Tiny homes are becoming popular as housing costs continue to rise. It also gained its popularity with the ‘Tiny House Movement’ advocating for a simpler living in a tiny space. Often used as a retreat home, it can also be a great solution for housing and additional dwelling units. But before you live in your dream tiny home, what does it take to build one? What are the things that you need to keep in mind when designing and building a tiny home?
1. Check Local Law
You can’t build a tiny home everywhere. Often, tiny homes ars built on trailers to avoid building permits. However, if you want to build a tiny home in a fixed location, you need to follow certain laws. First, check the local laws. Determine the allowable size of your home, materials to use and as well as the required setback. Just like a regular home, if the law requires, you need to secure approval from building control. In the UK, tiny homes placed on trailers are considered mobile homes. Additionally, if used as an additional living space, you don’t need planning permission.
2. Identify What You Want
Tiny homes are not simply living “tiny” or simple. Before deciding to build one, identify what you really want. Do you want to build an additional living space? Would you need bedrooms and bathrooms? Are you building it in a trailer? Moreover, ask yourself: Can I really live in a tiny space? How much space do I need? or most importantly, can I live without unnecessary stuff?
3. Know Your Site
Just like traditional home construction, you need to make sure you understand your site. If you are building a static tiny home, natural and legal restrictions are important. Understand whether you need a special foundation or whether you cannot build on your site because of legal matters.
4. Make a Plan
First, base your plan on how you move in your existing home. This will give you an idea of how much space you really need and you don’t need. After eliminating unimportant spaces, plot out space with standard furniture sizes. This process will dictate the exact measurements of each space. For example, measure living area based on a sleeper sofa. With careful planning, a tiny area can feel much larger and comfortable.
When planning, try to minimize the drywalls through glass partitions. Use sliding doors to eliminate the space that is taken up by the swing of the door. Or better yet, get rid doors top open up the limited space. Another way to create a spacious atmosphere is to maximize your windows. The benefits of large windows include more natural light and ventilation and It also creates an extension to the outside.
Another important factor to consider is to be careful with the weight of your home. If you like to build a mobile home, weight is a crucial thing. Consider lightweight materials for cladding, floors and walls.
5. Downsize
Downsizing does not mean shrinking everything. Space affects the quality of life and a very small space is not comfortable to live in. You can consider space-saving furniture such as foldable tables, or even bed. There is also a lot of furniture in the market that is multi-functional. Common example is a sleeper sofa where your living area transforms into a bedroom at night. There are also tables that fold up into the wall transforming to a piece of art. Always remember that space is everything in designing and building a tiny home.
So You’re Ready to Design your Own Tiny Home?
Using our software, you can easily design a tiny home. Each software features powerful tools that are needed to design a house. No need for technical background! Perfect for self-builders! Watch as we design a simple tiny home using 3D Architect Home Designer: