As the tiny house movement grows, driven by a desire to downsize and the rising costs of conventional real estate, more people are exploring this lifestyle. Whether motivated by the wish to simplify life or as a counter to the larger, pricier housing trends, it's essential for potential tiny house owners to understand the financial commitments involved in such a decision. And if you're thinking of building a tiny house, you'll want to know how much it will cost you.
Understanding Tiny House Pricing
Tiny houses have a wide range of different prices, and how much you expect to pay depends on the type of house you want to build. To help make things easier, we’re going to break it down by the most common types of tiny homes you can get.
The price range that we’re giving is based on the assumption that you will be doing most of the building or that the kits have minimal construction required. The variation in your house’s price depends on the house’s size plus the features you want to include.
Tiny House on Wheels: Key Things to Know
How Much Does It Cost To Build A Tiny House On Wheels?
Fully-mobile tiny homes can cost between $10,000 to $30,000, making them a more affordable option as they typically require no land or foundation. This cost range accounts for basic plumbing and electrical setups, which are usually less expensive than those in stationary homes.
While it is possible to construct an extremely small mobile tiny home for under $10,000, most will find that spending at least $12,000 is necessary to create a comfortable living space. Keep in mind, this estimate does not include the cost of the vehicle needed to transport the tiny house
How Big Can A Tiny Home On Wheels Be?
A tiny home on wheels has some size limitation compared with a house that has a foundation. Most tiny homes that are on wheels are 8 feet x 20 feet or smaller, although the maximum size of a tiny home on wheels is closer to 36 feet in length as long as you have the right towing equipment.
With that said, you might need special licensing for a larger tiny home trailer. Larger tiny homes can cost between $25,000 to $40,000 to build.
What Other Costs Are Associated With A Home On Wheels?
Though a tiny home on wheels can be a great project and lifestyle to pursue, it does come with hidden costs. We’re going to take a look at some of the more notable costs you need to consider:
- Wear and Tear: Living life on the road will put stress on your car. Set aside for more oil changes and repair visits if possible.
- Lot Fees: Along with wear and tear on your towing vehicle, you may have to pay a lot fee to park your tiny home if you do not have a place of your own. This can easily reach up to $1500 a year.
- Insurance: Much like with homeowner’s insurance, you will need to have insurance for your tiny home if you want to hit the road. Insurance companies usually cover this with RV insurance or an additional rider on top of your regular car insurance.
How Much Does It Cost To Build a Tiny House On a Foundation?
The price to build a tiny house on a foundation is between $12,000 to $50,000 to build in most situations. You'll also need to budget $5,000 to $8,000 for the foundation.
Foundation-based tiny homes are often slightly larger than wheeled tiny homes. They also have different plumbing fixtures that can increase the overall price tag. Most people will need to spend between $12,000 to $50,000 to build it.
Cost of Building a Tiny Home With A Basement
One of the more popular tiny home features exclusive to tiny homes with a foundation is a basement. If you choose to get this feature for a potential tiny home, you should expect to have a minimum of $4,000 added to your price tag.
Most full basements in tiny homes will cost between $10,000 to $40,000 to fully create. Petite basements that have minimal amenities are going to be the cheaper ones.
Cost of Building a Tiny Home With a Crawlspace
Love the idea of a little more space, but only want a teensy bit more? A crawlspace would be a better option. Crawlspaces cost around $10 to $7 per square foot. This means a typical crawlspace will be around $2800 to $4000 for a typical tiny home.
Does It Cost More To Build Or Buy a Tiny Home?
If you’re not a DIY type of person, it can be tempting to take a look at tiny home listings near you. This is doable since there are now entire tiny home communities popping up across the country and on the net.
Most of the time, though, it’s cheaper to build your own tiny home. The land and labor that can be tacked onto the price can make it hard to afford otherwise. It’s up to you to determine how much you would save or spend in each situation.
Can You Finance a Tiny House?
Yes, you can finance a tiny house. If you are curious about tiny homes and how you might be able to afford them, you’re not alone. There are ways to finance your own tiny home that could make your tiny house wish come true. To get more information on financing tiny homes, it’s best to talk to a qualified real estate professional who has a background specializing in unique lifestyles. It’s alright to reach out to someone, even if you aren’t sure a tiny home is for you.
Tiny Houses Prices Bottom Line
The price of a tiny house can change a lot based on things like its size, the materials you choose, where you build it, and any extra features you add. To figure out how much your tiny house will cost, you need to first decide exactly what kind you want. Building your own tiny house can often save you money. Also, remember that the cost of land and building permits can be quite different depending on your location, so you should include these costs in your budget.