A tiny house is typically 400 square feet or less. To put that into perspective, the average square foot of a normal-sized home is around 2,000 square feet! Tiny living isn’t for everyone, but a great way to experience going small is to build one yourself. However, like any construction project, building a home for yourself, no matter how small, requires some steps and research. This guide will highlight some major considerations before you get started.
1. Know Your Realistic Needs and Wants
Tiny homes will likely only include some of your wants, as space is limited. However, you may be satisfied if you compile a list of needs and wants for a tiny house. Wants are features in a home that you would enjoy but can ultimately live without, such as a white kitchen. Needs are features that you can’t compromise on, like the number of bedrooms. Tiny homes usually have minimal bedroom space, so beds may come in the form of a loft or pull-out couches. If you’d like space for a full bed, you’ll want to note this ahead of time and understand that it may require you to limit floor space. Storage space is also significant, but you won’t have much of it in a tiny home, as intelligent storage solutions can only go so far with limited square footage. Also take into consideration the largest range of air conditioners at Ansons if you plan to upgrade your home with air conditioning units.
2. Choose the Right Materials
A building’s materials are everything, even in a tiny home. Roofing can last a long time with suitable materials for your climate; asphalt roofing may be cheap, but it doesn’t last as long as other materials. Metal roofing is popular for modern homes, including tiny ones, but they come with a price tag. Eco-friendly building materials are popular now but can be pricey or impractical in certain areas. Familiarize yourself with all the different types of building materials, including their looks, durability, and cost. A contractor can walk you through different materials, so hire a professional.
3. Have Clear Floorplans
Before starting any construction process, you need floorplans and blueprints. These documents serve as a building guide, and construction can be misconstrued or confuddled without them. Even if you’re building the tiny home yourself, blueprints will allow you to see how your home is laid out from a construction perspective, including the materials and steps to achieve particular looks. If you’re hiring professionals, the team will need blueprints to remain on the same page as you and others. You can find blueprints for tiny homes online or make your own with the help of an architect or construction team if necessary.
You can also include Floor Access Door in your floor plan as it enhances functionality by providing discreet access to underfloor spaces, making it easier to manage utilities or storage without disrupting the room’s layout. This feature not only optimizes space utilization but also contributes to a cleaner, more organized living environment.
4. Prepare Funds
Building any structure costs money, even a tiny home. You’ll typically save a lot of money by purchasing a tiny home, but it’ll still have a hefty price tag. You will need to prepare for this purchase in two main ways.
Savings
Save as much money as you can to reduce the amount of debt you take on. One of the benefits of tiny homes is smaller price tags, so you can use this to your advantage by making a budget, hiring a financial advisor if necessary, and automatically withdrawing funds to a designated savings account. Gifts from friends and family to help you purchase a house can also go right into a savings account. High-yield savings accounts gather interest faster than traditional savings accounts.
Loans
Mortgages help you fund the hefty purchase price of a home. There are construction home loans for those looking to build their own house, and tiny homes may be included, depending on the lender. Research different loans and lenders, compare interest rates, and know what loan your tiny house will qualify for.
5. Hire Professionals
The requirements and regulations for building a tiny house vary by state. A professional licensed contractor in your state will be familiar with location-specific zoning laws, permits required, and the construction process in thorough detail. Verifying licensing ensures the contractor you hire is experienced and familiar with local laws before building. Below are some of the various states and their licensing requirements.
Georgia
In Georgia, tiny houses don’t have specific laws dedicated to their construction. Instead, they must follow local building laws and regulations, including safety regulations and land laws. Contractors must study and pass a contractor licensing exam for any multiple tiers of contracting licenses.
New York
Specific locations in New York state do not allow tiny homes of a particular size. According to New York State’s definition, tiny homes are typically 400 square feet or less. Ceilings and the building’s width must also be a specific measurement. A licensed contractor in New York can tell you what is allowed in your area, as laws and codes vary by city and county. In New York, contractors must pass an exam and undergo a background check to become licensed. However, unlike other states, many contractors don’t require a license.
Arizona
Arizona tiny homes have specific laws, as well. The foundation for homes on a foundation must be at least 200 square feet. Certain counties may have other specific requirements, and a contractor can walk you through them. In most cases, Arizona contractor licensing involves rigorous studying and exam classes, as one must pass the exam and have at least four years of journeyman experience.
Conclusion
A tiny home is a great way to prioritize life over material goods. Building your own tiny home can tailor the experience. Know what you need in a tiny house, hire professionals, and secure your blueprints before starting. Make sure the professionals you hire are reputable and licensed.
