How to Get a Tiny House for a Low Price

Guest Post By: David Morneau

If you haven’t heard of the tiny house movement--you’re missing out! It’s an entire social movement dedicated to the goodness of simple living in tiny houses. Sounds pretty great, right? A tiny house, built either on wheels or on a foundation, is often no more than 500 square feet and focuses on a minimalist way of life. For many tiny house enthusiasts, tiny living gives them the freedom to focus on the things in life that matter most; be that camping, family, or giving back to the community.

As much as we can get behind the idea of tiny living, the prices of some of the ready-made tiny houses are enough to make us head for the hills! Before you scrap your tiny dreams, have a look at some of the options out there to get your tiny house for a low price.

Buy a Second-Hand Tiny House

This may seem like the obvious answer, but the truth is, many tiny house hopefuls are unsure about purchasing second-hand. Understandably so, buying a “used tiny house” can be like buying a used car. It’s best to do your research and bring along someone who knows what to look for. Here are a few tips on what to look for when buying your used tiny house:

• Ask the owner why they are selling their tiny house. Find out those problems before their mistake becomes yours.
• Find out who built it. You’ll want to know who the tiny house builder is to better understand the quality of the tiny home.
• Compare the price. See how the price of the tiny home in question compares to newer tinys.
• Check out the features. Make sure the tiny house has everything you need. Adding features later on could significantly bring up your cost.

Build Your Own out of Reclaimed Materials

Who doesn’t love a good pallet? Using reclaimed materials is an excellent way to make stylish and eco-conscious additions to your tiny home. Before building your own tiny home, make a list of all the features you want to include. Check out local lumber yards and second-hand shops for pallets, scrap metal,--anything you can use! With a little patience, you’re sure to come up with some real treasures that won’t break the bank.

Pro Tip: Look for second-hand windows. New windows tend to be extremely expensive! Consider building your home to fit your windows and not the other way around.

Buy Prefabricated or a Tiny House Shell

A prefabricated tiny house is a great low-cost option because they are generally user-friendly to put together. Each tiny home is manufactured in pieces and then delivered to a location of your choosing. The reason they are inexpensive is because they’re typically a set design with variations in size only. On the other hand, a tiny house shell is another great option if the structural aspect makes you nervous. It’s the best of both worlds; you get an unfinished base to start designing a home that best suits you.

Much of buying a tiny house is doing your research and knowing the right questions to ask. And don’t forget to take your time! You want your tiny house to be quality both inside and out. With a little extra effort, you can have a tiny house that works for both your lifestyle and your budget.

Interested in learning more about the cost of a tiny house? Read more here!