Tag: tiny home builder

With many people choosing to downsize and embrace the minimalist lifestyle, tiny house living has also picked up in the U.S. and Canada like none other. But how did the Tiny House Movement start? Why has this movement gained immense popularity over the last few years? Well, this is what we will be addressing here, and we will also explore the various reasons that compel people to reside in tiny houses, making it an absolute necessity in 2023. So, let’s delve right in.

Historical Perspective of the Tiny House Movement

One can trace the roots of the tiny house movement way back in the 2000s when a man named Jay Shafer set up a small mobile house on a trailer bed. He founded Tumbleweed Tiny House Company and started erecting and selling tiny houses. Tiny house living was then considered a novelty. However, Shafer’s exquisite designs soon caught the attention of many people looking for a better alternative to larger conventional homes.

What led to the immense popularity of tiny houses?

After the 2009 recession hit, people witnessed the essentiality of downscaling, and that is when tiny houses became more of a realistic option.

Shrinking incomes, a greater concern for the environment, and astronomical living costs made tiny houses take the U.S. by storm. As per statistics, almost 63% of the U.S. millennials prefer tiny home living. Doesn’t it leave you flabbergasted? Yes, you should be. Now, let’s take a look at the various reasons that led to the immense popularity of tiny home living.

Tiny Houses: The One-Stop Solution for Affordable Housing

One of the biggest reasons that led to the immense popularity of the tiny house movement is the astronomical living costs. The cost of renting or purchasing a house in the United States has boomed to such an extent that now it has been rendered unaffordable for a major portion of the demographic. On the flip side, tiny houses are available at only a fraction of traditional houses’ cost, making it a much more affordable option. Also, many people in the U.S. want to minimize their carbon footprint and lead a more sustainable lifestyle. The fact that tiny houses are more energy-efficient, smaller, and constructed using planet-friendly materials makes them the best fit for such people.

Design Trends in Tiny Houses

Another reason that makes tiny houses all the rage is the desire for a more minimalist and simpler lifestyle. There are quite a number of people who want to downsize their possessions and zero in on what really matters. Tiny houses provide the perfect opportunity to live with less, allowing one to focus on what’s important. Moreover, tiny houses, being mobile, can be placed in different locations. This allows you to reside in different areas and enjoy the serene beauty of different parts of the country.

An Eco-friendly Way of Living

You can install solar panels in tiny houses of this day and age. This allows tiny house dwellers to lead an independent, off-grid lifestyle. According to research from Virginia Tech, residing in tiny houses can reduce energy consumption by up to 45%.

Also, the fact that tiny homeowners can utilize the outside space of a tiny house as an extension of their home contributes to less energy consumption. With the available outdoor space, tiny house living might seem more relaxed than residing in a conventional house.

Room for Improvement

If you are seriously considering tiny house living, you are bound to face some hindrance. While some states in the USA are welcoming to tiny houses, some have stringent building codes and zoning laws, which might act as a roadblock to your dream.

Well, fret not. Numerous organizations and initiatives have been developed to mitigate the pain points surrounding tiny houses, thereby legitimizing the industry and giving tiny houses the status and position, they actually deserve.

It’s not Just a Passing Trend.

The promising trajectory of tiny houses bears testament to the fact that the interest from global retailers will proliferate at an unprecedented scale in the coming years.
For instance, you can procure a state-of-the-art tiny house on wheels from a certified tiny house builder via us here at TinyHouseMe for as low as $66,961. The tiny houses you find here are prefabricated, meaning they are built in a factory off-site. Now, if you compare this price to the cost involved in setting up a conventional house, you will understand why tiny houses have transformed from a thing of novelty to something absolutely necessary. Our listed tiny home builders would ensure delivery right at your doorstep.

The Future Comes in All Sizes and Shapes

Beyond the typical tiny house types that are widely available on the market, some other exquisite alternatives are and will be readily available on the market soon: –

• Container Houses
• R.V.s or Recreational Vehicles
• Conventional Modular Houses

We would like to point out that tiny houses and the different alternative models, as aforementioned, need not be compacted to 400 square feet. The DIY tiny houses can be as large as 1000 square feet and house up to 24 people.

Final Take:

So, the tiny house movement will not return to basics but will go a long way in making homeownership a reality for everyone, thereby disrupting the current housing market. In just a few years, tiny houses are going to be the new normal, and there are no two ways about it. If you, too, want to be a part of this ever-growing tiny house movement, you should embrace the minimalist lifestyle today itself. Procure a tiny house on a foundation or a tiny house on wheels from any of TinyHouseMe’s listed certified tiny house buildersand get the real feel of tiny house living. Connect with the builders via us to get a quick response and priority service.

Many people in Utah are embracing the minimalist lifestyle and downsizing to tiny houses in 2023. This trend became all the more popular after an astronomical rise in the average rent of even a basic two-bedroom apartment in Utah, amounting to around $1,200 per month.

However, tiny houses are illegal in many U.S. regions. This raises the obvious question of whether Utah is considered a tiny-house-friendly state. Before joining the Tiny House Movement, you should be aware of the laws and regulations governing Utah tiny houses. 

Here, we have curated a comprehensive guide on the tiny house laws in Utah which will help you make a learned choice about whether you should buy a tiny home in Utah or not. So, let’s dive right in! 

Are Tiny Homes Legal in Utah? 

Well, the short answer to the question is a resounding YES. However, it must be pointed out here that Utah has no state-wide rules, which acts as a roadblock to residing permanently in a tiny Utah house. For instance, there are some areas in Utah where you need to pay more if you want to use a tiny house on wheels as a permanent dwelling space. 

This happens because some municipalities in Utah consider a tiny house on wheels as an R.V. or a recreational vehicle. Utah’s regulations concerning the time period and places where R.V.s can be parked are quite stringent, resulting in exorbitant charges. And since Utah law considers tiny houses on wheels as recreational vehicles, these laws can also be accurately implemented for them. 

On the flip side, not all counties consider mobile tiny houses R.V.s. So, permanently living in such houses would be much easier in those counties and cities where tiny houses on wheels are considered permanent homes. 

Rules and Regulations Controlling Utah Tiny Houses 

Some counties and cities have unique rules that cater to tiny houses’ characteristics and preferred sizes. 

Rules Controlling Permanent Structures 

Tiny permanent houses, a.k.a tiny houses on foundation, is an expanded term for THOF. These are typically small homes having sturdy foundations. 

Tiny dwellings on foundations are not subject to such stringent regulations. So, if you want to downsize to compact living without much hitch, a tiny house on foundation in Utah might be the way to go. 

Here, you should note that these houses have a fixed foundation and are thus immovable. So, it’s impossible to tow your THOF on a truck and move elsewhere. 

A tiny house on a foundation, however, has to adhere to the criteria laid down by the IRC foundation, which are as follows: 

• The foundation should be able to support all the loads and transfer them to the supporting soil. 
• The lot should be graded to direct surface runoff to a storm sewer conveyance. 

Rules Controlling Temporary Tiny Houses 

Temporary tiny houses are living units with auxiliary housing. These tiny houses are primarily set up next to a traditional family house. 

Though they are referred to as tiny houses in most U.S. states, you can also name them additional dwelling units, abbreviated as ADUs, or granny cottages. 

More often than not, Utah zoning regulations forbid tiny houses except for ADUs or accessory dwelling units. For example, Salt Lake City rules allow tiny houses under 400 square feet to be set up beside an already-built traditional house on a residential property. However, the tiny house should be built on a foundation and comply with Utah’s minimum sanitary standards. 

One most popular type of accessory dwelling units are guest houses. Guest houses can prove to be a boon for those with extended families and young adults. 

Rules Controlling Transitional Structures 

Transitional structures are portable or ready-to-remove structures. They offer temporary housing solutions, thereby addressing the nagging issue of homelessness like none other. 

Here, you should note that transitional structures are not considered legitimate residences and, thus, must adhere to many stringent rules. However, the good news is that these strict rules are meant for the benefit of the house dwellers only. 

If you want to live in a temporary structure in Utah, you must comply with all the ordinances and local laws. You can obtain permits for your temporary tiny house from the local building department. This department is responsible for ensuring the structure complies with all safety standards. 

Can You Reside Permanently in a Utah Tiny House? 

Constructing a tiny house on a foundation in Utah rather than a tiny house on wheels is highly advisable. Now, this does not, in any way, mean that you are not allowed to set up a tiny house on wheels in Utah and travel with it. However, doing so will be a bit more daunting. 

You can reside permanently in a tiny Utah house. Tiny houses or modular homes that fall under the categorization of manufactured homes can serve as good permanent residences. However, the houses must ensure compliance with the construction codes and zoning laws under Utah’s jurisdiction. 

Tiny homes categorized as R.V.s or recreational vehicles are considered temporary residences. For more information, you can contact your local municipality in Utah, as several counties and cities have their own unique set of rules catering to the characteristics and preferred size of tiny houses.

Final Take: 

The local government plays a pivotal role in determining the laws governing Utah tiny houses, and thus vary greatly from one county to another. So, reviewing your preferred area’s building rules and zoning regulations becomes extremely important before setting up a tiny home in Utah. 

TinyHouseMe is the one-stop solution for all your tiny house requirements. Whether you are looking for a tiny house on a foundation or a tiny house on wheels in Utah, here you will find different exquisite models showcased, which are available at highly competitive rates. We would also help you connect directly with multiple trusted tiny house builders across Canada and the United States, making the entire process a breeze. 

The living cost in traditional houses is witnessing tectonic shifts in 2023 and seems to continue in the coming years. This has forced people to think of alternate housing solutions in the U.S. and tiny homes have been taken over by storm. What makes this type of house all the more demanding is that it costs less than traditional houses without compromising on the necessary amenities. As per recent data, compared to a conventional home, which averaged around $348,079 in 2022, you can get tiny homes at only a fraction of this cost.

If you are frustrated and overwhelmed with the humongous cost of home ownership, downsizing and purchasing a tiny house from a trusted tiny home builder might be the right way to go for you. Whether you build your own tiny house or procure a pre-built one, this type of smaller house would mean you have to shell out less for its maintenance and pay for it. However, that’s not the end. There are numerous financial considerations that you should take into account, and that is exactly what we will be discussing here. So, let’s start.

Tiny houses aren’t cheap, but they are certainly more affordable than traditional housing

People are often under the misconception that tiny houses will be surprisingly cheap. But that’s certainly not the case. Although these are small living spaces, some bucks must be shelled out for their construction, especially if you want a tiny house with all the modern bells and whistles. However, tiny houses are much more affordable when compared to the astronomical cost involved with traditional houses.

Studies performed by Fixr show that the average cost of setting up a tiny house in the US can vary anywhere starting from $40,000 to $80,000. The price factor greatly depends on factors like the location and size of the property. Fixr discovered that the cost to build a 200-square-foot tiny house on a foundation would be around $60,000. On the flip side, pre-built tiny homes, which are even smaller, would cost you only around $25,000. Now, this is far more affordable when compared to traditional housing.

Obtaining a tiny home loan can be daunting: The biggest myth

Are you considering a traditional mortgage to buy or build a tiny house? Well, it’s not as easy as it seems. Studies performed by Nerdwallet show that you must take a minimum loan of $50,000 for a residential mortgage. So, it would be challenging to secure a traditional loan for tiny houses, as tiny homes are considerably more affordable than a traditional house. Not just that, some lenders do not provide loans for mobile tiny homes. They rather prefer providing loans only for tiny houses on foundations.

Well, fret not. Established tiny home builders listed here at TinyHouseMe can help you secure financing. Some builders have connections with lenders, and some even offer in-house lending, paving the financial path to buying a tiny house. TinyHouseMe can also offer you helpful advice to secure tiny home loans for the project.

Purchasing a new tiny house

As aforementioned, the price of tiny houses depends on several factors like amenities, size, finishes, and land requirements of the home. We suggest you connect with any of our listed tiny home builders and have a word with them to select the tiny home that best fits your requirements.

● Off-the-shelf builds: The cost of a full-built tiny house will certainly be more than those available in pieces and has to be set up DIY. Besides the base price, you must consider some ad-on features like extra lofts, extended porches, and other customization options.

Purchasing a full-built tiny home means you don’t have to add anything

The tiny house will have a living room, a bathroom, a kitchen, a sleeping space, and everything necessary for a comfortable stay. If you want to earn money quickly by renting tiny houses or are not skilled enough in the construction area, then off-the-shelf pre-built tiny homes are the thing for you.

● DIY: Some tiny house builders listed at TinyHouseMe offer DIY blueprints or packages.

If you procure blueprints, you must buy all the lumber and other materials paramount for tiny house construction. Now, you might face a problem here if there is a shortage of items.

You can also opt for a package from any of our listed tiny home builders which encompasses everything from blueprints to building structure materials, and you are only required to set up the home yourself. Going this way can help you save time in the long run when compared to the time that would have been wasted on acquiring individual materials.

Land

Tiny houses are permitted in each and every state of the US, but there are strict rules and regulations. So, learning about a particular area’s restrictions and zoning laws where you want to set up your home becomes extremely important.

You should also ensure that the land you purchase has proper access to power, water, sewer, or septic. Yes, you can opt for off-grid living in a tiny house, but that would call for additional costs of solar, generator, water tanks, etc.

You can also rent a piece of land. There are mobile home parks and tiny house communities spread across different parts of the states, which you must always look out for, as these are great places for renting a piece of land. These places have power, sewer, and water systems, so you need not have to shell out money for these things. We have covered this topic on our blog section, and by connecting with a local tiny home builder, you can get a better idea on this subject.

To get further information about the zoning rules, laws, and restrictions in your preferred location, visit the official website of the American Tiny House Association.

Final Take:

The aforementioned aspects are worth considering when you plan to purchase a tiny house. The trusted tiny home builders listed at TinyHouseMe can provide expert advice on financing your tiny house project. Get in touch with the builders faster via our platform and enjoy priority service from them.