Constructing A Tiny House: Q & A
If you watch television, you may have noticed a growing number of tiny houses being built. Although there may not be many tiny houses in your neighborhood, these buildings offer a way to own your own home without spending an exorbitant amount of money. Constructing a livable tiny house may only cost about $40,000 depending on the materials used in the construction and the types of amenities that you include. Here are a few questions and answers about tiny houses to help you understand this new type of construction.
What is a tiny house?
A typical small home may have around 1,000 square feet of living space. However, a tiny house may include half that amount of living space or even less.
The dwelling is used as a residence, and although it is small, may still have many of the same amenities as a larger home.
Should you build your own tiny house?
If you are an experienced builder, constructing a tiny house will not seem like a daunting task. Before trying to build a tiny house on your own, do your research. Using your own labor and that of volunteers may save you money, but you should still consult with builders and designers before you begin your project. In addition, a visit to a finished tiny home that is similar to your planned house can give you an idea of the complexity of the building project.
Other than providing your own labor, how can you save money when building your tiny house?
Some tiny home builders save money on construction by using donated or salvaged building materials. In addition, you can forgo the purchase or rental of a trailer and build your home directly onsite. You may save even more money by only including the amenities that you consider essential in your home.
Be sure to check the building code requirements before you start construction. In some places, a building permit, which must be purchased, is not even required if the building area is less than a certain amount of square footage. Also, review your building site to determine the type of construction equipment, such as loaders of excavators that may needed. Renting large pieces of construction equipment is often more affordable than purchasing the equipment if you only need it for a short duration.
If you are thinking of building your own tiny house, plan your construction carefully and set a budget. Get pricing for the needed supplies before you begin. In addition, check on rental terms and costs for large pieces of construction equipment that you may require. For more information, talk to a construction expert like Scott Equipment.