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10 Tips for Buying a Tiny House

Tiny houses are a growing movement because they allow for simplified living in an environmentally friendly home. Owning a tiny house entails living in a small space—usually with other people—but every inch is used efficiently. However, buying a tiny house may become an ordeal if you don’t know what you’re doing. These tips will help you on your journey to becoming a tiny house owner.

  1. Consider location.
    Finding a great location for your tiny house should be your top priority. The old phrase “location, location, location” has never been more applicable. Since many tiny houses need to be built in or relocated to a new area, you need to find out if there are any zoning rules you need to follow. Thankfully, most tiny houses are designed to be easily transportable. It’s as simple as attaching the house to a trailer hitch.
  2. Decide on a type.
    Like regular houses, there are different types of tiny homes. The basic concept of a tiny house opens up a world of possibilities. That said, there are some basic types. A tiny house on a trailer is an option. Wheels allow for easy travel and transport. A houseboat could also be considered a tiny house. Yurts and teepees are two more primitive styles. Each type offers its own benefits. Be sure you understand each type of tiny house and learn its pros and cons
  3. Understand your living situation.
    Tiny houses are generally from 100 to 400 square feet. Before you purchase anything, you need to fully understand the floor plan. You don’t want to purchase a home that is far too small for you and your family. You should also ask about any off-the-grid designs that may be available. These little houses are made to be environmentally friendly, so it isn’t uncommon for them to have solar panels or utilize wind power
  4. Try before you buy.
    New houses take some time to adjust to, and tiny houses are no exception. In fact, living in this type of home will likely be even more difficult to get used to. Most owners will not allow you to live in their tiny house before you buy, but you can rent a small cabin to test what it’s like living in less space. Camping is another way to test how you react to dwelling in an area with minimal square footage.
  5. Maximize outdoor space.
    Since the house is so small, outdoor space becomes even more essential. Porches, decks, and room to move around outdoors become important when indoor space is reduced. Tiny houses commonly have covered porches, large decks, and several acres of land despite their size.
  6. Consider your goals.
    If you’re looking for a tiny home for the sole purpose of saving money, you should consider other homes. Tiny can be expensive. They are usually twice the price per square foot compared to regular homes. But in the long run, tiny houses save money on utilities and promote self-sufficiency
  7. Buy your tiny house.
    Buying a tiny house can be tricky. There are several websites that sell tiny houses. Thankfully, these websites describe in detail what the houses entail. Websites such as Tumbleweed Tiny House Company, Tiny Heirloom, and Toy Box Tiny Home are just a few you can visit. Several of the tiny house designs are fully customizable. The prices can vary anywhere from $22,000 to $80,000 or more. Other options include tinyhouselistings.com for prebuilt locations all over the United States. 
  8. Sell what you don’t need.
    Larger homes will have more furniture. It’s natural. However, you need to understand that you cannot bring all of your furniture into your tiny home. Selling your things or discarding of them properly will become your priority before you move into your tiny house. As your life becomes simpler, you will barely miss all the furniture
  9. Think about multifunction storage.
    Due to small square footage, you’ll have to make the most of what space you have. Instead of buying a dresser and a bed, consider buying a bed that doubles as a storage space. You can design a table that folds into a wall or install a Murphy bed. All of these options allow you to maximize the area you have without sacrificing storage space.
  10. Consider financing your house.
    If you cannot afford to pay for a tiny house up front, you may finance it. Once you’ve downsized your possessions, you can determine how much money you need. Most tiny house companies that sell these specialty homes will have financing options. Tumbleweed Tiny House Company is one such company. Another option is to simply take a loan from the bank. Getting a bank loan is the more popular option.
Last Updated: January 22, 2016