It’s not surprising that many people have paused to take stock of what is important in life. A surprising number of these have realized that having a large house isn’t the most important thing in life.

Tiny houses are the perfect solution for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint, lower financial expenses, and solve their debt issues.

According to the latest studies, tiny homes can lower individual housing-related energy consumption and carbon footprint. There are already over 10,000 tiny homes in the US.

Whether you’re looking to get off-grid or live for less, there are several factors to consider when designing your tiny home.

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Check Local Laws

You’ve probably got an idea regarding where you want your tiny home located. However, while it’s small, it’s still a building and will need building permits.

Many people get around this by building a tiny home on wheels, allowing it to be classified as a campervan. You need to check your local laws before you start a build. This will ensure you don’t fall foul of them.

Location

If you haven’t already decided on a spot then do so before you build. You can have your tiny home on private land, in an eco-village, or even on a campground.

Knowing the location beforehand means you have somewhere to put your home. It will also allow you to assess access, which will help with the build size and material delivery.

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Layout

The layout is critical if you want to enjoy living in your tiny home. You’re not simply taking everything from a standard house and making it smaller.

Instead, consider which items are important to you. For example, a full-size bed is essential. A suitable couch is also essential, but a dining table may not be.

Once you’ve decided on which items are needed, you can explore which can be multi-functional. For example, can your bookshelf also be a desk?

You’ll also want to consider how much light is available. The more natural light the bigger, and therefore more comfortable, your tiny home will feel.

Doors need to be minimal. For example, the entrance doorway either needs to be sliding or open outward. Any door that opens inward will reduce available space and layout possibilities.

To help get the layout right, look at other tiny homes. They can provide you with a surprising amount of inspiration.

Just remember, you’re building a home for yourself, copying other designs isn’t the answer, using their ideas is.

You’ll find it beneficial to use design software. It will help you create the layout and visualize it. You’ll be effortlessly able to move items around to create the perfect layout for your needs.

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Finance

If you’re lucky, you can sell your home and finance the tiny home yourself. You may even have funds put aside. However, most people will still require a little help.

Fortunately, there are mortgage companies out there that can help you with the finance you need. While looking at finance it’s also worth considering a traditional house in a less popular area. For example, the Mesa, Arizona mortgage rates are attractive and potentially affordable because the properties in this area are in lower demand than in other parts of the country.

It’s worth evaluating the finances you’ll need for a tiny home and the cost of relocating, especially if you’re planning to have a family in the future. It might make more economic sense to opt for a traditional house and mortgage.

Size

Tiny houses can be built on one level, two levels, and even one-and-a-half levels. You need to decide how much space you would like, what layout works best for you, and what your local planning laws allow.

It’s also important, when choosing the site, to consider any outside space. It’s a great way to make your tiny home bigger and more enjoyable. Just remember to factor it into the size of your home and the direction it will face.

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Choose Your Materials Wisely

It’s common for tiny homes to be made from recycled materials. This helps to keep the cost down and reduces any environmental impact.

Don’t be afraid to think outside the box when considering materials for your build. You need good insulation, slim proportions, and, wherever possible, plenty of natural light. It’s worth considering anything.

Think About Energy Generation & Efficiency

The smaller the space, the easier it will be to heat. However, tiny homes are often made of wood, they can suffer from poor insulation. That means even a small space can be expensive to heat. 

In the first instance, you need to consider insulation (as previously mentioned). You also need to think about how you’ll power your home. Solar panels are a good option. They can be fitted to your roof and are likely to generate enough power to run your home. 

However, you’ll need to allow for storage batteries. You’ll also need to consider the amount of sunlight you get. A wind generator may be a more attractive option. 

The right power solution will help you to be self-sufficient and can make life easier if you decide to move your tiny home. 

As part of your energy efficiency drive, consider using low-flow faucets and showerheads. This can reduce your water consumption. You can even opt for a composting toilet. Any plumbing in your tiny home should be grouped together. This reduces the amount of pipes needed and the space they occupy. 

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Summing Up

Before you commit to a tiny home make sure that you’ve thought about what it’s like to live in a small space. More importantly, consider who will be living in the house with you. You need to have a home that works for all inhabitants, even ones that don’t exist yet.

Remember, the right solution is unique. Only you know what will work for you. Keep that in mind while you turn your dream tiny home into a reality.