Living Well Doesn't Necessarily Mean Living Large
The tiny house movement has become popular among millennials who are looking for affordable housing options. But it is also being noticed by older generations who are looking to downsize and declutter their lives—a great options for both.
Why do people want a tiny house?
Aside from a cost perspective, tiny houses are appealing to people who also want to live a more minimalist lifestyle, a more environmentally sustainable lifestyle, or even those who want more freedom to roam.
How big are tiny houses?
Tiny homes come in all shapes and sizes, ranging from converted shipping containers to custom-built houses on wheels.
A typical tiny home ranges from 100 to 400 square feet and is designed for maximum efficiency when it comes to space, utilities, materials and other resources.
Peter L. Pedersen, CC-BY-SA-3.0, Wikimedia Commons
What are the environmental advantages of a tiny house?
As time goes on, we are realizing just how important the environment is to our overall survival as a human race. This is why many people are looking for more sustainable ways of living.
Most tiny homes offer greener energy options, such as solar panels, wood stoves, and various other utility options.
How much does a tiny home cost?
Tiny homes range in price from $10k to $50k. But once that initial cost is paid off, there are very minimal maintenance costs. Utilities are significantly lower as there is much less space to heat and minimal need for hydro and water.
What kind of tiny home can I get?
There are numerous types of tiny homes. You can design and build one yourself, or you can have a professional company design one for you. There are also many options of pre-built tiny homes available.
Here are 10 unique types of tiny homes available.
Park Model Homes
Park Model homes—like an RV or trailer—are one of the options people choose for tiny house living. They provide an affordable and efficient home without having to worry about zoning restrictions and building limitations.
Graham Horn, CC-BY-2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Park Model Homes: Amenities
Typical park model homes are set up in a trailer park, so owners will likely pay a small fee for the lot and any amenities they hook up to.
They can be outfitted with all the modern conveniences of a regular-sized home, making it a popular choice for many.
Defense Visual Information Distribution Service, Picryl
Shipping Container Homes
Converted shipping containers are an excellent choice for a tiny home. They can be modified to fit any style and design you want, and they are extremely durable—they can withstand extreme temperatures and weather conditions.
Shipping Container Homes: Amenities
Shipping container homes are extremely affordable—after you pay the initial cost for the container and the design, of course. They can even have plumbing and electrical systems installed, and can be moved to different locations if needed.
Immanuel Giel, CC-BY-SA-4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Cabins and Rustic Living
For something more rustic, cabins and tiny homes built with raw materials are becoming more popular these days as a unique living space. These houses can be made out of wood, stone, or even metal.
Cabins and Rustic Living: Amenities
Cabins are perfect for those looking for a more off-grid, minimalist lifestyle as they often are equipped with wood stoves for heating and have little need for electricity. Though, they can still be made with all the modern amenities you need.
Granny Pods
Granny Pods are a unique style of tiny homes. They are perfect for those caring for elderly relatives who wish to remain in their own space. These pods can be moved at any time, and can be added to an existing home or function as a stand-alone home.
BondRocketImages, Shutterstock
Granny Pods: Amenities
Granny Pods can include all the modern amenities of an average home, but are much smaller. The cost of utilities in a Granny Pod are significantly lower than any typical home, making it a popular choice for those looking for a cost-efficient home.
Houseboats
For those a bit more adventurous, houseboats are a great option for a tiny home. They can be easily moved, and can come in various sizes to meet all your needs.
W. Bulach, CC-BY-SA-4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Houseboats: Amenities
Houseboats can come with all the modern amenities you’d need, and can be customized to include what you do or do not want.
Houseboats: Mobility
Houseboats have become a popular choice in recent years as they allow you to travel without having to do much to the inside before you set sail.
KKPCW, CC-BY-SA-4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Bus Conversions
Bus conversions are also becoming quite popular for those looking for a tiny home. Not only are these a convenient option, but they’re also extremely affordable as well.
Railway Dave & Jim Freebury, Flickr
Bus Conversions
Bus conversions can be modified to include modern amenities, like plumbing and electricity—though most people keep them rather simple. They’re an ideal option for those who like to travel.
Earthships
Earthships are a unique kind of tiny home. They’re designed to be self-sustaining and eco-friendly as they are made out of natural and sustainable materials—like bricks, cob, and rammed earth.
Earthships
Earthships can actually still be moved if need, but they have to be taken apart first. Though most people who choose an Earthship do so for the maximum sustainability they provide.
Jenny Parkins, CC-BY-SA-2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Yurts
If you want to be truly connected to your surroundings, a Yurt is a great option for you. Yurts are traditional round tents that Mongolian nomads lived in. They are made with a basic wooden frame and felt covering.
Rick Obst, CC-BY-SA-2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Yurts: Construction
Modern yurts are made to be semi-permanent with traditional latticework that is reinforced for a sound structure. They keep their traditional shape and are perfect for those looking for a more minimalist lifestyle.
Yurts: Amenities
Modern yurts can be rather large and include a closed off bathroom, a fully functioning kitchen, and a poured concrete floor. However, those type of yurts are permanent—but still provide a minimalist style and meet the needs of a tiny home.
Wirestock Creators, Shutterstock
Cob Houses
Cob houses a much more than a small clay hut. Cob—a mixture of clay, sand, and straw—is a perfect all-natural material for building a home. Not only is it affordable, it’s also very durable, and will not deteriorate over time (some cob homes have been standing for 500+ years).
Cob Houses: Amenities
Cob houses are not mobile, but they are sustainable. Since they’re built of all natural materials, they are much more affordable than an average home, and they can also be fitting with the same plumbing and electrical as a conventional home.
A-Frame Cabins
A-Frame cabins have a classic design that is usually made completely of wood. Its simplicity is appealing to those looking for a tiny home with rustic charm. They’re both a cost-effective and sustainable choice for a tiny home.
Aleksei Isachenko, Shutterstock
A-Frame Cabins: Sustainability
A-Frame cabins are a sustainable choice because the elongated roof exposes the house to intense solar radiation, reducing the heating costs in winter. The large rood area also provides space for solar panels.
