Tag: tiny home kits for sale

Air conditioning is often seen as a luxury, and the last thing that tiny homeowners want to do is consume more power. So, whenever people purchase tiny house kits for sale, air conditioning is the last thing on their minds. However, air conditioning is no longer the bulky window units creating a loud buzzing sound. Instead, tiny houses now have excellent air conditioning systems and have found an effective way to cool down the home. At TinyHouseMe, we showcase quality tiny home kits for sale and connect you with multiple home builders. If you want answers to the air conditioning of a tiny home, then here are a few tips that can help new homeowners.

Air Conditioner style for tiny houses

The first thing you need to consider is the style of air conditioner for your tiny home. Your air conditioning style can affect the tiny home construction right from the beginning. For example, if you want a central air-cooling system, then it has to be done during construction. In addition, the style of the air conditioning determines the power consumption. Here are a few styles of air conditioners that can work for any tiny home.

• Standalone unit – This is perfect for smaller spaces as it is movable and can be stored when not in use. The only issue is that they need window access because the tubing needs to have an exit. Finding the right spot is challenging as tiny homes do not have traditional doors and windows.
• Central air system – This system works with the home’s heating system. The central air system is fully packaged and ideal for tiny homes as no bulky internal units occupy a large space inside the house. The system is a large air conditioning unit set outside the house. Along with the unit, floor vents fill up the space with cold air. As this system works with the house’s heating system, you need only one thermostat to control both air and heat. This system controls the overall temperature of the house.
• Window systems – The window cooling units are inexpensive but must be placed properly in the window frame. This is a challenge as tiny homes are not built with traditional windows. However, smaller window units fit perfectly in small vented windows. You only need to ensure that the cooling systems are vented out properly, and then you can successfully cool down the house within a budget.

Size matters

Finding air conditioning units that can perfectly cool your house without taking up additional space is a must. However, before you find the best size for the tiny home, decide on the style you want. For this, you need to measure all the windows and the space of your home, which can fit a standalone unit. If you know the space you can handle, choosing the right air conditioner unit style gets easier.

Utility fees

The air conditioner of a tiny home comes with a cost, and this costing factor reflects on the amount of propane you purchase or your power bill. In addition, utility bills increase during low and high-temperature months, as you use more heat during winters, and the summer months need more cold air.

Winter utility bills are more dreaded than summers as you need adequate heat to keep the plumbing lines warm and in working condition. However, tiny homes are smaller than traditional dwellings, and if you want to keep your tiny space cool, you can expect much lower utility bills than anticipated.

Cost of the air conditioning unit

This is one of the major considerations that you need to make. Depending on your lifestyle, you must understand how much your tiny home needs the cooling system. While part-time occupants don’t need a cooling system, full-time homeowners require much more than an air conditioning system inside the tiny home. However, you should know the cost of different systems to understand which system you require. As per GoDownsize, here is an average cost estimate for air conditioning:

• Standing units: If you want quick comfort, these portable air-cooling systems are great. An average system will cost up to $200, but you can go for cheaper and smaller ones too. Just ensure the units have a high eco-friendly rating and a warranty.
• Window units: If your tiny house has a proper setup for a window unit, then the conventional system is ideal, and when it comes to the cost, you have options. Most tiny homeowners do not need more than 7000 BTU to fill a smaller space. While these window units are costlier than portable ones, you can have them throughout the year without pulling them out when the weather wreaks havoc.
• Central cooling systems: This air conditioning system is the most expensive option as you might require an outdoor professional unit installed. The entire home must be fitted with temperature-controlled thermostats and floor vents from the outside. An average central cooling system costs anywhere from $3000 and above.

Keep the costs low

One of the main reasons why people choose to live in a tiny house is that the overhead costs are much lower. While having an air conditioning system might cost a lot, there are a few things you can do to cut down on your expenses. A simple way to keep the costs low is to run the cooling unit only when necessary. However, if you do not want to use an air conditioner but still want to cool down the tiny house, then here are a few things that can work:

• Open the windows: A beautiful breeze offers a great ambiance and helps to cool down your tiny home. On warmer days, the windows allow the breeze to cool down the home, but you should do this only when the air conditioner is not on. Running a cooling system and simultaneously having open windows are counterintuitive, so crack the windows only when the house requires slight cooling.
• Invest in a smart tech thermostat: If you have decided to go with the central cooling system, which is expensive, then consider switching to a smart tech thermostat. With this, you can have total control over the cooling schedule.

Most of these smart-tech devices are paired with the phone, and you can control the cooling or set a schedule just with a touch. For example, you can set the thermostat to run on the fan while away or program the tech device to start cooling just before you enter the home. In this way, you enjoy a comfortable home and save money in the long run.

• Blocking the air: Only a few changes in your tiny home can help keep the warm air out and the cold air in. Invest in air and light-blocking shades to keep the hot sun out. Heavy shades of curtain not only keep the sun’s heat out but do a good job of keeping the cold air in! These shades act like barriers between your home and the sun. While these changes might look expensive, they are cost-effective in the long run as they can control your cooling bills.

Final Words

At TinyHouseMe, you will find several tiny house kits for sale with preinstalled electrical and plumbing facilities. On our platform, you will find multiple builders selling tiny home kits for sale at competitive prices. Sign up now to book an appointment with your favorite builder. We ensure you get a quick response and priority service from the builder.

Although tiny homes are comparatively cheaper than traditional houses, the need for insurance is essential. The risks of owning a tiny home are huge, and to protect the home and personal belongings from perils like theft, fire, and falling objects, the need for tiny home insurance is non-negotiable. Many tiny home insurances come with liability coverages which comes to use during the event of a lawsuit and for medical expense coverage in case anyone gets injured while inside the house. When you buy tiny home kits for sale, a standard home insurance policy won’t be able to cover the house. The tiny home insurance depends on the state, the insurer, and many other factors.

While the tiny house kits for sale are live in the market and you can now easily connect with the builders via TinyHouseMe, home insurance can be challenging for first-time tiny home buyers. The tiny home insurance policies aren’t one-size-fits-all. A good insurance company should offer endorsements for customization, flexible policy options, and great customer service. In addition, you should choose an insurance agency with excellent financial strength so that they can reimburse policyholders for a covered loss.

How does tiny home insurance work?

Firstly, you must determine whether the tiny dwelling is movable or stationary. Some insurance agencies will demand you to get the home certified; the certification type is determined by whether you have a mobile home or a stationary one. For a stationary tiny home, you need certification from NOAH (National Organisation of Alternative Housing). For moveable houses, the certificate should come from Recreational Vehicle Industry Association. The tiny home will be inspected in both cases to ensure the house meets safety standards. Once the tiny home gets certification, you can choose the insurance provider. Many insurance companies like Strategic Insurance Agency, American Family Insurance, and Foremost Insurance Group offer customized insurance policies for your tiny house. It’s important to compare the agencies and their rates to find the most competitive insurance provider and not blindly go with the lowest bidder.

Secondly, it’s important to choose an insurance policy that will cover the replacement fee of the tiny house along with all the contents and other structures on the property. Liability coverage is important as it helps you recover the house, its contents that get stolen or damaged, or even if anyone is injured on the property. Trip endorsement policies are essential if you have plans to move the tiny home. As per Treehugger, the average tiny home insurance cost is $600 per year, but it can vary depending on the valuation of the tiny home, location, movability, deductibles, and other factors.

Why do you need specialized insurance for tiny homes?

The tiny homes on wheels are mobile and insured as RVs or travel trailers. A typical RV insurance policy will offer coverage for collisions, damages out of your control (including theft and weather events), and your belongings inside the house. However, tiny homes aren’t as aerodynamic as RVs and do not meet the codes needed to qualify for RV insurance coverage. That’s why you need to opt for tiny home-specific insurance policies where the approach will differ. The insurance will be similar to a home and offer replacement cost coverage, broad-form peril coverage, and loss settlement.

Many people buy tiny home kits for sale as they are affordable, allowing them to forego mortgages. However, without the mortgage, insuring the house isn’t legally necessary, but it’s important if you want to protect your investment. Tiny houses are more vulnerable to damage than traditional houses and need specialized coverage. Tiny homes are more likely to suffer from damages from wind and improper towing rather than getting stolen. Improper towing is very destructive, and if the unit topples over, it’s a total loss. The tiny homes can sometimes be salvaged, but such damages are irreparable. The need for insurance is paramount to cover your tiny home from such irreparable damages.

Insurance for movable tiny homes

Here we are talking about RV insurance. If your tiny house is movable, then this insurance is ideal. RV insurance plans cover the tiny house while it’s parked and even while you move the house from one place to another. The insurance policy covers the tiny house and all the property inside. However, this insurance has certain drawbacks. Firstly, the tiny home needs to be professionally constructed and certified by the RVIA, which means if you build a DIY home, you will not qualify for RV coverage. Another challenge is that RV insurance is designed for vacation homes and spaces that aren’t your primary residence. Therefore, if you plan to live in a tiny house full-time, you either get an endorsement or find a policy that will allow you to use the house as a primary residence.

Insurance for stationary homes

If you get tiny house kits for sale permanently installed on a particular location or assembled on-site, then manufactured/mobile home insurance is ideal. If you have a tiny home on wheels, you can take this route as long as you understand how this will affect your insurance coverage. Mobile home insurance for the tiny house covers the structure from most perils, and the property inside is also covered. Liability coverage also comes with insurance and protects you financially if anyone gets injured while inside the home. However, some insurances have limited fire coverage.

Moreover, the coverage for a manufactured home won’t protect you if your house is connected with a trailer hitch or is on the road. If you intend to move the tiny home, you should consider a travel endorsement or get separate temporary coverage; especially when you are not covered with auto insurance – and generally, tiny homes don’t have it. Every time you move the tiny home to a new place, you need to update the insurance company for a change in the policy.

Insurance for DIY homes

Finding an insurance policy for a DIY tiny home is a real challenge. Insurers are hesitant to give coverage to DIY homes built by amateurs. However, some insurers will inspect the tiny home and might ask for pictures of wiring and plumbing to ensure the house meets all safety requirements. If you want to save yourself from all the legwork, find tiny house kits for sale and make an affordable purchase. TinyHouseMe can connect you with builders offering tiny home kits for sale across US and Canada. This online platform can also help you with the financing of the tiny home project and guide you to get your home insured.

How much is the cost of tiny home insurance?

The insurance cost varies dramatically depending on the size and value of the tiny home. The kind of insurance you choose also affects the cost. As per ValuePeguin, the price difference between RV insurance and manufactured home insurance is huge as RV insurance costs 59% more on an average.

You might have reasons to have a tiny home, but it’s also important to protect the structure – which is why you should get it insured. For more valuable tips like these, join TinyHouseMe and connect with the experts. You can also directly talk with established tiny home builders via TinyHouseMe and get started with your tiny home project.

Tiny houses with a footprint of less than 400 square feet have been popular amongst Americans. As people are embracing a minimalist lifestyle and considering switching from traditional dwellings to tiny spaces, the excitement hasn’t gone unnoticed by the entertainment industry. The interest has generated big TV shows as the producers have grabbed the chance to telecast this revolutionary movement. Americans looking for tiny house kits for sale can take a reference from these TV shows to make their life easier inside these small dwellings. 

Tune in any night of the week to witness exciting stories of passionate hosts residing in downsized houses while aspiring tiny home buyers, and enthusiasts are on the hunt for the perfect tiny house kits for sale. You should consider watching these TV shows and productions to get an insight into what’s in store. So, let’s take a look at them. 

Tiny House Big Living 

Where to watch it:

• Amazon Prime Video 
• HGTV
• Discovery +

In this show, you will witness couples discovering what it means to live in a tiny house as they dive into the tiny house real estate market. Watch them going through the entire drill of house hunting till they move into their own tiny house, a journey filled with many fights, struggles, and tears. In addition, many couples will discover the space considerations and financial pros needed to live in a tiny house. 

 Tiny House Nation 

Where to watch it:

• Amazon Prime Video 
• Netflix 
• AETV (now defunct) 

Follow hosts Zack Griffin and John Weisbarth as they journey around the country seeking tiny houses. It would not be wrong to call these tiny houses masterpieces in a word. Zack and John are inspired by the Tiny House Movement, and they help families all around the country achieve their goal of owning and experiencing a mini-house paradise. 

Container Homes 

Where to watch it:

• Amazon Prime Video 
• Apple TV
• HGTV
• Discovery +

A good tiny home builder in the USA can transform shipping containers into the tiny homes of their client’s dreams. It’s not that the tiny homes you see here are only luxurious and complex, but you can find simple and affordable ones too. You will be left baffled at what the builders come up with when they think inside the box. If you are looking to connect with a builder offering tiny house kits for sale, then connect via TinyHouseMe. We offer you a faster response and priority service. 

Tiny House Hunters 

Where to watch it:

• Amazon Prime Video 
• HGTV
• Discovery +

As the show’s name suggests, “Tiny House Hunters” is an interesting watch and covers stories about home seekers interested in downsizing. The show deeply dives into the tiny house real estate market to find three of the best ones for them and finally choose one that might fit them in the best way possible. While some fall in love with their tiny paradise, some think living under 600 square feet is a nightmare. However, clever storage ideas can help you live a tiny life without much hassle. This article should enlighten you further. Click Here. 

Tiny House World 

Where to watch it:

• Apple TV 

Tiny House World expands FYI’s franchise beyond “Tiny House Nation” and “Tiny House Hunters.” Tiny House World goes outside American borders in search of tiny houses around the globe. Like the other TV productions, the hosts find three tiny houses in Dublin, Montreal, Sydney, Paris, and many more to influence homebuyers by offering them ideal foreign tiny houses. 

 Tiny Luxury 

 Where to watch it:

• Amazon Prime Video (USA only) 
• HGTV
• Discovery + 

You should follow spouses Michelle Spiess and Tyson Spiess in every show episode. The couple leads their team of tiny home builders toward manufacturing utter luxury spaces of less than 600 square feet. The tiny houses feature every luxury item that can be there, like marble countertops, custom cabinetry, large picture windows, real wood accents, solar panels, and spa-inspired bathrooms. This show is set to prove to the world that tiny house living is in no way less luxurious than big house living. 

Tiny Paradise 

Where to watch:

• Amazon Prime Video (USA only) Apple TV
• HGTV
• Discovery +

Here, you will be joining couples who are on a voyage to build their tiny home in some of the most idyllic locations in the world. From a mountain retreat to a beachfront glass tiny house, every tiny house is sure to take your breath away with its design, size, and, mention not, its stunning location. 

 Final Take

Once you start viewing these shows regularly, you will feel more confident about moving into a tiny house. However, connecting with experienced tiny home builders can be challenging if you are new to this movement. Here, at TinyHouseMe, we ascertain that everyone gets a superlative degree of tiny house experience. Thus, we connect you with not one tiny home builder but several builders who provide alternate housing solutions that would suit your lifestyle in the best way possible. 

So, why waste your precious time scrolling through every site on the search engine, and end up in a conundrum? Get in touch with us, and we will help you connect with the right builders. Set up an appointment at the earliest.