Tiny Homes vs Small Homes & ADUs

           The tiny-house movement is an architectural and social movement that advocates living in small homes. Typically, tiny homes are between 100 and 400 square feet. While there isn't a set standard, a tiny house rarely exceeds 600 square feet. Beyond the size, Tiny Houses at first glance are much cheaper than traditional houses.  However, let’s take a closer look at the costs and issues 

involved in building and living in a tiny house versus a small house.  

           Structural integrity, safety, efficiency, zoning laws and building codes are the main difference between a tiny house and a small home.  Small homes are built to  the International Residential Code (I

RC) designed to  meet all state and local residential building codes.    

           Tiny homes are built according to the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association certification standards.  Despite the growing enthusiasm for tiny homes, it isn’t easy to get approval for them in most municipalities. Because of the code to which they are built tiny homes are typically restricted to RV parks or tiny home communities.

          We're not saying tiny houses have no value at all, they have their place. That said, they have VERY limited applications as a permanent living structure while small homes and ADUs will stand the test of time, and will be the most satisfying living situation for most people. 

Here is a summary of why you might choose to build a Small Home vs. a Tiny  Home: 

1. Small houses are bigger  without being big.
2. Small houses can be extremely energy efficient without being tiny. 
3. Small houses are structurally engineered to meet local building codes, and are designed to handle weather and environmental issues better than tiny homes.
4. Small houses can be confidently insured and financed. A tiny home must be insured as an RV and is difficult to finance.
5. Small houses have longer potential lifespans, meaning they will stand the test of time and last for  generations.
6. Small houses have better resale value than tiny houses. In fact, small houses typically have better profit margins and  sell faster than both tiny and larger houses.
7. Small houses  appreciate in value while tiny ones depreciate like cars and RVs. This makes tiny houses poor long-term investments.
8. Small houses are more practical and utilitarian with broader appeal than a tiny home.
9. Small houses encourage people to stay in places - build communities - as opposed to just pass thru them (taking their houses with them).
10. Small houses can be designed for additional expansion.