Want to simplify your life? Want to lower your monthly expenses? Want to reduce your dependency on your job? Tiny houses may be the answer for you and your family.
Below is my list of the many benefits of owning a tiny home. Here we go…
Less initial cost
A tiny house is obviously smaller than a traditional home. There are less materials and the labor required to build it because of it’s size. Since tiny homes often have most of the features a traditional house has (kitchen, plumbing, roof, flooring) the price per square foot is usually more expensive. But since overall size of the house is so much smaller, the overall price is only a fraction of traditional homes.
Less energy consumption
Tiny homes require much less energy to heat and cool simply because they have much less interior air space. Since many tiny homes are on wheels, a tiny house owner could move their house under a large tree in the summer, and out into the sun during the winter. Two additional culprits for significant energy consumption are refrigerators and hot water heaters. Both are typically smaller in a tiny house and consume far less energy. Another use of energy is your own energy. It doesn’t take long to tidy up a very small dwelling. I have seen folks who have been very creative with reducing their tiny house’s energy consumption and making use of the fact that their home is very small. Solar panels, wood stoves, wind turbines, compost toilets, the list goes on and on.
Less water consumption and trash
If you have a small shower and small hot water heater, chances are your showers will be alot shorter. If you have a small trash can, chances are you will generate less trash. Using less water and producing less trash is both good for environment and your wallet.
Less cost for repairs
Repair costs for your tiny home are simply a matter of mathematics. The cost to replace the roof of a 2,000 square foot home will be alot less than the cost of a 300 square foot home. This is of course because of the reduction in materials and labor.
Less land to purchase and upkeep
A small dwelling will require less land reside on. Since many cities have restrictions on the size a home can be, you may be required to purchase land outside the city with no restrictions. Land outside the city is cheaper to purchase and the taxes are less. If you elect to buy a very small plot of land that your house will reside on, you’ll spend less time cutting grass. If you buy a regular sized lot, you’ll have more room your garden.
Less food
If you have a small pantry, you’ll have a small amount of food in your house. If you can look through your kitchen window and see fresh vegetables growing in it, you’ll spend less produce. By eating less food in your tiny house, you’ll keep your food bill and weight down.
Less taxes
Since the value of your tiny home and land is resides on is less valuable (assuming you choose to buy your land rather than lease) your tax bill will be less. The savings can go towards investments, retirement, college for your children, vacations, or donations to tinyhouselistings.com:-)
Less insurance
Insurance for your home can add up quickly, especially when it comes time to use it. Tiny houses cost much less to insure because they are less valuable. Many insurance companies consider tiny houses on wheels to be an RV. Since insurance companies aren’t non profits and are in business to make money, you will often have difficulty getting the money from them. By owning a tiny house you can minimize the amount you give to them in the first place.
Less interest paid
When I bought my first house, initially I was paying more towards interest than the principle. It’s no secret that over the course of a 30 year loan, you will pay more for interest than you will the house itself. Most tiny house owners elect to pay cash for their tiny house, or to pay it off quickly. The amount you save by avoiding interest will ultimately be a huge amount. More than enough to buy the in-laws a tiny house and have it located on the back (way back) of your property.
More disposable income
All of the above reasons I’ve listed for buying a tiny house have been focused on “less”. Less consumption, less money out of pocket. All of this leads to having more money in the bank at your disposal. If you write a list of your recurring expenses, you’ll quickly realize that costs associated with your home represent the majority of your expenses. By owning and living in a tiny house, you are slashing your living expenses at every level.
More freedom
Ok, 11 reasons. I saved the best for last. When you own and live in a small house, you free up your two most precious resources, money and time, not to mention some of Earth’s most precious resources…water and energy. Does your current standard of living prevent you from working at the job you want? Does it prevent you from going on vacations and taking time off when you like? Do you have to sacrifice spending time doing exactly what you want simply to pay your bills? Are you worried about the Earth and environment and leaving it in good shape for those that follow us? By living in a tiny house, you free up money by cutting expenses in a big way. You use less natural resources. You free up time by spending less of it cleaning and maintaining your home. You trade square feet for freedom.