In case you have been living under a rock (the tiniest home of all), tiny homes have captivated a nation. People are attracted to tiny homes for a variety of reasons such as concerns about sustainability, a desire for minimalism, and a lower cost of living in uncertain economic times.
What are tiny homes?
Despite “everyone” knowing what a tiny home is, few seem to agree on a tiny home definition. To an off-grid homesteader, a tiny home on wheels (THOW) may just be a fancy camper. Size is also a big point of contention……how small is tiny? By most standards a primary dwelling under 800 sq ft qualifies as a tiny home. From there things get dicey. Types of tiny homes can generally be broken down into a few categories.
Shed to Tiny Home Conversions
These are tiny homes that are made from prefabricated portable buildings that have been finished out with insulation, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, etc. Manufacturers of portable buildings offer varying levels of finish from the factory with EZ Portable Buildings offering the most complete buildings. These homes are available in widths of 8’ , 10’ , 12’, 14’, or 16’ and lengths up to 56’. These tiny homes can be relocated by haulers with specialized trailers and equipment.
Tiny Homes on Wheels (THOWs)
Tiny homes on wheels, or THOWs are what a large section of the community think of when they think “tiny homes”. They are built on heavy duty trailers and can be towed from one location to another. This is the tiny home of choice for the nomadic at heart. They are also a great option for “snowbirds” who prefer to winter in a warmer climate. THOWs are limited in dimension due to their use on public roadways. A THOW cannot be more than 8’ wide or 14.6” tall without requiring permits and even escort vehicles to transport.
Site-Built Tiny Homes
Site-built tiny home refers to a tiny home that is constructed on location. These are sometimes called THOFs for “tiny home on foundation”. This can refer to any of a number of traditional building styles or alternative options such as “barndominiums”. Barndominiums are metal clad buildings featuring “pole barn” style construction. Wooden supports are set into the ground and concrete with a slab floor/foundation. Well-constructed barndomiums are synonymous with low maintenance costs and sometimes a break on property taxes.
Other
Ah, the “Other” category, this is where we keep the weird ones. From UFOs to tree houses. Some dwellings that are indeed “tiny” just can’t be easily classified. Maybe these are best described with pictures! For more wild tiny houses that you can actually stay in, check out the “OMG!” Category at Airbnb.
What are tiny homes?
Despite “everyone” knowing what a tiny home is, few seem to agree on a tiny home definition. To an off-grid homesteader, a tiny home on wheels (THOW) may just be a fancy camper. Size is also a big point of contention……how small is tiny? By most standards a primary dwelling under 800 sq ft qualifies as a tiny home. From there things get dicey. Types of tiny homes can generally be broken down into a few categories.
Shed to Tiny Home Conversions
These are tiny homes that are made from prefabricated portable buildings that have been finished out with insulation, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, etc. Manufacturers of portable buildings offer varying levels of finish from the factory with EZ Portable Buildings offering the most complete buildings. These homes are available in widths of 8’ , 10’ , 12’, 14’, or 16’ and lengths up to 56’. These tiny homes can be relocated by haulers with specialized trailers and equipment.
Tiny Homes on Wheels (THOWs)
Tiny homes on wheels, or THOWs are what a large section of the community think of when they think “tiny homes”. They are built on heavy duty trailers and can be towed from one location to another. This is the tiny home of choice for the nomadic at heart. They are also a great option for “snowbirds” who prefer to winter in a warmer climate. THOWs are limited in dimension due to their use on public roadways. A THOW cannot be more than 8’ wide or 14.6” tall without requiring permits and even escort vehicles to transport.
Site-Built Tiny Homes
Site-built tiny home refers to a tiny home that is constructed on location. These are sometimes called THOFs for “tiny home on foundation”. This can refer to any of a number of traditional building styles or alternative options such as “barndominiums”. Barndominiums are metal clad buildings featuring “pole barn” style construction. Wooden supports are set into the ground and concrete with a slab floor/foundation. Well-constructed barndomiums are synonymous with low maintenance costs and sometimes a break on property taxes.
Other
Ah, the “Other” category, this is where we keep the weird ones. From UFOs to tree houses. Some dwellings that are indeed “tiny” just can’t be easily classified. Maybe these are best described with pictures! For more wild tiny houses that you can actually stay in, check out the “OMG!” Category at Airbnb.
– The Bark House –
Photo Credit: airbnb.com
Didn’t I promise tree houses? Check out this beauty from Sevierville, TN. It’s placement gives it some amazing panoramic views!
Photo Credit: airbnb.com
While not your typical THOW, this tiny house on wheels is definitely cool!
Photo Credit: airbnb.com
Yep, it’s a house that looks like a rock.
How much do tiny homes cost?
Tiny homes vary in price from $10k at the low end to over $200k for premium examples. The price of a tiny home depends greatly on style, size, and construction materials. Professionally-built tiny homes on wheels command the highest prices, while DIY shed to tiny home conversions are the most budget-friendly option.
Cost of a Tiny Home on Wheels
THOWs typically command the highest prices when compared to other tiny homes with many examples costing over $100k and some as high as $200k. One big cost of constructing a THOW is the trailer chassis that it is built on. There is a significant amount of steel involved in building the trailer, not to mention axles, wheels, brakes, and lighting. Another major cost involved with the construction of THOWs is the specialty appliances required. While using compact appliances is wise in most tiny homes, at only 8’ wide, the only option for THOWs are purpose built RV stoves, washer/dryers, etc. With little competition on the market, these appliances cost easily double what standard units cost.
These guys are the big dogs in the THOW world. They have been featured on HGTV, Travel Channel, and CNN. Their best-selling model, the Cypress starts at $94,959 with payment plans available starting at $697/mo with 20% down.
It would be short-sighted to not also consider the long-term cost of THOWs. They are expensive to haul, they are expensive to park, and they are expensive to maintain. The annual cost of living in a THOW can easily be five times that of a tiny home on foundation (THOF) or shed to tiny home conversion. For a detailed breakdown of annual cost of these three styles of tiny homes, be sure to check out our article here.
Cost of a Site-Built Tiny Home
Site-built tiny homes can vary in price greatly depending on materials and the contractor. However, the national average to build a home on site is $155 per sq ft. So a modest 250 sq ft tiny home currently costs about $38,750. For a breakdown of what the annual costs of ownership look like, check out this article.
Cost of a Shed to Tiny Home Conversion
A shed to tiny home conversion can easily be best budget option. A pre-fabricated 288 sq ft Premium building from EZ Portable Buildings costs $25k and includes insulation, electrical, heat/AC, and finished interior walls. Add another $5k for plumbing, cabinetry, and appliances and you are into a tiny home for $30k. For estimates on land, site prep, and all costs of setting your conversion up permanently, check out the upfront cost table here.
Where Can I Buy a Tiny Home?
Check out this article for a complete list of tiny home manufacturers by state.
Tiny Homes on Wheels
Timbercraft Tiny Homes – They have 11 models of completely finished THOWs available starting at $85,000. They also offer a unique option of building just the exterior shell allowing the customer to finish the interior themselves to (hopefully) save some money. https://timbercrafttinyhomes.com/
Tumbleweed Tiny Homes – Tumbleweed is one of the highest volume THOW builders out there. They’re not cheap, but they are THE pros. They have four standard models to choose from with a custom build option available. They’re best selling unit, the Cypress, starts at $94,959. https://www.tumbleweedhouses.com/
Escape – Escape offers many innovative options across their seven THOW models. With their “ONE” model starting at $59,616, these guys are putting out some amazing quality at the bottom end of the average THOW price range. https://www.escapetraveler.net/
Sheds for Tiny Home Conversion
EZ Portable Buildings – They offer the most options for finishing the interior of any portable shed manufacturer. All of their buildings are framed to residential construction and are the benchmark of quality in the industry. Their Premium package lacks only cabinets and plumbing of being a turnkey tiny home. A 288 sq ft Premium sells for $25k. https://brillianttinyhomes.com/tiny-homes-for-sale/
Cardinal Buildings – Cardinal offers a build quality similar to EZ at a similar price. These guys manufacture the “Mules” that most other companies use to move and set their own portable buildings. Unfortunately, they don’t offer electrical, insulation, heat/AC, etc. https://cardinalportablesheds.com/
Graceland Portable Buildings – Graceland isn’t quite up to the quality of EZ and Cardinal, but they check all the boxes for a suitable building to convert. For a list of features to look for in a potential conversion building, check out the list and images here. https://gracelandportablebuildings.com/
Tiny Home Plans
Truoba – Truoba has plans for 14 models of tiny homes under 1000 sq ft. https://www.truoba.com/?ref=209
For an in depth look at some Truoba tiny home plans, check out our article here.
House Plan Gallery – House Plan Gallery has plans for 22 models of tiny homes under 1000 sq ft. Their plans are for very traditional looking tiny houses. https://houseplangallery.com/
Donald Gardner – This collection of 14 tiny home plans under 1000 sq ft from Donald Garnder Architects features a good mix of styles for every taste. https://www.dongardner.com/
Go forward with your knowledge and dare to live tiny!
