FAQs on Buying and Moving to a Tiny House

small red cottage home

If you want to get in on the tiny house movement, now’s the time. This is an affordable, minimalist way to live, and it’s sweeping the nation thanks to shows like HGTV’s “Tiny House Revolution” and “Tiny House Hunters.” Not only are tiny houses adorable, they’re also practical and affordable. Many people looking to capture the dream of homeownership simply don’t have the funds for a huge monthly mortgage. With a tiny house, they can achieve those dreams and still have money left over to chase other pursuits such as traveling.

Tiny houses typically measure less than 400 square feet of space, offering a way for more families to live simply with less of a materialistic focus, says Moving.com. Here are some FAQs people have in regards to tiny house living.

What is the cost?

The average price of a tiny house is $23,000 for 186 square feet or less, says Good Money. However, the exact price will depend on size, locations, finishes, and materials used in the construction. A luxury tiny house could cost up to $150,000 — as much as a small ranch in some parts of the country. You could build a tiny house yourself for $10,000 if you’re frugal and only want the bare necessities, or you could have a contractor custom build you one for between $80,000 and $100,000.

Are pre-owned tiny houses available? Yes, you can buy pre-owned tiny houses by searching through local real estate listings. Resale homes can be had for between $25,000 and $100,000. Most times, though, tiny houses are purchased new, with companies offering several floor plans available at different price points. 

Where can I build or park a tiny house? Before you decide on a tiny house, you have to decide where you’re going to put it. Options include parking it on the property of a friend or family member, renting a lot in a tiny house co-op or community with monthly fees ranging from $250 to $500, or purchasing land in your town. Check with your local zoning department before doing so, as most residential neighborhoods aren’t zoned for homes that have less than 1,000 square feet. Also, if your tiny house is technically an RV because it’s on wheels, you’ll have to park it in a designated RV park.
Do I need a permit? Yes, just like when building a normal sized home, you will need permits to build, such as for electrical, plumbing and more.
Where do I go for a loan? There are many sources, such as traditional mortgage, bank loan, RV loan, builder loan, credit union loan or peer-to-peer loan.

What indirect costs are involved in owning a tiny house? Indirect costs include those for moving, storage and fuel for towing.

How do I choose a mover? When it’s time to move into your new tiny house, it’s important to book a reputable, licensed and insured mover. If you’re moving from a standard home to a tiny house, you’ll naturally have to downsize, which means you’ll need a place to put your extra stuff. Make sure the mover you choose offers storage services for your convenience. Get a free estimate from several movers before deciding on the right one for you.

Contact Around the Clock Moving & Storage

We have two locations — one in Mesquite and one in Dallas. Contact us now for a free, no-obligation estimate at 469-853-0045 or fill out our convenient online form to learn more.