others check your tiny house in case you are not around.
The downfall of these security systems is that routers don’t have a backup. So, if the burglar is genius enough to unplug your house first, then you are done. Your Internet connection will go down and you might just find out what happened to your tiny house once you see it.
To prevent any of these awful events from happening, an alarm that uses the cellular signal to notify is a better option. Just pray that the thief is not that patient to wait for the battery of the alarm to die.
Security cameras are very held full and are highly effective. You have two options when it comes to security cameras. You can choose a security camera that uploads videos to “the cloud” or go for a security camera that stores their video locally to a digital video recorder (DVR).
The advantage of using a camera that locally stores that store the recorded video is that they produce a higher quality video. Also, an internet connection is not needed in order for it to work. The thing is when a thief tries to break-in, the DVR might be stolen as well which means that the recorded video would be useless to you.
On the other hand, security cameras that require an internet connection allow you to store videos offsite. This means that the videos can’t be stolen or destroyed as well. This security camera is connected to the outside world through the internet or cellular network. But these cameras are more expensive. They will also need you to have a separate data plan for each of them.
Generally speaking, security cameras are a better option when it comes to the protection of your tiny house. This is because they do not just simply secure your tiny house but they can show you who the burglar is.
Conclusion
Securing your tiny house is a very challenging task since it is not just your belonging that you are protecting. You are protecting the entirety of your tiny house at his. That is why it is very important that you do everything you can to secure your tiny house.
Do everything you can to make sure that your tiny house is safe. Always remember that prevention is better than cure. It is better that you prevent your tiny house from getting stolen than looking for it once it is lost.
12 Life-Saving Tips for Living in a Tiny House with Kids
Living in a tiny house with kids can be challenging but a fun experience for all of you.
Living in a tiny house has its own sets of advantages and disadvantages. But living in a tiny house with kids is a totally different story. One thing is for sure, it comes with a lot of benefits.
One pertinent benefit of living in a tiny house with kids is that you can save money from house and utility bills. This means that you have extra bucks to spend on other things such as treating your kids to a sweet dessert. Aside from you can save money, you are also teaching your kids to be frugal and eco-friendly when you are living in a tiny house.
But of course, living in a tiny house with kids isn’t exactly as good as it sounds. It has its drawbacks too. Normally, kids love to play around and get messy and chaotic at times.
Dealing with chaos and mess in a full-sized house is already challenging, what more in a tiny house, right? This could even make you question whether your decision to live in a tiny house with kids is right or not.
The key to successfully living in a tiny house with kids is to plan ahead of time. Living with your kids in a tiny house could be a fun learning experience for all of you. Here are 12 real-life tips on how you can survive to live in a tiny house with kids.
1. Be Practical with Your Home Design
Surviving living in a tiny house with kids starts with how you will design your home. It all starts with a plan that is made on the drafting board. If you want to live comfortably and happily in a tiny house with your kids, you have to choose a layout that is fitted for you and your kids.
The layout and features if your tiny house should simplify your lifestyle. For example, instead of going for a smaller sink, you can choose a larger one. Why? Because most probably, your dishes will get piled up with all the responsibilities you have on your shoulder.
Also, you could have a small bathtub installed instead of having a shower alone. Having a shower alone is space-saving but is not practical just especially when your floor is not engineered. Remember, kids, love to run around when their feet are wet. Your floor might get destroyed easily because of that.
2. Go for a Big Porch Where Your Kids can Play and Run Around
For sure, you grew up in a full-sized house since tiny houses were invented not too long ago. This means that you have a lot of fond memories playing and running around inside the house. Just like you, kids love to play in big spaces too.
They can’t spend a long time staying indoors, more so if they are living in a tiny house. The limited space that tiny houses offer is something that they can’t easily deal with. This is most especially true when they are very active and love to play and run.
Due to this, having a large porch in your tiny house is a good idea. With this, your kids can have enough space that they need to have fun. Aside from having a place to play, they can also hang out and relax here.
If your tiny house is built somewhere with a beautiful view, like near the ocean or forest, then that is even better. They would feel like they are just camping. They can have a sense of freedom even when they are just near you.
Kids easily get bored that is why it pays off if you build your tiny house somewhere with a picturesque scene.
3. Design Your Tiny House with Expansion Mind
If you are already in a tiny house and have plans to have more kids, you should design your homes with that thought. Make your home expandable so that you can easily make space for new family members. You can give them the space that they need so that your tiny house won’t feel too crowded.
For example, you can have a covered patio that you can easily close and turn it into an extra room once you have another kid. With this, your kids can have their own bedroom right in your tiny house.
Have your tiny house designed in such a way that you can make more room for adjustments as needed. In as much as possible, do not go for a confined design which will make it hard for you to have more space very soon when changes are necessary.
4. Set Up Spaces in Your Tiny House for Kids’ Storage
Living in a tiny house isn’t the same as living in a big suburban house. This means that most if not all of the stuff of your kids are stored in their bedroom while yours are stored somewhere in the house. But living in a tiny house doesn’t work this way.
With the limited space that you have, you and your kids have to equally share the space. Their things will be stored I lofts around the house unlike in a traditional house where their stuff is stored in their own bedrooms.
It is very important that you allot spaces for your kids’ staff to be more organized. This will also make it easier to find their things when they need them. And, your tiny house will look even better as well.
Keep in mind that your space is very limited which makes it necessary for you to be creative in maximizing the available spaces that you have for your kids. In as much as possible, do not allow even just an inch of space to be wasted. Get the most out of what your tiny house has to offer.
Space storage for your kids’ stuff is very important to keep your tiny house clutter-free and organized.
5. Set Aside Spaces for Private Time
Living in a tiny house doesn’t mean that you can’t have your own private time. That’s not the way it goes. Tiny houses don’t take away privacy from you.
Achieving privacy in a tiny house is very difficult but is possible. Privacy is important not just to you but to your kids as well most especially when you are living with a teenager. So make sure that you provide them the private space that they need.
To do so, you could have a wall dividers. But if you are rubbing out of budget, a thick curtain to cover the space will do. TheSpaceesn’t have to be big. What matters most is that they can have their own private space where no one is watching over them almost all the time.
Having a private space in a tiny house is really challenging. Like how can you even have that with such limited space? Well, creativity and resourcefulness is the key.
Wood panel dividers are good, but they often eat too much space. An excellent alternative is this RYB HOME Wall Divider Curtain.
6. At Some Point, Plan to Build Your Tiny House for your Teens
Your kids won’t kids won’t stay kids forever. They will eventually grow up and become teens. This means that the comfort they are feeling right now of having you around even when they are sleeping won’t be the same soon.
Most probably, they will crave to have their own personal space soon. They will look for autonomy and would like to try to be on their own. With this, considering such changes is very necessary when planning to build your tiny house.
A good way to give them what they want is to let them build and design their own tiny house. Doing so gives them the opportunity to do whatever they want in their tiny house while they are gaining construction skills along the way. This will also teach them to become more sufficient. And you are helping them to become financially free from paying the mortgage and all very soon.
This is indeed a good idea for your child to have more freedom and autonomy over their life. Plus, this will teach them to be more responsible for their decisions.
7. Give Kids a “Hideaway”
What does giving kids a hideaway mean? Well, there are times that a nook isn’t enough to give your kids the privacy that they need. Sometimes, what they need is a hideaway where they can be free.
Perhaps, you can build a Kid Cave for them to give them complete privacy. You can build it underneath their bed where your child fits. For your kid to have fun, you can also add fun games and activities that they can do while they are there.
In making their hideaway, make sure that they are comfortable and that they are safe. Their safety is very important. You should always consider it when making their own private space.
Building your tiny house with kids in mind is a very important step in preparing for the tiny house lifestyle.
8. Put Away Project Materials at the End of the Day
The living room of your tiny house can be very messy when you or your child is working on something. If you are living in a full-sized house, you can just leave it when you can’t finish it within the day. You can just store them in the garage, basement, or in the bedroom.
But since you are living in a tiny house, doing so is not allowed. Not unless you want to live in a total mess. With tiny houses, you do not have the luxury of enough space.
Left out projects will accumulate clutter rapidly. In no time, this could get all the spaces that you have to relax, eat, and do other activities. So, the best thing to do is to have a separate space where you can do projects. The space could also serve as storage for u finished projects and project supplies.
It is very important that you put away any material that you have used during the day. This will make your space clutter-free and more organized.
9. Use a Storage Shed for Toys
Kids love toys that they collect a lot of them. But their toys can easily add up to a lot of clutter. This makes it necessary for you to do something to ensure that your tiny house will still look organized and clutter-free.
In as much as you want to keep away the toys of your kids away, it would be impossible to do so. This is especially true when your kids are very attached to their toys. So, your best option is to build a storage shed at the back of your tiny house.
If building a shed is impossible, then your next best choice is to rent a shed nearby. What is important is that your kids can easily access their toys and your tiny house is not chaotic.
Your tiny house has very limited space. The toys of your kids will eat up much of this space if you do not put them somewhere else. So, in as much as possible, keep them away inside of your tiny house.
10. Carefully Weigh the Pros and Cons of Homeschool
Another important thing that you have to consider is whether you are going to homeschool your kids or not. Many tiny homeowners choose to homeschool their kids due to their lifestyle. Homeschooling their kids gives them the freedom to move from one place to another or to live off the grid.
But the thing is, homeschooling the kids takes away their chance to mingle and learn from their peers. They are not given the chance to experience the school setting. Moreover, their kids are only given limited means to develop their social well being.
There is no such thing as right or wrong when deciding whether you will homeschool your child or not.
It differs from one family to another. Homeschooling might be the best option for your child. But what is best for you isn’t exactly the same for others. The point is, do what you think is better and more convenient for you and your child.
To get more resources for your child’s homeschooling, check out All Digital School. They have a wide collection of resources to support your child’s home education and distance learning.
Homeschooling a kid when you are living in a tiny house has its own set of good and bad.
11. Go for Convertible Spaces
Living in a tiny house with kids means that you have to create multifunctional areas to maximize everything. Like for example, the bed takes up a lot of space in your tiny house. And if you make it convertible, then basically you are saving space and money at the same time.
When it comes to sleeping space and beddings for your kids, always choose designs that are multi-functional. You can find a lot of these multifunctional designs in apartments. These designs work great when adapted to tiny houses.
In as much as possible, choose a design that serves multiple functions. Instead of going for a large bed, why not choose a sofa bed instead? This way, you have something to sit on during the day and your kids can sleep there at night. Be creative in discovering what you can do to make every space useful in your ting house.
12. Focus on Quality Over Quantity
When living in a tiny house with kids, it is better that you buy high-quality stuff. Go for stuff that doesn’t easily get destroyed. This is because your kids will surely move and play around.
With the limited space that you have, your kids could easily mess up and break your stuff. With this, you will have to bug another from time to time. And, that is more expensive than you think.
If you think you have saved from buying cheaper things, then you are certainly wrong. High-quality materials last longer while cheaper materials easily get destroyed. And you might not notice it, but you actually have spent more on buying every time certain stuff is destroyed.
Living in a tiny house is very challenging but is possible. You can make it work as long as you are prepared and you certainly know what to do. If you have been planning to live in a tiny house but is holding off because of your kids, then think again.
Having kids around isn’t exactly a problem. Your kids will adapt just fine in no time. So, go and live the tiny house lifestyle now.
Related Questions
Is it okay to live in a tiny house with kids?
Yes, it is certainly okay to live in a tiny house with kids. There is no such law that prohibits you from living in a tiny house with kids. But of course, you have to be responsible for ensuring that your kids are safe. Besides, raising a kid in a tiny house is less expensive.
What is the best thing to do when living in a tiny house with kids?
The best thing to do is to make our tiny house child-friendly. This is possible by baby-proofing your house. It is also very important that you keep away sharp and harmful materials. And if possible, do not leave your kid unattended.
Can kids still have fun even when they are living in a tiny house?
Yes, they can still have fun even when they are living in a tiny house. After all, happiness doesn’t rely on how big or small the house is. But of course, it pays if you exert extra effort for your kids to have fun. You can give them space where they can play.
Tiny Homes Living: How to Live and Adjust to a Tiny Life
As beautiful as it sounds, adjusting to the tiny house lifestyle could be easy as long as you are well prepared.
In most cases, the decision to move into a tiny house is due to financial reasons. Nowadays, the cost of housing keeps on rising. It has become unaffordable to everyone most especially to those who are earning limited income. But with tiny houses, the cost of living is drastically reduced.
And while money matters keep most things rolling, there will be times that the process of owning a tiny house will become more personal. The focus will drift to the challenges of how you and your family will make it living in a tiny house. How will you start living in a tiny house then?
At first, you will find yourself lost in the middle of nowhere. But eventually, you’ll find the track soon. You might find the transition hard since you’ve been living differently before but in no time, things will get better.
Living in a tiny house will make you scrutinize the things you own and how you spend your time. This means that you have to thoroughly go through the possessions you have collected and the habits you have developed throughout the years.
Here are some things that will help you adjust to your tiny house lifestyle.
Preparation Tips
1. Go Spend Time in a Tiny Space
Obviously, you just can buy or build a tiny house without looking for one that is already built and complete. Ideally, you should not just take a look at it but you should take your time staying in it.
The tiny house lifestyle is not one size fits all. It is not for everyone. So, it is best for you to spend your time living in one to get the vibe and find out if it works for you.
Spending your time in a tiny house first before having your own is much better. This will save you from wasting your time and money into something that is not fitted for you. Also, this will give you a grasp of how living in a tiny house is.
If you are wondering where you can find a tiny house where you can stay for a few days, you can easily find one online. Just make sure that you are booking with a legit owner. Perhaps, this is one of the best ideas to give you a glimpse of how your life will be once you live in a tiny house.
2. Determine What’s Really Important in Life
If you already have decided to live in a tiny house then it’s high time to start figuring out your wants and needs in life. Tiny houses are around 400 to 500 square feet only. This means that your space is very limited.
This also means that you have to let go of some if not most of the stuff that you have. This includes the things that you are not actually using that have been piled up in your cabinet.
You will find yourself choosing between wants and needs. But of course, since you will be living in a tiny house, your needs should be your priority. Having your wants means less space for you.
Which of the things that you have are you willing to let go? Answering this is very hard most especially when you are sentimental. But you have to go through this process when you want to live in a tiny house.
Determine the ones that really matter, the ones that are important, the ones that you really and set aside the things that you don’t actually need. Practice living the minimalist lifestyle because you’ll be living with it as long as you are staying in a tiny house. You have to keep things as minimal as possible for lesser clutter and to make your tiny house look better as well.
Living in a tiny house is a big step that is not easy to take when you are not prepared.
3. Start Getting Rid of Your Stuff
Most probably, decluttering is one of the hardest preparations for living in a tiny house. Letting go of your stuff, even just the ‘junk’, is not as easy as it sounds. But believe us, it feels good to let go of the things that you have accumulated through the years – the ones that you are not using and just displayed there.
Just the mere fact of taking out the clothes you are not using is hard. But this will give you satisfaction. It will make you rejoice for how far you’ve come due to your tiny house living plans.
If you are already living in a tiny house lifestyle, you are already used to being a minimalist. If it is your first time, you’ll have a head time, but don’t worry, you’ll get there.
You might find your closet lacking before but actually, you have more than what is needed when living in a tiny house. All this time, you are living with too much stuff because you believed that you needed them when in reality, you don’t.
You thought that it makes your house look more beautiful, but it just made it look cluttered. You are so used to every single thing that is placed inside your house that letting go of any of them is difficult. But that is how it goes. You have decided to live in a tiny house, so bear with it.
No-fuss. Living in a tiny house could be one of your best decisions ever. Your stuff might mean something to you, but you don’t have to dwell on them forever. Besides, it will just make your tiny house small.
So, go. Pack the things that you need and let go of the things that you don’t need. You won’t regret it, promise. The results will make you thank yourself for doing it.
4. Learn to Ignore the Critics
Critics won’t just go anywhere. They will always be there. They will always have a say on everything you do. So, ignore them.
Most probably, they will have something to say again with your decision to live in a tiny house. They will get every single chance that they have to question your decision to live in a tiny house. Do not let them change your plans. In simpler terms, do not listen to them.
Do not let them decide for you. You, for sure, know what you want. Go for it.
Instead of listening to their nonsense opinion, listen to people who support you with your decision. Be with the people who share the same interest as you. The ones who know how the tiny house lifestyle is.
At this point, negative vibes are not welcome. As always, stay on the positive side. Let’s face it. Deciding to live in a tiny house is scary, but is not as scary as letting others decide for you.
5. Stop Being a Crazed Consumer
Nowadays, living in a big space feels like a must, and owning a lot of stuff is a need. But realistically speaking, living in a big space with a lot of stuff depends on how responsible you are in maintaining them.
The society today is very consumerist. You believed that you have to buy more and more to be happy and satisfied. You believed that you need to own a lot of stuff to be on top.
It is very important that you stop this lifestyle and do not fall for this notion again once you live in a tiny house. Admit it, you are as guilty as us when it comes to us. But it is time to change that lifestyle and start being a minimalist.
Their offer might sound good but that’s how it really is. Marketing is their forte, always remember that. You don’t actually need the latest and most innovative products to keep you living. They are not the air that you breathe or the food that you eat.
Stop being a crazed customer. Start purchasing the ones that are just really needed. You don’t have to live with the hype.
With such limited space, having your own personal space is almost impossible not unless you are creative and resourceful.
6. Define Your Idea of Meaningful Space
In the house where you are living right now, which of the spaces that you have mean so much to you? What part of the house do you spend most of your time? Which space could you not imagine not having?
It’s time to start figuring out the spaces in your house that mean a lot to you. This will help you come up with the best plan for your tiny house and tiny life.
Traditional houses have a lot of spaces which you can’t have in a tiny house. Besides, the spaces that you have in a tiny house is the miniature version of everything. So, which of the spaces are you willing to let go of?
Knowing the space that means a lot to you is your very first step towards planning your tiny house. This is very important in order for you to maximize your tiny house. This will also keep you away from wasting any space.
Remember, every inch of space matters when you are living in a tiny house. It is understandable that you want every single part of a traditional house, but you just can’t. So, start weighing which of the spaces are the heaviest to you.
7. Find Your Tiny House Community
Just like you, there are a lot of people who want to live in a tiny house too. They are everywhere, waiting for you. And, they are very ready to give you all the information that you need to kick start your tiny house life.
With them, you will get the advice that you need in order to begin. How will you find them out?
Start by searching for tiny homes near you. Find groups of tiny house owners on Facebook. Get in touch with bloggers of tiny houses. Ask people you know in case they know someone who owns a tiny house.
There are actually a lot of things that you can do to widen your connection with tiny house owners. This step is very important when preparing to live in a tiny house. Why?
More or less, these people are the ones who know about building codes, zoning, and constructing and living in a tiny house. With them, you can get the information that you need in order to keep you going. It’s time to outsource all the information that you need in order for you to survive the tiny house lifestyle.
Things to Consider when Planning to Live in a Tiny House
There are a lot of things that you have to consider when planning to live in a tiny house for a smoother transition.
1. Toilet
Living in a tiny house isn’t exactly the same as living in a traditional house. This means that you have to deal with problems you are not dealing with before. And that includes problems with a toilet.
Choosing the right toilet for your tiny house is a very important and critical decision that you have to face. Having the right toilet in your tiny house will not just make you feel comfortable but will also save you from any problem soon. If you want to travel from one place to another with your tiny house, then you have to look for a good alternative to the traditional flush toilet.
Keep in mind that you have to keep your toilet at a limited space due to your already limited space. Soundproofing your toilet also matters. Sure enough, you don’t want to be embarrassed with the sounds that you make when using the toilet.
2. Personal Space
If you have tried living in a dorm, you probably know the struggle of not having your own personal space. Having time on your own is very difficult given the tight same that dorm rooms offer. And with the limited space that tiny houses have to offer, you have to be as creative as you can to have your very own personal space.
A good way to have your very own personal space on your tiny house is to divide your house strategically. You can use curtains to have some privacy. You could also make use of wall dividers if you want.
Also, in as much as possible, do not let anyone enter your room. Keep that space for yourself only. You could share the rest of the space with others but at least have something you can call your own.
3. Lights
It can be very easy for small spaces to feel and get dark. This makes it very important to have a light source wherever it is possible. The light source could either be natural or not.
Have big windows in your tiny house where natural light can pass through. Natural lights can do magic. They can easily lift up and set the mood of your tiny house.
When you have a good number of windows, do not cover them up with curtains. It is even better if you don’t put curtains at all. If not, use blinds to cover-up your windows during the night.
To control the amount of light in your tiny house, install recessed lighting that has dimmer switches. You could also put string lights in nooks and lamps in corners. When setting up lights, it would be better to have them hanged to save space and expand the space visually.
4. Maintenance
In maintaining your tiny house, don’t let yourself stay in repair mode. Fix any damage repaired as soon as possible. Do regular maintenance checks as well.
Doing regular maintenance check is very important in order to find out any problem and prevent it from getting more serious. Living in a tiny house doesn’t mean that you are exempted from maintaining it. Besides, you have to be more keen on it most especially when you are on the move.
Some of the things that you have to regularly check include roof leaks, appliance upkeep problems, and plumbing and electrical issues. If what you have is a mobile tiny house, the tires, brakes, and bearings also have to be checked.
When planning or already living in a tiny house, do not forget to maintain it. Maintaining your tiny house plays a pivotal role in how long your tiny house will last. It also has something to do with your safety, so make this your priority.
5. Lifestyle
The tiny house lifestyle isn’t the same as the lifestyle you’re used to. Remember, your tiny house isn’t just a house, it’s a lifestyle. And, you have to adapt to that lifestyle.
If you are into the arts, then make sure that everything will still look clean and organized once you are done doing your stuff. If you can’t live without a dryer, then you should have a bigger space. In such a case, it would even be better to have your tiny house built on a foundation.
Do not forget that you can always customize your tiny house. Do not settle for anything less. Feel free to do whatever you want with your tiny house. Just make sure that you do not overdo anything.
Tips For Adjusting To Life In A Tiny House
IT is not easy to adjust to the tiny house lifestyle, but being prepared will make it easy.
Over the past few years, the tiny house movement has become a very trending topic. It’s growing popularity has invited a lot of people. But, they just see this as a bigger dollhouse, not something that they could see themselves living in.
This is because the idea of transitioning from a big house into an ultra-small one isn’t attractive to others. But then again, tiny houses exist for a reason – the so-called “modern conveniences”. So, how will you adjust to living in a tiny house?
Here are some of the most common questions asked about the concept of tiny house living which will help you prepare and adjust to this lifestyle.
1. How Do You Fit My 3-Bedroom Lifestyle into a Tiny House?
At a maximum, tiny houses only measure 500 square feet. This means that you have to put everything you necessarily need in such a limited space. This could be not your piece of cake.
This means that you and your family should figure out the stuff that you necessarily need in order to live. Regardless of your effort, it would be impossible to put everything you have with such a limited space. So, minimalism is the key.
Bring only the ones that you really need – from clothes, the decorative pieces, and more. It would also be good if you do the one thing in, one thing out practice. This way, your tiny house will not look cramped.
This doesn’t mean that you can’t have a little luxury. Of course, you can. You just have to keep things at a minimum. Remember to focus on the quality over the quantity of the items that you have.
2. Where Do You Put Your Clothes?
Just like everyone else, you probably have a lot of clothes. Some, if not most, of these clothes are still unused yet you just can’t let them go. This is because you thought you could use it one day.
But once you have decided to live in a tiny house, this mindset is not applicable. Living in a tiny house entails reducing the number of clothes that you have. But this does not necessarily mean that you have to eliminate all the clothes you have.
This does not also mean that you should have four outfits only. That’s not how it goes. When loving in a tiny house, it would be better if you go for an interchangeable wardrobe. You could also opt for multipurpose clothes.
This way, you save space and money at the same time. You can also go away from getting frustrated by deciding what you should wear.
3. What about Cooking and Cleaning?
You might be wondering how you will cook in your tiny house. Cooking in a tiny house doesn’t mean that you will cook on your child’s tiny range. There are a lot of compact appliances that you can purchase for your tiny house.
In fact, there are already appliances that are specifically made for tiny houses. These appliances will perfectly fit your tiny house as long as it is designed well. This means that you can still cook the way you do in your big house.
You could also have an outdoor cooking space if you want. An outdoor kitchen is perfect if you want to camp or grill every now and then. You can also custom build your kitchen in a way that will perfectly fit your kitchen appliances.
4. Are the Bathrooms Outside?
Not unless you want to have your bathroom outside, the bathroom of a tiny house is inside. Tiny house bathrooms have been well adapted to tiny houses. Besides, most tiny house builders customize the bathroom in order for it to fit in a tiny house.
Despite their size, tiny houses are still equipped with the smaller version of the necessities of personal hygiene. And throughout the years, tiny house builders have come up with creative ways to incorporate bathroom luxuries into tiny houses. These luxuries come in compact sizes.
The toilet in a tiny house is compact but is not as tiny as you think. You can still use them comfortably. You do not have to worry that you will be getting out of balance. There’s no big difference in using a regular toilet.
5. Am I Supposed to Live Without a Garage?
There is no such tiny house rule which stops you from owning a few properties. You could still have separate space as you want and need. Have a different or adjoining room for spaces such as your office, craft room, garage and so much more.
Living in a tiny house, but this doesn’t mean that you have to stop doing what you love just because you do not have the space to do so. You could always have a separate space for that. Besides, living in a tiny house could save you money which you can use to meet your other needs.
When you have a car that requires you to have a garage, feel free to have one. You could have it adjoined into your tiny house or place it in a different place as long as it is near you.
Conclusion
Deciding to live in a tiny house is one of the bravest things you can do. The start may be hard but you’ll enjoy it as time goes by. Do not let the challenges bring you down, let it be your inspiration to go through.
Related Questions
How long does it take for me to adjust to the tiny house lifestyle?
Adjusting to the tiny house lifestyle could take months or years. It all depends on you. Adjusting could be easy if you have planned to live in a tiny house for so long and if you are very willing to go through the process as well. Just remember that forcing yourself to adapt to the lifestyle won’t help. Let yourself adjust naturally. Adjusting is a step by step process, not a one time process.
Is it better if I live alone first in a tiny house?
Ideally, you should have someone with you in the first few days that you will be living in your tiny house. This will help you adjust faster to the tiny house lifestyle. Living alone right when you moved into your tiny house could make it hard for you to adjust.
Tiny House Living: 8 Clever Ideas to Maximize Your Space
Maximizing the space of a tiny house isn’t as hard as you thought – just be creative.
Living in a tiny house means having limited space. This also means that you have to be very smart and clever to put everything you need in there. But how?
The answer relies on how you will get the most out of the spaces that you have. Yes, space is limited, but your imagination and creativity are unlimited. You just have to be creative and imaginative to come up with amazing ideas on how you can maximize your space.
It might be a little bit challenging, but once you get its rhythm, it will come out easily. Plus, it is fun too especially when you do it with family and friends. So, here are some of the things that you could do to maximize the space in your tiny house.
1. Find Space Storage in Unique Locations
Unlike traditional homes, tiny houses don’t have basements or attics where you can store your stuff. You don’t have all the space you need to accommodate all the luxurious items that you want. Besides, living in a tiny house will require you to look for storage in spaces you never thought are useful.
Thankfully, interior designers and architects have taken the challenge of creating storage space in very small spaces. So, if you can’t handle this problem, the best thing to do is ask for professional help. This way, you can maximize the space that your tiny house has to offer.
But if you do not have the budget, you can do it yourself instead. For example, instead of having a dish cabinet in the counter, you can opt for a hanging dish drying cabinet. This way, you can save counter space. It looks posher as well.
There is actually a lot of space in your tiny house. Some of them are waiting for you to discover them. You just have to figure them out and start using them creatively. Who knows, the space under your table might serve a purpose, right?
2. Go Vertical
In most homes, vertical spaces are of no use. But when it comes to tiny houses, vertical spaces are very useful. These vertical spaces are basically empty canvasses waiting for you to design it the way you wish.
Using vertical spaces for storage purposes is a very practical way to store your stuff. And at times, they save you from spending too much just to fill all your things in your tiny house. Here are some ways on how you can maximize the vertical spaces of your tiny house:
a. Add a vertical garden
Adding a vertical garden in your tiny house is a very practical way to maximize your vertical space. With this, you are saving money and getting the most out of your space at the same time. You will no longer find yourself lacking any of the spices that you need when cooking.
You might not have considered it yet, but your doorway can actually store some of the stuff that you have. When doing so, you have to make it look more open first. This is because you will be placing items at an eye level.
You can simply add a shelf and there you go. You can already display the stuff that you have such as bowls, vases, and other decorative items that you have. Shelving your doorways is a very practical way to redecorate your tiny house.
c. Think thin and tall
If your tiny house offers a lot of vertical space, then ideally, you should incorporate tall pieces rather than the wide ones. Doing so does not just add visual variation but it also makes your tiny house more interesting.
Thankfully, you do not have to splurge your hard-earned cash on expensive furniture just to achieve this look. You can simply stack several pieces of art. You can also add framed family pictures vertically to add height to your vertical space.
There is a lot of vertical space in your closet that is being wasted. So, how will you get the most out of the space in your closet? Shelving is the answer.
Shelving gives you easy storage for your personal items such as shoes, handbags, and the like. High-end closets are obviously expensive. Luckily, there are a lot of low-cost closet organizers that you can easily find in stores.
Too much stuff will make your tiny house bedroom look cluttered. It will also make it look even smaller. If you want to maximize the space in your bedroom, adding bed risers is your best bet.
Bed risers instantly give you space where you can store stuff you do not frequently use. This is more practical rather than buying other furniture where you can place your stuff. Besides, this is a perfect way to hide clutter from your eyesight.
Maximizing the space of a tiny house will require you to think outside the box.
3. Slatwall Shelving
Slatwall panels are a superb way to maximize the space in your tiny house. These are flexible storage spaces that can accommodate different items for you. From books to vases and more, Slatwall shelves are your perfect go-to for your tiny house.
Slatwall is also a good alternative to a nightstand table. You just have to figure it out if it works on the space where you will be installing it.
Aside from giving you more space in your tiny house, Slatwall shelves also make your room more aesthetic. They can make your tiny house look more spacious.
Slatwall shelves are very easy to install. And because they are made of aluminum, they are very lightweight yet extremely durable and versatile.
Ideally, heavier Slatwall systems are better. This is because they allow virtually endless space storage for almost anything. They can be custom designed as well.
Slat walls can be used as anchors for hooks, hanging rods, shelves, and any other thing that you want to display in your tiny house. Best of all, they are more affordable than traditional shelves.
4. Creative Outdoor Storage
Sure enough, you have outdoor stuff that you need to store as well. Bringing these things inside your tiny house is not advised due to the limited space that you have. What will you do then?
In such cases, what you can do is to make the most out of your outdoor space. For example, your outdoor stairs can be used as a shoe store. Or, you can store your gardening tools and supplies there.
This will not just save you indoor space but it also helps you secure your outdoor items. Thus, you do not have to worry so much about them.
Here are some of the things that you can do to maximize the outdoors of your tiny house:
a. Use a hanging organizer to store gardening tools
A hanging organizer is like baking soda—it literally fixes everything. Having a hanging organizer outside your tiny house is very helpful.
You can use it to store your crafts, cleaning supplies, shoes, winter accessories, and so much more. In addition, hanging organizers can also be used to store gardening tools and supplies. This includes twine, gloves, clippers, seed packets, and plant stakes.
In most cases, living in a tiny house will require you to use compact items in order to fit the space.
b. Have an outdoor cooking space
An outdoor cooking space is a good idea if you want to have more space when cooking. It is also more ideal if you love camping. This will make cooking, grilling to be more particular, a lot easier.
Baking is also possible. An outdoor cooking space is perfect for anyone who loves the outdoors. Besides, staying outdoors will help you save electric bills for air conditioners and the smoke system as well.
Check out this very conventional CUISINART CGG-888 Grill. It’s perfect for the outdoors!
c. Have a hammock
Having a hammock outside can make your tiny house look bigger and wider than it actually is. It also gives you extra space to relax during the day or even when the night is still young. It is also a fun way to enjoy the outdoors of your tiny house.
5. Go for a pull out bed
If you want to maximize your floor space in your bedroom, you can use a pull out bed. A pull out bed is easier to manage on a daily basis especially when you want to keep things organized most of the time. Pull out beds can also accommodate more, so, you will not need any additional beds.
You will also have more space during the day and have enough sleeping space for everyone during the night. This is a good option aside from beds with storage under them.
Pull out beds are very versatile. It can convert the living room of your tiny house into a guest room or a compact bedroom. With this, you can enjoy your living room while you can easily sleep at any time of the day.
It is also very ideal if you want to stay up late at night to watch a movie. This is because this allows you to stay in a comfortable position. It is also a perfect choice if you work at home since you can just lie down and take a break in between shifts.
6. Buy furniture that is multifunctional
Having a bed with bookshelf on its headboard and drawers below it is already three furniture pieces combined into one. Using multifunctional furniture in your tiny house is very useful given the limited space that you have. With such furniture, you have more space for other items while saving money.
The more furniture you have, the more clutter there will be. The chance that your tiny house will look disorganized is also higher. These things will make your tiny house even look smaller.
Having multifunctional furniture pieces in your tiny house helps you reduce clutter. This is because the number of furniture pieces in your tiny house is reduced. It also highlights the beauty of your tiny house, making it more inviting and bigger.
In addition, multifunctional furniture is also easier to clean and maintain. You only have a few pieces to clean so, you won’t be rushing just to clean your entire place. Cleaning your tiny house will take you less time, so you can dedicate the rest of your time to other things.
The holy grail to having more space in your tiny house is to keep items off the floor. Of course, you can still put rugs or furniture on the floor. Keeping items off the floor means not using the floor to store your stuff.
Do not use the floor of your tiny house as storage. In no time, your floor will end up as a dumping ground. And, your tiny house will look messy with no space for other things.
The best thing that you can do is to do shelving. This will make your tiny house less cluttered. Doing so also makes cleaning the floor easier.
In as much as possible, keep things off the floor – including your shoes. Learn to put them into organizers or shelves. If that is not possible, at least keep items on the floor as minimal as possible.
8. Declutter
Less is more is very applicable when it comes to tiny houses. Actually, having a small space is the problem. Having too much stuff is the issue.
Letting go of the things you have is very hard. This is because you think that you can use them one day. But, when is that one day coming?
If you want to maximize the space of your tiny house while keeping things peaceful, calm, and uncluttered, learn to declutter. Declutter by figuring out first the things that you actually need and the things that you will not use now or soon.
Start by finding out all the things that you have and separating the items that you necessarily need from the items that are useless to you.
Decluttering might be hard to start but it is very freeing once you are done with it. Remember, your space is very limited. Your tiny house can’t accommodate all your items.
The best way to keep your tiny house look organized is to declutter. This will also help you maximize the space of your tiny house. So, go, purge as much as you can’t.
The space in your tiny house is very limited. You might find it almost impossible to fit all your necessary things in there. But as long as you know how to get the most out of your limited space, fitting them all won’t be as hard as you think.
Related Questions
Is it possible to cook in a tiny house?
Yes, it is very possible to cook in a tiny house. In fact, tiny houses have kitchens which you can use to cook all the food that you want. You can cook in your tiny house whenever you feel like doing so.
If you are into cooking, you can have your tiny house designed with a bigger kitchen. This will give you enough space to move around while doing what you love. Space is the only difference that makes tiny houses different from traditional houses.
What is best: propane or a wood stove?
Propane is more favorable. This is because wood stoves need to be tended from time to time. They also need more clearance to the wall so your space becomes more limited.
Propane, on the other hand, is directly mounted to the wall. Thus, less space is required.
How to Live in a Tiny House with a Baby: A Quick Guide
Living with a baby in a tiny house is fun as long as you perfectly know what to do.
Living in a tiny house with a baby has its own set of benefits and challenges. Besides, the tiny house community does not talk that much about raising a baby in such limited space.
Living in a tiny house with a baby can help you save money on housing and utilities. On the other hand, babies can be so chaotic. So, is living in a tiny house with babies better or not? How will you live in a tiny house with your kids?
Space
Living in a tiny house means that your space is limited. Specifically, you are living in a space that is not more than 500 square feet. How will you make the most out of this little space?
1. Get a Huge Sink
With all the mess that babies make, a huge sink is definitely a must. A huge sink will make it easier for you to wash all the stuff that babies mess with.
And, there is a high chance that you’ll get piled up with a lot of dishes while taking good care of a baby. You will definitely need a big sink since having a dishwasher is a tiny house that is not ideal.
2. Get a Queen-Sized Bed
Co-sleeping with your baby works best when living in a tiny house, at least for now. Having a big bed means that you will not have other things in your room. But definitely, having one is worth it.
Having a queen-sized bed, most especially when co-sleeping with your baby is very beneficial if you want to have a good sleep. Sure enough, you don’t want to sleep in a limited space where you can barely move around. Plus, your babies take a lot of space when sleeping.
3. Have Lots of Windows
Having lots of windows saves you from paying too much electricity. It also makes your space appear bigger. The more natural light that gets in your window, the cozier your tiny house will feel.
With lots of windows, your baby can play around without the need for LED lights. It is also a healthier choice since fresh air freely moves around.
Given how active babies are, living with a baby in a tiny house can be very hard.
4. Make Safe Storages
Since you are living with a baby, it is very important that you keep anything that can harm them in safe storage. You can’t look after your baby all the time thus, doing so will make you feel confident that they are still safe even when you are doing something.
But this does not mean that you can just leave your baby alone. When doing something, make sure that you still look after him from time to time to make sure that he is safe even when you have put out anything dangerous out of his reach already.
5. Have a Full Closet
Having a full closet is a must so that you won’t need an individual closet for all of you. Babies have a lot of stuff which means that you’ll need a big space to store them. Ideally, your closet should have an extra storage feature where you can out other stuff that is occasionally used.
When you have a full closet, you can store the toys of your baby in there too to save up space. So, you are hitting two birds with the same stone here.
6. Get a Railing
The safety of your baby is very important which makes railings a must in your stairs and lofts. Most babies are wild climbers and with just one wrong move, their life is at risk. Aside from installing railing, you must also put railing cover for added protection.
Putting railing in your stairs and lofts help you keep your baby safe by stopping them from falling off. They can also hold into it and serve as their guide in case they are going up and down the stairs.
7. Put an Engineered Hardwood Flooring in the Bathroom
When taking a bath, babies can get messy and get everything wet. They drip and splash a lot into almost everything.
With this, using a regular hardwood in the bathroom is not ideal since they can easily float and peel in places. So, you will end up spending more on getting it fixed or changed.
It is better that you invest in something that is water-resistant. This may be a little more expensive but is a better investment in the long run.
Stuff
Living in a tiny house with a baby is beautiful yet challenging at the same time.
Ideally, you should only have minimal stuff when living in a tiny house most especially when you have a baby around. You should practice minimalism instead.
If you think your baby needs a lot of stuff, then you are wrong. They have a lot of stuff but not as much as you think. Besides, giving them the stuff won’t really make them happy, you love and attention will. So, how will you organize the stuff you have in your tiny house when leaving with a baby?
1. One thing in, one thing out.
In as much as possible, practice the one thing in, one thing out mantra. This means that you can only get one new thing inside your tiny house when you are removing something out of it. For example, you are buying a new shirt, what will you throw out?
This will help you keep your stuff minimal and clutter-free. Also, this is a big help for you to get what you really need only. This way, your tiny house will not look overcrowded which is the last thing you want to happen when you have kids around.
2. Do the 21 Things Challenge
The 21 Things Challenge is all about finding and removing 21 things in your house that you do not really need. Doing so will help you organize your stuff and be a minimalist as well. This way, your house will be clutter-free and your baby could have more space to play around.
You can also do this challenge with your baby as a bonding moment. At the same time, he will learn the value of keeping this simple and minimal.
3. Use the Compact Versions of Everything
If you already have tried living in a tiny house before, then by now, you already know that buying the compact versions of everything is very important. Besides, you should also buy the compact versions of baby products. You may not know it, but a lot of baby products have a smaller version for houses with smaller sizes.
Some of the compact baby products that you can buy include mini cribs and a collapsible bathtub. Obviously, the mini crib is smaller but it still functions almost the same as a regular-sized crib.
4. Buy Items as You Need Them
You are not in a competition of buying stuff for your baby. The stocks won’t even run out. So, relax.
You might be tempted to buy everything you see, but think of it again. Do you or your baby need it at the moment? If not, then don’t buy it just yet.
Buying items that are not yet needed at the moment will just make your tiny house crowded. This also lessens the space for your baby. So, just buy things as you need them.
For example, you won’t need a walker until your baby is ready to use it. So, what’s the sense of buying it even before giving birth, right? Buying this as needed will not just help you save space but it also helps you save money.
What if your baby won’t like it anyway? Then, you just wasted your money on it.
5. Create a Baby-Proof Space
You don’t actually have to baby-proof your entire tiny house. You can just dedicate a small space to a baby proud. That space should be the one where your baby stays the most.
Baby proofing a certain space will help you keep your baby safe. You may have a very small space is very important since you do not know what might happen next given how active babies are.
Conclusion
Living with a baby in a tiny house is very challenging. The limited space that you have is very challenging. It makes it hard for your baby to play around.
Thankfully, you can make the little space that you have more than enough for you and your baby. You just have to work on maximizing the space that you have while considering your baby at the same time.
Related Questions
Is it okay to raise a baby in a tiny house?
Yes, it is definitely okay to live with a baby in a tiny house. It might be challenging but once you have learned the ins and outs of it, you will definitely enjoy living in a tiny house with your baby.
How many babies can I have with me in a tiny house?
Ideally, you should only have 1-2 babies with you in a tiny house. Your tiny house is designed for a specific number of people only. And having a lot of kids can make the space even more limited not just for you
Where To Find A Tiny Home Builder: A Comprehensive List
A tiny home builder is a company that specializes in building a tiny house, be it mobile or stationary. If you ever want to own or live in a micro-housing unit, they are the guys you can count on. Which begs the question, are there are any tiny home designers near you?
There are hundreds of tiny home builders in the US. Almost every state has at least one tiny house builder in it. They are mostly in counties and townships, whose zoning laws are more lenient in the construction of micro-housing.
Furthermore, tiny home builders also offer a wide range of services such as placing insulation, interior design, deck construction, and more. Some companies also sell tiny home blueprints and floor plans so their customers can build their own units.
Some builders also offer real estate solutions such as a vacant lot in their partner tiny house community where you can park your unit. Additionally, they can even assist you in registering your tiny home as a Recreational Vehicle (RV).
Furthermore, some companies also host seminars about everything there is to know about the Tiny House Movement. If you are lucky, they may even teach you how to build your own tiny home unit for a minimal fee.
In this post, we have listed the location of the most reputable tiny house builders in the country.
Tiny Home Builders in the US Sorted By State
1. Alabama
Alabama is known for its countryside scenery, including the beaches of the Gulf Coast in the south and breathtaking mountain ranges in the north. Tiny house builders in the state construct units that can adapt to warm and rainy weather. Many of the companies here build tiny homes with cooling vents, and most prefer materials that are resistant to mildew and surface moss.
The northernmost part of the US has icy cold winters that require tiny homes to have thicker insulations. Hence, tiny home builders here go for maximizing interior space that can efficiently regulate the heat inside. They also design their units to have roofs and walls that can support heavy snow load.
Arizona is known for its arid climate, especially its southwestern desserts, where daytime temperature can climb up to 105 and 115 degrees Fahrenheit. For this reason, most tiny homes here are built with large windows and air conditioning. Some builders also install solar panels to take advantage of its mostly sunny climate.
Arkansas has a humid subtropical, much like the rest of the southeastern US. They have steamy summers and relatively mild winters., which many of the builders consider when constructing micro-housing units. The state is also a great outdoor destination, especially the Ozark area.
Address: Bo, Jeff, Larenda, 301 E. Broadway, Glenwood, AR
5. California
California is the perfect state for outdoor lovers. However, millions of residents were affected during the housing crisis and have found tiny houses as a good residential alternative. California tiny house builders offer a wide range of design and style for their diverse clientele.
When you say Colorado, people immediately think of its magnificent mountains, outdoor activities, and winter sports. This combination of nature and a laid back ambiance has made the state the center of the Tiny House Movement. Builders here have different specialties in constructing mountain friendly dwellings.
Connecticut has a temperate climate with warm summers and mild winters. They also have magnificent trails and gorgeous scenery in the Berkshire mountains. In the next few years, it wouldn’t be surprising if tiny home activities will increase in this state.
There is no known tiny home builder in this state.
8. Delaware
Delaware is another state famous for its beaches and hiking trails. The state has a moderate climate. Unfortunately, it has yet to establish tiny home communities in the state.
There is no known tiny home builder in this state.
9. Florida
Florida is one of the tiny house friendly states. Retirees and snowbirds flock the state thanks to the numerous activities you can do here. Overall, it has a lot of tiny house community where you can park your mobile home or settle your unit permanently.
Georgia is known for its vibrancy and is one of the fastest-growing areas in the country today. Just a few miles drive from the city of Atlanta, and you will find a simpler life in the rural South. Furthermore, there are plenty of RV parks and campgrounds where you can park your unit.
The island of Hawaii has a tropical climate. As such, tiny home builders try to maximize ventilation into their units by adding large windows. Most tiny homes here are usually built on a foundation.
Another state known for camping and hiking, Idaho is great for outdoorsy people.It also snows in the state, which is why builders invest in insulation. Furthermore, they also use materials that can withstand heavy snow loads.
The state of Illinois has a good balance of urban and rural life. The city of Chicago is known for its high-priced real estate. Tiny homes are a great choice for people who want an inexpensive housing option.
Indiana has a humid continental climate known for being windy all year round. The main challenge for builders here is to design units that can resist high levels of rain and wind. Furthermore, the state is known for its vast open plains and occasional storms.
While Iowa has vast areas of open space, they haven’t been as friendly to the tiny house dwellers. There are still a lot of jurisdictions that impose strict zoning laws that prevent the construction of tiny homes.
Kansas is an agricultural state with great extremes between winter and summer temperatures. There are hardly any tiny homes in this area.
There is no known tiny home builder in this state.
17. Kentucky
Kentucky’s famous bluegrass plains are the perfect place to settle. There are also tons of things you can explore in the Appalachian mountains. Tiny home builders here have it easy as the place has a moderate climate all year round.
Louisiana has a hot and humid climate. It also has a diverse landscape from coastal regions to swamps. As such, tiny home builders here specialize in keeping their units ventilated while keeping the water out.
Maine is one of the northernmost parts of the US, and winters here can be quite daunting.On the flip side, Maine offers tons of outdoor activities such as boating, fishing, hiking, and camping during fall. Hence, most units here are built for those two polarizing seasons.
Maryland is known for its fascinating shores, which are loaded with fun activities such as kayaking and surfing. It also has a mild climate, which is perfect if you want to take a vacation. The state only has a few RV parks, which makes it difficult to park your mobile home.
Massachusetts is known as the landing place of the Pilgrims and the Mayflower. The state is densely populated and can be very cold during the winter. Several townships also have restrictive zoning, which is a challenge that tiny home builders may help you with.
Renowned for its Great Lakes, Michigan is the place to be if you want watersports and other outdoor activities. However, because it borders Canada, you can expect cold winters. As such, builders of mobile homes here prioritize insulation, heating components, and snow load reinforcement when building a unit.
Minnesota is known for producing dairy products, corn, wheat, and hogs. It also offers a gorgeous sight of the countryside just mere hours from its major cities. The winters here can be icy, which is what most tiny home builders have to solve when building a tiny house.
Address: 1328 Highway 96 E 55110 White Bear Lake, MN
24. Mississippi
The hot and humid state of Mississippi is the birthplace of the King of Rock and Roll– Elvis Presley. The weather here can also be rocking, especially during the summer. Most tiny homes here are designed to provide ventilation and keep its occupants cool.
Missouri is regarded as the geographical center of the United States. It’s home to some of the rich national forests of the country which offers plenty of outdoor activities. They also have a decent tiny house presence and a few viable parking spots.
Nicknamed the Treasure State, Montana is rich in minerals such as gold, copper, and silver. It’s also known for its vast open space, making it the perfect getaway for any outdoorsman. However, its low population also means there’s just a small presence of the tiny house movement here.
Nebraska has the potential to be a tiny home dwellers paradise. It has numerous open spaces, a few cities for modern-day living, and lots of inexpensive lands. However, zoning laws and the difficulty of obtaining permits for building a tiny house derail such prospects.
Two things Nevada is known for- its dessert and Las Vegas. One of the challenges of builders here is to keep their customers cool once they are in their tiny home unit. Luckily, there are numerous natural and artificial cooling methods that they can use to keep the tiny house temperature just right.
Another outdoor recreational center, New Hampshire is the place to be for skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and camping. While there is only one known tiny home builder in the state, they are known for producing some of the best models out there.
New Jersey is one of the most populated states in the country, thanks to its large and mid-sized cities. There are also a few recreations here, such as the Pine Barrens. Currently, there’s only one tiny home builder in this region.
Snowbirds often flock this state during the winter months. Its milder climate is quite alluring, especially for people who are escaping the cold. Builders here utilize every method to catch every cooling breeze while keeping their units well insulated.
As the famous song said, New York is a “concrete jungle where dreams are made of.” But aside from the Empire State building, the state is also known for its rural and semi-rural areas. Builders here design their tiny home models to withstand the cold temperatures brought by the occasional snow.
There are plenty of outdoor stuff to explore in North Carolina from its lowlands to its mountainous regions. While the state generally has a mild climate, higher places are known for their snow. As such, tiny home builders here design their units to withstand winter while also keeping them cool during the summer.
There is one word that can best describe North Dakota– it’s wild. The state is host to a long stretch of national forests and public land for recreation. Most of its rural areas also have very limited restrictions, plus the fact that land is cheap makes it a tiny house haven.
Tilt Cabins
Website: None
Address: Minot, ND
35. Ohio
Ohio has a vivacious tiny house presence. While the state is known for snowfall and cold winters, tiny home builders here are well prepared and keep this fact when designing their mobile home models.
Oklahoma is not quite as mountainous as most states where there are plenty of outdoor activities. It’s mostly plains and a few low mountains and rolling hills here and there. With that said, there is almost no sign of tiny house presence in this state.
There is no known tiny home builder in this state.
37. Oregon
The progressive and bustling state of Oregon is a tiny home friendly territory. With tons of outdoor activities, excellent housing sector, and a robust job market, it’s one of the centers of the tiny home movement. Tiny house builders flock the state, and there are plenty of designs to choose from.
Pennsylvania is known for a lot of things from its major cities, its forests, and of course– chocolate factories. However, it’s densely populated and has plenty of building requirements, plus it has very strict zoning laws. Still, there are a few tiny home builders here that can take on the job of producing your dream tiny house.
The tiniest state in the country has a low population. With an area of just 1,214 miles, there’s hardly any tiny home presence here.
There is no known tiny home builder in this state.
40. South Carolina
South Carolina’s landscape is quite diverse. It also has plenty of activities to offer, such as hiking and beach activities. The climate here can be humid and hot, especially during the summer.
South Dakota is known for its cheap tracts of land and vast empty spaces. It also has some of the most popular national parks such as Mt. Rushmore and the Badlands. However, given its low population, there is hardly any tiny home presence in this region.
There is no known tiny home builder in this state.
42. Tennessee
The state of Tennessee has some of the best snowboard and ski resorts in the country. It also has a rugged yet breathtaking mountain landscapes such as the Blue Ridge Mountains. Its chilly winters and humid summers require tiny home builders to be versatile in their craft.
The largest state of continental US has a strong tiny house presence. Thanks to its vibrant modern cities and vast areas of rural land, it’s one of the best places to settle your tiny home on wheels. Many of the small home builders here are known to export their tiny house models to other parts of the country.
Address: 3501 Jack Kultgen Expressway76711 Waco, TX
44. Utah
When you think of Utah, you immediately associate it with outdoor activities. From snowboarding to skiing, this state is the place to be when you’re an outdoor lover. No wonder there is a strong presence of the tiny house movement here.
Alpine Tiny Homes
Website: None
Address: 462 E 1750 N; Vineyard, UT
Maximus Extreme Living Solutions
Website: None
Address: 1193 West Wilson Lane, West Haven, UT
45. Vermont
While the tiny house movement hasn’t really boomed in Vermont, it’s slowly gaining traction. With tons of outdoor activities to offer, especially in the Green Mountains, it has the potential to be a tiny house hub. A couple of builders also think so and have set up shop in the state.
Address: 170 Winhall Station Rd, South Londonderry, VT
Tiny House Crafters
Website: None
Address: Sherwood Forest 05148 Londonderry, VT
46. Virginia
Jamestown in Virginia is known as the first English settlement in the country. Known as the “birthplace of America,” Virginia has one of the most famous national parks in the US– Shenandoah. Besides that here are also a couple of tiny house companies in the country that can help you build your micro-housing needs.
Washington has a fair treatment for the tiny house movement. Indeed, it’s population of outdoor-loving people is also into sustainable living. Additionally, it also has one of the major employment capitals in the US– Seattle city.
West Virginia’s rugged terrain and low population density make it quite hard for the tiny house movement to establish its roots.
There is no known tiny home builder in this state.
49. Wisconsin
Dubbed as America’s dairyland, Wisconsin is a well-known producer of cheese. Besides that, its rural landscapes are also quite a sight to behold. It also has cold winters and warm summers, which most tiny house builders in the area try to address.
If you ever consider alternative sustainable living, then Wyoming is one of the best places to be. With just a population of above half a million over a hundred thousand square miles, you can find privacy here. Furthermore, the parcels of land are quite affordable, making it a great retirement retreat.
Hiring a Tiny Home Builder vs. Doing It Yourself (DIY)
Learning how to build a home, even on a smaller scale, has a steep learning curve. This is doubly true if you don’t have any background in carpentry, plumbing, electrical wiring, and other building skills.
Commissioning a Tiny Home Builder
As such, many individuals who want to own a tiny home usually hire the services of a builder. Most builders even have a team of professionals such as architects, structural engineers, and contractors who can produce the tiny house of your dream.
Additionally, you won’t need to worry about how to get the materials for the project as the company also has its construction supplies. All you have to do is help out on the design phase and let the rest of their team do the heavy work.
Depending on the size of your tiny home, its materials, and the amenities inside it– your builder may ask you anywhere between $10,000 and $150,000. To prevent going over your budget, you can tell your builder how much you are willing to spend for the tiny house. They will then present you with a design concept that fits your preference and the amount you are ready to pay.
When looking for a tiny home builder and the tiny home you want them to build, here are some things to consider:
Quote or estimate of the project and what’s included
Materials that they will use such as fiberglass for insulation
Size and gross weight of the tiny house unit
Space-saving features and overall functionality
The estimated time it would take to complete your tiny home
Most commissioned tiny home projects to have a timeframe of 3 to 6 months before they are finished and ready for furnishing. Some tiny home companies even deliver completed tiny homes right at your doorstep or front yard.
Pros
Takes a shorter time to build your tiny home
Won’t take too much of your precious time
Better quality as professionals make them
The design complies with RVIA standards
Cons
Generally more expensive than DIY
Finding the right builder within your state
DIY Project
On the other hand, you can also build your own tiny houses provided that you have the tools and knowledge to do so. A lot of the early owners of tiny homes made their units during their spare time.
Moreover, some tiny home companies also sell blueprints and teach people how to construct their own micro houses. You can even go to seminars held by these building companies so you can learn the basics of building a house.
Consequently, constructing your tiny home unit takes time, especially if it’s on the broadside. Several factors can determine the time it would take to finish this DIY project:
Size and design of the tiny home
Type of materials that you will be using
Amount of time you can allocate for the project
Number of people working
Level of expertise of the workers
If you stumble upon a problem that is beyond your knowledge, its advisable that you consult an expert. Structural engineers, carpenters, and even your local contractor can point you in the right direction of your tiny home building efforts.
Pros
Generally much cheaper than letting a builder assemble one for you
You can freely choose the design and materials to use
Highly customizable up to the smallest detail
Very rewarding once you finished building the tiny unit
Cons
Takes 3-4 times longer to build compared to a builder’s unit
Requires the owner to learn a lot of things about construction
Conclusion
The majority of the states in the United States have at least one tiny home builder in it. Furthermore, you can visit them in their workshop and see the tiny home models in their showroom. Hence, making it easier for you to design or choose on the tiny home of your dreams.
Related Questions
How much will it cost you to build your own tiny home?
According to a tiny house community survey in 2015, the average cost of building your own tiny house is around $23,000. However, you can still build a tiny house at a lower budget depending on its design, size, materials, and additional labor.
My state doesn’t have a tiny home builder; why?
There are a lot of factors why a tiny home builder has yet to set up shop in a state. It could be that the zoning laws in the state don’t make it attractive for people to own a tiny home.
If you’re reading this post, you might have been wondering, “What are the best states for living in a tiny house?”
You can build tiny houses almost everywhere. They literally don’t require that much space. And besides, most tiny houses are on wheels, which would only need you to have a trailer to build on instead of buying a property.
There are several remarkable places where you can find tiny houses. You can even find tiny house communities across the United States. Some states, however, make for better platforms for tiny homes than the others. The 7 best states for living in a tiny house are:
Texas
Georgia
Colorado
California
North Carolina
Florida
Oregon
Selecting The Right State For Your Tiny House
In the last few years, the tiny house movement has gone mainstream thanks to tiny house documentaries and shows like Tiny House Big Living and Tiny House Hunters.
Thousands of people started to love the idea of building small, adorable micro dwellings. And the price tag of tiny homes is what pushed others to switch to tiny living. Tiny homes also have lower energy costs and a minimal carbon footprint.
But building a tiny house isn’t as easy as TV shows make it appear. There are tons of building codes and zoning laws in every state. For the tiny house aspirants, these laws are a stopper. They are what makes it difficult for tiny housers to find a spot for their tiny house on wheels or build a tiny home affixed to a permanent foundation.
Here’s the good news: while there are lots of states that are stringent about tiny homes, there’s quite a good number of states that warmly accept tiny, sustainable homes.
Unless you can get through the strict requirements your state has on tiny homes, then there’s nothing to worry about as long as you follow the rules. Otherwise, you might want to move into any of these states:
The 7 Best States for Living in a Tiny House
#1 Texas
Texas is the number one on our list, and for a reason: the first tiny house-friendly city in the U.S is in Texas — specifically in the city of Spur.
You see, the core principle of the tiny house movement is to inspire people to live a minimalist lifestyle and contentment. Limiting your dwelling to minimal square feet lets you get rid of the things you don’t really and live only with the things you actually need.
Yet, there’s a problem. Zoning codes make it impossible for many to downsize and embrace the concept of the tiny house movement.
But one town in Texas found a way to solve that problem. Spur is a town in West Texas has a population of just over 1,200. It’s a little town with a theater, some local businesses, and a couple of stoplights.
And yes, Spur, Texas, is the first city in the United States to become tiny house-friendly. Because of the lenient zoning laws in the town, the population grew as people from New York and Silicon Valley started to move in.
These tiny house aspirants yearn for simple living, small community, and peace. And good for them, Spur offers these things.
Tiny House Building Law in Spur, Texas
Now let’s talk about the technicalities. Here are the requirements to apply for a tiny house permit in Spur, Texas.
Note: Those who wish to build a tiny house in the town must complete an application for building, including:
Name of applicant
Address of applicant
Telephone number
Location
Legal Property Description
Block and Lot where the tiny house will be located
Dimensions of the tiny house
Description of material to be used to build the tiny house
Blueprints determining the connections to city services, such as sewer, sanitation, and water
Photographs of the tiny house, if available
Here are the tiny house requirements. The City Council or a designated building inspector will examine the location of the tiny house in regards to the present and anticipated land use and development.
The tiny house must be on a foundation (at least 6 inches of cement footing)
The tiny house needs to have a driveway
If you’re getting a pre-manufactured tiny home, it needs to be skirted
The tiny house must be on an internet street or Common Access Road with an assigned address
It must be connected to city services.
It must comply with applicable portions of the 2005 Structural Standards Code of the City of Spur
The tiny house must pass the inspection
These laws are lenient compared to other states. To learn more about the tiny house laws in 3Spur, Texas, click here.
#2 Georgia
When it comes to tiny houses, Georgia isn’t a state that wants to be left behind. As more people start to embrace the movement, Georgia has made its zoning laws lenient for those who want to downsize and live more simply.
Tiny House Atlanta helps us get a better understanding of the zoning and building codes regarding tiny homes.
Most jurisdictions in cities and countries are divided into zones or districts that regulate the development of the land and limit the uses to which a tiny house may be put. These zoning districts set the standard of buildings — the height, placement, overall size, and the number of parking spaces in the new building.
While Zoning Codes set limits and prescribe land use, Building Codes, on the other hand, determine the details of how the buildings on that land are to be constructed. Almost all cities in Georgia currently use the International Residential Code (IRC) of 2012.
Just a couple of years ago, the Georgia Department of Community Affairs approved the Tiny House Appendix “S” and also the reduction in the minimum living space size from 120 square feet to only 70 square feet.
The 2012 IRC set the minimum for any dwelling structure:
R304.1 Minimum area
Every habitable structure must have at least one habitable room with not less than 70 square feet of gross floor area.
R304.2 Other rooms
Other rooms must have at least 70 square feet or 6.5 meter-squared. Kitchens are an exception.
R304.3 Minimum dimensions
Rooms in tiny houses must not be less than 7 feet (horizontal dimension). Kitchens are an exception.
R304.4 Height effect on room area
The ceiling must measure not less than 4 feet. A furred ceiling, on the other hand, must measure at least 6 feet from the finished floor to the finished sheiling.
Most municipalities in Georgia follow these standards, but some do not. Manufactured Mobile Home (HUD) in Georgia must follow the HUD Federal Code Regulations, while Recreational Vehicles must adhere to the standards set by the RV Industry Association (RVIA).
Meanwhile, tiny house — both site-built and pre-manufactured — must comply to the same building code regulations as any other traditional homes. Other codes that apply to tiny houses are those that are set by (1) the International Plumbing Code (IPC) 2012 with Georgia Amendments, (2) International Energy Efficiency Code (IECC) 2009 edition with Georgia Amendments, and (3) National Electrical Code (NEC) 2014 edition.
You may have some wonderful ideas for your tiny homes, but take note that some code-related issues might affect the design and construction of your tiny dwelling, including:
Room size and dimension
Lofts
Headroom
Means of escape
Stairs
Egress Width
If you are to purchase a manufactured tiny home in Georgia, make sure it meets the requirements set by the National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974, 42 U.S.C Section 5401.
While these all sound too technical and stringent, these regulations are actually more lenient than in other states.
#3 Colorado
If you want to set roots in a micro-home in a tiny house-friendly state, then Colorado is the place to be! You’d be glad to know that the tiny house movement in this state is incredibly booming, despite having limited legal parking opportunities for tiny homes on wheels.
However, thanks to local tiny house advocates and community developers, the state has made it easier for people interested in downsizing to have a tiny home. These developers and advocates organized exuberant festivals, including the Tiny House Jamboree, annual Colorado Tiny House Festival, and People’s Tiny House Festival.
These events helped open the eyes of many people that living in a tiny home isn’t as bad as some critics say. The events were also an eye-opener for the State officials to become more welcoming to the tiny house movement.
These tiny home communities in Colorado prove that it’s one of the best states for living in a tiny home:
Peak View Park in Woodland Park, CO
Tiny House Leadville in Leadville, CO
Escalante Village in Durango, CO
According to the American Tiny House Association, Walsenburg, Colorado, passed amendments to the 2015 IRC to be friendlier to tiny houses. They reduced the minimum room areas and exit door width and waived stairway regulations.
Also, in 2014, the Walsenburg City Council approved Ordinance 1045. The ordinance allows tiny homes to be built in R-1 and R-2 zoned residential areas as long as they meet the standards by Planning and Zoning.
Just in case you don’t know, an R-1 zone refers to a piece of real estate that’s located in a neighborhood of single-family residences. Most local laws do not allow R1 Zoning to one freestanding house (i.e., a tiny house) intended as a dwelling place for one family.
R-2 Zoning, on the other hand, is to provide for medium to high-density housing in multiple-family structures.
As per the amendment, tiny homes (about 150 to 450 square feet) must be built or placed on a foundation and hooked into the city’s sewer and water system separately from any other structure on the property.
Park County, CO permits tiny houses of about 250 square feet. Before the change was made, Park County Land Use Regulations require dwelling houses to be at least 600 square feet. The fact that they reduced the minimum dwelling size proves that Colorado is indeed worthy of being among the 7 best states for living in a tiny house.
#4 California
If it’s your dream to live in a tiny house in a place that embraces the tiny house movement well, then California is one of the best places to be!
California proves itself to be one of the best states for living in a tiny house:
California is pretty lenient when it comes to Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU). Just in case you don’t know, an accessory dwelling unit is a second small dwelling right or within the same grounds to your single-family house, such as a tiny house. So if you want to build a tiny home neighboring a friend, a relative, or a landlord, then you can freely do so. To learn more about the state laws in California for ADU, click here.
Fresno is the first city in the country to approve tiny house on wheels (THOWs) in residential neighborhoods. THOWs can be registered as backyard cottages in residential communities, not as caregiver cottages. Other communities allow tiny homes provided they are on foundations. Read more about the ordinance here: Fresnobee
How do you register a tiny house on wheels in California?
You need to fill out the Application for Title (Form REG 343)
Your THOW must be verified by the California Highway Patrol (CHP). The first step is to start your application with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) before contacting the CHP for verifying your vehicle. The trailer must weigh no less than 6,000 pounds, unladen.
You also need to complete the State of Construction form (REG 5036).
Submit proof of ownership, such as manufacturer’s certificates of origin, invoices, bills of sale, receipts, junk receipts for the major component parts (body, frame, engine, and transmission).
Submit filled out Statement of Facts (Form REG 256) or brake and light adjustment certificates.
Remember, some communities in California are more accepting of THOWs than others. Counties and cities set their own zoning codes. As long as a zoning code doesn’t contradict or violate state or federal law, local governments are free to set their reasonable restrictions in regards to the use of land, such as regulations on tiny houses.
That said, THOWs are treated differently from town to town. Some view tiny homes as affordable housing solutions, while others don’t.
#5 North Carolina
A moderate climate, vibrant downtowns, abundant greenery, and tiny house friendly, it’s impossible to visit North Carolina without asking yourself, “Why don’t I live here?”
Really, there’s so much to love about North Carolina. Not only you can find the top employers here, but also the best parks, lakes, and rivers to satisfy your love for adventure!
And if you’re a tiny house aspirant, then you’ll have more reasons to love North Carolina. This state embraces the tiny house movement; in fact, they organize tiny house festivals to promote tiny living and to educate people on how downsizing can help both the environment and themselves.
The American Tiny House Association helps us get the bolts and nuts of constructing tiny homes in NC.
Site built tiny homes must meet the NC Residential Code. The petite dwelling must have at least one habitable room with not less than 120 square feet of gross floor area. Other habitable rooms must have not less than 70 square feet of floor area (kitchens are an exception).
Every dwelling unit must also have toilet facilities, including a water closet, bathtub or shower, and lavatory. It must also be equipped with a heating facility compliant with Section R303.8 of the NC Residential Code.
Learn more about the building codes in North Carolina here.
#6 Florida
Like North Carolina, Florida also hosts tiny house events to promote the simple, minimalist, and conservationist living. Four tiny house events will be held in the first quarter of 2020 in Florida, including:
Magic of Lights Daytona in Daytona Beach (1st Jan. 2020),
JAX Tiny Homes Expo ft. AMY the HERBALIST in Orange Park (25th – 26th Jan. 2020)
Great American Tiny House Show in Tampa (14th – 15th Mar.), and
2020 Florida Suncoast Tiny Home Festival in Pinellas Park (28th Mar. 2020).
Take note, the zoning and building codes for tiny homes vary per city and county. So before moving to Florida, it’s best to perform complete site-specific research to learn about the specific rules.
In most states in Florida, you will find that THOWs fall into a gray area of the zoning code. It’s likely that can use your THOW as a second home. And because Florida is a hurricane-prone area, the law will likely need your tiny house to be affixed to the ground.
Your tiny home also needs to comply with the safety standards set by the state law. For instance, if you purchase a new park model RV to use as your THOW, it must fall in with the American National Safety Institute standard 119.2.
In Rockledge, your THOW must be built to a structural engineer’s approved plans. You must also give a complete description of the construction of the THOW, including the location of rafters, joists, studs, and engineered connectors.
Zoning codes and building standards in Florida must not be ignored. Otherwise, you may be taking big risks. If a neighbor complains or turns you in, you may get fined, especially if you do not have the necessary permits.
#7 Oregon
The last but not the least, Oregon is one of the best states for living in a tiny house. Like other states, Oregon has zoning codes and building standards that you must adhere to, but they are less stringent than the other states.
Oregon is one of the 7 best states for living in a tiny house
In Oregon, there are specific laws that you must follow depending on how you intend to use your tiny home. They classify tiny homes in three types:
Permanent – attached to an approved foundation; prioritizes occupant safety and energy-efficient.
Temporary – built on frame or chassis and may have wheels; prioritizes mobility
Transitional – living facilities for people who lack shelter; prioritizes flexibility to meet local needs.
When it comes to permanent tiny houses, the state requires it to be built over an approved foundation. It must also meet federal standards or Oregon’s state building codes. According to the zoning code of Oregon, you can site tiny homes as a single-family residence or an accessory dwelling unit.
As for temporary tiny homes or THOWs, they are not subject to construction regulation. However, state and local governments may not allow THOWs (as well as RVs and mobile homes) to sit or occupy in one of the parks specified in ORS 197.493 (placement and occupancy of a recreational vehicle).
You can park tiny houses on wheels outside of the parks mentioned in the ordinance. If you’re thinking about settling in the city of Portland, take note that the city allows sitting of tiny houses on wheels in specified locations.
For tiny houses on wheels, they are subject to the motor vehicle safety standards set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), including standards for lamps, wheels, tires, brakes, rear impact guards, etc. Oregon limits the maximum width of mobile tiny homes to 8.5 feet.
You see, Oregon proves to be a tiny-house friendly state because it does not only allow tiny houses, but they also set safety standards to ensure the occupants get as much protection as those in traditional homes.
Final Thoughts
Several states in the country have already embraced the tiny house movement. The growth of tiny house companies and communities prove that several people — and government officials — view the tiny house living a way to live simply, affordably, and sustainably.
Zoning codes and building standards aren’t made to make your life harder. Instead, these regulations are set to ensure you get a comfortable, efficient, and safe everyday living. A tiny house-friendly state must have laws that ensure tiny house owners get the services they need.
The tiny house regulations vary per state, city, and county. If you’re thinking about moving to another place to build your tiny home (either site built or on wheels), make sure to perform complete site-specific research so you’d be able to comply with all requirements and avoid getting fined.
Related Questions
Where can I build a tiny house?
Almost all states in the country allow the construction of a tiny house. Several states are tiny-house friendly and even have tiny house communities. However, some states are still stringent about tiny houses.
Why are tiny houses illegal?
Tiny houses aren’t technically illegal. However, they are still a lot of people who do not view tiny homes as acceptable forms of residency. For them, tiny houses are a way to sidestep taxes and building regulations.
Can I live in a tiny house on my own land?
Yes. Take note, however, that building your tiny home over a foundation is trickier. In some states, they require site built tiny homes to follow the same zoning and building regulations for traditional homes (although the size, for this matter, is an exception).
One of the main challenges of living in a tiny home is finding a place where you can settle it either temporarily or permanently. Fortunately, numerous tiny home communities in the country were built to accommodate these alternative housing. But, where are these tiny house villages, exactly?
Many of the tiny house communities are located in states that are known to be friendlier to the Tiny House Movement. Jurisdictions and townships that have experienced housing crisis are also much more open to establishing a tiny house village in their public lands.
Tiny houses became a popular housing alternative right after the global financial crisis of 2006. During that time, small homes became a temporary shelter to the thousands of homeless people who were affected by the economic upheaval in the US.
Where are Tiny Home Communities?
According to estimates of tiny home manufacturers, there are roughly 10,000 to 12,000 tiny homes across the country. However, they expect this number to grow exponentially as more people are exposed to the Tiny House Movement.
Below are some of the tiny house communities in the US.
Nestled just 15 minutes from the nearby ski slopes, LuxTiny has access to forests, lakes, and hiking trails. This six-acre tiny house community has 45 spaces and is the perfect temporary residence when you are vacationing in Arizona. The famous Scott’s Reservoir is also just minutes away from the site.
The place also accepts permanent and temporary residence. You can also lease a plot or even a ready-made tiny house for your convenience. The fee covers sewerage, rubbish collection, and water. Moreover, you can also fish in the nearby Rainbow Lake.
If you ever find yourself visiting the Sequoia National Park while in a tiny mobile house, then you shouldn’t worry about where to park your home. The Lemon Cove Village is a popular RV park and campground that also accepts tiny houses.
This village of sorts is located at the base of the park and is only 25 miles away from Sequoia National Park and the nearby Kings Canyon National Park. You can also do tons of activities in the area such as hiking, water rafting, fishing, and even shopping in the town of Lemon Cove.
Encircled by the renowned Mosquito Mountain Range, Whispering Aspen is half an hour away from Breckenridge– a famous ski destination. The community is a mix of full-time residents and a few renters.
This tiny house community is also a perfect place to spend warmer seasons thanks to a variety of nature activities. Some of the things you can do here are ATV-offroading, horseback riding, hiking, and climbing.
Guests can also choose to rent a variety of living spaces such as a tiny house on wheels, Recreational Vehicles, and cabins. It also has its own recreational area, hot tubs, and fully-equipped clubhouse.
4. Riverview at Cleora- Salida, Colorado
Location: County Road 102. Salida, CO
Developed by Sprout Tiny Homes, a leading designer of tiny houses, Riverview sits on a 19 acre of land that includes the Arkansas River frontage. The spot is perfect for nature lovers and adventurists alike. Currently, the development has space for 200 tiny homes on wheels.
The Riverview grounds also have its own management office, catering kitchen, a restaurant, and even exercise facilities.
According to its developer, the WeeCasa is the world’s biggest tiny home resort. The place acts as a gateway to the Rockies and all of its nature-based activities. Lyons and the surrounding areas are famous for its nature trails, water sports, mountain biking, horseback riding, and mountain biking.
The community started as a partnership of neighbors who were recovering from a major flood in 2013. There are several small house units you can choose from to rent on a per night basis. Depending on the season, you can even experience different music festivals, brewery tours, and art and culture activities.
6. Orlando Lakefront Community- Orlando, Florida
Location: 3405 N Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL 32804
Situated near the majestic Orlando Lake, this tiny home village has some of the gorgeous small dwellings for rent. The park currently has 50 spaces for lease, half of which already has a small house in place. The developer can also get your own customized tiny home on wheels once you decide to settle in.
The community is also a mix of retirees and young professionals who want to enjoy the sun and lake. Moreover, the place is also a place where mobile tiny home owners can legally park.
You also won’t run out of things to do in this area as there are nearby tourist attractions and even a theme park nearby. Residents can also enjoy numerous amenities such as a green park, fishing, and boat docks.
7. Green Bridge Farm- Effingham County, Georgia
Location: 1302 Zittrouer Rd, Guyton, GA 31312
If you want to settle your tiny home close to nature, then Green Bridge Farm is the right place for you. This eco-friendly development covers 25 wooded acres and has 1.2-acre meant for building your own tiny house.
True to being sustainable, the place also has four acres of community vegetable garden and even a fruit orchard. While gardening is not mandatory for its residents, everyone is welcome to maintain and plant their crops here.
You can own a pre-built unit here for only $45,0000. Many of the tiny house units are built over a trailer to exempt them from a building permit. Furthermore, most of the houses were constructed using recycled materials and even has solar panels.
8. The Shire Village- Mountaintown, Ellijay, Georgia
Location: 772 Heritage Way, Ellijay, GA 30540
Currently, the largest tiny home village in the southeast US, the Shire Village, is situated on a 50- acres mountain property in Northern Georgia. It is among the most popular retreat areas for tiny house enthusiasts who are also outdoor lovers.
Shire Village also has access to a nearby river and lake. Furthermore, the developer offers customized tiny house units that you can settle on a one-acre lot.
9. Airstream Village- Las Vegas, Nevada
Location: N 11th St & Fremont St; Las Vegas, Nevada 89101
If you’ve ever been to downtown Las Vegas, then you must head to the Airstream Village. Zappos CEO Tony Hsieh lives in one of the trailers of this Burning Man-inspired tech-savvy trailer park. Tiny home owners are also welcome to this village.
The popular airstream trailer, which measures 240-square-feet, can be rented for $1,200 a month. The rent includes utilities, WiFi, and several amenities that you can only get in this trailer park. They also have 140-square-feet tiny homes developed by Tumbleweed small houses in this facility.
10. Second Wind- Ithaca, New York
Location: 1435 Elmira Rd, Newfield, NY 14867
Officially called Second Wind Cottages, this collection of tiny houses provide shelter for the homeless. Started by Carmen Guidi, the village is situated on a seven-acre land that currently houses 21 dwelling units.
However, the cottages are only for male occupants. Occupants are not necessarily required to pay rent, but any fees they can afford to give is welcome. Additionally, the complex also has its food pantry, exercise equipment, laundry facilities, and free counseling.
11. Cedar Springs Tiny Village- New Paris, Ohio
Location: 300 Cedar Springs Rd, New Paris, OH 45347
This tiny home village got its name from the mature cedar trees that surround the area. Situated in a settlement with a magnificent lakefront, Cedar Springs is the perfect vacation and retirement spot.
The village was brought to life thanks to a collaboration of Gerald Brubaker and Modern Tiny Living. The community comes with several amenities such as private parking, a community garden. It even has its recycling program to make everything sustainable.
Consequently, the developer can also provide a tiny built-in house for those who want to settle permanently in the area. One of its popular models, the Clover, costs $89,000. For that price, the unit comes with a lapped smart siding, the sturdy exterior with steel roof, and an electric water heater.
12. Caravan Tiny House Hotel- Portland, Oregon
Location: 5009 NE 11th Ave, Portland, OR 97211
Dubbed as the pioneering tiny house hotel, the Caravan is a model of what a modern small house community should look like. However, unlike most of the places in this list, this tiny house hotel only accepts temporary residences.
Visitors can choose to book any of its five tiny home models. Each unit has one bedroom and one bathroom and can accommodate three to four people. The Caravan also does tours wherein guests can drive around in a tiny home for a completely minimalist lifestyle experience.
Rates during weekday range from $125 to $135, while weekend prices are between $145 and $155 depending on the season. Holiday and spring rates are at $185 per night.
13. Emerald Village- Eugene, Oregon
Location: 25 N. Polk St. 97402 Eugene, OR 97402
These self-managed tiny house communities were meant to provide safe housing for people who are transitioning to a more permanent living setup. Developed by SquareOne Villages, the place offers affordable micro-housing options.
It currently has 22 tiny house units, which are all built on a slab foundation. Each dwelling has a 160 to 228 square feet area. The houses also have a living room, dining room, sleeping quarters, kitchenette, and bathroom.
14. Dignity Village- Portland, Oregon
Location: 9401 NE Sunderland Ave, Portland, OR 97211
This city-recognized encampment of homeless people is now a tiny home community of sorts. Portland recently declared it as a “ transitional housing campground,” as defined by the city code. The village also has electricity and numerous facilities for cooking, sanitary, and social functions.
Almost anyone can become a part of this tiny home community provided they abide by the village’s basic rules. However, no children are allowed in the community because past criminal convictions do not prevent someone from being a member.
15. Tiny Estates- Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania
Location: 867 Schwanger Rd, Elizabethtown, PA 17022
Hollywood celebrity and comedian Kevin Hart owns a tiny house in this tiny house village. He even curated the unit in Herald Square in NYC through a partnership with booking.com. It’s now settled at Tiny Houses and can be rented for a few hundred dollars a night.
Tiny Estates is situated in a 14-acre property that has at least 25 small houses on site. The management also allows people to bring their own tiny houses into the area or rent the available units.
16. Lake Walk Tiny Home Community- Greer, South Carolina
Location: 2901-2983 N Hwy 101, Greer, SC 29651
Nestled near the shores of Lake Cunningham in the town of Greer in South Carolina, this unique tiny home community is a perfect vacation and retirement spot. Permanent and temporary residents here can live a simpler and more flexible lifestyle.
The community currently offers four different styles of micro houses, with each measuring under 400 square feet. Additionally, the place has green zones and a common area next to the lake. It is the ideal place for people who love boating, fishing, or just being with nature.
One of its best units is the 399-square foot The Alexander, which features twin bunks, a large loft, and a downstairs bedroom.
17. Community First!- Austin, Texas
Location: 9301 Hog Eye Rd Suite 950, Austin, TX 78724
Located just 10 miles northeast of Austin, this $18-million tiny house village is operated by a faith-based nonprofit. Community First! is a collection of 100 RVs, 20 cottages, and 140 micro homes that offer affordable housing for the chronically homeless and disabled.
The village covers 27-acres of land, which also has its community market, gardens, walking trails, medical facility, and wireless Internet. Furthermore, it has its bed and breakfast for visitors and has a nearby Capital Metro bus stop. Currently, there are about 200-residents in the tiny house community, including 45 missionaries.
18. Vintage Grace- Yantis, Texas
Location: 136 N. Main Street, Yantis, TX 75497
A little east of Dallas lies the Instagrammable tiny house village of Vintage Grace. This communal space is comprised of 25 wooded acres of land that is surrounded by four ponds. Currently, there are over 55 tiny homes that are for lease.
Furthermore, the village also has its own community garden and communal center. It also has that laid back countryside ambiance that its developer said can “rejuvenate your spirit.”
19. Quixote Village- Olympia, Washington
Location: 3350 Mottman Rd SW Olympia, WA 98512
This one’s self-governing tent camp meant for the homeless of Olympia has become a full-blown tiny home community. Quixote village now has over 30 small houses that were built using donation money.
The original tiny home village opened its doors on December 24, 2013, and accommodated the homeless folks in Thurston County. Today, the Quixote Community also has micro house villages for veterans in Orting and Shelton.
20. Boneyard Studios- Washington, D.C.
Location: 925 Rhode Island Avenue, Northwest Washington, D.C.
This village was established in 2012 and is one of the pioneers of a tiny house community. It started as a cooperative project on an old alley. Over the years, its founders Brian Levy and Lee Pera, have hosted numerous events to promote the Tiny House Movement.
They used to have two tiny homes for rent– the Matchbox, a 140-square-foot abode, and the Pera House, a 145-square foot dwelling. In 2014, the community had to be closed because of new zoning laws in the area. However, the uninhabited units are still there to this day to showcase the humble beginnings of tiny homes.
21. Occupy Madison Village- Madison, Wisconsin
Location: 304 N Third St, Madison, WI 53704
Formed in 2011 and inspired by the Occupy Wall Street movement, this tiny house village is composed of 99-square foot dwellings. What started as a homeless encampment on East Washington Avenue is now a small community.
Many of the housing units here are built through volunteer labor and costs around $4,500 each. Today, the village includes a makeshift kitchen, communal bathrooms, gardens, and a woodshop wares where the locals sell their goods.
These are just some of the tiny house communities we know of as the time of writing. There are dozens of other tiny house villages which were not mentioned in this article because they are still on the initial stages of being certified as a legal tiny home community.
Are There Any Tiny Home Communities in Canada?
The world got word of the Tiny House Movement when Sarah Susanka released her book “The Not So Big House” in 1998. According to her, house developers and homeowners should “build better, not bigger.”
A couple of years later, Jay Shafer also released “The Small House Book,” where he shares his thoughts and journey of building a tiny home. From there, the Tiny House Movement snowballed into what it is today. According to tiny house developers, there are currently between 12,000 to 15,000 small houses in the U.S.
About a few years back, Canada has also picked up on this new housing trend. While there are not as many as those in the US, the Maple nation also has a few tiny house communities.
Below are some of these tiny house villages:
Bluegrass Meadows Micro Village located at 5775 Har-Lee’s Place Road, Terrace, BC V8G 0A2
Homes for Heroes Village located at 2424 4 St SW #900, Calgary, AB T2S 2T4
Meanwhile, many other tiny house communities are still in the planning phase. For example, Tiny Homes Simply Home Community is planning to set up in Abbotsford, British Columbia.
Advantages of Living in Tiny Home Communities
There are numerous living arrangements you can do if you live in a tiny home. You can drive it around and stop in places where it’s legal to park, such as campsites, RV parks, and in some states in private land. Or you can settle your unit in your backyard as an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU).
However, of all the places where you can build or park your tiny home, nothing beats being in a tiny home community. There is something about living with like-minded people that makes it irreplaceable.
Aside from that, there are also several benefits to living in a tiny house village, such as:
1. Sustainability
TIny house villages are often built on a large piece of land. For this reason, a lot of them have a community garden where you can plant and harvest fruits and vegetables. Growing your crops in these lands can help you lower your food costs.
Additionally, most tiny house communities are also nestled near forests or lakes. Forest provides different resources such as herbal plants and wood. Meanwhile, ponds can be a good source of fish and even water activities.
2. Amenities
Developers of the new tiny home communities often add numerous facilities in their properties to make it more attractive. Aside from sewerage, power, and water, you can also gain access to recreational facilities like a basketball court.
Some tiny house villages even go the distance by creating their events and bazaars. Moreover, transitional little house communities often have shops where locals can sell their crafts and products to their visitors.
3. Security
Another advantage of living in a tiny house village is it adds a layer of protection among its inhabitants. The more people living around, the tighter its security against thieves and robbers gets. This is doubly true if you live in a community that looks out for one another.
Tiny house villages also bring out the communal values that you usually don’t get when living in an apartment or a suburb. Because every resident gets to interact with their neighbors, their bonds get stronger. Hence, it’s common for people here to lend a hand to one another.
4. Community Activities
Residing in a tiny home community also means being part of a larger group. Hence, there are often more community activities you can join. The best part of it is that many of these events, such as free movie viewing, doesn’t require you to spend money.
You can also do numerous activities with other people, such as group hikes or building tables for a picnic area. In short, it allows you to connect with people and help out for the good of everyone in the community.
Cost of Living in Tiny Home Communities
Living in a tiny home community can be cheap or expensive, depending on your preference. If you are renting out a small house unit, it can cost you a few hundred dollars a month, depending on your landlord.
However, you can bring down the rental cost if you own a tiny mobile home. In this scenario, you only have to pay for the use of a vacant lot or parking space. On average, monthly parking fees on tiny home villages are between $50 to $200.
Some tiny home communities also ask additional fees to cover some of the basic homeowner’s services like:
Sewerage
Cable and Internet Access
Waste Disposal
Community Kitchen Usage
Overall Maintenance
Depending on which tiny home community you are in, these fees can sot you around $100 to $250. Some community developers also include this to your rental prices, while others prefer you pay them separately.
Conclusion
Tiny home communities are a great place to settle your little dwelling, especially if you are the type who wants to be surrounded by like-minded people. Furthermore, it also gives you that communal spirit of being part of being larger than just yourself or your family. Ultimately, its a village that can bolster not only security but also sustainability.
Visit these tiny home communities. We recommend this Mountain Duffle Bag to carry all your travel needs.
Related Questions
What are the main challenges of living in a tiny house village?
Many of the tiny house villages in the list are located in areas outside of towns or cities. Hence, it can be quite challenging to commute to the center of a city, especially if you did not own a car. Some villages also don’t have the usual amenities you get from traditional communities such as Internet access and cable TV.
Is it expensive to live in a tiny house community?
Not necessarily. There are numerous tiny house villages in the country that serves different classes of people. Some communities even let you park on their vacant lots for a meager fee and sometimes for free.
The general rule, however, is that if the tiny house village offers tons of amenities, it’s likely to have a higher lease or rent. Additionally, if the community is near a renowned vacation spot or tourist destination, then it can also increase their fees, especially during the peak seasons.
