Tiny houses are intriguing.  They can make you think and wonder if you would could live that type of lifestyle, then you wonder how is living in that house any different from others?   To begin with, space is scaled down, meaning there is less room to fill with things. It brings to mind minimalism. Less room= less stuff= simpler life.  In general, tiny houses use less energy, tend to be made with more earth friendly materials, require less maintenance, and have a smaller environmental footprint.
There are a variety of ways to achieve living in a tiny house in Austin, TX. The are prebuilt homes, tiny house communities, you can purchase a home and put it on purchased land, or purchase land and have a house built on it to your personal specifications. You can even buy building plans from various companies and have them build it or you can build it.

You can use a tiny home for variety of reasons. For example: A getaway home, a home in the the country, a guest  home, a mother-in-law suite, nanny's quarters, home-office, workshop/studio, or even a home for your maid. You can live off grid in a tiny home and slash your utility bills.   Tiny homes are benefiting from current advances in energy efficiency, insulation, and green construction methods.
Tiny houses in Austin, Texas can be built to travel like an RV, on wheels or, built without wheels. Tiny houses are conducive to simpler, almost minimalistic living.  This encourages intentional living.  
However, if you think you will feel crowded or if you get cabin fever easily, a standard size place might be your best option. Most people looking into buying and living in a tiny house are not young families still growing or newlyweds needing room for their future families. The people that are honestly considering this lifestyle are singles downsizing after realizing they no longer need the same space as when they were younger and still growing. I'm sure there are couples seeking the same, to downsize themselves from constant home and yard maintenance and unending mortgage payments.   To live simpler lives hopefully.
I feel that the trend of tiny homes in Austin will continue for a good while. My husband bought his materials for about $6000 and built his own tiny house on a utility trailer base so it is mobile. He has lived in it for the last five years, since building it. He lives alone, next door to some of our family, and has easy access to our grandkids for the sheer enjoyment of them.  He has ample rooom and he lives an uncluttered solitary life and could not be happier. He has all the mod cons and is very capable should maintenance be needed.
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Tiny homes do not limit lifestyles, he's had no unexpected expenses, and it's not been a risky investment because it has become his castle. You don't face many risks if you build sustainably and efficiently including insulating properly.   Finally, why would you build a real tiny house except to live in it? Worrying about resale is a bridge you have not come to yet.

Downsizing is a trend

There is a growing movement that has people and couples of all ages downsizing to a tiny home. They spend a lot of time searching for the right place to live. These homes are popular because they help people save on money and expenses, as well as lower their footprint.

One way to find a great tiny home in Asheville, N.C. is to talk to the experts. One of these experts is called Purchase Tiny Homes and they have the ability and knowledge to help you find that perfect tiny home, location, and downsize.

A tiny home

As you probably know, a tiny home is supposed to be under 400 square feet in size. Some do go a little larger but that is the average. Yet, that small size does not mean you lose out on any of the important comforts of life.

You can still have a full-sized bathroom, a comfortable place to sleep and a quiet location to do your hobbies, etc. The only thing that is missing is space. That is good news to those who have to do all the cleaning in a traditional home.

Plus, these homes can be built on wheels or a solid foundation. It will be up to your preferences as to the style and design you get but when on wheels you get to live in different regions of the country when you feel like a change.

The good aspect of using professionals

It is possible to find a tiny home on your own but it pays to go through a company like Purchase Tiny Homes. That is more important when you want to locate in a city like Asheville, NC.

There are too many rules to follow and every city has different rules. The professionals at Purchase Tiny Homes can help you find the right small house that meets all those difficult regulations.

Plus, they can help you find that perfect location that provides lots of greenery and open spaces, even near Asheville. You are not alone when looking to downsize. The people at Purchase Tiny Homes should be with you each step if the way.

The biggest drawback to tiny homes

There are a lot of benefits that come from moving into a small house. You cut your utility costs, cut down on clutter, and save on energy trying to maintain the home. Traditional homes can use up a lot of energy and supplies to keep them in top shape.

A tiny home spares you that. But there is one drawback that you really need to be prepared for. It is not easy living in a small space. Not everyone can do it and before you contact Purchase Tiny Homes, make sure you are one of those people who can live in small places.

It is a nice change

Downsizing can be a great change. It can lower your stress, give you more time for more important tasks or hobbies and just let you focus on each other. The move is worth considering.

When Utah is in your vacation plans​

Travelling to Zion national Park in the past may have incurred some heavy expenses as the lodging that was available were traditional hotels and motels. But today, there is the possibility of renting or owning an nice tiny home close to this park.

Utah has become tiny home friendly in some areas and the place to go to get yours built is called Purchase Tiny Homes. They are the experts in this field and can help you get the right floor plan and square footage you need when you want to downsize.

The Benefits of owning a tiny home

There are lots of benefits that come when you purchase a tiny home through Purchase Tiny Homes. Here are a few of them to help convince you that this is going to be a good transition for you and your spouse:

1. you can get a 360-degree view that will astound you with great sunrises and sunsets
2. you get easy access to Zion National Park and do not have to put up with a lot of traffic on your way
3. it is possible to lower your footprint and be environmentally friendly so the area’s attractive nature is preserved
4. these homes have all the amenities you will need including a fridge, stove, full-sized bathroom, and even full-size sleeping quarters
5. you can cook great meals at home or go to one of the nearby restaurants that will cater to your dietary needs
6. the properties and surrounding area are safe to live in
7. you and your family will get plenty of fresh, healthy air to breathe, play, and relax in

Build in the right location

All the traffic and noise seem to be on the east side of Zion National Park and that means that the pollution levels will be high and there will be lots of crowds to deal with.

The west side, which is on a mesa, frees you from all the city folk wanting to experience nature. You get great views, and a wonderful look at the stars every night. Plus, you get a lot of privacy and seclusion so that you can live your life your way.

The best part is that you can make your purchase through experienced tiny homes agents. Purchase Tiny Homes can help you find that right location so that you can live better and relax a lot more.

The beauty of Utah

Is calling you. The Zion National Park region is one of the most beautiful areas in the country. It is quiet, breath taking and you do not have to make your purchase alone. Let the experience and expertise of the people of Purchase Tiny Homes help you find that ideal retirement or vacation spot for your new home. It pays to let the experts help you as they can navigate the legalities and regulations better than anyone.

All you have to do is pick up the phone and call them. Or send them an e-mail; and go from there.

Anything is possible​

When it comes to tiny homes you can build them on wheels and you can build them on traditional foundations. Then it is possible to build them with garages. There are numerous different designs you can incorporate into the tiny home with the garage you want to build.

Some basic requirements

Before you start building your dream tiny home, there are a few things that need to be done first.

#1. Probably the most important step is you need permission from the local or county council that oversees tiny home or other home construction projects. A building permit may be needed.

#2. You need a good set of plans or blueprints. Not only to show the building commission that you will be meeting building codes but to follow when you start construction.

#3. Finances- you will need to have the money in place before you start building. Since the home is going to be on a permanent foundation bank loans are easier to get.

#4. You need to meet zoning laws- this is also vital as zoning laws govern which building goes where in a city or a county.

#5. Enough land- to get permission to build, you have to show that the land is large enough to accommodate the structure

What you are up against

The local governments have not totally thrown open their arms and welcomed tiny homes or tiny homeowners into their jurisdictions. In fact, there are only a handful of cities that actually directly address this new trend.

Then if the city or county is welcoming these new smaller homes, the regulations are actually very city and county-specific. What that means is that what you can do in one city or county, you can’t do in another, even if they are next door to each other.

Then in many states, it is still not legal to build and live in a tiny home full time. it may be easier to get permission to build if you are planning a garage to be attached to the home. But if the home is on wheels, you are under a different set of rules and you can’t have a garage.

Then remember you not only have to have building permission but zoning permission as well. As it has been said, building codes tell you how to build a home, zoning laws tell you where you can build it.

Some final words

Navigating the legal issues of tiny homes takes time and a lot of research. You need to know what is and isn’t allowed in your state, county, or city before you get started. Even when you add a garage the issues of building a tiny home loom large and can stop your plans before they get started.

There are a lot of good designs for tiny homes with garages on the internet. Make sure you can build before you set your heart on one specific design. Do some good research first and ask the right questions.

Getting the project rolling​

The rat race may have gotten to you and a friend may have suggested that you build a tiny home to ease the stress. It is a great idea and you begin planning on how you will do it and what it will look like inside and out.

What your friend may not have told you is that there are some regulations that need to be followed and one of those regulations may mean you need a license.

The regulations are murky
In doing research for this article, there was not one person, website, or government office that said you needed a license to build a tiny home. of course, that license is not a driver’s license but a contractor’s license.

But that doesn’t mean that regulation or requirement doesn’t exist... somewhere. What makes addressing this issue so difficult is that every state and almost every county in those states have different rules governing the construction of tiny homes.

If the state doesn’t have it, maybe one of the many counties in that state does. it is hard to say unless you live in the area you are going to build in. Then you can check the county to make sure.

You may need a building permit...or do you

This is another murky area and to date, there is no uniform building code or standards created for tiny homes. Again, you will have to go state by state to see what regulations apply and if you need to have a building permit to begin construction.

You may be able to build without a building permit but if a neighbor raises a complaint, the city inspectors can do a lot of harm to your project. Keep in mind, the city inspectors have all the power and can apply any rule they wish to stop the building.

Unfortunately, you will have no recourse if they decide to do that.

Maybe not a license but zoning laws still apply

It may be possible to build a tiny home without a contractor’s license but there is one hurdle you cannot get around. Zoning laws will apply whether your tiny home is on wheels or on a solid foundation.

Like the laws governing building a tiny home, you will have to contact your local zoning commission to see where you can build your new home and where you can’t. If the town is tiny home-friendly, you may have an easier time getting zoning variances. If not, then you may need to find a new county or state to build in.

Some final words

When you are building your own tiny home, it is not the license that will be your biggest problem. Most likely you won’t need a license if you are building your own home. But if you are building one for someone else, you may need one and you will have to check with your state and county offices to find out for sure.

It is fairly easy​

To get tired of the rat race and pursuing the American dream. Once you reach that stage you begin looking for downsizing alternatives. Shedding the traditional home and its high mortgage is not that hard to do and one way to do it is to build your own tiny house.

The steps to building your own tiny house

There are several steps you need to take and a lot of decisions you have to make in order to build your own tiny house. Here are some of those steps:

#1. How much do you want to spend

A rough estimate on the cost of building your own little home runs between $15,000 and $50,000 ($45,000 to $125,000 hiring a professional). Your actual costs will depend on the quality of the materials, the size, and if you want to put the home on a trailer or a traditional foundation.

#2. Do some research

This work is needed as you have to know building codes, certification regulations, and all the rules governing your tiny home construction. Then you will need to find a place to do the actual build if the home is going to be on wheels.

#3. Create your floor plan

Or if you prefer, draw up a blueprint to follow. A good plan to follow is vital and helps you stay on track and on budget.

#4. Find the best source for materials & supplies

One way to cut down on the overall expense is to shop around to get the best deal. Make sure to create a list of materials you will need to build this new home. Budget at least 10% extra just in case.

#5. Begin construction

One good thing about building a tiny home, even on a trailer, is that the construction method is the same as building a traditional home. Construction and installation can take longer than expected so plan lots of time for the building part.

#6. Learn to ask for help

Being a DIY person doesn’t mean you go it alone. There will be tasks that need more than 2 hands to complete. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from qualified friends and family members

#7. Delays will happen

This is par for the course when it comes to home construction. Plan for them and budget in enough time to get the work done right

#8. Double-check everything

Once you are almost done or done building, double-check to make sure doors work right, the lights work correctly, the plumbing won’t fail on you, and so on.

Some final words
Building your own tiny home is still helping you achieve that American dream. It is just a little bit smaller now and more economical. One key to a successful build is to make sure you have the money to do it right at the start of the project.

A tiny home is a great way for some people to live. and building your own provides you with a sense of achievement.

Downsizing means living differently

Most people who move to tiny homes are used to traditional houses with their traditional designs. But with a tiny home, a person has to be creative in their living arrangements including getting used to sleeping in a loft.

If you are building your own tiny home or buying one with a loft there are some key issues to look for or include in your building plans

What you need in a Tiny Home loft

There are some features you have to include when you are building a tiny home with a loft or they should already be present if it is a pre-built model. Here are those features:

1. access- there is some flexibility here and you can go with stairs, a ladder, ship’s ladder, or another option that makes access easy especially in an emergency
2. headroom- the minimum amount of headroom in aloft should be 3 to 4 feet. You can go higher if you want
3. security- there should be a railing or a glass ‘fence’ or some type of barrier that prevents you or your children from stepping off the edge
4. materials- solid wood is best but you can use iron railings, steel flooring, or be creative as long as it the flooring, etc. can hold the weight.
5. design- this is where your creative nature takes over as you have lots of freedom to design the loft any way you want it. The key is that those designs must meet building codes

Hidden costs of building a tiny home with a loft

Like traditional homes, there are those issues that arise that were not thought of in the planning stages. These things happen and you should prepare a budget and be prepared for those hidden costs that come.

#1. DIY does not always save you money- while you may think you are saving money, you may lose time at your job or spend too much time in construction.

#2. Contractors are not cheap- just because you want to save money does it mean that the contractor will take less for doing the job. Expect to pay higher fees when hiring a professional

#3. Dreams cost money- you may have found a way to get all your ideal items into your home but those dreams cost extra and can be fairly expensive

#4. Hook-up fees- while you are saving money building a tiny home with a loft, your hook-up fees may cost more especially if you bought land in a rural section of the county.

#5. Insurance- these homes are insurable but there are factors that may elevate your premiums.

#6. Mortgage costs- not all tiny homes with a loft will qualify for a home mortgage. This is true when they are built on wheels.

#7. Resale value- you may have to add more features than just a loft for the tiny home to hold its value.

Some final words on Tiny Homes

A tiny home with a loft is a great way to save on space. You get a separate bedroom and a nice view without crowding the downstairs. The key is to watch your costs as they have a way of climbing up on you.

Everything is bigger in Texas...including Tiny Homes

Not only do you get a beautiful and large sky to look at each day, you also get lots of land to spread your wings and be comfortable. But that largeness does not mean you have to build a Texas sized mansion to live in.

One of the bigger trends in this state is the ability to buy a lot of land with a tiny home on it. That way you can downsize your expenses without sacrificing a lot of outdoor living space.

The cost of a tiny home in Texas

Be prepared to experience some sticker shock. Some people assume that a tiny home comes with a tiny price. While these homes do cost less than most traditional homes, their prices are not exactly tiny.

Then you have to add the value of the land to the purchase price and you may need some smelling salts to revive you once you see their prices. The range of prices goes from $10,000 to $180,000 just for the home alone.

The good news is that the average cost of a tiny home is between $30,000 and $40,000. Then add the land value into that price. The actual cost of the land will vary due to the size you want to purchase.

In all if you are looking to save money, it will be in the long run and not in the initial cost of the home.

The good news on tiny homes with land in Texas

When you are looking to downsize to a tiny home the good news is that if they are already built on a foundation and comes with a nice chunk of land, all the hard work is done for you.

You just need to purchase it like you would a traditional home and once the home is on a foundation it should be easier to get a mortgage. The previous owners already went through and met all the Texas regulations tiny homes have to meet to qualify as a permanent residence.

A pre built home will have successfully met the following:

1. all laws and regulations the state has
2. the foundation is already built and should meet city codes
3. land use application is done and approved
4. already built to existing building codes
5. already meets zoning laws

If the tiny home you are looking at doe snot meet those requirements, then move on to the next choice on your list.

Some final words

Even the tiny home friendly Texas town of Spur will fine owners if the tiny home doe snot meet their regulations and laws. This is something you have to double check before you buy.

But most pre built tiny homes with land should have met all the laws and regulations and once you pay the purchase price you can move right in like you would a traditional home.

All you have to do is get over the sticker shock of the cost of a tiny home with land in Texas.

Being bit by the downsizing bug​

Many traditional homeowners have been bitten by the bug to cut expenses, living space and have moved to tiny homes. This trend has created a whole new Real Estate submarket that has been flourishing for some time.

In fact, there are many specialized real estate offices focusing on selling, renting, or buying tiny homes. It is very possible to find a tiny home with land and join this downsizing trend.

Know the law first

Before you buy, there are some things you need to know when searching for a tiny home with land. There are different laws in different cities, counties, and states and if you are not careful, you may be sold an illegal tiny home.

You will need to check those laws first before you sign the purchase agreement. Here are some things to watch out for when shopping for a tiny home with land:

1. it has to be on a foundation
2. ceiling height has to be 6’ 8” high as a minimum with the kitchen and bathroom at no less than 6’ 4” high
3. the tiny house needs to have stairs OR a ladder, ship’s ladder, or some other safe access to and from the loft
4. there are no minimum number of windows needed but those windows must meet safety standards for emergency exits
5. there has to be a minimum of 1 separate bathroom

Wheels and land do not always work

When someone is selling you a tiny home that was built on wheels and they are including the land in the deal, be careful. There is a different set of regulations involved when the tiny home is set on wheels.

In fact, many states do not allow you to live permanently in a tiny home if it is on wheels even if it is on land. A tiny house on wheels is considered an RV and not a small house and if you try to live in one on land, it could be an illegal dwelling.

There is some good news in all of this

Laws are changing and some communities are accepting tiny homes as long as they meet standard building codes for the city and the county. You will have to check your local area as to what rules they have as everyone is different at this stage of the game.

This means you can’t just buy a piece of land and put up a tiny home on it. Yet, while this seems perplexing there are many different organizations and businesses dedicated to helping you navigate the legal issues and help you find the right tiny home on the property that you want.

Some final words

All it takes is a quick internet search using the words “tiny homes with land for sale” and you will find more results than you can handle in a day. There are great locations to buy a tiny home with land and let the professionals help you through the process.

Detroit is a friendly place for tiny home enthusiasts to live. In fact, they offer whole blocks of tiny homes that allow residents an affordable place to live on a smaller budget. Whether you are looking to get affordable living that you own by yourself, or you just have too many other debts and obligations to handle that purchasing a traditional home is not possible, Detroit provides some amazing areas to make tiny home living a possibility.

There are several neighborhoods in the Detroit area that offer these tiny homes. They are owned by the individuals who live in them, with those individuals paying their mortgage or payments each month like with traditional homes. The amount of the mortgage is traditionally a lot less than we find with some of the bigger homes in the area, which is part of what makes them more affordable.

When the owner decides to move out of the tiny home and on to other things, it is possible for them to list the tiny home for sale, just like with a traditional home. This allows other interested parties a chance to move into an area that is friendly towards tiny homeowners and contains many other similar homes as well.

However, since many tiny homeowners may stay in that area for a bit, you may need to look elsewhere to find the new home for you. The good news is that Detroit does allow for tiny home living and is pretty open to it compared to some of the other areas of the country. You may find it easy to move your tiny home right in or build one of your own as well. You do need to check each neighborhood for any local ordinances they may have. But there are a lot of options and many tiny homes are accepted in this area.

Before you decide to go with a tiny home, do some research. Look to see where the best areas are for putting the tiny home so you can purchase the right land if you plan to build. Consider whether you want to purchase a home that is already on some land and has been lived in, whether you want to go with a pre-made home, or if you want to build the home from scratch to make it fit your specifications.

There are so many options when it comes to choosing a tiny home for your new living arrangements. Knowing how these work and which options are the best in Detroit will make the decision so much easier. But since Detroit is pretty friendly for tiny homes, this can be a great way for you to get started.

If you are looking to purchase a tiny home, then contact us at Purchase Tiny Homes. We have many options to choose from for our customers and are certain we can find the right home for your needs when you start this adventure. No matter what type of tiny home you want to work with, our team is here to help. Contact us today to get started.