Live Big with These Tiny House Designs

Good things come in small packages, and this is certainly the case when it comes to tiny houses. At no more than 500 square feet, these mini house design abodes are packed with functional designs–all aimed at making tiny living both comfortable and efficient.

The only trouble is, how does one go about choosing the right one? While there are a number of different tiny house styles out there, let’s start simple. There are two basic types of tiny houses that any tiny house hopeful will eventually consider:

Tiny Houses on Wheels

Does waking up to a new view every now and then sound appealing? If so, living in a tiny house on wheels could be your ideal situation. Built securely on a trailer, this mini house design on wheels provide more comfort than your standard RV.

Picture all of the basics in a residential home, miniaturized into a tiny house. No matter what life throws at you, you’ll be able to change locations easily and take your home for the journey.

Tiny Houses on Foundations

Built on a foundation like a residential home, this type of tiny house makes the perfect accessory dwelling unit (ADU) or primary dwelling (for areas where zoning allows it). One benefit is that you aren’t limited to the size of a trailer, and get more design freedom. It’s also often easier to live full-time in a tiny house on foundations than a tiny house on wheels.

How Do I Choose?

The tiny house movement is constantly evolving, and becoming more innovative. Before you decide which tiny house best suits your lifestyle, ask yourself these questions:

Do I want to live full time tiny, or only for vacations?

For some, a tiny house on wheels is the best way to get away during vacation time. For others, a tiny house on wheels makes the perfect full-time mobile home.

Do I want a mini house design that can travel?

A tiny house on wheels makes it easy to take everything you own and go! If you’re not planning on moving your home, then a tiny house on foundations may be the way to go.

Who is my tiny house for?

If your tiny home is for in-laws, you may prefer to build a tiny house on foundations.

Is having a garden important to me?

A tiny house on foundations makes it easier to have a garden for obvious reasons. Not to say that it isn’t possible to care for small plants and herbs in a tiny house on wheels!

Is having complete design freedom important to me?

Without the restrictions of building on a trailer, choosing the shape and look of your tiny house is completely up to you (as long as it adheres to building codes and zoning regulations).

And speaking of building codes and zoning regulations…what are the rules regarding where I plan to move or build my tiny house?

U.S. laws regarding tiny houses are different everywhere you go. It’s important to research your local regulations before deciding on which tiny house style to live in.

Tiny houses can really be adapted to suit anyone’s lifestyle. That’s the wonderful thing about tiny living. It doesn’t quite adhere to society’s definition of homeownership, but the right mini house design gives us a blank canvas to create our own idea of what that looks like!