Things You Need to Know Before Deciding to Live in a Tiny House
The Tiny House Movement has become quite popular in the past few years, especially among those who wish to live a simpler and more minimalist lifestyle. There are a lot of great advantages to living in a tiny house. For one, your cost of living will drastically go down. Many people who chose to transition to this kind of lifestyle have enjoyed the pleasant changes it has brought.
What is a Tiny House?
Generally speaking, a tiny house is a dwelling that does not exceed a floor area of 400 square feet, not including lofts. As more and more people prefer to simplify their lives and live with less, this architectural trend has become a social movement. In contrast to the typical American home that is around 2,600 square feet in floor area, a tiny house offers a much smaller space that does not require too much furniture, appliances, decors, and accessories.
Tiny houses can either be built on a solid foundation or a mobile home. They can be rented, built, or purchased, depending on several factors.
If you’re considering joining the movement, think about it first before pulling the trigger. Here are some things you should know about them:
- They’re not exactly a new thing
Even though it seems like tiny houses have been around for only a few years, they have been around for decades now, with the modern movement believed to have started in the 1970s. It has regained massive attention during the Great Recession between 2007 and 2009 as it gave regular folks a more affordable housing option.
- They can be built to match your lifestyle and budget
One great thing about small houses is they can be built to your specifications based on your preferences, lifestyle, and budget. They can cost anywhere between $10,000 and $180,000. If you want to have a luxurious tiny house with elegant french doors, go for it. If you want it to have a bit of a country feel, it’s up to you. You can customize it however you want.
- DIY-ing might not be the best idea
For those who plan to DIY it and build their small house from scratch, give it careful thought. While it can help bring your costs down as you get to save on labor expenses, take note that it will be time-consuming. What you save up in money might take up more time than you anticipate. Some folks who chose to build it on their own have found themselves away from their jobs for months.
- Contractors are most likely to not want to build your tiny house or jack up their prices to build you one
One of the disadvantages of deciding to go with a tiny house is contractors aren’t as keen on providing their services compared to more traditional and normal-sized residential properties. The smaller the house, the higher the rates that contractors will give you. They make less money building small structures so they need to compensate for it by jacking up their prices. Either that or they just flat out turn you down.
- Tiny homes aren’t qualified for mortgages
More often than not, tiny homes do not qualify for mortgage applications because of their smaller footprint and mobility. Since tiny homes cost significantly lesser compared to a typical house, they are much cheaper. That being said, it’s a lot easier to save at least $10,000 to get you started.
- What you save up for in mortgages can be eaten up by zoning costs
With the amount of money you save for mortgages and construction, you probably think you’ve already surpassed your greatest challenge. However, what you save up for in mortgages might be eaten away by zoning costs. So be sure to find out what the local laws are when it comes to zoning, building, inspection, and land use so you can prepare for them.
- Tiny houses are insurable but with certain challenges
Since they are slightly unconventional dwelling places, folks are asking if small houses are insurable. The good news is, yes, they are. But not without their unique set of challenges. The important thing is you do your research and have your house certified by the National Organization for Alternative Housing (NOAH) to make it easier for you.
- Its value does not appreciate as quickly as a traditional house
Unlike the more conventional and traditional houses, a tiny house may not appreciate the way they do. Since most tiny houses are custom-built to perfectly fit their owners’ lifestyles, they might not be suitable for other prospective buyers. Reselling it will be quite difficult. Possible but challenging.
- Beware of buyer’s remorse
Lastly, some tiny house owners initially jumped on the bandwagon but eventually regretted their decision. It doesn’t necessarily apply to all small house owners but if you’re not committed to embracing a minimalist and simpler lifestyle in a smaller yet efficient space, then a tiny house may not be a good idea.
Moving into a tiny house definitely has its advantages. Should you decide to join the tiny house movement, you need to prepare yourself for the dramatic changes it will bring into your life. Your adaptability and resilience will be tested. But if anything, most of those who have made the transition have found it to be quite rewarding and fulfilling.
Meta title:Facts You Need to Know About Tiny Houses Before Deciding to Move Into One
meta desc: If you’re considering joining the Tiny House Movement, think about it first before pulling the trigger. Here are some things you should know about them.
