The Tiny House Movement is sweeping the nation as people are reevaluating their way of living. Tiny houses are about living simply while still having everything that you need. They offer the freedom to live a bigger life. So where do you start?
First, find the right container. Tiny houses can be made out of anything, but cargo boxes are especially easy to convert into a tiny house. Cargo boxes are the perfect size and they can also be made mobile. They are extremely durable and can withstand harsh weather conditions, making them a great candidate for a tiny house. Especially in unpredictable Oklahoma weather!
The average tiny house is between 100 and 400 square feet. They usually contain a living area, sleeping area or loft, kitchen and bathroom. They can be customized in any way imaginable! People do some seriously cool stuff with them. The possibilities are literally endless. Many people add large porches and patios to allow for extra living space. Some even add a deck on the top.
Don’t know where to store stuff? Storage can be cleverly incorporated anywhere. For example, using the stairs as drawers or using the ceiling rafters as a book shelf. Many also utilize the window seat concept by storing things underneath their sitting areas.
The best part? You can build a tiny house all on your own. It’s a TINY house. With the help of companies like Truck-N-Trailer, you can easily make your dream tiny house a reality!
For those who live in a tiny house, it is a way of life. Living the “tiny life” means freedom. Not only financial freedom, but the freedom to live the life they always wanted. By being free from mortgages, bills and debt, they are free to focus on the people and things that are important to them. To pursue their dreams. For many it is also about environmental, financial and emotional sustainability.
Ready to start living the tiny life? Elaine Walker, one of the founders of the American Tiny Home Association and publisher of the Tiny House Community website, has answered some questions to help you get started.
Tiny Houses – Where do I start?
- Explore your options
- Research online to decide what design you want and how to make it happen.
- Join groups of other tiny house owners. They are a great resource!
- Consider attending a workshop or book a weekend visit in a tiny house to make sure the tiny life is for you.
- Make sure you are up to date with your local rules and regulations regarding tiny houses.
- Make a plan
- Develop a budget. The internet had many examples of budgets and spreadsheets online.
- Decide where you want to live: on your own land, someone’s backyard, and RV park, or do you want to travel?
- Go for it!
How long will it take?
It takes an average of 120 hours to build a standard tiny house. However, that depends on how fast you or your contractors work.
How much will it cost?
The cost of a tiny house varies, depending on which way you choose to go. In general, it will cost about $25,000 materials plus the cost of labor.
Where can I find more information?
There are tons of blogs and information about tiny house building online. You can check out Elaine’s blog. Here are some other resources that we found to be useful.
Kirk Booth is the Service Manager of Truck-N-Trailer, a family owned and operated shop dedicated to providing the best medium and light duty delivery and work trucks, vans, and services to fit the individual needs of its customers. He provides excellent service to his customers for over 13 years. Kirk has 25 years in the automotive industry and his technicians (and himself) hold many factory training certifications. They take pride in being a “One Stop Shop.”
