Some Americans are rethinking how much money and resources they put into housing. Tiny homes are becoming an increasingly attractive option for simplifying life, cutting costs, saving energy and reducing waste. It’s a growing trend. In Seattle, City Council passed new zoning rules in 2019 This allows tiny homes, also known as accessory dwelling units (ADUs), to be installed in the backyard of an existing home.
using either numerous small home kits Using basic construction skills, you can assemble a new home in just a few days. These prefab homes range from 70 to 400 square feet and include step-by-step instructions for the construction process.
Advantages of tiny home kits
The kit approach offers many advantages while allowing you to choose from a variety of models, layouts, and materials. If the kit is a quality product, the construction process will be simplified as the manufacturer will do much of the work. Unfortunately, kits vary widely from manufacturer to manufacturer, so it’s important to do thorough research to make a wise purchase. Follow these tips to find your dream miniature prefab home.
1. Know what’s in your tiny home kit
Some kits include wiring, plumbing, and supplies, while others provide just the building shell. Please read the description carefully to find out what is included and what is not included. See if it’s what you envision. Otherwise, you will be disappointed with the finished home. Some promotional photos may show products with premium features that are not included in the kit and are available at an additional cost. Be sure to obtain a complete inventory of materials before purchasing.
But the good news is that the kit likely includes everything you need, including a solar panel.
Also note that in addition to the cost of the kit, you may need to complete site work, hire a construction professional, install a septic system, build a driveway, purchase appliances, and pay for other tasks. Please. So, budget accordingly. While the kit’s low ticket price may be appealing, it may be only one of many costs.
2. Consider local building codes
check yours Local building standards and zoning Determine whether the tiny house you want is compliant.
If a tiny house has wheels, it is usually classified as a recreational vehicle. If your home is on a foundation, it may be subject to building codes. Do some research before purchasing a kit to avoid major headaches down the road.
Cities like Seattle, Portland and Los Angeles have introduced new zoning rules that make it easier to place tiny houses on lots with existing housing. These may be used as mother-in-law homes or rented out. The idea is to fill urban space with efficient housing to alleviate rising housing prices in the city.
3. Look for eco-friendly features
Just because a house is small doesn’t mean it’s a net-zero home.
When choosing a kit, consider eco-friendly features such as passive solar design, non-toxic materials, water-efficient plumbing fixtures, sustainably harvested wood, and energy-efficient shells. Another important green feature is durability. The longer something lasts, the less it costs the environment over its lifetime. Therefore, consider the quality of the materials and the manufacturing condition of the kit to determine its lifespan.
4. Find a reputable tiny home kit manufacturer
Tiny home kits are a relatively new concept, so there are few companies that have been around for many years and have a proven track record.
One big exception are some yurt companies that have been around for decades, such as: pacific yurt. Although a relative newcomer to the yurt kit market, Freedom Yurt Cabins It features natural wood and offers an optional wool filling in place of fiberglass insulation. Kodasemais an Estonian kit house manufacturer that has won architectural awards and some models feature natural wood interiors, solar panels and, like many yurts, do not require a foundation (if located on level ground) ).
Editor’s note: This article was originally published on October 20, 2020 and updated in September 2024.
