Planning Out Your Tiny Home Build

It’s no secret that the millennial generation is being shut out of the housing market. With the cost of homes increasing faster than the rate of inflation and pay rates, it’s becoming increasingly more difficult for people to make the transition from renting to owning. To make matters worse, rent rates are also skyrocketing.

Many young people have turned to housing alternatives to make their dreams of home ownership come true. One of the biggest shifts we’ve seen in recent years is the tiny house movement. Not only are tiny homes more affordable to maintain, more energy-efficient, and less expensive to build, they are transportable and allow for greater flexibility. 

For those looking to own property without the burden of an expensive mortgage and costly utility bills, building a tiny home may be the perfect solution. While there are many building companies that specialize in tiny home construction, many people opt to design and build their own tiny homes. With some in-depth research, detailed planning, and a lot of hard work, it’s possible to construct the home of your dreams without spending the extra cash on hiring a builder.

Keep reading for tips on how to plan out your tiny home build. 

Here are the 4 things you might want to consider when planning your tiny home build!

Regardless of experience, budget, and knowledge, it is possible for you to build your own tiny home. Check out these four key factors that play into building an affordable tiny home that meets your individual needs:

1. The floorplan.

One of the most important steps in building a tiny home is choosing the proper floor plan for your needs and lifestyle. It's important to remember that a tiny home is not just a smaller version of a full-sized home. 

As you choose your floor plan, make sure the rooms in your tiny home can be utilized for multiple functions i.e. a living room that also functions as an office during the day. Make space conservation a priority by considering a lofted bed style and select furniture that has the ability to be tucked away (ottomans on wheels, a dining table that folds down, etc.) in order to create floor space. 

There are many tiny home designs available online or for purchase. Oftentimes, it can be easiest to use a pre-existing plan, especially one that comes with a map for plumbing, electric, etc. However, many people have created their own concept for their tiny home with great success. Before you decide whether to use an existing plan or start from scratch, consider your individual needs and research available plans. If none of them perfectly suit your lifestyle, use them as inspiration to create something unique.

2. The Materials.

Because tiny homes require significantly less material than a traditional home, this is the perfect opportunity to use reclaimed materials at a fraction of the cost. Consider using reclaimed wood for siding, floors, and countertops. Corrugated metal makes a great backsplash in the kitchen and prevents moisture damage when used on bathroom walls.

If you want your tiny home to be easily transportable, it's important to consider the weight of the materials you use. The lighter the home, the more mobile it is. The most evenly distributed the weight is, the easier it will be to transport by a trailer. 

One of the benefits of owning a tiny home is that they are more energy efficient. Maximize the efficiency of your home and save on your energy bills by installing high-quality windows. Research the thermal qualities of different glass products and choose the type of window you install based on your local climate.

3. The Appliances.

The appliances you put in your tiny home should be carefully chosen based on your lifestyle and the layout of your space. Fortunately, there are many down-sized appliances that are perfectly suited for small living spaces.

Refrigerators come in a variety of shapes and sizes, including an apartment-sized model or counter height units. Choose between a down-sized dishwasher, dishwasher drawers, or even a countertop dishwasher. If your lifestyle doesn't require an oven, you can save room by opting for a couple of stovetop burners. 

4. The Plumbing.

When mapping out the layout of your tiny home, don't forget to plan out space you'll use for plumbing essentials. The water heater, water tank, water pump, and other necessities take up more room than many tiny homeowners originally bargain for. 

Maximize your space by installing a tankless water heater. These units heat water on-demand, meaning they are more energy efficient, take up significantly less space, and have a longer life expectancy than traditional water heaters. One of the initial drawbacks of the tankless water heater is that they cost more to purchase and install, but they are often more cost efficient in the long run.

One of the most important steps in building a functional, cost-effective, and energy-efficient tiny home is dedicating ample time to the planning stage of the home build. Before you begin construction, be clear on your individual needs and building options. This will ensure you move forward with a design that best suits your lifestyle and budget.