Tiny houses are a big deal these days! Why, you ask? Because they are an economic solution for a variety of needs, reduce environmental impact, and deliver simplicity.
What Are Tiny Houses?
The House Plan Shop’s collection of tiny home plans features designs that offer less than 800 square feet of finished living space. These fun-size floor plans are thoughtfully designed for comfort and maximum use of space. Special features that make tiny house plans feel larger than their footprint include:
- Vaulted ceilings
- Open floor plans
- Outdoor living areas such as a covered porch or patio
Besides being trendy and available in a variety of architectural styles, a homeowner might choose to build a tiny home plan for a number of reasons.
Five Popular Reasons to Build a Tiny House
- Economical to Build – Due to the size of a tiny home, less land is required for construction, meaning the lot will be a fraction of the cost of that of a typical home. Additionally, fewer materials are needed for construction which keeps costs to a minimum. Finally, tiny houses do not take as long to build as a typical American home, therefore minimizing labor costs. The affordability of building one of these home plans is very appealing to homeowners on a tight budget.
- Environmentally Friendly – For environmentally friendly homeowners, tiny houses create a smaller carbon footprint than traditional homes. They require fewer materials to build, and they use less energy for heating and cooling. Additionally, they can be built to be even more sustainable by insulating them well, using environmentally friendly materials, and adding solar power.
- Flexibility – When built beside a primary residence, a tiny house plan can satisfy a variety of needs. It can serve as an ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) for Grandma or your college student who needs little privacy but still wants to be connected to the family. It can be used as a guest house when the out-of-town company arrives, or it can be converted into a home office or hobby space when you no longer have a need for additional private living space. If the time comes when you no longer need the tiny house for your own use, consider renting it to a paying tenant and earn a little extra income. As you go through the stages of life, you will realize that a tiny house plan built alongside your home will flex and change with you as your lifestyle and needs change.
- Simplicity – Living in a tiny home encourages the minimalist lifestyle and reduces stress. Having less space means less cleaning, maintenance, and upkeep, giving you more time to relax and do the things you love.
- Just Enough Space to Rest – Tiny house plans provide a cozy haven for those who do not spend all their time at home. For people who travel often (for work or pleasure) or those who spend most of their day outdoors, a tiny home gives them a simple space to come home to and rest without having to worry about doing lots of housework.
Whether a tiny home plan appeals to you for economic or environmental reasons, its flexibility, or its simplicity, you are sure to find the perfect tiny house plan that suits your needs, lifestyle, and architectural preferences at The House Plan Shop.
For more possibilities, consider our carriage house plans.