Tiny homes offer plenty of convenience and enough living quarters. However, what if you need more space, but still want that mobility that these small homes offer? Yes, a cargo carrier sounds like a good idea, but you more than that. One of the most straightforward answers is to add a new unit. But is it possible to connect two or more tiny homes?

The answer is yes; you can connect two or more tiny home units. However, it requires careful planning and sometimes an ingenious design. 

Fortunately, many tiny home owners have done this, and you can draw inspiration from their experience. 

Based on their accounts, there are numerous methods of how you can connect two tiny homes without compromising its structural integrity. One standard approach is to add a movable structure between the two tiny houses, such as a deck or any detachable structure. 

Architect Vina Lustado of Sol Haus Design was able to connect her two tiny homes in an L-shaped layout. She also placed a deck in between that serves as a small balcony. One of her tiny homes serves as living quarters, while the other is her office.  

[Related: What Are the Different Types of Tiny House Trailers?]

Can You Connect 2 Tiny Homes? Yes, You Can. 

The method of connecting your tiny homes usually depends on the existing design of the units. It can be as simple as joining both unit’s entryways by aligning them and creating a footpath. Meanwhile, some owners opted to create an adjacent structure made of light materials. 

Viva Collective designed a house called the Ohana house where its two small houses are joined by an open sunroom. The additional structure acts as a communal space and adds aesthetic value to the units. Furthermore, The sunroom also allows people to enjoy nature and the view outside regardless of the weather.

Below are some ingenious ways that people have joined their tiny homes:

• Park both small homes side by side and install a wooden platform that acts as a walkway or small balcony. To build a patio or deck, use Acacia Hardwood Deck and Patio.
• Add a glassed wall structure and frame in between the two units. The new structure must have access to any door on both tiny homes.
• Sometimes it can be too hot inside the tiny house. The solution is to create a breezeway in between the units and a simple roof above. Use NICETOWN Privacy Curtain for more privacy in the breezeway. Another trick is to add roof windows on both tiny houses.
• You can also create a simple wooden bridge to connect both houses. However, you need a strong base to ensure its structural integrity.

[Must Read: Tiny House Rooms: 25 Amazing Decorating Ideas]

Is It Legal to Connect Two Detached Small Houses? 

The Tiny Home Movement is a new housing concept. Currently, different states have different laws regarding them. The general rule, however, is that when they are attached to a trailer with wheels, tiny homes are considered as recreational vehicles (RVs).

However, once the tiny home loses its wheels and is built on a foundation, it can be considered as a property. In other words, as long as the small house unit is not settled permanently into land or property, everything should be alright.

[Related: Tiny Houses Legality: Everything You Need to Know]

The same can be said for the “connecting” part of the two tiny homes. The structure must not have a foundation, and its base should not touch the ground entirely. For this reason, many small home owners build them over wooden blocks and other types of support. 

To be safe, we recommend that you first check the zoning laws where your tiny home is located. 

Reasons to Connect Two Tiny Homes

There are plenty of owners why owners want to connect two or more tiny home units. For some, it’s because they needed extra space, especially if the family who lives there has four or more members. Others do it because they need to have a functional room, such as a mobile office, that won’t fit in just one small abode.

Many tiny home owners add another unit when they want to settle in a place for a few months or a year. Installing the “connecting” part is also quite challenging and often doesn’t have its trailer. Hence, they often use materials like wooden platforms to join the two tiny homes.

Below are other reasons why it’s reasonable to connect two small houses:

• The added space can sometimes fulfill the zoning law requirement on a piece of property. Different states have varying laws regarding this arrangement, so it’s better to check out if this applies to your area.
• The deck often acts as an elevated walkway, which is quite useful, especially if the water levels rise a bit when raining.
• The adjoining structure can value your tiny home, especially when you decided to sell your units.
• A “connecting” part with a roof, like a sunroom, enables you to move between two units without being wet during rain. 
• It helps distinguish that two or more trailer units are part of one tiny home complex. This layout allows visitors to locate your residence, especially in a tiny home village.   

[Must Read: Why Are Tiny Houses Illegal in Some States?]

Pros and Cons of Joining Two or More Small Houses

Sometimes owning just one small home unit is not enough, depending on the needs of its owner. For example, if you are a family of four or more, then you might need more space. Hence, you may need an additional unit or two. 

It’s also beneficial if you can link the two tiny homes for aesthetic and practical reasons. However, there are also some demerits with this move. Below are the advantages and disadvantages of such a setup:

Pros

• Provides a larger living space 
• Makes it easier to move from one unit to another
• Offers a bit of leverage whenever the water levels rise during the rainy season
• Helps visitors identify the two tiny home as just one residence

Cons

• Your tiny home can be subjected to the zoning laws of the jurisdiction, which can result in huge fines.
• Building the “connecting” part can be quite expensive and requires a lot of labor and materials.

[Interesting: Is It Cheaper to Build or Buy a Tiny House? We Do the Math]

What is the Cost of Joining Two Tiny Homes?  

Most projects of this kind can cause anywhere between $500 to over $3,500. It usually depends on the size of the “connecting” structure and its design. Other factors that can affect this estimate include:

• The size of the structure
• The labor fee of your contractor
• The type of wood and other materials used
• The time it would take to finish the project

If you are clueless about this project, you can contact a tiny home designer. These professionals can help you plan and map out the whole structure. Make sure you get someone reliable so you can get a reasonable quote.

Consequently, if the structure is not too complicated, you can also make it a Do-It-Yourself project. Most platforms and decks don’t require too many materials. If you have a background in carpentry, then you can put some of your skills into use. 

[Must Read: Tiny Houses: A Good Idea or a Terrible Investment?]

Conclusion

It’s possible to join two or more tiny homes by installing a “connecting” piece or structure between them. There are plenty of materials and designs that the homeowner can use. Furthermore, you can do it by yourself or with the help of a professional or a contractor. 

Related Questions

Can you connect more than two tiny homes?

Yes, you can. However, it is more feasible for tiny homes that are already built on the ground and not those which still sit on trailers. For mobile homes, the better option is to create a simple wooden bridge or platform which you can disassemble later.

Can you take the “connecting” part when you relocate?

It depends on the size and design of the connecting part or structure. Wood and plastic sheets are light and can easily be moved around. In contrast, roof tiles and glass are fragile and need special handling during transport.