Author: Davids

The Best Tiny Home Builders of 2023

pre built tiny homes for sale

As houses in the US are getting bigger and prices are escalating, the shift towards the polar opposite has been gaining momentum. Americans are attracted to tiny homes as they are more affordable, have less carbon footprint, and require minimal home maintenance. As a result, the demand for tiny house on a foundation and those built on trailers are ever-increasing and finding established home builders have become more important than ever. TV shows and tiny home villages sprouting all over the country have led to an increase in the number of builders, making the selection challenging and time-consuming. Colorado, Oregon, and Tennessee have more ‘tiny home builders’ than others, and it’s probably because these states are more ‘tiny home friendly’ than the rest. If you are planning to build a tiny home, we recommend checking the license of the builder with the local licensing board, speaking to previous clients, and using our platform to get competitive pricing. Getting multiple bids is ideal to ensure that you get a fair price and that the quotations include a comprehensive scope of work. Here are some builders to consider and factors to remember before starting the building process.

 

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AKD Homes 

Located in the San Francisco Bay Area, the builders at AKD Homes build Conventional and Modern ADUs from pre-designed models. They also customize new ADUs, right from scratch to finish. The engineers and designers have years of experience and can construct high-quality tiny homes that suit your lifestyle. Set up a call or book an appointment via TinyHouseMe for faster response and competitive pricing. 

Alternative Living Spaces 

Located in Las Vegas, NV, the builder is an industry leader in the container housing industry. In the wave of modern modular housing construction, the builder can customize the home and make the housing model the right choice for you. TinyHouseMe has showcased their models on the website, and there is also a floor plan attached, giving you a peek into the interior layout design. 

American Tiny House 

The builders construct tiny house on foundation and cabins that are durable, energy-efficient, low maintenance, and offers extreme comfort. In addition, the tiny homes built by these builders are aesthetically pleasing and have a low carbon footprint. American Tiny House has one of the industry’s most skilled and dedicated professionals and can offer you eye-catching tiny homes within a budget. Get in touch with skilled and dedicated professionals now! Connect via an online directory to get priority service from the builders. 

Cascade Country Cabins

We introduce you to Kevin Taal and Tammy Taal, who are log home builders and offer fine craftsmanship and exceptional customer service for building tiny homes, customized log homes, and log house kits. The log home builders offer unique floor plans and creative interior designs to provide you with the perfect cabin that meets with the standard of excellence you expect and deserve. 

DREC Construction Services Inc division of Hubbard Building Inc.

With over two decades of experience in the ADU niche, the builders are experienced and can turn carriage houses and underutilized garages into livable spaces. The structures comply with the local building codes and easily attain the permits. In addition, the builders here offer in-house financing and allow you to explore ways to create an ROI. 

Hilltop Structures

If you are looking for prebuilt modular cabins, RV cabins, and portable storage buildings, then come to Hilltop Structures. The builders customize the cabins and offer competitive prices. The builders also offer long-distance delivery and meet the expectations of every customer. Instead of patiently waiting for your appointment, connect via TinyHouseMe to book an appointment at the earliest. 

Homes To Go

When you are looking for luxurious prefab and modular homes that adhere to FHA, VA, and USDA home foundations, choose the builders at Homes To Go! The family-owned and operated business has over 90 years of combined experience and thousands of happy customers throughout Texas, Kanas, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. The tiny homes are affordable, premium-quality, and designed keeping functionality in mind. 

Homestead Log Homes

Get spectacular log cabins customized to suit your taste and lifestyle from the builders at Homestead Log Homes. This locally owned and operated business in Oregon has over 30 years of experience and is one of the industry leaders in building and manufacturing tiny home log cabins. Check out the cabin models showcased at TinyHouseMe. 

Uncharted Tiny Homes

With over 12 years of building and remodeling experience, Uncharted Tiny Homes builds custom tiny homes that are strong and can stand the test of time and elements. If you want a tiny home on a foundation or a vacation house on a plot of land, then the builders can offer you affordable choices. 

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Takeaway

Finding the right builder is the first step toward tiny home building. You need to have an open line of communication with the tiny home builder to achieve the perfect home structure that everyone is thrilled with! Instead of spending hours researching for trusted builders online, connect with multiple builders at TinyHouseMe. The online directory showcases different tiny home models and connects you with experienced builders all across US and Canada. Book an appointment to interview the builder to ensure that the finished product is more than just a tiny house – it becomes your home! 

Answering the Most Googled Tiny House Questions

tiny house kits for sale

People want to know everything about tiny homes, and the most common ones are about the legality of the tiny houses, the cost, and the tiny home lifestyle. The tiny house kits for sale have escalated because of TV shows like ‘Tiny House Hunters’ and ‘Tiny House Nation.’ When you purchase from the tiny home kits for sale, you get beforehand information about the house plans and styles direct from the builder. TinyHouseMe connects you faster with top-notch tiny home builders across the USA. We assure you get priority service and help to finance the tiny home. In this article, we have corralled the most Googled tiny home questions and decided to give answers to clear the air of uncertainty. 

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How much does a tiny home cost? 

The cost of a tiny home varies depending on the size of the structure, the materials used, and the builder’s experience and expertise. As per Money Tips, the average cost of an ordinary tiny home is around $45,000, but that’s just an average, and the cost can range from $30,000 to $60,000. However, you can get cheaper DIY tiny home buildings at prices ranging from $4,000 to $10,000. Trailers and rentals for land add up significantly depending on the towing capacity and size. 

Which states are tiny-home friendly? Do they need permits?

Every city and state across the country will have different codes, rules, and regulations about tiny houses. You must research and learn about your community and the local zoning loopholes. If you buy tiny home kits for sale that are built on a foundation, then obtaining a permit is necessary. The home on wheels does not need a building permit, but the house needs to be built strong enough to endure rough weather conditions like hurricanes and snowstorms. It’s ideal for checking with a local builder before purchasing or building any tiny home. You get to connect faster with a builder via TinyHouseMe. We book a consultation at the earliest to make things easier for you. Nevertheless, while many states in the US are tiny home friendly, Connecticut and New York are still warming up. 

Additionally, if the home isn’t up to the city code, you might get evicted from the tiny home and fined for breaking the rules. Tiny home laws are confusing and hard to navigate. The American Tiny House Association keeps tabs on the change in the policy along with a list of regulations to determine the legality of the tiny home everywhere across the country. 

How does the plumbing system work? 

Tiny home plumbing isn’t as difficult as people think. It’s just like regular plumbing and, in fact, less inexpensive. You can read about tiny home plumbing in our blog sections (Part 1) and (Part 2) to get a general idea. The plumbing system will only need extra care and maintenance during winter. We also have a blog related to winterizing your tiny home. However, if you have more questions, contact our team today. TinyHouseMe can help you connect with the right builder to plan the plumbing system inside the home and customize the space to fit your lifestyle. 

How to finance a tiny home? 

You can easily get tiny home kits for sale from many builders, but financing options are very limited. However, financing for a tiny home is no longer a struggle when you connect with TinyHouseMe. We have already discussed in a blog how you can finance your home, and our experts are knowledgeable to help you find a good builder and a great source for financing. 

Is it safe to stay in a tiny home? 

Smoke, moisture, mold, and poor condensation pose problems when you get the structure built from an inexperienced and inexpensive builder-grade. However, established builders are adamant about building structures adhering to International Residential Codes, as it now has an appendix for classifying tiny homes. 

Can you avail of insurance for a tiny home?

Getting home insurance is possible if the tiny home is built by a reputable builder or is RVIA compliant. For more details, you can read our blog on tiny home insurance.

How is electricity generated inside a tiny home? 

A generator or solar panels are necessary for electricity inside a tiny home. Read the blog here to know more about the electricity inside a tiny home. 

Is it possible to store everything inside a tiny home? 

While the builder can customize and offer great storage space to keep your stuff organized inside a tiny home, decluttering is necessary. Read about tiny home storage HERE to plan your tiny house layout with the builder. 

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Are tiny homes worth the money?

Going tiny is worth the pain if you want to live debt-free and save money for a long-term plan. Tiny homes can be an incredible experience if you connect with the right builder to customize the home to your personal taste and lifestyle. At TinyHouseMe, we connect you with multiple builders offering high-quality homes at competitive prices. Check out the tiny home models showcased on our website. Enroll today to book an appointment with your favorite builder.

Planning of a Tiny House – Here’s What You Need To Know

cabins on wheels for sale

Tiny homes have become extremely popular as traditional housing prices continue to soar. Whether you wish to live economically or want a tiny home as an off-grid retreat, these small dwellings offer a flexible way to live comfortably. Charity organizations can also use these homes to solve homelessness in states needing social housing. You will find many builders offering tiny cabins for sale, but connecting with the established tiny home builders gets easier when you go via TinyHouseMe. We are an online directory connecting you with US builders offering cabins on wheels for sale. You can save time searching for tiny home builders online by connecting with TinyHouseMe. This online platform has hundreds of builders and showcases innumerable tiny home models to ensure you make the perfect selection. 

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Planning stage 

YouTube videos showing cool tiny home design ideas are exciting. However, these cool ideas may not be functional enough and will cost you extra bucks. You need an established builder to help you plan your tiny home. The small dwellings can be customized to create more space and generate greater utility. You can get tiny cabins for sale in different sizes and layouts. The upgraded ones come with advanced features and amenities. 

Check the local building laws and zonal codes before you start with the design structure

Most people look for cabins on wheels for sale to eliminate the headache of needing a building permit. In the US, most people prefer living in a home with wheels as these houses are legally classified as “campervans” and are not illegal tiny houses. However, local laws vary, and it’s necessary to have the right information before designing your tiny home. Talk to the builder to know the local laws before determining the size of your tiny home, and also follow the regulations related to the materials you can use to build the structure. You need to connect with a trusted builder via TinyHouseMe to know the legalities before designing the structure. TinyHouseMe ensures you get a faster response and priority service from the builders; otherwise, there will be a time overrun. 

Experiment with the floor plans 

Your tiny home must be big enough for everyone, including your pets. Living in a tiny home that’s too small or too big is unwise. Check out the floor plans, and learn about the structural design and cost to get a ballpark estimate of what one can expect. After discussing with the builder about the floor plan, revisit it after a few days to make further adjustments. Consider looking at readymade plans and see if they come close to what you have in mind. Designing a plan yourself is great, but you need to have a lot of knowledge and research thoroughly to create a perfect tiny home plan. At TinyHouseMe, you get connected with established builders who use software programs to help you draw a floor plan to scale. Then you have a construction quality blueprint prepared, and half of the battle is already won. 

Arranging the tiny home layout 

You need to downsize to move into a tiny home, and it’s time to declutter before you start designing the layout. Your lifestyle decides the layout of the house. Big kitchens cost more than living spaces as they take up much floor space. Clever storage ideas make the tiny home design layout more comfortable and liveable and there is no need to shrink unnecessarily. Check out our articles to make the most of the limited storage space. Our builders also talk about designing a living space inside a tiny home and the layout of a functional kitchen area. For further help in planning and designing a tiny home, connect with the experts through TinyHouseMe. We provide helpful resources to plan out your tiny home and provide a consultation session with the experts.

Other parameters to help you pick the ideal tiny home plan

While local laws, floor plans, and layout structure of a tiny home are important parameters, other criteria need a mention. 

  • Check out the schematics for framing the walls of the tiny home.
  • Check out the schematics for pipes and wires inside a tiny home.
  • Consider the house weight of a tiny home.
  • Discuss the towing capacity of the tiny home on wheels
  • Check out the trailer size and determine the square footage of the tiny home. Shorter trailers are easier to tow, while longer ones offer more interior choices.
  • Tiny home dormers are a great choice. Modify your tiny home plan to add them to the structure
  • Discuss the maximum height you can tow without a permit.
  • Plan multi-loft tiny homes for families as they offer more storage space
  • Choose ground-floor bed options for kids, guests, and retirees.
  • Roofing is important. Shed roofs are easy to build and add height, while gambrel roofs offer maximum loft space. For a traditional roof shape, choose gable roofing.
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Final words 

A tiny home plan with drawings and diagrams with 3D views can help the builder develop the perfect structure. The plans should have a material list along with the estimated costs. At TinyHouseMe, you can connect with multiple builders and compare the plans and pricing before making the final selection. A trusted builder can help you read a tiny house floor plan. Connect today to get started. 

Cost of Living Inside a Tiny Home – Downsize To Save More!

tiny house living

The tiny house is redefining the American dream as you can now own a home with little or no debt and travel the country while working on the road. You can build your own tiny house and design a space that aligns with your interests, tastes, and lifestyle. The tiny home comes at a much lower cost than a traditional home, and since everything is smaller, you get to pick from top-of-the-line finishing at more competitive pricing. You will find countless articles extolling how affordable it’s to build your own tiny home, but no one talks how much savings you make while living in a tiny house. Regular repairs, weekly maintenance, and other utility bills inside a tiny house are far less than the expense of an average traditional home.

The cost of living varies depending on the situation. Generally, an ordinary tiny homeowner can expect the monthly bills to range from $500 to $1000 (as per Business Insider). This article discusses the monthly cost expectations inside a tiny home and all the factors that can affect the monthly bills when you live in a tiny home.

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Zoning laws add $$$

Every municipality has various building, zoning, land use, and inspection laws and regulation – not to mention these have associated fees. You need to play by the rules laid down by the jurisdiction. Rural areas have lenient laws that can help you save money. However, violating the local housing laws and zonal codes will get you fined. Additionally, you might have to pay monthly storage-space rentals for excess belongings. 

Taxes 

Average Cost –Relies on a lot of factors 

Two factors determine whether the tiny homes are taxable and the amount of money you must pay. First, the state where your tiny home is parked, and second, the kind of tiny home you purchase. If you build your own tiny home on a fixed land (foundation), you need to pay a larger real estate tax, based on the land valuation. 

On the other hand, a tiny home on wheels listed as a mobile home will have The Personal Property Tax and this is applicable only if the state charges this tax. This tax is also called the ad valorem tax (as per the Balance Money). There are 2 types of property taxes: the State Tax and the Local Property Tax. The State Tax depends on the type, weight, value, and other factors of a mobile home. The Local Property Tax depends on the valuation of a mobile home. While some states will ask you to pay both taxes, others will ask for neither. Even the accurate rates of the tax vary depending on the state’s rules and regulations. 

Insurance

Average cost – $50 to $150 per month (annually as per TinyHouseBloom)

If you easily want to acquire tiny home insurance, build your tiny house with a certified builder. TinyHouseMe connects you with multiple established builders across the USA. These builders offer customized tiny homes within a budget. Of course, there are challenges associated with acquiring homeowner’s insurance but connecting with the builders via TinyHouseMe simplifies the process. 

Insurers are more likely to cover tiny homes on foundations certified by the National Organization for Alternate Housing and mobile houses that have RV certification after the built. Insurers are reluctant to insure a tiny home that hasn’t been insured for a long time. However, the insurance cost again depends on the location, the insurance plan, the travel lifestyle, and the tiny home itself.  

Rent 

Average Cost – Depends on the type of tiny home (stationary or mobile)

If you already own land and park or install the foundation of your tiny home there, you don’t have to pay anything for the space. Similarly, if your state allows you to install the tiny house foundation on your plot of land, then there’s no pay for the rental space. However, many tiny homeowners do not own a plot of land and must pay for a rental space. That’s when you can consider a tiny home on wheels.

When you rent a space (campground fee) for parking your tiny home on wheels – you will require a fee. The good news is that the parking fees are consistent across the country. However, if you have a tiny home on wheels, you get to stay in an RV park or campground, which can be pricier but allows access to a range of amenities that are included with the monthly rent. As per Camping Advisor, RV parks charge anywhere from $400 to $600. Additionally, according to RVing Know How, you might also need to pay a Property Owner’s Association Fee that ranges from $40 to $80 but includes some benefits. 

A third option is to park in farmland or the backyard of private property-owners (if zoning rules allow). The private property-owners offer their land at a much cheaper price.

Utilities (if not included in rent)

Average cost – $50 to $300 per month (as per TinyHouseBloom)

Just because you are living in a smaller space, utilities don’t disappear. As per Riding Tiny, if electricity and water come under the house rent, you pay only $50. However, if that’s not the case, as per TinyHouseBloom, the electricity costs can vary from $30 to $200 depending on weather conditions, insulation, and other power sources. Even with solar panel installation, by law, you require alternative power sources in your home, which shoots up the electricity bills. Water is not a cause of concern as it’s free with the parking rent, and you can even haul water from a nearby well. TinyHouseBloom says, you should expect to spend around $10 to $15 on propane tanks, but it depends on the devices powered by propane. Additionally, the internet connection might need you to spend $20 to $100 on unlimited hotspot plans, and the cost depends on your mobile connection and the plan you select. 

Maintenance 

Average cost – $25 or more per month (as per Riding Tiny)

The maintenance costs depend largely on the quality of materials you occupy your tiny homes with. Good quality materials have a longer lifespan and need fewer repairs. Generally, repairs are about replacing the water pumps and staining the exterior that needs to be fixed. Tiny homes barely need repairing, except for winterizing the home, which is done annually, and the cost shoots up to $35, as per TinyHouseBloom. 

Moving Costs 

Average cost – $20 to unlimited  (as per TinyHouseBloom)

The towing costs of a tiny home depend on the size and the distance. The travel costs should consist of gas and vehicle maintenance. However, you require more gas in winter for backup generators as there is a huge possibility that the solar panels might fail to work due to inadequate lighting. 

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Wrapping up the tiny home living costs 

The living cost inside a tiny home is based on your lifestyle and goals. If you are downsizing to save money, the tiny home lifestyle can cost as low as $630, as claimed by TinyHouseBloom. There are many ways to reduce the cost of living in a tiny home. If you are looking forward to build your own tiny home, then get in touch with established builders via TinyHouseMe. We connect you faster with the builders, and our experts give you valuable tips to live comfortably and affordably inside a tiny home. Start preparing for your tiny home lifestyle from today!