Get expert advice on downsizing, tiny house regulations, smart storage, and more.
Below, experts offer answers to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding tiny home living.
How Small Is a Tiny House?
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How small is a tiny home, really?
Local building codes will impact the size requirements of a tiny home, but there are some general guidelines.
Erin Hybart is a Louisiana realtor and a tiny house enthusiast.
Credit:Ellie Lillstrom
She says tiny homes are outlined in the code as having an eating, bathing, and sleeping space.
Tiny houses range from 100-400 square feet.
How Much Does a Tiny House Cost?
Credit: Michael Partenio
Bigger homes with high-end finishes will push the budget higher.
The rest was already prefab.
Each of these options greatly affects the price.
Ellie Lillstrom
What Are the Rules for Building a Tiny House?
Sims says there are several rules based on how you will use your tiny home.
Hybart points out that aside from the IRC, there are few national regulations.
Zoning laws for tiny houses are mostly local, though some states have more flexible regulations, she says.
Where Can You Buy a Tiny House?
As tiny homes grow in popularity, more and more builders and manufacturers have jumped in on the action.
Reputable builders includeTumbleweed Tiny House Co.,Tiny Heirloom, andTimbercraft.
Tiny house kits are a good option for DIYers who need some guidance but want to save money.
Sons purchased her tiny home from local Mennonite craftsmen and has been pleased with the durability and construction.
you’re able to also purchase tiny homes secondhand.
Even Amazon sells kits, but not all are built to the same standards.
How Do Tiny Houses Handle Water and Waste?
Tiny homes can be equipped with water and plumbing systems the same way a normal-size single-family home is.
Some tiny houses on a permanent foundation will utilize the typical utility hookups, Hybart says.
Those tanks must be filled and emptied, respectively.
Sustainable options includerainwater harvestingand graywater systems for water conservation.
I have seen incredible small water filtration systems that can filter rainwater for drinking and cooking purposes.
Sims says many tiny homes are designed this way with sustainability in mind.
Solutions like this must adhere to local plumbing codes to ensure safety and effectiveness.
How Do You Maximize the Space?
For the average person, condensing a life to fit a tiny house can be challenging.
To combat this, focus onsmart storage.
Buy lots of storage for under beds, cabinets, and overhead storage, Sons says.
Limit trinkets and clutterby minimizing comforters, clothing, and linens."
Be sure to prioritize storage when building and designing your home.
Maximize space withbuilt-in storage, multi-purpose furniture, and open layouts.
Vertical storage and utilizing even the ceiling space is necessary to get all your functions in the space.
How Do You Adjust to the Lifestyle?
Experts agree youll also have toadjust to living in a smaller area.
Before committing, consider the lifestyle, Hybert says.
Tiny living means less space, fewer possessions, and often simpler living.
The major consideration is this: can you downsize and eitherstore half of your thingsor do without them?
That’s the hardest thing that I would have to consider.
I couldn’t do this after 40 years of marriage.
I cherish many things I want to be laid out to display all the time.
That’s why experts tell newcomers to test the waters first.
Consider renting a tiny house for a few months to get used to the space, Hybart says.
Finally, do your homework regarding zoning laws, codes, and regulations.
