So often, people come to me asking questions about tiny house design:
What kind of trailer should I use?
What insulation is the best?
How much does construction cost?
...the list goes on.
However, the issue here is that designing a tiny house is NOT--I repeat--not the biggest challenge you face. In fact, it is not even close.
More than than, designing your tiny house is not even close to the first thing that you should be doing in your tiny house journey. Sure, design is the fun part where your tiny house comes to life, but it is not what actually turns your tiny house into a reality.
Here are some of the things that you should consider first:
1. Know why
This issue is extremely prevalent in the tiny house world. People get wrapped up in the idea of a tiny house that they never pause to ask why they really want it. Whether the reason is for financial freedom, simplicity, adventure, or something different, you should consider your tiny house as a tool to get to the life you want. The tiny house is not equivalent to the goal, just the means. Before you do anything else, ask yourself why.
2. Budget to the detailed level
Budgeting is a common issue among aspiring tiny house owners. Many people don't realize that the construction of a tiny house is not the majority of the project. You have to account for things like:
the cost of the land
permits
land assessments
insurance
connecting to utilities
installing septic
...and a whole lot more!
If you have, say, $40,000 in the budget, know exactly what that money will go toward. Know how you will spend it and when you will need to spend it. Know the inflow and outflow of cash during all stages of the project.
Furthermore, don't just have this single number. Break it down to the most incremental level possible. This is super important if you can't afford to go over your budget because without the upfront financial planning, you will absolutely go over.
3. Identify region and learn how to find land
In a recent survey, finding land and navigating zoning was the top issue by far among aspiring tiny house dwellers. That is because zoning is a murky mess, land is scarce in some places, and tiny houses are not a conventional residence, so they don't fit neatly into a prescribed process.
You will need to identify the region that you want to live in, the region or regions that you are willing to live in, and then get to talking with the zoning departments and planning departments in those areas. It is tedious, but once you get started, you'll realize that it isn't all that bad. Getting to this point puts you ahead of 99% of aspiring tiny house owners! Most people only dream, but looking for land means you are serious.
4. ....Now you can think about design
Only once you have done steps 1, 2, and 3, should you start thinking about the design itself. Without the first steps, the design will change drastically. No doubt, it is the most interesting part. Just don't get sucked into thinking it is the most important or singular part of the project.
If you need help with your tiny house project, click the menu at the top, go to services, and contact me. I'm happy to be your tiny house navigator. You can also check out my books listed on the website!
Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash
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