Hi, I hope this is not a noob question that gets asked constantly, but: would be possible to add insulation to these prefab houses to make them livable in Indiana? I'm willing to put plenty of time into DIY and don't mind if the project looks silly. Also, are there any dangers/non-obvious downsides I should look out for? Thanks in advance for any thoughts!

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256804498810131.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.main.67.684261c3Ujqud9&algo_pvid=d0020363-e9e3-46ed-8f3b-4787c532328f&algo_exp_id=d0020363-e9e3-46ed-8f3b-4787c532328f-33&pdp_npi=4%40dis%21USD%2112000.00%2112000.00%21%21%2112000.00%2112000.00%21%402101c5a717209604670582880e563f%2112000030093281566%21sea%21US%210%21AB&curPageLogUid=bYGn2eA5S8EJ&utparam-url=scene%3Asearch%7Cquery_from%3A

https://www.huberwood.com/zip-system/wall-sheathing

I've taken someone into my home temporarily, and she desperately wants to live independently in a tiny house. But with no one to be a guarantor on a loan, no way to get a mortgage, and no funds for a big down payment, I just don't know if it's even possible.
I don't want to burst her bubble and tell her that her dream is impossible, but I also need to stay realistic, and not give her false hope.
This is in eastern Ontario, btw.

Looking at building a small house & as the years go on, building on stages, do I’m booing at a modular style design or concept, any ideas?

Basic Render with Right Wall/Roof Invisible

This is a design I’ve had in the works for years. Finally took the time to model it in SketchUp. Might go in and run plumbing and electrical connections in the future, but it’s already a beefy model and can get bogged down. I’d love feedback and ask me any questions you might have!

• 20'x8.5' Trailer with Gambrel Roof and 2' bumpouts on each side.

• 3.5' wide Wetbath with curbless entry, recirculating shower, and Composting Toilet.

• Large Kitchen with French Cleat walls for versatile storage, 18" Dish Washer, 2 burner induction cooktop, toaster oven, instant pot, and Washer/Dryer combo.

• 2000 watts of solar with 800AH 24v batteries, Solar and Plumbing components mapped out, and a Hydronic Heating System for air and water. Edit: also a 120v 12000btu hot/cold mini split and a Maxxair Fan on the roof

• Storage Stairs with Litterbox leading to tall living loft, with loft net access to sleeping loft.

• Outside: 20'x10' Awning, Pull-out Pellet Grill, and access panels to storage, electrical, main plumbing, recirculating plumbing, and composting toilet.

• Underfloor: 10x 25Gal Freshwater Tanks, 9Gal Recirculating Tank, 25Gal Greywater Tank, No Blackwater.

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/3c5546c4-de21-4e7f-838d-36b59964616d/Tiny-House-Floorplan-THOW-20ft

Some models used resemble the desired product but have been modified/resized. Entity info can provide clarification. Hide/Show various tags to see more in detail.

So I’m a college student trying to move out of my parents house, and because of the state of the economy I’m hoping to just get a tiny house and put in on a plot of land. This plot used to have a house on it, so it would already have utilities run to it. My question is, will a tiny house connect to those utilities? I don’t know anything about this area and I’m worried about buying it and then finding out it doesn’t connect. Thanks in advance for any help!

What are the costs to get this set up. We are currently on many many months of getting a tiny home. But its all starting to feel like a huge mistake. Setup costs $2,000 to move and set on land, another $2,000 to get electricity connected, $12,000 for piping. Both electric and water are 10 feet to their connection too. Does all this seem normal? Paid 5% for them to start building the house, but this might not be refundable either so thats $2,500 wasted potentially. There are many other issues, but this is just a start. I was really hyped to live in a smaller house, as I do not need much room, but suddenly renting seems a lot more appealing. ughh

so basically I'm coming up on 18 years old and I want to move out of the house as soon as I can. I live in michigan and my grandparents own a camping property and they said if I wanted I could live on it if I get my own trailer or tiny house since they dont use it often. my plan was to buy a park model camping trailer and live in it until I can afford a nice tiny house and my own property. idk if I'm being rational lol but would like to hear opinions.

Hi, I am considering a tiny home. I used to hate the idea because I grew up in apartments and never had a space to myself, I hate being squeezed in small spaces. However after looking at a lot of tiny homes, I realized there was a big difference between an apartment and a tiny home. An apartment isn't yours, you have little control over your space and you can't even put shelves on the walls! You have to put up with noisy neighbors and pay for things you don't even use. You can't repaint the chipping paint, nor replace toxic parts with non-toxic ones.

A tiny house is a space you have more control over and can customize for your needs better.

So, I have been considering it, but first want to actually meet people in real life with tiny homes and talk about how they did it and all etc. I live in Central California, I can think of some places where I might find tiny homeowners, but still don't know where to start.

I am mainly asking though about ettiquite. I can't just walk up a tiny home and start asking questions. Are there some questions I shouldn't ask about?

Could a loft theoretically cover half or all of the first floor? Tiny house on a foundation, so height is not a concern. Does Appendix Q set guidelines for this?

My siblings are living out on some land they purchased. They have a shed and a beat up donated RV, but it's not really a livable situation and my sister is still living in a tent on the land. I want to do something to help them out but R/Vs seem to be way out of their budget and cheaply made anyways. I was thinking perhaps a DIY tiny home construction might be the cheapest easiest way to help them. I have all of the tools I would need and I have done a fair amount of construction work in the past building things like pergolas and other large home improvement projects (redoing bathrooms and kitchens). I could probably help them pay for the materials and then spend a week with them helping them build it.

My question is to the community what are some plans that focus on low cost of materials and would not be too hard to build for 3 people in a week (assuming we used all our time over that week to build it)? It doesn't need to be fancy, large, or super atheistic just functional, durable, and cheap. I would want to just build one for my sister first and if we are successful with that I can help them build another one too later.

We’ve sort of miraculously run across an RVIA certified THOW at a really reasonable price that will fit our needs reasonably well. We are not in a position to finance it ourselves right now (and the seller does not offer financing) so we are looking at an RV loan.

My question: does anyone have any experience/knowledge about whether it might be easier to get approved for an RV loan through Lightstream or a credit union you’ve been at for a while? We have I think decent credit (both right around 700), pay our bills, but do have some debt we’re working on. I’m nervous about getting denied in general, but I’m additionally nervous about applying to one and getting a ding on our credit when they do a hard credit check, and then have our credit be lower if we go try to apply to the other option.

Edit: Also, do you normally apply for a loan only when you’re absolutely certain you want to purchase (this is a used THOW being sold by an individual), or can you apply for the loan and then cancel it if you decide not to buy?

2017 Kangaroo TH Trailer
2018 built House from Tiny Home Builders in MI.

• Currently located in Holbrook AZ.
• Incinolette toilet
• 32" shower
• Separate vanity
• Tankless water heater
• Splendide w/d combo
• Dbl SS sink w/pull out faucet
• 2 burner gas cooktop
• 10 cf fridge
• Countertop Convection oven
• Queen loft with stairs
• 6 windows Area rug
• Lounge convertible to twin bed
• Electric fireplace LG
• picture window
• Area rug
• New in wall heat pump & a/c
• Garage over tongue
• Water filtration
• On demand water heater

https://preview.redd.it/mht2nv1yebbd1.jpg?width=2252&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=08e070518fbd1a60269787a329e7c0c07a7890f3

https://preview.redd.it/yqe6jl2yebbd1.jpg?width=2252&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c52a7d0872e6d7e721ff1cd30940bfebb9dcb77c

https://preview.redd.it/h83lin2yebbd1.jpg?width=2252&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=63350aabb0682f11c958d2cde264ccd371659e8f

https://preview.redd.it/900bsn2yebbd1.jpg?width=2252&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=58c94e8a31c62c4681258e199170757e8adbbcb3

https://preview.redd.it/4wzytr2yebbd1.jpg?width=2252&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3f3b4ec02790d5f32d35ce38ca05be840bec81ab

https://preview.redd.it/oxm9ay1yebbd1.jpg?width=2252&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e3f7b253dc6d31d6af81c8340f78cfb055e998b8

https://preview.redd.it/x76i0s2yebbd1.jpg?width=2252&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=38a20665b80c4f7d70efb03e627d83ce672e0b7c

https://preview.redd.it/2bbee02yebbd1.jpg?width=2252&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4e8b5fe12f851f3bded8a6f333d72a76e36368a9

Hi all, having trouble finding info on weight limits for lofts.

I get that it would depend on if it's a standing loft, the type of framing, and the span;, but is there someplace I should be looking that will have that info? Appendix Q only has the height restrictions.

Not at the builder stage yet, but will of course go that route eventually. In the meantime, trying to figure out what limitations might be. Even a ballpark would be great. TIA

Edit: Sorry hiring a builder not building it. I didn't make a great distinction and wasn't clear, sorry. Kudos to all you who are/did build yourselves!! Looking at one approximately 3 foot loft and one approx 5 foot loft. Main bedroom on primary/ground floor level. Deciding what to get rid of etc.

Hello! I am so glad to have found this sub! I’ve recently been doing a lot of research and considering becoming a tiny homeowner.

Some background info: I just now finally started a job where I won’t be living paycheck to paycheck and can finally save, it’s not like I’m going out and buying a tiny house today, I am trying to plan for my future and to save. I have always rented apartments and hate renting! I don’t make enough to ever feasible afford a real house in this market but I don’t really want a big house anyway when it’s just me as that’s more to take care of.

My thoughts: I definitely am not planning on going the diy route. Mad respect to those of you that are but it’s not for me. I’ve been looking up a few companies and right now I like Wind River Built the best. They seem like a reputable company that follows all codes and I really like their models (specifically the Rutledge model). I have looked up building codes in my area and know what is required. Since Wind River technically builds them as Park Rv’s I have to either live in an RV park or a mobile home community. Otherwise I can live on my own land as long as I attach it to a permanent foundation and it follows all other housing codes. I don’t think the housing codes would be an issue. This company seems to comply to that.

My questions:

1. A lot of yall seem against the idea of living in an RV part or Mobile home community. Why? Is it because of the lease? Obviously the end goal of owning a home is to not pay a monthly lease but when building codes are tricky it seems the easiest way to go. Especially since I don’t own any land.
2. I guess my end goal would be to put my tiny home on my own land but I certainly wouldn’t be able to afford to do that all at once. Would it be more worth it to live in like an RV park while i save up for land or do it the other way and buy land first and then save up for my tiny home?
3. I am kind of worried about the land part though because I can’t live in the middle of nowhere so the land isn’t cheap. I need to live in town for my job. I don’t want a commute more than 30 minutes. This to me just signals more I should stay with the rv park/mobile home community life?
4. I guess finally any signs to know whether a tiny home is right for me? Since I’ve never lived that small before it would be a big change but I think I would love it. I have always admired small eco homes and tend to get overwhelmed with taking care of large spaces. My family is skeptical saying I have too much stuff or I will feel claustrophobic in such a small space.

Thanks for the insights and I can’t wait to learn more!

Hello,

We are looking to build a tiny house on our property. Must be under 200sq ft to build without permit on our area. Thinking of 12x16 as tis seems to have less waste of materials but open to 10x20.

Is it possible to get a living, kitchen, bath and bedroom in such a tiny space? We are thinking a loft will be necessary? anyone done such a build and have floor plans or pictures they care or share? Thank you!

We wanted to add nice French Door(s), but that is too expensive for our budget.

I posted yesterday about putting a water heater in a cabinet. Think I should ask this too. What size is your water heater? Wife wants to go with a 36 gallon but a 30 gallon would solve a lot of problems. The tiny home is for 1 or 2 people. Shower, dishwasher, and washer. We have a person staying until the end of the year but don't want any complaints about hot water from them or my wife when we take it over.

Hey all. I was thinking of putting a tiny house on my land. Do I just buy one that’s already put together or what? Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

We are building an small apartment and need to put a 36 gallon water heater in a corner cabinet. The box shows the Rheem 36 gallon is 24in diameter and 31in tall. I am struggling to find a cabint this will fit in. I am considering dropping to a 30 gallon that is only 19in diameter. Has anyone put a water heater in a corner cabint? if so what cabint did you use? Or did you build a false front?

unfinished sketch

Planning to rebuild a small house with a low budget and by myself, so first off instead of having a concrete ceiling, I decided for a wooden ceiling. The cost difference is at least 1:3.
Saw some videos with a similar construction of the ceiling (their house was even bigger, and had two stories).

But now I am struggling with roof construction.
It must be a so called "skillion roof" because it was like this before, and I need to keep the house shape and measures like they were, including the roof type.

I don't have much experience in building, and with roofing even less. So I sketched the roof but I'd appreciate if someone could check if this frame is going to work, or if I should improve something, or even try something completely different.

It would be a metal roof (important to note because it doesn't weigh near as much as the normal clay roof.
The house material would be aerated concrete (AAC)

So I have a small studio to renovatie and I'm thinking about installing a kind of wetroom. I have seen this fiberglas/plastic units where everything is in one piece in hotels, boats, hospitals,... Even camper vans have this kind of all in one units with crazy space saving ideas. So it is easy to clean and I like the idea of a all in one unit that can get completely wet. Hopefully saving space by not having to install deviders, screens or shower curtain. But I can not find a seller on Google. Maybe my 'wetroom' search is not correct. Anybody who can guide me in the correct direction and anybody that has experience with this kind of bathroom? Any insight is much apreciated

I’m debating spending 10-15k on a tiny house and place it on my mom’s massive land. My biggest concern is what happens when you get the home. I can only assume a ton of plumbing work has to be done and I was curious how much extra it would cost

I’m looking to add paneling over the insulation just installed. I have a few questions that if anyone could help me with it would be greatly appreciated.

What thickness of plywood should I use? Home Depot had 15/32, 19/32, and 23/32. Or would something else be better?

Would screws be best and what size?

And is the best way to put the boards up is put them the tall way so I cut off about 2 feet 8 feet tall boards - 6 foot walls) and then put them up. So I would need about 5 boards for the back wall that is about 20 feet long if the boards are 4 feet wide.

Any other tips?

What the title says. We’re trying to talk out our needs and having a hard time visualizing how to actually lay things out. Because we would like to age in place in our THOW, we’d ideally like to have everything on the main floor. I’m struggling, though, to find many floor plan examples. I may be using the wrong search terms, I don’t know.

Anyone have any favorites to point me toward?