Dreaming of a Tiny House: A Beginner’s Guide

Longing for a smaller, more manageable home? Are you struggling to pack up and leave the rat race? Do you wonder if it’s even possible to live in a house that’s less than 1000 square feet? If so, you’ve come to the right place! Because a tiny house might just be your answer.

A tiny house is a home that is smaller than the minimum legal size for a house in a particular city or town. You can think of it as a house that is “under the minimum” — in other words, a house that is smaller than the size restrictions allow. On the other hand, a micro-home is a tiny house that is smaller than the minimum legal size. Keep reading to learn more about this small living trend!

What is a Tiny House?

A tiny house is a small, mobile home that is generally under 1000 square feet (929 sq. mt.) in size. These houses are often built on foundations that are less than 100 square feet (93 sq. mt.). They are built with efficient construction techniques, often with many walls made of glass to let in light, and with the minimum amount of furniture to maximize living space.

Typically, a tiny house is built on a trailer, but there are a few people who build them on their own property, often as an alternative to an RV. A trailer is a lightweight, cheap, portable house that is designed to be towed by a car. Because they’re not attached to the ground, they’re not considered true homes by some (but they are often used as temporary housing).

What is a Micro-House?

A micro-house is very similar to a tiny house, only it’s under 400 square feet (344 sq. mt.). Like a tiny house, a micro-house is often built on a trailer.

Why Build a Tiny House?

There are many people who want to downsize but don’t know how to begin. While downsizing does come with some challenges, there are also many advantages to living in a smaller house. Here are three big ones: More space for the money You can save a lot of money by living in a small house. Why pay for a 3-bedroom house when only you and your significant other (or one person) will live in it? The savings from downsizing can go toward other priorities, such as your retirement fund. A smaller house means a smaller carbon footprint You have to drive less to save gas money. This can definitely add up over time. Less commuting means more time with your family If you have young children, the downsizing trend may be ideal for you. You’ll have more time with them, as you won’t be commuting to and from school every day. You’ll also have more time with your spouse (if you have one) since there will be less household duties.

The Advantages of Living in a Tiny House

Let’s start with the obvious advantage of living in a tiny house: More space for the money. It costs less money to build than a larger house. So, while contractors and architects may charge more to build a house, the cost of living in a smaller house is much lower. This means you can spend less money on utilities, food, and other necessities. You’ll also have less maintenance costs (for example, no mortgage payment). Less time spent at home You won’t have as much time to spend at home because there is less house to clean and maintain. You’ll have more time to do the things you love. A smaller house means a smaller carbon footprint. You are also not contributing to architecturally unsound single-family home designs that are contributing to destroying the environment.

Conclusion

There are many advantages to living in a tiny house. If you’re interested in downshifting but don’t know where to start, a tiny house might be a good place to start. After all, there’s a lot you can save by living in a smaller house!