With the real estate market being more difficult to break into than ever these days, people are looking at different living options. While still a niche living option, tiny houses are growing in popularity with the public. But what exactly are tiny house floor plans, who do they best suit and what are the legalities involved? Let’s take a look at the nitty-gritty of tiny house floor plans and see whether they may be your next dream home.
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What is a tiny house?
While it may sound like it means a really, really small house, tiny house has a specific meaning in Australia. Tiny house floor plans are small, cabin-like buildings on wheels that can be transported. They are usually around 7.2m x 2.4 m in size and include a full kitchen, living area, bathroom and bedroom.
They’re usually designed for off-grid living, making them an eco-friendly option. The small size makes them better suited for couples or people living on their own than large families.
Why the wheels?
Tiny houses are built on wheels so that they technically can be classified under the rules of a caravan rather than a regular house. Rules and guidelines for caravans aren’t as strict as those surrounding a permanent dwelling. This means a lot of the approvals that are required for permanent dwellings won’t apply to tiny houses.
Potential uses for a tiny house/tiny home plans
- Downsized home for a retired couple, single person or empty nesters
- Home options for older relatives like parents or in-laws
- For people who don’t like to be tired down, for example, grey nomads artistically inclined freelancers.
- The younger generation trying to get a home in a competitive market
- Nice addition to existing real estate to use as a guest house or rental
- Air BnB
- Stand-alone home office
- Art Studio
- A way to add extra space to an existing
What are the benefits of a tiny house home design?
First, let’s look at some of the key benefits of living in a tiny house.
- Way to purchase a dwelling without having to buy land.
- Lower utility bills than a regular home.
- Be free of mortgage or rental debt – a tiny house can be paid off over 4-5 years.
- Less maintenance and upkeep
- Rental option (you’ll need to check with your local council about this).
- Available in a variety of aesthetically pleasing tiny home layouts from modern minimalistic design to a Tudor cottage plan.
What are the drawbacks of a tiny house home design?
- Less luxuries: You’ll be stripping back your lifestyle living in a tiny house and will have much less room and stuff under your roof than before. You won’t have some of the
- It’s quite a downsize: If you’ve previously raised a family in a larger home, it’s natural to downsize when the kids leave. A tiny house is the most extreme version of this and some people find it difficult to adapt, to their new living conditions
- The rules around living in a caravan or tiny house on a private property vary wildly from council to council. Therefore it can be not easy to move a tiny house to a new location. It also means you still need to contact your local council, even if you won’t need all the approvals that you would with a regular home design.
- Difficult to resell: While you save money with a tiny house plan, you won’t have the benefit of property value that comes with owning land and a house.
What is the average size of a tiny house floor plan?
The average size of a tiny house is about 7.2 m x 2.4m or a total floor area of 17.28 sqm or 20 sq ft (square footage).
How much does it cost to build a tiny house?
Like any building project, there are a few key factors that will determine the overall cost of your build. These include details such as the building materials used, features included, the builder you end up hiring, and whether you include extras such as a compostable toilet.
Which builders offer tiny house floor plans?
Builders who build tiny houses, tend to make it a speciality. In the Brisbane area, you have a few options when it comes to tiny home builders.
Teeny Tiny Homes
Small House Co.
Tiny Houses SEQ
Is a tiny house floor plan a good option for me?
The answer to this will depend on what you’re looking for in a home, the stage of life you’re at and who you are as a person. A tiny house is great for someone who wants a smaller living space, perhaps a retired couple or young singles looking for their own space. A tiny house has the advantage of being an affordable option, especially compared to traditional house and land homes. It’s also great for a potential rental space.
On the other side of the coin, tiny houses certainly aren’t for everybody. Some people will find the smaller living space claustrophobic, particularly if they’re used to larger houses. There are also potential legal issues in certain parts of the country that may make a tiny house a non-starter.
Are there any alternatives to consider?
Depending on what your ultimate goal is, there are a few different alternatives to building a tiny house.
If you’re after a secondary dwelling for family members or to rent out, a granny flat is an excellent alternative to a tiny house. A granny flat or second dwelling are versatile space that can be used for most things a tiny house can be used for. A well-designed granny flat could potentially add to the resale value of your home.
If travelling is your main goal, a caravan will be easier to move around than a tiny house.
Our tips to help you choose a tiny house floor plan for your new home
- First, talk to your local council and discuss your plans. It’s always a kick in the teeth to find out you’re not allowed to do something, but the consequences will be much worse if you go ahead with it and are caught later.
- Consider whether a tiny house will meet all your needs or whether you can handle the idea of living in such a setup. Remember, this won’t be a holiday but you are home from now on.
- Despite the small house area, you have flexibility when it comes to design.
- Talk to a few builders and see what they offer. Most importantly, get some quotes from each and compare your options.
- Place your windows so that they will be in orientation with the sun’s path. This will allow natural light into your tiny house and help cut down on energy costs.
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