Some years ago not much was known by the general public about tiny homes, this is due to the fact that they hadn’t yet become popular as an alternative to “the bigger the better.”
Even though tiny homes are tiny in regards to square footage, they are also tiny in price and they offer so much more. It is worth it to see what it is to live in a tiny house and to discover why so many people are choosing them as their new home.
Now more than ever couples and families are making the decision to buy a tiny house, as it means lower mortgaages and greater freedom. As a result, many persons are becoming more concious about the benefits of tiny homes and their lifestyle.
What is a tiny home?
A tiny home is a compact housing solution that is focused on providing a sustainable and minimalist lifestyle. These tiny homes are usually less than 45 meters sqared (~500 sq. ft) in living space and are built out of more efficient materials and techniques. The philosophy behind tiny homes is a simpler and more affordable life, reducing envirronmental impact and the quantity of space and resources that we need to live in.
What is an off-grid tiny house?
A tiny house can be off-grid, meaning it is not connected to the electrical grid, a traditional water supply or plumbing. This means that the tiny home must have energetic and water autonomy for it to function.
A tiny home is life-changing.
Something crucial to understand tiny homes is that they represent a movement towards minimalism. Choosing to live in a tiny house is as much a change in space and lifestyle as it is a mental shift.
Tiny houses change your way of life in other ways too:
- They promote the reduction of consumerism and waste. Tiny houses are usually of compact and efficient design, which allows you to live with less belongings and reduce your carbon footprint.
- They drive the idea of more affordable and sustainable housing. Tiny houses are usually more affordable than a traditional home, and can be built with recycled or sustainable materials.
- They promote life in community and socializing. Many people that live in tiny houses do so in small communities where common spaces are shared, and colaboration and mutual support is encouraged. This creates a feeling of belonging and mutual help between the occupants of tiny homes.
- They give you greater flexibility and freedom in regards to your place of residence. Tiny houses can be mobile, which allows you to live in different places without being tied down to a mortgage or a long-term lease.
In summary, tiny homes drive a simpler, freer and more sustainable lifestyle, that diverges from the traditional lifestyle of housing and consumerism.
The difference between a tiny house and a recreational vehicle (RV)
The main difference between a tiny home and an RV is that tiny houses can be set up on a lot and be considered a permanent residence, whilst an RV is a vehicle designed to be used as a form of transportation or recreation, which disqualifies it from being considered as a permanent residence.
How is a tiny house built?
Generally, for the construction of a tiny home the following steps are carried out:
- Design: before begining the construction, it is important to have a clear design for the tiny home, including size, future location, materials and style.
- Foundation: Once the design is finalized the foundation for the tiny home must be constructed. This can be a wooden platform, a cement base or a trailer’s chasis.
- Frame: once the foundation is completed, the frame of the tiny home can begin to be built. It can be made out of wood or metal, and it must be strong and resistant to hold the weight of the structure and roof.
- Walls and ceilings: Once the frame is completed, we place the walls and ceilings of the tiny home. These can be made out of wood, metal, brick or prefabricated panels.
- Windows and doors: After placing the walls and ceilings, the windows and doors must be installed. The choice can be made between PVC or aluminium framing
- Electricity and plumbing: Cabling, water tanks, and drainage is installed insuring that they are compliant with building codes.
- Details: Lastly, furniture and necessary accessories are installed to make tiny home ready for occupaation. These can include a kitchen, bathroom, and a bed.
Can you travel in a tiny house?
Yes, you can travel in a tiny house, as long as it is built and equipped to be towed. It is also important to keep in mind local laws and regulations regarding the mobility of these kinds of residences.
How much is a tiny house?
The price of a tiny house may vary according to its size, design and materials used during construction. Nontheless, generally, the price of a tiny house may vary between $400,000 mxn and $2,000,000 mxn without including the cost of a plot of land.
How much time does it take from ordering to the delivery of a tiny house?
The construction and delivery of a tiny house can take anywhere from a few weeks to up to six months, depending on the size and complexity, the manufacturer and material availability.
Are tiny homes eco-friendly?
Yes tiny homes are usually eco-friendly due to their reduced size and the use of sustainable materials and low energy consumption appliances in their construction. Also, its reduced size allows a greater efficiency in the use of resources like water and electricity.
Nontheless, that does not mean that all tiny houses are 100% eco-friendly, even though there are methods to reduce your carbon footprint even more such as using compostable toilets or integrating solar panels to make your tiny house energy-autonomous.
Is there financing for tiny houses?
Yes, tiny houses can be financed. Many finance companies offer specialized financing options for tiny houses, such as personal loans, mortgages or credit lines.
