The tiny house craze has exploded. Today, over 10,000 people in America call one home. If you’re in the market for a smaller property, then this might be a good avenue because new models are popping up all the time, and now, you can buy a tiny home kit that you can put together yourself. Before moving forward, take a beat. Research and spend your money wisely and find a home that properly suits yourself and your family.
What Are Tiny House Kits?
Tiny properties are a form of modular construction, and the industry has been thriving since the COVID-19 pandemic. During this time, there was a significant need for healthcare facilities for the sick. Plus, citizens needed affordable housing to social distance. Part of the solution was modular construction, which is when many of the parts of a structure are built offsite, then they are connected later. It’s a way to build that is generally faster and more cost-efficient.
Modular construction is also how tiny houses are built. When choosing a company to supply your small home, you can either pay them to construct it for you or buy a tiny house kit. Essentially, it’s a collection of materials necessary to build a tiny house in an area of your choosing. The box contains the tools necessary to create the exterior of the home, including the roof, doors, lumber for walls and essential hardware.
Although tiny homes may look attractive and seem like a quick and easy solution, remember that this is a real livable house, and it must be high quality so it can provide adequate shelter for you and your family. It’s important to research to find a quality builder to get your money’s worth.
When you find a company, ask them how long they’ve been in business and how successful they've been with building tiny houses. Ask for a portfolio and customer reviews to see what past buyers think about this as a residence. Don’t rush the decision. Only go with a builder you trust.
Where Can You Put Your Tiny Home?
An assumption that many buyers make is that once they purchase the tiny house, they can put it wherever they want. However, before you start constructing the kit in the backyard, you must follow all applicable state and local laws. For starters, not every state in the country is open to the idea of tiny homes, including New York, where you cannot live in a tiny home as a permanent living situation but instead only on a temporary basis. Move your small home to Florida, California or New Mexico, and you won’t have much trouble at all.
There are many beautiful states in our country, and within them are gorgeous mountain towns that can make a great resting spot for your tiny home. Park City, Utah, for instance, is a peaceful place that isn’t too overly populated. It’s also a great place to enjoy winter sports like skiing and sledding. South Lake Tahoe, California, is another picture-perfect place to consider.
However, while the locations may be picturesque, it’s still necessary to do your research before you move because you want to ensure that you meet that state’s zoning laws. For instance, some states require minimum square footage for a tiny home, while others must meet certain fire safety regulations. If you ignore these zoning laws, the city could condemn and take your home away, so don’t take the risk.
As for where you can place your new home, you have different options, but they must again adhere to the zoning laws. If your home is on wheels, consider parking it in your backyard. That’s because, in most states, it's legal to camp in your backyard, so they consider it to be like a trailer. Other options include placing your house in a trailer park or buying land.
Budget Is Another Consideration
Many people are attracted to tiny home kits because they want an inexpensive way to buy a house. While tiny houses are less expensive than a traditional dwelling, the costs can vary greatly based on the builder, style, amenities and more. In 2023, a tiny home will run you about $50,000, give or take. That’s substantially less than the cost of a regular home at about $298,000, and that is typically when it is fully built.
Buying a kit can save you thousands and cost only $6,000 to $8,000. However, you’ll still need to put it together. If you’re not construction-minded, it can be a difficult task. You can hire a builder to assemble your kit for you. However, you’ll likely need to pay for their labor costs, which could add thousands more to your bill.
For many people, a tiny home is a temporary solution, and they hope to sell it down the line. If so, take the time to update the property and increase its value. You can do that by modernizing the space and adding extra amenities, like updated countertops in the kitchen and LED lighting. Many tiny houses have a lot of windows, and if that’s the case, ensure they are in good repair. Take the time to maintain your tiny house, and you could make a pretty penny for it down the line.
These are the many considerations when looking at tiny home kits and their place in your life. If this is up your alley, it could be a pleasant, cost-effective housing solution for you and your family.
Sam Bowman writes about people, tech, wellness, and how they merge. He enjoys getting to utilize the internet for the community without actually having to leave his house. In his spare time, he likes running, reading, and combining the two in a run to his local bookstore.
