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Oct 17, 2023

You can build a tiny home for as low as $10,000 including a required ‘one

RENTERS and homeowners are building their own tiny living spaces in an effort to

RENTERS and homeowners are building their own tiny living spaces in an effort to cut costs.

Folks are finding that tiny house kits are a great alternative for those who want to customize their home without breaking the bank.

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These typically come with everything from instructions to pre-assembled materials.

Buyers can score the kits at places like Home Depot, Lowe's, and even Walmart.

Many of the tiny home kits cost as low as $3,300 - and even come with free delivery.

While each comes with needed materials, the cost tends to increase as owners must consider things like permits, other materials, electricity and plumbing, and the land itself.

The U.S. Sun spoke with Judy Dutton, executive editor at Realtor.com, for another installment of our series, Let's Get Real to discuss cutting costs when building your tiny home.

Moreover, she revealed the required, one-time fee that typically takes up most of the cost for those who settle for skipping the kits.

"Going tiny may sound fun and can save a ton of money, but you absolutely must make sure your structure is safe," Judy told The U.S. Sun.

The biggest cost when building your own tiny home is what the house sits on.

Judy said the most common is either a foundation for a stationary residence or a trailer for a movable one.

"The cheaper of the two is by far a trailer, which will run you around $2,500."

A foundation will definitely cost tiny homeowners more money.

They also require owners to obey tons of building codes and inspections.

"A tiny house on a trailer, on the other hand, can be built pretty much however you want," she said.

If you choose to go this route, it may be wise to obey safety standards set for recreational vehicles or RVs called ANSI A119.5, Judy said.

"This not only protects you against potential hazards such as electrical fires but may be required to park in many tiny home communities and RV parks," she added.

Judy mentioned that depending on your financial situation, some either own the land their tiny house is on or choose to rent.

"For tiny home communities this fee may range from $400 to $1500 per month, depending on the location and amenities, which can get quite nice, such as access to the beach, organic farms, a laundromat, or movie theater," Judy said.

On the cheaper end, Judy mentioned that tiny homeowners can park in national or state parks for much cheaper.

Just note that some of these spots may not include hookups to electrical, plumbing, or showers.

Free RV parking may also be found near casinos, Costco, Walmart, and other places as the companies may benefit from your business.

"There are even apps such as Campendium to help you find a spot based on your location and desired amenities," Judy added.

Judy said that a typical tiny house could cost anywhere from $50,000 to $100,000.

However, those looking to really cut costs have been able to spend $25,000 with all-new materials or even as low as $10,000 by using upcycling materials.

This may require you to ask builders and contractors for their castoffs, which can typically be bought for cheap or even free.

Also, consider checking with remodelers like window and door companies that may have off sizes or returns that they would be willing to give you.

"You can also cut costs by keeping an eye out for opportunities to convert an old potting shed, grain silo, water tank, or other structure," Judy said.

"School bus conversions are so common they’re nicknamed 'skoolies.' We’ve even seen tiny houses made from dumpsters and airplanes," she added.

The U.S. Sun revealed the top five cheapest beach towns to live in where sacrificing space isn't needed.

Plus, three tips for buying a home with little to no money down.