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Last Updated on May 14, 2021
Tiny houses are popular because these structures are less expensive than larger homes to build. Many are made of sustainable products that do not pollute the environment. Some tiny houses are built on wheels and used to travel. Tiny houses have less space and are easy to clean. Utilities cost less, due to the size. Less room means choosing wisely what you need and don’t. This gives you a chance to organize your possessions well. Many are eco-friendly and better for the health of your family, pets, and friends.
So Why Are Tiny Houses So Popular?
They are popular because they are less expensive and more affordable, promote self-sufficiency, use safe products for building, and give consumers more time to spend on projects they want. Tiny home exteriors are built with wood, like spruce or pine, or metal. Inside panels are often birch, plywood, or honeycomb wood panels. Both wood and metal exteriors provide protection from weather and temperatures. Some builders use recycled shipping containers to build tiny houses. Of the 17 million shipping containers in the world, only about six million are being used, which means there are 11 million available to build tiny houses. These containers are large and some enforced with metal frames by some builders.
Many regular homeowners have built tiny homes on their property and rent them to tourists. Some homeowners use them as investment properties. Many owners like to rent their tiny home for a few weeks to one month rather than have a regular renter. For those with property, this can be an opportunity for additional income.
Many Are Built To Be Eco-Friendly
Many building companies use only sustainable materials to build a tiny house. The materials are recycled wood, concrete, and recycled steel. They use environmentally safe insulation like sheep’s wool or spray foam. They use paints and stains with no harmful chemicals. Builders incorporate energy-saving windows and doors, skylights, porches, and outdoor space into the design. They use LED lighting a safer light that lasts longer than traditional bulbs. Builders can install energy-saving appliances and composting toilets that do not use water. Many buyers install solar panels on the roof or systems in the yard. These panels produce 10-kilowatt hours of electricity per hour. There are roof panels or ground-mounted systems to generate solar energy.
There Are Already Dedicated Tiny House Builders
Because tiny homes are so popular, there are builders that specialize in creating them, and that makes them more accessible and even more popular. If you’re looking for a builder, find out how many houses the contractor has built and talk with some of their customers or browse their reviews. Be sure they have several years of experience, and find out if they can build what you want. Can you tour or look at some finished models? Make sure that you do your research to find out what you want so you can discuss the details of your project. Some websites, like The Tiny Life, have lists of tiny home builders by state. Make sure to get an estimate and contract for the building process.
There Is No Mortgage
Most tiny homes have no mortgage and individuals that build them get a personal loan from banks or use the money they have saved. Up to 30% of your credit score is made up of outstanding debt, and mortgages on homes can lead to debt due to job loss or family money problems. Many consumers that build a tiny house have $10,000 or more in savings to invest in the tiny house. You may get the financing from a bank through a personal loan or home loan. Many banks will give personal loans for many types of transactions, like building a tiny home.
Factors to Consider Before Going Tiny
Before you or your family decide to build a tiny house, try vacationing in one for a week or more. Many private homeowners rent them for vacations all over the US. Try a few weekend trips or a one-week trip and see how it goes. That way you’ll be fully prepared for the move from an average-sized home to a tiny home.
Another problem you must consider is finding a space for your to build your tiny home. You need land or property to do this. Do you have a property that will allow you to build a tiny house? Or will it have to be located at a trailer park? Learn the rules and housing codes of your state before jumping in. A larger family with children might find a tiny house too small. Building it on your land will mean it has to conform to the building codes for homes and on wheels those of an RV park. It is important to be located near parks or have outdoor space to offset the limited indoor space. Work with contractors that build tiny homes to building code standards.
Tiny homes are popular and for some a good choice. Anyone considering this option should weigh the pros and cons, look at finances, and decide if giving up space and size is what they want.
