Tiny houses offer a great option for people to live far more simply and economically or simply enjoy a chilled-out life in an off-the-grid location. According to a National Association of Home Builders’ survey, posted on https://edition.cnn.com, more than half of Americans are ready to consider living in a tiny house, i.e. one measuring less than 600 square feet and at 64%, the interest among millennials is even higher. As tiny houses become more popular, knowing how to design and build one for you or even to start a small design and construction business can be very handy. Some important tips:
Check Local Zoning Regulations
Local governments are generally averse to granting building permits without the applicant fulfilling the requirements of the local building regulations. Consequently, many tiny homes in America are mounted on trailers so that they are legally classifiable as campervans, not houses requiring building permits. However, if you want to design and build a tiny home that’s permanent, you need to check the local laws carefully to prevent any inadvertent violation.
Ensure That You Have a Good Building Plan
Floor plans are important for any building, however, when it is a tiny house; it becomes critical because you don’t have the luxury of not optimizing the available space. By resorting to simple devices like sliding doors, for example, you can save on a lot of space otherwise, taken up by the swing of the door. Maximizing the size of the windows can also help to make the house less claustrophobic and allow more light in thus reducing energy consumption. Learn more on space optimization at Tiny Home Builders – TinyHouseLife.
Reduce the Temptation to Shrink Everything
It is important to remember that a small house is not a big house that has been shrunk. If you cut down on spaces that are vital such as the bedroom or the bathroom, you may end up compromising the quality of your life. Rather, you should try to eliminate unnecessary furniture by making them do double duty. For example, beds can have storage while bookshelves can act as a desk. You can have furniture items that fold into walls, which can be pulled out to become beds, tables or seats. By resorting to innovative architecture, the potential for maximizing space in a tiny house is virtually unlimited.
Decide on the Foundation and Focus on the Weight
The type of foundation will depend on whether the house is permanent or portable. Apart from making them trailer-compatible, you can also consider other options like stilts, skids or concrete slab. The roof design is critical in areas that receive snowfall and even in other areas; you have the problem of water and debris accumulating on a flat roof. For transportable houses, the importance of using lightweight materials is paramount to minimize the weight. Also, consider issues like “tongue weight” to ensure that the trailer can keep its balance when moving with the house.
Conclusion
A tiny house is a great opportunity for innovation in design and building. Using recycled and other eco-friendly materials can lessen the impact of your home on the environment. The choice of insulation materials is also important to minimize the requirement of energy, which is a major expense.
