Backyard tiny house?
It is easy to understand why people find the idea of a backyard tiny house appealing—it provides extra space and freedom without uprooting your entire life. But before you start building, there are some essential questions to ask yourself and factors to contemplate. This article will discuss all the necessary details to consider before taking the plunge into this exciting adventure, from selecting an appropriate location for your home, obtaining appropriate permits, and meeting building regulations, to finding local help with design and construction – all while staying within your budget.
Let’s go over everything you need to know about putting a tiny home in your backyard before making this big decision!
What Is a Tiny House?
A tiny house is a kind of dwelling typically built on a trailer chassis, although in some cases, it can also
be mounted on a foundation. Essentially, a tiny house is an incredibly compact home, usually no bigger than 400 square feet in size.
Backy yard tiny houses are often characterized by their minimalistic design and features that focus on efficient use of space and cost-effectiveness. As such, tiny houses may contain features such as lofts for extra storage space or beds, full kitchens and bathrooms, living areas with seating arrangements, outdoor decks or porches, and plenty of windows to let natural light into the home.
Even though different people have different ideas about what a quote “tiny house” is, most people think of them as a cheap alternative to traditional housing that still has many of the same comforts as a home.
Is it Legal to Put a Tiny House in my Backyard?
The answer to this question is not cut and dry. It depends on many factors, including local zoning regulations and the size and type of tiny house you are considering. Before you try to build a tiny house on your property, you should do research and talk to the authorities. In most areas, the legality of tiny houses is determined by local zoning regulations. It is important to keep in mind that zoning laws vary from place to place, so you may need to check with your local municipality or county to determine the specifics of building a tiny house in your area.
Here are a few key points to keep in mind when considering building a tiny house on your property:
- Obtain permits from your local municipality before building. These permits are generally required for any kind of construction or renovation. Obtaining a permit can help ensure that your tiny house meets all of the necessary safety standards.
- Consider the impact of adding a tiny house on your property’s value. Potential buyers may prefer the increased living space or rental options that come with owning two properties. Before beginning, verify with neighbors, as not all neighborhoods will approve such alterations.
- In terms of construction -consider what type of foundation would be best for the size and weight of your tiny house. Unless you plan on moving frequently, it’s best to build on top of a concrete slab or other more permanent foundation to ensure the structure’s safety and security over time.
- Decide if any electrical or plumbing connections need to be made from your main home or if utilities should be provided through an outside source, such as solar panels or a septic system.
- Be aware of how large your tiny house is, as some areas may have restrictions on the size of a dwelling that can be placed in a backyard. Also, if you want your tiny house to be a legal home, you may need to follow certain building codes and rules.
- Property taxes may also affect whether or not it makes financial sense for you to build a tiny house on your land. Depending on local laws and regulations, these fees could go up once construction is done, so make sure to think about this as well.
Considerations
Underneath all of these technical considerations, it’s essential to ask yourself if you can realistically manage to have two homes on the same property. Can you live with the potential disruption from construction? Are you comfortable dealing with any extra paperwork and financial considerations that come with owning two homes? And most importantly, are you willing to take on the responsibility of being a landlord if you decide to rent out your tiny house? Answering these questions can help you decide whether building a tiny house in your backyard is the right move for you.
Types of Tiny Houses
There are many different types of tiny houses, depending on the design and purpose of the dwelling. The most common types include:
- Tiny houses on wheels
- Park Model Tiny Houses
- Container Homes
- Yurt
- ADUs
Tiny Houses on Wheels
Tiny houses on wheels are typically between 8.5 and 13.5 meters long and 2.4 and 3.7 meters wide. They are built on a trailer or wheels with a small foundation, such as a skid or blocks. You can easily move these mobile homes from one place to another if needed. They are often constructed from wood, metal, composite materials, or a combination of these materials.
Park Model Tiny Houses
Ranging from 12 to 40 feet in length, park model tiny houses are designed for permanent living. They are not mobile due to their size and weight limitations. Park models feature all the amenities of a regular home. This includes kitchens, bathrooms, and living spaces, in compact forms. They also have modern conveniences such as air conditioning systems, flat-screen televisions, and wifi capabilities.
Container Homes
Container homes utilize steel shipping containers as a building material for their structure. Because of this, they are often seen as an affordable option for those wishing for a minimalist lifestyle but who don’t have experience in construction. These homes come pre-made in sizes ranging from 10 to 40 feet and can easily be assembled into larger structures if desired.
Yurt
A Yurt is an old structure that originated in Mongolia, Tibet, and other parts of Asia since the time of the nomads. However, modern yurts have insulation, solar power, and wireless internet access. Through their transformation into modern life, they still managed to keep their rustic look, round shape, and wood beam roofs.
ADUs
An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADUs) is a small home added onto an existing property as additional living space. ADUs can either attach to the main house or be built as a separate structure. They typically range from 200 to 800 square feet in size and come with all the necessary amenities as a regular home, including kitchens, bathrooms, living areas, and bedrooms.
Conclusion
If you want to build a tiny house in your backyard, you should assess all of the factors mentioned above before making any decisions. It is also important to remember local zoning regulations, permits, and costs. Other considerations will also play a role in whether or not you can build your dream tiny house.
Backyard tiny houses can provide a great way to live more sustainably by reducing consumption and waste. They can also help you save money on heating, cooling, and other utilities. They are embraced as an innovative housing solution by people all over the world. Even in the US, they are becoming increasingly popular. With careful planning and research, you may find this option offers a cost-effective way of designing the life you want. You can have it all without sacrificing comfort or style. Good luck with the adventure!