If you’ve ever been curious about how to build a tiny house, there are a lot of pros and cons and considerations to keep in mind. Modern tiny house plans come in a variety of shapes, styles, and sizes, and can be a great option for those who don’t need a lot of space.
Picking a Tiny House Plan: What to Consider
Whether you’re looking at tiny house plans for a rental unit or to call home, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
Location
First—will the tiny house be built on land you currently own? Or will you need to buy land as well? Do you plan on building a permanent structure, or a tiny home on a trailer base that can be moved?
Budget
It’s important to set a budget that can guide you through the process of building a tiny house. The design and materials used will greatly impact your overall costs.
Size/Storage
Remember—tiny homes are usually less than 500 sq ft. During construction you should think about ways to maximize space and storage.
How Much Does a Tiny House Cost
How much does a tiny house cost to build? That depends on the tiny house plans you’re looking at, the materials you want to use, and how detail-oriented you want to be. Here’s a rough estimate breakdown of costs:
- Lumber, insulation, and drywall: $4,500
- Windows, roofing, and siding: $4,000
- Electrical: $1,500
- Bathroom: $1,000
- Flooring: $500
- HVAC: $1,000
- Kitchen appliances: $3,000
- Furniture: $2,000
- Paint, light fixtures, finishing touches: $1,000
Total = $18,500
Deciding Which Tiny House Plan Is Right For You
Modern tiny house plans come in just about any style including modern, rustic, A frame, and cottage. Find an aesthetic you like, choose the exact square footage you’re looking for, and get started.
Pros of Building a Tiny House
Affordability
The main appeal for many people looking into building a tiny house is the cost. Tiny homes can be built for a fraction of the price of a standard-size home.
Lower Utility Costs
With smaller square footage, you’ll also see lower utility bills because it takes less energy to heat and cool a tiny home.
Minimal Maintenance
When your entire living space is packed into 400 sq ft, there’s not much to do in the way of maintenance. Clean out your vent fans, change filters, and keep an eye on water runoff.
Simpler Living
Many people crave the simplistic lifestyle that a tiny house has to offer. If you love the minimalist mindset, you’ll love a tiny home.
Mobility
If you choose to build a tiny home on a trailer platform, you can live just about anywhere.
Faster Build Time
Need a place to crash sooner rather than later? Tiny house plans require fewer materials and take a lot less time to build than traditional homes.
Cons of Building a Tiny House
Limited Space
Tiny home living isn’t for everyone. If you need more storage space or have several family members, a tiny home can quickly become a claustrophobic environment.
Zoning/Building Codes
In order for your tiny house to be a legal residence, you’ll need to follow local zoning laws and building codes. This can be a pain, especially if your state has strict guidelines surrounding tiny homes.
Financing Challenges
Often, a tiny house build can cost much more than you might anticipate. It can be difficult to obtain a construction loan for a tiny house, so many people build them from a personal loan or cash.
Resale Value
As a general rule, tiny homes don’t retain resale value like a traditional home. People see them more as accessory dwelling units, so they don’t make a great real estate investment by any means.
Lack of Amenities
Again, tiny house plans aren’t for everyone. If you’ll miss having a garage, ample counter space, multiple bedrooms, large bathtubs, etc., a tiny home won’t live up to your expectations.
Creating a Realistic Timeline For Your Tiny House Build
Even if you’re building a tiny house from a pre-made plan and kit, the process can still take a lot longer than you might think. Allow time for the foundation to settle, framing, wiring, insulation, etc. From start to finish, a tiny home may take several months to complete.
Conclusion
Whether you’ve just started researching how to build a tiny house, or you’re ready to start construction, it’s important to keep in mind that this process is more complex than simply throwing a shed together in the backyard. Tiny house plans are a great way to build a home on a budget, but they’re not for everyone.
Find modern tiny house plans and other small builds on Monster House Plans, and start building your minimalist dream home today.