The popularity of tiny houses, an innovative solution to expensive housing markets, has been growing steadily. If you’re considering your own and anxious about the steps involved, rest assured that it’s possible to create a tiny house from a pre-existing shipping container, minimizing the need to build one from scratch. Things to do when building a tiny house will vary from person to person. Whether you plan to start from the beginning or not, you may wonder what to prioritize when building a tiny house. Your priorities should include the following:
1. Research
Before you start daydreaming about how cosy your tiny house will be, or how you’d like to decorate, do your research. Spending at least a couple of months reading books and blogs and watching videos made by people with experience in tiny house living will help you to fully understand what you are undertaking. There’s also somewhat of a community around the tiny house movement, so consider reaching out to others in your area who have already completed the process for suggestions or help.
2. Consideration of the seasons
If you will be experiencing cold winters and hot summers, you need to create your tiny house using materials that will be suitable for surviving both. Factoring in insulation while you build will save you time and money in the long run, while if you need a heating system or air conditioner, you should plan for its installation well in advance of your move-in date.
3. Consideration of storage space
Tiny houses gained their name for a reason, so don’t expect to be able to haul all of your furniture along with you when you move into your finished home. Consider this a chance for a bit of spring cleaning – you’ll soon figure out what you really need for every day living when you have such minimal space. Think carefully about how you’re going to make it work, and you won’t find yourself with too little space on move-in day.
4. Deciding where you’re going to live
You might be able to construct your tiny house in your garden, but you’re probably not going to live there. Make sure you have somewhere to keep your house, whether it’s on a piece of land that you own yourself or on someone else’s property. You don’t want to be caught in the situation of having a house but nowhere to keep it!
5. Making a detailed plan
Building a tiny house is likely to take a while, even if its name suggests minimal work. Make a work plan and stick to it, even if you must do everything at the weekend. Remain patient – it’ll be worth it!
It’s easy to see why people are drawn to the idea of creating their own home within a reasonable budget, and in many cases becoming independent and mobile. If you do your research, plan ahead, and remain open to tips and suggestions, you too can experience the rewards of tiny house living.
