Keep in mind that there are drawbacks of tiny houses too. You have to be very neat and organized to fit everything in there. If you live with other people, you might not like being so close to everyone all the time. You’ll also have to use smaller appliances, like ovens, refrigerators, and dishwashers. It might be tough to fit everything in these smaller types.
This cost doesn’t include the land or property you’ll need to build the house on. It also doesn’t include local permits that you might need to do the construction on your tiny house.
Keep in mind these are only averages. You could buy a very basic tiny house or build a very luxurious tiny house, and the prices will be different.
If you do hire contractors to do any work on your tiny home, they might also mark up their labor costs since they aren’t making as much on a smaller building. [6] X Research source
If you do hire contractors to do any work on your tiny home, they might also mark up their labor costs since they aren’t making as much on a smaller building. [6] X Research source
Just because you don’t have these skills at the moment doesn’t mean you can’t learn! There are tons of instructional videos online that can help you pull this project off. You could also hire someone to help you. You’ll have the satisfaction of doing the work yourself but with a professional to watch and make sure you don’t make any mistakes. You can also bring in a professional at any point to take over if you realize this is a bigger job than you planned on.
Note that these shells can be expensive, ranging from $17,000 to $37,000. This will definitely add to your budget.
If you are converting an old building into a tiny house, have a contractor inspect it first to make sure it’s structurally sound.
Lumber for the housing frame. Plywood or drywall for the walls. Cement for the foundation. Siding, shingles, windows, and doors. Insulation. Wires, pipes, outlets, and appliances. If you’re building a mobile home, then you’ll also need wheels and a large trailer bed.
If you don’t have a lot of experience designing a house, it’s best to have a professional look at your plans and determine if the house will be safe. Also look into the legal side of building a tiny home before you start. States and counties all have different laws about the permits and codes you need to build a home. You’ll also need a wheeled trailer if you’re building a mobile home.
You’ll need a lot of cement for a foundation, so it’s best to call in a contractor to lay the foundation. If your house will be mobile like an RV, then you don’t need a stone foundation. You will need wheels for it so you can move it around.
You could also make this easier by buying a pre-made house shell instead of building one.
Insulating the interior. Putting up walls. Hanging shelves and installing doors. Adding cosmetics like painting or paneling. Bringing in any appliances you’ll be using.
If you’re not familiar with building plumbing systems, then this is definitely something you’ll need a professional for. Any problems with the plumbing can flood your house. There is also the option of living totally off the grid and using an outhouse and well water instead of installing indoor plumbing.
Working with electricity is dangerous, especially if you’ve never done it before. You could give yourself a shock or even start a fire. Don’t hesitate to call in an electrician if you need some help wiring up the house. It’s also a good idea to have a backup generator in case your electricity supply fails.
According to the Tiny House Society, Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Oregon, New Mexico, Texas, Michigan, and Georgia are the most friendly states to tiny houses. Connecticut is currently the least friendly state for tiny houses, scoring a 0/10 on the Tiny House Society’s friendliness scale. The state has very strict building codes and zoning laws, and currently has no laws on the books for accommodating tiny houses.
Some states don’t allow tiny houses to be the only dwelling on a property. This means you’d have to build it on someone else’s property with another house or add it to your own property as a guest house or cottage.
Remember that construction permits cost money, so add them to your budget if you need them.
