Understanding Tiny Houses

Imagine choosing to live in a 10-foot by 7-foot (roughly 3 meters by 2 meters) home for over five years. That's exactly what Gregory Paul Johnson from Iowa City, Iowa, has done. In contrast, the national average home size in 2007 was 2,521 square feet (234.21 square meters), more than 2,400 square feet (222.97 square meters) larger than Johnson's home [source: U.S. Census Bureau]. While many Americans might find it unthinkable to willingly downsize to such a small space, a growing number of people, like Johnson, are embracing smaller living arrangements.

The small house movement is a grassroots initiative where people choose to live with less and occupy less space. While some tiny houses are under 100 square feet (9.29 square meters), the movement isn't solely about the size of the home. As Johnson puts it, "It's more just about the attitude of living life simply and as small as is comfortable for each person." He emphasizes that there's no one-size-fits-all solution: every individual has different needs.

The concept of fitting into the small house movement is subjective and depends on each person's interpretation of living efficiently. "I don't give a strict definition of what is small or what makes a small house," says Jay Shafer, the founder and designer of the Tumbleweed Tiny House Company, who lives in an 89-square-foot (8.27-square-meter) home. "A 4,000-square-foot (371.61 square meters) home could still be considered small if the space is utilized well."

The movement, which began with just a few people, has gained significant traction over the last five to seven years. Johnson has noticed a rise in interest through increased traffic to the Small House Society's website, an organization founded in 2002 to promote the movement [source: Resources for Life]. What started with around 50 visitors daily five years ago now attracts 1,200 to 1,500 visitors per day [source: Johnson].

There are many reasons people are drawn to the movement, with economic and environmental concerns being major factors. "Due to a combination of an economic downturn, a housing crisis, and global warming, more attention is now being given to how much space we actually need," explains Shafer.

In this article, we'll delve into the key features of a small house, the expenses involved, and the individuals choosing to adopt a simpler way of living.

Characteristics of Tiny Houses

In terms of square footage, tiny houses generally range from less than 100 square feet (9.29 square meters) to about 1,500 square feet (139.35 square meters). As the size increases, the layout typically includes more features and amenities.

A typical design for a tiny home features an open living area on the ground floor, which includes a kitchen and bathroom, with a sleeping area located upstairs. Some small houses include multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, while others offer just a loft for sleeping and a toilet/shower closet. Some even exclude kitchen and bath facilities as standard, offering them only as optional upgrades.

These carefully planned layouts are complemented by space-saving features inside. Many designs include built-in cabinetry and shelving for additional storage. Appliances in smaller homes often resemble those found in RVs, while larger ones may come with full-sized appliances. Several manufacturers have partnered with specific retailers to provide carefully selected packages tailored for tiny home living.

Some small homes also come with wheels, making them portable. These rolling homes tend to fall on the smaller side of the size spectrum and usually offer fewer amenities compared to permanent versions. Similar to a snail carrying its shell, a portable tiny home owner can hitch their house to a car and take it anywhere.

Before a small home can be enjoyed, whether on the road or stationary, it must be constructed. Construction options include prefabricated models or DIY kits. Many tiny homes are modular units made in sections at a factory and assembled at the site. While the assembly process can take just a few days, it's important to consider that delivery and installation fees may apply.

For those opting for the build-your-own route, plans typically range from $350 to over $995, depending on the manufacturer and unit type [sources: Cabin Fever and Tumbleweed Tiny House Company]. Choosing this option gives homeowners more control over the materials used, often leading to potential cost savings. For instance, the XS-House model from Tumbleweed costs around $16,000 for the DIY version, while pre-built units are priced at approximately $36,997 [source: Tumbleweed Tiny House Company].

Costs of Tiny Homes

One of the primary motivations for choosing tiny homes is the financial advantages. While some tiny homes are priced similarly to an average car, others can cost upwards of $600,000 [sources: Johnson] and The Cottage Company]. Location, size, and materials heavily influence the overall cost. However, the initial price tag is just the beginning. Downsizing to a smaller home can also affect taxes. Property taxes are calculated based on the home's assessed value, so the more expensive the tiny house, the higher the taxes [source: U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development].

Maintaining a home can significantly impact overall living expenses. Johnson believes that the commercial-grade materials used in his tiny house helped minimize maintenance costs and effort.

In addition to low upkeep for the structure itself, most tiny houses reduce the time and effort needed for household chores. Many have smaller yards or no yard at all, meaning less time spent mowing the grass or weeding flower beds. Inside, for instance, cleaning two or three toilets can take twice or three times as long as cleaning just one.

Living in a small house can save both money and time, allowing homeowners to redirect those resources toward other activities. Whether driven by financial factors or a desire for a simpler lifestyle, people all across the country are embracing this movement. Let's explore the types of individuals and homes that are part of the small house movement.

The Tiny House Market

Tiny homes can be found from a small town in Utah to a suburban neighborhood in Washington. These homes offer a more affordable alternative for first-time homebuyers and are also an appealing choice for those looking to downsize, such as empty-nesters or recently retired couples.

While many tiny house residents are singles or couples, some families are also choosing to live in compact spaces. For instance, Scott and Lolit Smith and their three children reside in a 10-foot by 12-foot (approximately 3-meter by 4-meter) home with a loft. During the summer, they live there full-time, adapting by cooking on a hot plate and storing sleeping gear during the day. They emphasize the importance of utilizing the outdoors for added space.

"The space is more than sufficient if you have a loft with a 10-foot by 12-foot (approximately 3-meter by 4-meter) home and if you have weather that allows you to spend time outside," says Scott Smith. "The weather plays a major role in it."

Some buyers prefer the lifestyle of a neighborhood with shared outdoor spaces. Cottage-style or clustered communities are emerging throughout the United States, particularly in the Pacific Northwest. These developments typically feature a collection of tiny homes, each with individual lots that open to a communal central lawn [source: The Housing Partnership]. Some even include shared community centers or buildings. It's worth noting that many cities have specific Cottage Housing Development ordinances that govern the appearance and number of cottages in relation to the land used for such communities [source: Lehigh Valley Planning Commission].

From 70-square-foot (6.50-square-meter) homes on wheels to simple living in 1,500 square feet (139.35 square meters), some view the trend of smaller homes and simpler lifestyles as a glimpse into the future. While only time will tell, the small house movement has undeniably introduced a fresh outlook on housing options in the United States.