The start of a TinyHouse...

I will be sharing my story, starting with minimizing my life, and everything in it. Doing away with the things I don't NEED, which is a lot... 

I have downsized my coffee maker, but that won't be going anywhere. Things like end tables, curtains and wall decor will be the first to go. Detaching myself from the love of wanting extra luxurious things. It is just a want...and in the end, I want to travel; not have a color coordinated adorable living room and bathroom.  In downsizing to a tiny home, things like reclining chairs and comfortable lounge chairs aren't very functional; which means bye bye reclining sofa and matching chairs. Just because you cant have a recliner doesn't mean it has to be uncomfortable. Use some pillows and "couch" type cushions, to design any nook in your tiny home into a "you" domain. I completely intend to do so, a tiny house needs to feel like home, in every sense.

I had a lot of questions about tiny homes, and I'm sure you do also. Let's just get these quick FAQ out of the way...

What is a tiny house?

A small dwelling, usually 300 to 600 sq. feet. They are often owner built and on a trailer. Average tiny homes can cost anywhere from 10,000 to 25,000 dollars, not including the home owners labor. Professionally built tiny homes typically range from 30,000 to 50,000 dollars and up.

Where can I build or park a tiny house?

Most people slowly downsize their lives, saving and securing a place to build. Building a tiny home on your property may conflict with an HOA or community agreement, so do research on your specific state and town. More than likely, the biggest hurdle will be exceeding the minimum housing square footage requirement of a housing unit. Once the tiny house is built, the possibilities are endless. Although tiny homes are in the grey area when it comes to housing ordinances and zoning, this is changing. RV parks are the best option if you're planning on traveling, allowing you to move from place to place by a monthly or weekly rent.

Do I need building permits for a tiny house?

It really comes down to your state laws, by putting it on a trailer you can avoid most permits. There are still dimension requirements that need to be followed. Usually, a tiny house fits into the category of shed and doesn't typically require any permits. Always check with your local planning department before starting any projects.

How long does it take to build a tiny home?

Depending on the luxury of the home, it typically takes anywhere from 2 months to a year; considering you will be able to work continuously on your tiny home.

Until next time...