A Step-By-Step Guide On How To Build Your Own Tiny House

Does the thought of residing in a small, custom-tailored house excite you? Then, you might be thinking of downsizing to build your own tiny home.

Well, you can execute the entire project via DIY or minimize costs by doing some part of the work yourself and seeking help for the more complex parts. People are now embracing the tiny home lifestyle, and if you are into a minimalist or off-grid life, a tiny home might just be the way to go for you.

What do we mean by a tiny house?

Tiny houses are much smaller structures than conventional houses and can be set up either on a permanent foundation or a mobile platform. Porch.com performed a study where it was found that any house with a square foot area of less than 600 is considered a tiny house. This study also stated that the U.S. tiny houses are usually 225 square feet in size, and these structures average $52,000 or 87% less than normal-sized houses.

How to build your own tiny home?

Some find the idea of building their own tiny home quite overwhelming. However, following these simple steps will make the entire process a breeze. Let’s take a look at them.

Step 1: Choose the tiny house type:

Before you start to build your own tiny house, you should first figure out your needs in that home. Give priority to your needs, and then you can move on to your desires.

Choose a tiny house that meets your requirements.
When you are thinking about your household necessities, you should consider the following:

• Consider off-grid living for privacy and more sustainability 
• Pair as many items as possible as a part of your downsizing process 
• Constructing on wheels if you are a frequent traveler
• Consider the features that must be in your home for comfort, accessibility, and safety. 

Decide on the floor plan
When preparing your floor plan, picture yourself in the house and think about how you feel. If you want to visualize the area's size, you can tape it on the floor with painter’s tape. Measure precisely the square feet of crucial rooms such as the kitchen and thereby ensure that it has enough space. 

Step 2: Purchase Land for the Tiny House

You will need land if you are not constructing a tiny house on a mobile platform. However, as land is a finite resource, finding one can be the most complex part of the building process.

Check Local Laws
Zoning laws often make finding a place to set up your tiny house quite difficult. So, you should carefully review the local zoning laws and thereby ensure that your house is compliant.

Apply for any required permits or variances
Ensure you have all the permits to build your own tiny home. You can easily obtain permits if your work adheres to the zoning laws. And if you don’t obtain the permit, you can file for a variance to obtain permission to build your own tiny house. Prepare your arguments beforehand, or you can also have the help of an attorney who will plead the case on your behalf.

Step 3: Set your budget

Like regular home construction, the cost of constructing tiny homes varies greatly. Materials, labor cost, house style, and size significantly alter the cost. The cost of tiny houses generally varies between $30,000 to $ 60,000. You can get a basic home kit for as low as $4,000. However, luxury tiny homes would cost you around $150,000.

Step 4: Gather your financing

Tiny houses are not always cheap. And if you don’t have sufficient cash, you might have to opt for financing.

Tiny houses on wheels are mobile homes and thus not considered real properties. Properties permanently affixed to the ground are only considered real properties. And if it’s not real property, it won’t be considered for financing.

Step 5: Assemble the materials

You have a wide choice of materials when it comes to constructing a tiny house. Most tiny homeowners use wood to build their homes. However, another great option is steel. However, here you should note that steel is more expensive than wood. So, if you choose it, you need a heavier material for your home.

Step 6: Start building

Now, you can start with the construction. If you hire a trusted tiny home builder, the entire process will be a breeze. However, if you have opted for DIY, check out the DIY articles and videos online, as that would be of great help to you.

Final Take:

The aforementioned steps might have given you a clear idea of how to build your own tiny home. You can also avail of the services of a certified tiny home builder who would help you with the process. Get in touch with them and embrace a minimalist lifestyle like never before.