Living in a very small house can be a nice experience for those who are minimalists. Fitting everything you own into a tiny space helps you control clutter and prioritize what is important. The best part of owning a tiny house is that it's inexpensive to heat and repair. While it has disadvantages, you can build a nice living space if you design every square foot in detail. Every space must serve a purpose (or two or three purposes) to make a tiny house function well. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Check with local authorities to find out if they have restrictions on square footage of a home. Tiny homes might violate building codes in certain neighborhoods, since square footage is a factor in a home's value. Consider building your tiny home in a lake or mountain area where building restrictions will be more lax. Design the house to fit in beautifully with a specific locale and Mother Nature.
2. Acquire a building permit to build a home that is roughly 400 square feet. Tiny homes typically have the floorspace of a garage. Sketch designs you like by referring to websites or home design books. Choose a roof line that adds a charming appeal to the house. An A-frame roof is often a good choice. The ceiling area can be left open to make the space seem larger.
3. Sketch a kitchen/living area to serve as the core space of the house. Draw a bedroom and bath as well. Keep in mind that a kitchen can fit along one small wall, so take most of the space for the living area. Design the tiny house to function exactly as a larger house would function. Include closets, kitchen cabinets, a bath vanity and windows. Think in terms of creating a doll house on paper.
4. Pour the concrete footings and have a brick mason lay a cinder block foundation. Hire a builder to transfer your plans to paper and discuss any drawbacks. Build the wooden framework and enclose all of the exterior. Install all roofing and windows before you focus on finishing the interior. Insulate the house well and install a heating and cooling system that will keep the space comfortable. A tiny house can overheat easily in summer.
5. Finish the interior with a variety of materials. Use drywall, real wood paneling painted white or beige, wood trim and crown molding, wood flooring and tile for floors and walls. Give thought to making each cabinet, interior door or window special. Part of the charm of a tiny house is to design every part in detail.
Tags: tiny house, design every, house function, living area, square footage
