So you’ve had enough of the big house, big yard and the responsibilities that come with that. You’ve decided to downsize your home and life!
You should start by researching what materials you need to use. Then you should research how to design a structure and make sure that it will be strong enough to withstand weather conditions. Make sure that there is proper ventilation. And finally, you should make sure that you know how to install the structure properly.
There is no short answer to the question “How do I get started?” But if you want to start something new, do it right. Don’t rush into it. Make sure you plan everything out before starting. You might also want to take a few minutes to think about what you want to accomplish, and how you want to go about doing it.
1. Consider The Land
You must know what you can build on your land before you buy it. There may be certain things that you can’t build on your land. Wetlands might be an issue. You need to consider the seasons.
You also need to consider how you’ll use the land. Will you have windows facing south? What about north? Do you want them to face east or west? Is there anything else you should know about this land?
2. Research
Don’t rush into building your first tiny house.
Start by reading books or watching videos on how to make things. Plan ahead. You’ll end up wasting less material if you plan properly.
3. Gather Materials
Salvaging materials is hard work. Start off by buying things that are already made instead of making everything yourself. This will save you money and time. Also, make sure you store your goods properly. Don’t put them out in the open or leave them unattended.
4. Identify Your Essentials
Figure out what you really need. Know where the plugs are located.
Plugging in your appliance will save you time, energy, and money. You’ll avoid the old nightmare of running an extension cord across the room.
5. Insure Your Tiny Home
Tiny homes require special insurance because they are mobile. You need to make sure that there is enough coverage for your vehicle. Your insurance company may not be willing to cover your tiny home unless it passes certain tests.
You should document the entire process of building your own tiny home. Insurance companies may require inspections before allowing you to move into your new home.
Mark is a contributor and author at FindTinyHouse.com. He loves exploring tiny houses and sharing his experiences and ideas. Mark lives in a tiny house himself and enjoys inspiring people to live simply.