6 Reasons You SHOULDN'T Buy A Tiny Home
After 2 years of living in our tiny home, we want to take about the reality of it and some of the reasons why you may want to reconsider the idea of going tiny.
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I love stumbling upon tiny house owners who admit they love their home and lifestyle, but also explore and discuss the real challenges -- invaluable information for anyone who is seriously considering a tiny home! Will be checking out your channel for sure!
Thank you so much for the kind words! I think its important we don't pretend everything is perfect. The word isn't perfect, and neither are tiny homes :)
It reminds me of the time I thought it would be cool to live on a houseboat until I really looked into it and found some things I never thought of. For example, do I really want to sleep the rest of my life in a vessel that is constantly rocking back and forth in the water?
I agree with you! Learning about and discussing the pros and cons is mighty helpful, and can even inspire people to think of new solutions!
I did not know there was so many difficulties with tiny home living. Now I understand why so many "tiny home" creators on here went back to a regular home after a couple of years. This lifestyle honestly doesn't seem to be a long-term living solution. Humans aren't made to live in a shoebox for years and years. I really don't get how people enjoy living in their tiny home vans and busses. That fad seems incredibly dangerous and so uncomfortable.
size, its tiny......,its tiny
1. Insurance is difficult to find 2. Unable to keep it on wheels 3. Steep stairs unable to meet code Considered an RV 4. Hard to find somewhere to park it 5. Minimum sq footag for zoning (Can be a secondary dwelling to someone elses house and rent a spot on their land) 6. Cabin fever if you cant go outside of small place 7. Limited Storage, cant stock up 8. Moisture and mold -small amouts of steam can cause mold
That’s what he said!
Thank you, saved me time.
@@donnaleveron5711 Small amounts of steam can raise the humidity, but that wouldn't necessarily mean mold would follow.
TY ❤
Thank you!
German here: to get rid of the moisture in (very) cold temperatures, don't CRACK OPEN your windows - open them FULLY, if possible, get some other window open at the other side of the home - and close them after just a couple of (if very cold) or a few minutes (just "cold", like at -10C and warmer outside). With that temperate difference, the one or two minutes are enough to exchange all AIR in the home (so the moisture is gone, since colder air cannot hold much moisture), but it's SHORT enough for all walls and furniture to NOT cool down very much (if at all). That's what we Germans do in our homes at least twice daily (as long as it's not raining or more humid outside than inside) for literal centuries already (and I'm still doing it here in Nova Scotia, even when we get -20C or so, and it works just fine (and actually saves heating fuel, since your heating system only has to heat up the air in the house, but not everything else. If you crack open a window instead, you'll have to leave it open for MUCH longer to get rid of the moisture, which leads to everything close to the window (the wall around it, the furniture close to it, and so on) to cool down (or even freeze, if there is a water pipe or faucet!) as well. So not only it's less efficient for getting rid of the moisture, but it will cost you more for heating afterwards, too, since *everything* has to be heated up again - and you yourself will be cold for much longer, too. 😳
Exactly! thats we do all the time as well. "Cracking" the windows may have been a bit of an understatement I guess. lol
Spitze Information, danke! I have a foot both in the Black Forest and Vermont, so I have quite the variety of weather to learn from. Vermont winters are so dry that I make sure to hang my laundry inside to humidify the air, whereas in the Black Forest, it’s damp almost all the time and the window open to release the moisture when cooking is a must in the winter.
Thankyou for the very clear explanation about opening windows in winter!😊
I live in the USA and moved into a small apt just 495 square feet. From seeing videos about people living in Germany I found out about this daily window opening. Just a couple minutes a day really helps. Thanks German people.❤
5generations out of Germany I still do it😂
I have my tiny home on foundation, and it was grandfathered in. I love it and have lived in it since 2010. So nice to be able to do everything I want--I am disabled, and my home is perfectly set up for me in my wheelchair.
Basically you need a kit home such as a small log cabin that is "tiny" and yet is a house with a foundation. If you've ever seen one of these, they are a LOT of work to put together and not "tow it and live in it" simple. Most kit homes like this are also 50-100K just for the materials as the companies that make them went from a handful of fringe companies to popular and jacked up their rates by 2-3x. If you are looking for inexpensive housing, you are really left with something like a 26 ft. 2V dome that is also dug 6-8 feet into the earth to add a garage/basement space and help stabilize the temperature. These can be built for closer to $20K in materials (just the dome - figure another 20K to add an interior loft and things like a kitchen and so on) and meet almost every state's building codes as a normal house. But a "tiny home" they are not.
@@plektosgaming Great information. This comment should not be under this comment so more people would read it. Thanks!
Klepto? ahah .. oh... Pletko. Sorry. I don't know if I've ever seen your name. I'm close to 60. Peace ☮
lucky you got grandfathered in , for others it;s a BIG NO !!!
This was interesting. I never knew people in tiny homes had all these problems. Thank you for your straightforward presentation. God Bless You & stay safe.
I lived in a tiny home for two years (permanent- no wheels ever). I would NEVER do it again. Sure, you have a compact, easy to clean space. What you don't have is space to do a hobby, sew, or anything that takes any kind of space. To me, a tiny home is just a glorified, ridiculously small studio apartment. If it works for you- wonderful. It didn't work for me.
How do you survive in the cold climate of Canada with that few items of clothing , and food storage when the blizzard hits and wake up to knee deep snow. 🤔
It's the first thing I've thought when seeing tiny homes. It all looks cute but these people must be very boring because none of them seem to have hobbies. The wardrobe storage area also does not allow for working clothes and leasure clothes and sport/excersize and a fancy outfit for all seasons. None of the women ever seem to wear a long dress on occasion because there is no room to hang it.
Hire some office space it's super cheap and then it becomes a retreat and somewhere to store your stuff. You can relax there but just not sleep there. bonus if you are working from home. Or just hire some storage space you know it's not forever so avoid thinking you must be crammed into one space. Offices are amazingly cheap to rent in many places.
@@deborahcurtis1385 What is the point of owning a house when you still need storage because it does not fit basic things like hobby material? That just sounds impractical and a waste of money. "Oh can't finish my painting tonight because my cerulean is an hours drive away in storage" lol
To add to hobby, I love my ‘pacing space’. I like to pace. Going outside to pace is not an option
I own a tiny house on wheels, 128 sq.ft in Tennessee, USA. Insurance is $70/month and it's a local insurance agent who insures. Local code/zoning allows it to be on its wheels and our insurance classifies us as an RV. It's extremely hard to find a place that will take your home unless it's an RV park. Rv parks have rules and sometimes tiny home builders do not build their homes to fit RV requirements, something else to keep in mind.
I'm in east TN in my 172 sq ft tiny house and my insurance is $42 mth with Foremost Insurance company through Farmers. My house was state inspected and certified after TN came up with the TN Tiny House Building codes, so that may be the difference.
$70/month is $840 a year. That is high. My owner’s insurance is $250/year for my 1-bedroom apartment in NYC.
@@sct4040 Having lived in Manhattan for a decade, I already know you have... ...no tornadoes ...no threat of direct hit by hurricanes (a few areas are prone to storm surge) ...no Derechos ...no threat of forest fires/wildfires/lightning strike fires (because of all the lightning rods) wiping out entire neighborhoods and all infrastructure (but sure, you'll breathe in smoke from surrounding fires) ...many little earthquakes, but because it's on SOLID BEDROCK most people never feel them (an exception would be those living on landfill, like Battery Park City which was built from WTC waste as they were building the towers and WFC ...and your biggest concern with a NorEaster is flooding in *above* freezing temps because trash blocks all the storm drains causing the actual flooding. Oh, and I lived there in the 90s, when we regularly had 18-22 NorEaster blizzards bringing feet and feet of snow. You don't even have that anymore. Oh, and I lived 10 blocks and 1/2 an avenue from the UN, which was considered...at that time...to be a terrorist target. Now that older buildings are collapsing, that might be changing in some of the pre-war buildings. So, yeah...natural disasters in Manhattan are low, low, low...and most structures built from 1977 forward all lack asbestos but have firewalls between each unit, which contain fires (and if you've ever heard a neighbor screaming bloody murder because they are on fire in the unit, and everyone else around them is looking out their windows feeling powerless to help them and yet also amazed that the fire is contained, you know what I'm talking about. It was both a real-life horror show and also a marvel of what good engineering and building practices can do to protect life (kind of like we all felt on 9/11: real-life horror movie and yet the most tragic feat of masterful engineering to see a building come down *exactly* as it was designed to do, rather than toppling over and also pulverizing many hundreds or thousands of people in other buildings). You post as if to suggest we all pay the same rate for insurance, and like where we live...and the inherent risks of natural disasters...are just the same everywhere? Guess what? They're not.
What a waste of money for something the size of a closet
@@karlabritfeld7104 lol, I can see where you can get that idea...sure it is small. I am glad you have a closet the size of a tiny house! Whether you like it or not, people have different circumstances that put them in positions different than yours. While we paid 20k for our tiny house, we own it. Nobody can take it away. My hometown has homes for 150-200k to start off, if i got a mortgage for one of them, id be paying it for 30 years to own my own home. I am not a slave to my home.
I was fortunate enough to buy my first home fifty years ago when they were affordable. It wasn't a palace by any stretch, but I kept trading up over the years. Today I live mortgage-free. The point is, you have to start somewhere, and a tiny home beats a tent on the sidewalk in a human litter box. That same game plan should still work today but as you've pointed out, there are plenty of regulations you have to keep in mind.
Tiny homes aren't affordable. That's the first Big Lie about tiny home living.
@@LibbyRal I suppose you're right, compared to a tent.
@@LibbyRalthey're more affordable than regular homes.
I've been living in a caravan for the past year due to the housing crisis, and despite not having refrigeration, heating, cooling or hot water, it's been ok. I like visiting the thrift store for new clothes, and to drop off clothes I've styled out of. I definitely over-romanticised it before I got into it, and there would be some choices I would have made differently if I had to do it all over, but overall I'm grateful to have this shelter to call home.
wishing you lots of comfort and blessings
Sounds like your in Australia
I'm about to go into caravan living, because we are moving and building. We are going to potentially be living in the caravan for 2 years while the build happens, but I'm definitely thinking of that "over-romanticised" tiny living.
sending you all love gratitude and miracles for being so strong and grateful and beautiful
I had to live in an RV for a few months, and I had to deal with almost all of these things. That was when I realized that a tiny home is not for me. I live in a small home (less than 1000 square feet), but it allows me to keep my books and mugs, but not live in excess. I appreciate this video!
I live in a 1400 SF condo. That is a tiny home to me. Perfect size for 2 people.
We are living the same life, I thought I would go nuts having to do all the extra stuff.... toilets, water, laundry, limited space cooking. It was so time consuming and exhausting, I like my about 1000 square foot home, I could careless for the second bathroom so it's mostly storage. Anyone out there please go rent a tiny home for a year first.
@@Greeneguy1963that’s huge for 2 ppl. We have 1300 sqft home for 4 kids and 2 parents. 3 bdrm, 2 baths - works for us
Wow, that is so american. We are a family of three in a 800 sq ft house and I don't consider it small. It has space for our skiing and other outdoors sports equipent, camping stuff, skateboards, kid's pram, toys, pushbike etc. Honestly I wouldn't want any more space, as it would mean more cleaning and more time tidying walking around the whole house..
I love living in excess. I'm single, but have a 3 bedroom home. One room for a shop, one for a guest, and my master bedroom. A food pantry and a large laundry room. The kitchen is big with plenty of counter space. One of these tiny homes would be a nice addition as a guest house though.
I grew up in a tiny home, not by choice, we were poor. Most homes in our village were small. One room for kicthen/eating. living and another room where everyone slept, maybe 2 bedrooms if lucky and a small bathroom. It is a night mare. My home now isnt huge but I vowed I would never make my kids cram into a shoe box and have to give away their possessions because there is not space.
It's not exactly a tiny home, but I live in a 700 ft² 1 bed, 1 bath that, until recently, only had 3 usable standard-sized kitchen cabinets and about 3 feet of usable counter space to store all dishes, appliances, pantry items, coffee stuff, tea stuff, etc. You weren't kidding about how hard that small amount of storage space can be! You really do have to be choosy about what you're going to keep, store away, or get rid of entirely! I've definitely felt the stress of receiving a cute glass and internally panicking like, "I have no idea where I'm going to put this!" ... I did find a space for it, btw, and it's my favorite glass!
I was stuck living with my parents in a full sized RV, for a month, while our home was being built. To make a long story short, it was the worst month of our lives and none of us would choose to relive it. Plumbing issues, heating issues and the like… we were parked with full access and we still had issues with all of these things. It was a nightmare.
This experience you had should be mandatory for anyone thinking a tiny home is a good solution. Even just having to stand out of the way because two different people decided at the same time to switch ends of the RV at exactly the same time, btw you know that either your mom or dad not sure which could read your mind EVERY time you had to urgently use the bathroom and be in the pathway standing there now asking you 20 questions when all you know is your colon is going to ruin everyone’s existence for the next hour 😅 no? Just me? And my dad had to use a hemi walker, why you ask? Cuz his physical therapist told him to never stand up or walk without it. He’s 6’2” 170 pounds, so slim, and he can absolutely hold on to furniture and counters in every step of that RV. I finally had to lovingly show him that it’s almost impossible to fall down in the RV cuz between us and medical equipment the worst that would happen is you’d end up back in a seated position on top of something lol. I’d happily go back to those days if I could have my dad back, he was the light of my life.
Living with your parents is a nightmare no matter where you are! 😆
Homeless people probably wouldn’t think so, aside from the living with your parents part lol
LOL..PROBALLY BECAUSE THEY WANTED THEIR CHILDREN TO MOVE OUT,,,@@MatthewTheWanderer
I lived in an rv with my parents and my brother as a teenager. We loved it!
I do have a tiny home on wheels (THOW). I've been living in it for almost 3 years now and I love it. It does come with it's pros and cons as you said. I looked into it for a few years before going ahead and it was a process. I live on rented land, a spot next to the land owner's garage. I plug into her electricity and I collect rain water, no running water here. My expenses are so much lower than all the homes I lived in over my working lifetime, I am retired. My tiny is literally tiny (136 sq. ft. inside plus two lofts). It just became a perfect fit for me to retire. I live in a lake community which is seasonal. It's rural and quiet. Just what I wanted.
Reading your post brought a natural smile and plastered it on my face. It's been about half an hour now and it just sorta sits there, smiling. I thinks my face might be broken.
@@lilbear19601 And I've been smiling for thirty seconds now from your post, thanks! 🤗
You had me at no running water
Where do you live off season? Is it your legal address?
@@hippiehillape I am here year 'round. I moved from Wisconsin and kept my legal address there.
I’m a disabled guy who really looked into a tiny home for myself so I could live in something I could properly take care of all alone. Trying to design something that was all on one floor that was accessible really destroyed my budget that’s for sure. But still maybe one day 😊
You might want to consider a wider model. They make them 10' and 12' wide nowadays. They also make them ADA compliant if you need that. Most people don't move them alot, so you could hire a company such as Coast to Coast Transport to get it to where you're going to park it. The wider THOW do need a Wide Load permit for each state they go through, so that can add to the cost of transporting it. Seems worth it to me if you aren't going to move it except maybe once in a blue moon.
@@Thingys-Jill thx for the info!!! State through state transportation was definitely a concerning cost as those wide loads permits added up from the west coast to Florida. I’m looking at my local area in Florida now so we’ll see
Finally someone who keeps it real . Blessings to you all with health and happiness.
I know a lot of people who talk about tiny homes and talk it about it being such an easy solution. I ended up in a 225 sq ft studio in a building built as a hotel in the 60s. While it was fine for me as a single person when I first started renting it, it was because I worked out of the home 40 hours per week. Everything changed once I started working from home three days per week. I started climbing the walls and I will be moving soon. Unanticipated lifestyle changes can throw a wrench into what at the time seemed to be airtight living plan.
My studio is a bit smaller. 18m2 (194 sq ft) and I work from home. Loving it. I would not even mind if it were even smaller. But I do live in Europe, so if I want to get out, I can without needing a car.
Iv'e suggested elsewhere hiring a studio office space just for work and storage. This will enable you to stretch out. It's far cheaper than moving house.
I lived in a tiny home for two years after my living situation became unsafe where I was. I was extremely grateful to be safe and for a while I just assumed I became more outgoing, but in reality the walls were simply closing in on me and it was uncomfortable. No room for a comfortable chair and always lounging on the bed makes it difficult for me fall asleep in it. I couldn't stretch my legs if I needed to without going outside, which meant socialising with neighbours. I value my appartment nowadays, it's a single bedroom, kitchen is in the livingroom but the livingroom is huge. Space for my desk, a kitchen table, a kitchen isle, TV, couch and still plenty of room to walk around a bit. However I never had the ilusion it was for me, never liked travelling by RV either.
@@houghi3826 Belgian here. 18m2 was my student studio for 5 years. I could study in it, but the only reason I didn't feel trapped in it, it was because I came back to my parents every week end... As an adult, I had a +/-30m2 studio, and I could barely have hobbies in it. I'm glad I finally have a house.
If COVID did one thing, it showed people exactly what their isolation limits are. For me, It proved I take to the small hermit life like a fish to water. As an introvert, lockdown was just a convenient excuse to never invite anyone over. Now I live in a 400sq ft apartment and I think the only person to come inside was the plumber, and my dad when he helped me move in!😂
I am just starting my tiny home journey and appreciate this info a great deal. Thank you. The moisture/mold info is valuable.
We wish you luck in your tiny home journey! It's definitely amazing!
When Tiny House Nation was on, I saw almost all the homes on Tiny House Listings later. The first one on. Even the "friend" of one of them who built the 2 house music home. Many of them complained about heat, (fans in most pictures on listing site) mold, moisture, rain causing issues, no water pressure, smells permeating all the areas of the home. (good and bad) Storms, bad storms causing issues, one guy had to move his home or lose it. Washing clothes and storing clothes dirty and clean. Not having a real address many times for mail or easy access to store. One woman literally had her home stolen while at work.....didn't figure someone would hook it up and take it. Insurance doesn't cover that I think. So many issues. They can work, they can be a great homes or second homes but many issues are not covered. He did a great job covering many on this video.I've seen some in communities that are wonderful.
Basically it is an RV. Originally they were an answer to low income housing until the elite types got involved and the price skyrocketed.
@@nancyjanzen5676 One of the complaints from people trying to sell their house after being on tiny home nation was that they wanted more money than the house was worth because Zack and others put these little perks in for them. The people buying would say we didn’t ask for those things why should we pay for them and many times they just couldn’t make money off of it. Some tiny homes do become valuable in the sense that you can rent them out as Airbnb’s or use them as a second home for a relative. My biggest worry is even in some of the really nice communities is weather and not feeling safe if there is a storm, etc..
@@nancyjanzen5676 I am realizing that more and more as I research. It seems that I can pay 120k for a tiny home or go get a small house in a small town with a piece of land to go with it for the same price. I think I'll probably do that. Such a shame, as I'd much rather live lighter on the land in a tiny home, but it's just not worth the cost.
If I wanted a tiny home 🏡 on wheels, I would just buy an RV.
Me, my husband and my young daughter, lived in a Airstream travel trailer. It wasn't easy, but it beat the streets. My late husband and I had hoped to travel and work, but he had medical problems, so things didn't pan out. I couldn't live in a traditional tiny home, as I'm disabled. Get RV insurance. You can have a skirt around your tiny home, and then keep the wheels on it, like a mobile home.
This is easily the most informative video on the reality of tiny home living I’ve seen. Thank you
After moving full-time into an RV in 2020 for a more adventurous life, we've ended up sort of stuck in the northwest due to a job opportunity. Because housing has become insane we bought some land and are building a home under 750 sq ft. By building I mean prefab, which costs less than most tiny homes on wheels, strangely, though they are both built really well (these are not your parent's old prefabs). We've upgraded the studs, wiring, and several other features to facilitate having the home qualify as "real property" rather than just a shed/tiny home on a lot, so look into what is required to qualify for that. The home also has to be secured onto a permanent foundation in a way that the county we're in requires. (How they secure it to the cement. It matters.) Because of this, we're able to call it a "home" and get insurance. - The county only allows RV's/tiny homes for 3 months out of the year, so taking these steps has allowed us to live on the land rather than renting. We're also allowed 1 ADU on our property, so because we looked into what the county required, we're able to have this be our ADU (had to be under 1.200 sq ft.), and if we ever win the lottery, we could still build a sticks and bricks from the ground up... not holding our breath. As for our current situation, we're in a 26-foot RV with two giant dogs. Having a separate space to work, eat, sleep, and exist is a very real challenge I think a lot of people underestimate, especially in a climate as wet and dark as this place is 9 months out of the year. Our new place will incorporate the outdoor space for relaxing (hello propane fire and wind protection), and we'll also build out-buildings. (Can't be bigger than 24 x 24 or we have to do the whole permit & inspection thing). Our outbuildings will be an office, a garage, a shop for my husband, and an art studio for myself. You really have to plan this out in advance or you risk having neighbors complain, so do your homework and make it look nice. (Having the outside space flow to the next structure is important for function and aesthetics.). We're on 2.5 acres so this works for the idea. Less land would be harder to work with. One other thing to consider is how far you are from a grocery store. Where our RV is right now is a minimum of 1 hour to the closest anything. We have to shop at least 2 times a week because our "pantry" and fridge are so small. (Small fridge = everything goes bad quicker. It's' a thing!) It costs a mint in gas. - Gifts; never underestimate gift certificates to places to eat out/movies/etc. Physical items take up room and you'll be thankful to be able to get out of the tiny space from time to time. - Moisture: IT'S REAL! Make space for a large-ish dehumidifier and have airflow (fans), otherwise, you WILL grow mold EVERYWHERE. We also have reflectix cutouts in the windows for insulation, but these build up water on the windows; washcloths and towels on windows that don't have a way to drain the water outside (it's an RV thing) help but those dehumidifiers are vital. We have vents in the small home so this will be less of an issue. - Sorry for the length here but I thought these points were worth mentioning because the video does hit on the reality of tiny home living, and it's not all unicorns and granola at sunset. There are positives, but be aware of reality.
I enjoyed reading your post. Its intriguing and fun just imagining your finished new home! It will be so different from where I currently live.
That’s good info to know👍We have property but have considered “renting” a few acres to our kids with a prefab house on it. Zoning could be a nightmare as we live in what’s considered the forest🥴 I appreciate the info you wrote👍
Thank you! Cabin fever and moisture are my biggest concerns about tiny homes from that well thought out list of yours.
There's gotta be a moisture barrier ....
@@kayakMike1000 I think there has to be a way for moisture to escape the dwelling more than a barrier to it entering. I wonder if Hempcrete walls would take care of that issue in such small spaces.
It's been a while since I was addicted to watching tiny home shows, and you brought up issues I had never heard of before. I always loved when people on shows say one reason they want a tiny home is because they are so tired of cleaning their big house. Bet it was painful when they realized that you have to constantly clean/put up stuff in a tiny home because you can't work around it. I hadn't thought about the moisture issue, but it makes sense. People don't realize that we even exhale moisture, and don't notice how much moisture is released in cooking. You even release moisture through skin in bed. I did always worry about the ventilation, thinking "that bathroom air is all over the house", or "the whole house will smell of last thing cooked" but I guess you learn quick to always remember to turn on the vent fan. My favorite part of the tiny home shows was when they came back 3 months later to check on how people are doing, and the people look like the first week home with a new baby lol. On the rare occasions when it seemed like a great fit, it was usually an older lady or people who spend most of their time outside - their home was just for eating/sleeping/bathing. While I dream of the peace having so little could give me (hoarding runs in my family), I know that it isn't for me, and if hubby and I did it, one of us would end up dead lol
And that one wouldn't be you 😂, right?😅😅
@@Ruby570 I'm taking the 5th lol
A lot of this is similar to living in a mobile home, especially the lack of storage, and having to consider how much of certain things we can own.
I lived in a single-wide with my husband and baby. If I remember correctly, the trailer was 8'x32'. The baby's crib was in the living room with a two seater sofa that we could sit on. But then the baby outgrew the crib and we had to move into a house. Now the baby is 54 years old and I'm alone, so I've considered a tiny house thinking that it would be like living in the trailer again. Watching this video reminded me of the mold issue until we got an a/c unit.
@margaretlake Thanks for sharing your WONDERFUL story of your past experience! Life is ironic! Kids change where parents abide then once grown they leave parent(s) to handle & deal with ESCALATING housing maintenance costs while some parents are struggling and are forced to use DWINDLING-SAVINGS OR FIXED-INCOMES to afford such escalating costs. I for one say to ALL parents.... #1) FOR NEW PARENTS & STILL-REARING PARENTS: OPEN A SEPARATE NEW HOME ACCT. while kids are young. Keep at least half of it strictly for your ELDER yrs. DO NOT GIVE IT ALL TO YOUR CHILD FOR THEIR 1st HOME, unless they sign to pay it all back by the time you hit Age 65/70 or 75/80 depending on your health outlook. #2) FOR ELDER PARENTS WITH ADULT CHILDREN: Consider at least half your retirement funds to be for elderly housing needs. Figure out other financial resources to fund elderly housing before shit hits the fan!
@@margaretlake I'm the same age as your baby. Thanks for sharing! I'm always intrigued by the experiences of my parents' generation.
Yes, the majority of the times, you hear all the good things about tiny homes living, but there are always trade-offs. Thanks for sharing your experiences with us.
Absolutely! We are wanting to educate a bit and bring a realistic view to tiny living :)
@@wickedlife The desire to educate while good can become tainted and become the desire to pontificate. So your task becomes more disciplined & more considerate at the same time. Discipline in ensuring another is taught not just YOUR personal opinion but a far broader opinion encompassing others experiences/insights etc. And considerate in ensuring that another accurately learns using the best INTERACTIVE method available to you. Thirdly, ensuring your message is communicated to ALL likes of people of all walks of life via all methods available: Social media being just one channel, still doesn't reach everyone. Thus, magazines, books, websites, signage, added as multi-channeled outreaches works very well. Still your educational messages will need supportive outreach to be most effective: ADVERTISING & PUBLIC RELATIONS to reach those who are still not reachable by methods above. Why? As experts have predicted, population growth in next 25-30 yrs which will increase but same for ESCALATING housing prices! The Tiny Home Movement will experience another surge and proponents and naysayers will both be told to shut up. Because bottom line is that those individuals will NEED, not just desire, A HOME. An AFFORDABLE home at that. And the issues you speak of in this video are easily surmountable if builders had been using their noggins [brains] more wisely from jump street! As my brickmason & homebuilder deceased Grandfather always stated that "Building a home includes WISE forethought then know-how, then action." Yet, many who weren't wise Jumped into the Frey of the Tiny Home Movement without gathering any wisdom whatsoever. Now they sit and complain instead of doing their own DUE DILIGENCE once again to find out the wiser solutions they should have known prior to becoming Tiny Hm. Dwellers. AS TRUMP ALSWAYS STATED IN HIS 3-DAY REAL ESTATE SEMINARS COSTING $1500.00: "ANYONE interested in delving into any facet of real estate must 1st & foremost be responsible in doing their own DUE DILIGENCE to achieve a successful outcome." In the 15 yrs hence hearing Trump state that I've observed how true & accurate that is! 😂 😂 😅 😮 😊
Reason#9: When the zombie hordes arrive, you're toast.
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With this house, I finally became the owner of the house I always wanted to be in. The hospital elite package has 2 bonuses; the first is about the base and the roof, kzhead.infoUgkxS-P9OAq3v4HNpPFqYFWNEq9A-E_PbZIN the second is about the confidential staff who give advice and the advice that worked for me. Thank you very much
Moisture would be my #1 concern. I lived in a tiny studio/cottage and moisture was a huge problem. It affected my health immensely. Never had a good night sleep and always felt congested and I ended up developed asthma. All of this was probably due to mold from moisture. I had a dehumidifier and it literally filled up the machine daily. I ended up placing the machine on top of the kitchen counter and bought a hose hook up and let the water drain right into the sink. Needless to say, never a tiny home again.
It can be rough, and moisture is a massive issue. If kept under control, tiny home living can be AMAZING :D
The machine filled up daily? I live in a first floor/basement apartment in NYC and my dehumidifier fills up daily in summer when it rains, or about every few days or so
@@pandapower5902 yes. It's not even a small rinky dinky dehumdifier either because only industrial models have the capability to do a hose hookup to empty the water. There were double pane windows and the fact that there were condensation between the 2 panes all year-round is an indication that there were moisture inside. I installed fans that blow out but at some point, there was only so much I could do but move.
A woman on youtube who built a home after retirement said her bedroom got condensation and moisture but not the other rooms. A dehumidifier helped but the builders should mention this to them early on.
I live near Palm Springs in the California Desert, no problem with moisture.
Thank you so much. You are so right. NO ONE even mentions the challenges of owning a tiny home. I have been seriously looking into purchasing one and this has been extremely invaluable information. Thank you.
Glad it was helpful! Don't let this deter you from going tiny though, its truly an amazing life. But knowing the facts is a very important part of it all :)
Thank you for giving the flip side of the coin. Yes, tiny homes and RV living is appealing (I'm in the latter catagory), but people don't seem to realize that you're not going on a permanent vacation.. You're trading a certain set of issues that come with a regular house/life.. For the issues that come with a house that moves and the life that comes with that. For me, I feel it's worth it though. It's just me, my Dog and my Cat, I'll be able to plug into an outlet + I already bought everything for the battery bank, and one of the solar panels. Anyways, I love seeing videos where people let others know of the problems that may crop up with these sorts of things. So thank you again!
If your tiny home is a permanent setup, you could drop a 20' Shipping Container and repurpose it as a sort of "storage" module that would alleviate most of the storage concerns
I love watching the tiny home shows since I like the idea of tiny homes but I also like “stuff” too much to actually go that route. The only issue that I had never thought of is moisture. That one shocked me. I liked your presentation of these items. You didn’t gloss over them and you didn’t make them seem insurmountable. You obviously enjoy your tiny home living. 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽
Thank you for this video. I actually have a tiny home by my regular house, I converted a shed. I love it. We have land and when family visits they fight it out on who gets to stay in it. The thing that I noticed is that tiny houses have thinner building materials. No way they are going to last as long as a stick built.
Not all tiny homes are built with thinner material, but you are right it is common. Our for example it build with 2x6 Construction just like a standard home here in Canada. :)
Having a shed behind your house as an extra bedroom is illegal almost everywhere.
I converted a shed too. It's currently occupied by renters. It's not illegal if you meet local requirements which for me included registration and inspection.
@@theladieclairWhat about a bathroom?
@@lisabaltzer4190 you would construct the bathroom the same way you would for any house. For water, in my case, I used a hose and pex to run a line from my main house to my ADU. I insulated the line and used electric heat wrap. I have a 15amp mini tankless water heater, so hot water is never an issue. If you were wondering, the water drains out of the house into a Grey water irrigation system I built. There's no blackwater. The toilet is a laveo dry flush. There's no smell, it's low maintenance, and more importantly no permit needed.
THE most honest, informative video I have come across in determining if a tiny home is in my future. You touched on so many very real topics that must be addressed prior to picking out a home itself. Thank you so much for taking the time to do this!
Thanks for this! It’s always good to know the downsides to any situation. That’s not being negative, that’s just being prepared and managing problems that can happen.
Here is a idea about getting gifts. At first, my friends thought I was crazy for going tiny. Part of them were right as I had a huge train collection. I found a club that I "donated" my stuff to. But now, many of my friends ae now conceding going tiny. Now for the gifts. Ask friends and family for gift cards. Being able to go out for a cup of coffee or a relaxing meal can do wonders for a person's health and well being.
Asking people for MONEY?! A gift card is money. Just tell them you don't have room. (You don't have room for hardly anything) but DON'T ask for money. Unless it's your mom and she ASKS!
I would rather give someone a gift card for a restaurant or movie, etc. and know they used and enjoyed it, than give them something I thought was pretty or useful, only to find out they didn't think so.
Tiny home regulation differ location to location. Many things her's saying right on. TINY HOMES ARE MODERN VERISON OF TRAILERS / MANUFACTURER HOMES.
Where I am located is a gated tiny house community. I pay one price for everything including internet. I found this place by accident when looking for a graduation party.@@marilyncraig1582
Better to ask them for small experiences, i.e., treat you to a movie or a restaurant meal or maybe a night in a B&B out of town. Those take up no room and are enjoyable, especially if they come along with you for the experience.
Honesty is ALWAYS appreciated. Thanks man!
My first job involved building, so from a design perspective the whole "RV movement" and "tiny home movement" interested me solely because some of the designs and workarounds people came up with were fantastic. Of all the videos I've watched on builds, tours, etc, I very rarely see any mention of problems, limitations, or even pitfalls. Great video!
My husband and I live in an apartment that is less than 900 sq ft and, while tiny homes are certainly cute, we would wind up killing each other because of the lack of space.
Our condo is just over 900 square feet with poorly designed storage spaces - we rent so making our place something IKEA would be proud of is not an option. We are tripping over each other and our stuff. Granted - it’s obvious I have too much stuff but I know I need at least 1200-1700 square feet and decent storage space or a basement to make this space livable. I couldn’t imagine living in a space that has half the square footage we are living in now.
Thank you for pointing out the practicalities of tiny home ownership :)
I was living in a 5th wheel for a while. They add insurance to the tow vehicle. I had someone tow and park it. So no insurance for me. You did a really good job bringing up the things people don’t hear about.
There's a lot of crap on KZhead most of it is but this was probably the most informative and educational video I've ever seen. Bravo to you sir. I don't even care about tiny homes but I was so enthralled with what you had to say I watched.
Thank you very much for the great video! The information you have provided is invaluable. My wife and I have been contemplating tiny home living for future retirement. Insurance has been a major concern for me. We have recently downsized from a single family home, to later a three level townhome, to now a two bedroom apartment and would love to downsize even more. Moving into a tiny home will be the biggest challenge yet. Thank you for pointing out the moisture issues in a tiny home and how this can lead to mold, a valid concern for sure. Thanks again for the video and the great information!
Well done. I've seen a ton of tiny home videos and this video is the best for anyone exploring the idea. I LOVE that its Canadian! With the housing crisis its time local governments and insurance companies change.
Thank you so much for the kind words! We really want to show the reality of tiny living for anyone out there considering makign the jump themselves. That way they dont have any surprises :D
Many thanks for this video. It has been tempting to downsize to a tiny home, but the realities that you spoke of have changed my mind. Plus I love all of my stuff too much to let it go.
I was quite intrigued when tiny homes first came on the scene, and I still admire how charming they are. But, after watching videos for a few years now, and picturing myself actually living in one, it's a no for me. I'm seventy-two. Climbing into a loft, nope! Even if I did, having my face only two feet from the ceiling and stooping to make my bed wouldn't work. Any couch or chairs that fit always appear uncomfortable. The eating spaces look uncomfortably cramped and usually seats just one or two people. No room for visitors. No room for messy hobbies, like my painting. I would rent one only for a weekend vacation, but it would have to have a downstairs bed and one I didn't have to first clear off a fold-up desk or pull down from a wall. I can see a young adventurous couple without children, especially the outdoorsy type, enjoying a tiny home. I rather have a modest one or two bedroom home not in the tiny category with full size appliances and realistic closets and storage. Plus, I'd want room for a pet or two that I wouldn't be tripping over as we vied for floor space.
⁹@@Upstream5402
What about smaller paintings...?
Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge of tiny house living. I'm 84 and have a dream of a tiny home on my daughter's or granddaughter's property some day. It's good to hear what I might run up against some day. Again, thanks much.
You're the first that has addressed these issues, especially where to put it. I've asked so many about the land issue, and nobody responds.
My wife and I lived in an 8'x30' park model mobile home plus used a 30' class c motorhome as our kitchen and bathroom while we worked on building our house(off-grid solar). It sucked. We built a 1200 sq ft off-grid home and a 10'x20'x10' shed for all the excess stuff. With 1 bedroom and an open floor plan it has plenty of room for the two of us but we still need the shed for our keepsakes, tools and such. My point is that after living for 5 years in the trailer and now 6 years in our 1200 sq ft home, I couldn't ever live in anything smaller. Rent a park model mobile home or tiny house before you buy one. You will most likely be one of the 95% of people who HATE it and want out ASAP. I know. I have neighbors who sold their tiny homes at a big loss to build a real home.
i built a cabin way more space
Storage is the big issue for me. Very difficult living the minimalist life.
It is very difficult, and certainly not for everyone , that is for sure.
As someone seeking a tiny home life. Ty! This was very informative!!!! 🙌🏼🔥
such a valuable video, thank you so much for saying it all . I have been very drawn to the idea of a tiny house for so long now , i may well take the next step soon
I’d love to see more negatives discussed? What about odors, from cooking and the bathroom? Is laundry a PITA? What happens if someone got injured, and couldn’t climb to the loft? How often do you have to clean? Are insects an issue? Do you feel the place is secure if you both leave for awhile? Etc. Great video-especially the discussion on mold/mildew.
If you buy a tiny home, I recommend buying an ANSI and NFPA certified tiny home from a reputable tiny home builder. They will most likely have, or will add for you, 2 exhaust fans (1 in bathroom, 1 in kitchen), and an air exchanger. These should be sufficient for indoor air quality, and to eliminate odors. Also, shop around for one that offers at least 1 sleeping space on the main level, even if that means an elevator bed or a Murphy bed. The one I'm buying has 2 exhaust fans, an air exchanger, a fire suppression sprinkler system, and a main floor master bedroom. I have a storage bed for that bedroom, with 6 large, deep drawers, which store a lot! I have 2 floor to ceiling height closets (ea 2' wide with upper and lower hanging rods inside, for a total of 8' of clothes hanging space), a 5' wide tall dresser, a small chest freezer with an upper cabinet of shelves above it that I use for blankets/sheets. In my bathroom I have floor to ceiling built in shelves for towels and toiletries. I have a 10 cu ft fridge, 2 burner cooktop, a compact dishwasher, convection oven, microwave, a W/D, farmstyle sink, and floor to ceiling pantry in my kitchen with 8' total countertop surface. I also have a sleeping loft upstairs for guests and seasonal storage. My home is 370 Sq ft, with a 100 sq ft loft, and I lack for nothing. My builder used closed cell spray foam insulation and no propane appliances, so moisture has NOT been an issue. It'll be insured as an RV set up permanently as my primary residence. A happy tiny home owner is one who planned it out for storage and air quality, so be that guy, like I am. 😊
I have seen videos on that. That it's really dirty living.
@@AshleySpeaks4Uwhat is dirty about it?
@@AshleySpeaks4UYes, in a small space like a tiny home, mess and dirt build up fast. Even more so if you have animals or children. I've watched several videos that discussed how much of tiny house life goes into simply keeping the home clean and orderly.
Cooking odours go thru my cooker hood like conventional homes. My bathroom is outside a good way away I like that. Go to laundry for laundry and hang up to dry in my polytunnel. The tomatoes like the added humidity.What about accidents in a conventional home? And it’s takes no time at all to clean up a tiny home. One floor to wash or sweep1 bed to make, 1 load washing up a day. Simples!
I’ve entertaining the possibility of tiny home living and this is the first I’ve seen of seriously “real” talk! Thank you for sharing!
This is the first honest review I've seen about what living in a tiny home is like. I don't think I've ever heard about the humidity issue & mold, the difficulty with obtaining insurance or the building code issues. I do know there are very few places you can park them. Plus they are about as expensive as regular homes. I've seen videos of people proudly showing off their tiny home the catch usually is that they don't live there year round, usually only 3-4 months out of the year so it's basically a vacation home or some place to land for a few weeks because they travel a lot. I briefly thought a tiny home then started discovering all the issues involved. Thank you for posting this video.
Definitely a Place to Live out Of and Not in Perse.
I would love a tiny home not on wheels and a SMALL RV or van. I feel like an actual tiny home built on a foundation and to house standards suits what I want long term. Eventually you have to dock somewhere and after many years living out of number of self-built vans (including a converted box truck) and having spent some time for work in tiny homes built as tiny litteral homes (not on wheels, but on house foundations), I think tiny houses are grand. For camping/traveling a small RV would due. In my head years ago combining the two sounded great but I found even the box truck was too much to navigate all the time on the road, so I’d rather have a tiny home to come home to that’s a HOME and a little RV that can go out and be my temporary home away from home.
The most thought i put into tiny home was, what a cute kids playhouse. Tiny homes would not make it fun for grandkids doing crafts, playing games, or making cookies. Ive seen them as dorms, or single young folks castle, elderly couple (without visiting grandkids), or couples without children. Theyre built for convenience and down sizing. Glad this video gives a lot of insight.
This REALLY didn't cover the biggest problem with tiny homes at all: 1st-when tiny homes came out they were like $20 grand, now they're $100 grand luxury items & YOU CAN'T GET LAND FOR THESE YOU HAVE TO RENT A LOT...So not only are you paying a mortgage, YOU'RE STILL PAYING RENT & SOME CRAZY INSURANCE AND...if you manage to find a lot where you're allowed to live in this thing you have to buy the land separately which is extremely expensive AND you have to pay for a foundation, AND to get sewage & electrical out to wherever the heck you are which is generally NOT in town...THEY ARE A TOTAL MONEY PIT DEBT TRAP!
The original tiny homes often used excess or pre-used building materials, and also were built by the owner too. That self labor reduced the cost a great deal. Now the homebuilding industry is finding ways to make a profit off tiny homes, and offer homes that will appeal to a different segment of the population--older and more financially well off. Built the way they originally were, even in these post COVID pricey times, it would probably still be quite affordable to build or buy. All of the other considerations are wise to consider. But if someone really wants this, I think it's doable.
I so disagree. With "stick and brick homes" you don't find much diversity when it comes to rent and mortgage and insurance, etc. Tiny homes can be as cheap or as expensive as you want. Mine was built by Amish. I went with a portable storage building and had them build it on a trailer. Actually my trailer was more expensive than the building ($6200 for the trailer, $4800 for the building itself). It's paid for and I have no debt, thank God!! I'm on Social Security and can't afford debt. My expenses actually went down, considerably, when I moved into my tiny house.
One of the best videos on small houses living. After watching this video, I now know I don't want to live in one. The part about possibly cabin fever due to the size and the need for two dehumidifiers (and other factors) zaps me back to reality and makes me realise it's more trouble than it's worth. Thank you!!
I own an older mobile home, been on the same property for 50 years, tied down, heavy fiberglass (with insulation) skirting, I own the place now. When I got homeowners I found that not many companies insure even mobile homes any more. My home is 12x40 so it's quite small. Good point to bring up.
Bless you for getting along with another person in a tiny space. Maybe as a vacation home, but that's it.
Thank you for your honesty. I am working on getting myself a small place since I'm already mature enough like to allow my beloved relative to own my house so they can be happy. I don't need a big place anymore so I am looking to invest in a tiny home that I can come to from work. I appreciate your information and enjoy the outdoors where you are.
Fascinating! Thank you for sharing your information! Enjoyed from Texas!
OMG, this is excellent information. I'm looking to build a tiny house for retirement, but am presently doing research. The information you shared will go on my top list of things to watch out for when building and parking a tiny house. Thank you for taking the time to post this.
I've been researching this since 2010, waiting for the laws to change, and I personally will NOT be buying one now. I realize I'm better off in a small studio apartment in an elder community for retirement (for 50+ or 62+). Please, please, please do your research. I even ordered a tiny home in November 2022, and I am so glad the builder revealed his lack of moral character before I signed that contract. I'm not telling you what you should do, I'm simply letting you know how many years of time, reading, researching las, trying to find land, all planning this for retirement. I began this research at age 42-43? Lastly, I did research across the US, not in one area or state. Every town,county, state have their own laws, rules, and they are often changing them. If you buy land without infrastructure, make sure you check into costs for a pirc test, survey, and especially the costs of permits for installing septic and bringing both water and electricity to your site before you buy anything and *most importantly* make certain that you use an experienced LAND realtor who know where...and where not...tiny home living is allowed full-time (and not part-time). They will fine you and make you *tear the home down* if you violate local, county, and/or state laws. That includes making you tear out a septic system if you install it yourself WITHOUT the proper permits. That DOUBLES the cost, at least of what it would've cost to have a pro install it. ...and if you RENT a space, just know that it generally costs thousands of dollars to move a tiny from one park to another, if they increase your lot rent exorbitantly...OR...if the owner sells it to someone who then evicts you so they can do what they want with the land. Also, factor in cost of gas to get to and from the nearest grocery store each week....PLUS...all your doctor visits in old age. It might be cheaper just to move to Wichita, KS, get a studio for $500-700/month and let them handle all the muss and fuss of property ownership. L There are places (like Wichita) where you can still get decent rent AND be close to medical/dental/hospitals). Living in Wichita is cheaper than almost all the cities in Mexico and certainly the retirement community of Lake Chapala in Mexico. Just some things to consider on your journey of discovery. I wish you well whatever you decide and I hope it's an excellent choice for you~
I am retired and have been living in a tiny home on wheels for seven years. Best decision of my life
@@moniqueengleman873 Did you run into any of these issues?
@@carmelleabron4058 Not UNTIL NOW. I am looking for new slice of paradise. I have been here seven years and I am grateful for my landlords. I hope to find new ones!
I'm looking into a THOW for my kid. I've designed one and am probably going with TrailerMadeTrailers for the build. The one I've designed is an embellishment of their Trailside model. Mine will be 8-1/2' x 24'. The bathroom will have a small tub (54"), a vanity with a counter that extends an extra 3', flushing toilet, a cabinet that will act as a hamper. There is room for a stackable washer/dryer, a good-sized fridge, decent sized sink, a 4 burner stove with oven, microwave, dishwasher, pantry cabinet, several wall cabinets and base cabinets, spiral stairs to a sleeping loft that also holds a closet providing ~10' of hanging space and another 8' of dresser space, and more. You have to plan your space for your needs. For example, a barn door takes up quite a bit of space, so instead, we're thinking about a "hidden room" door for the bathroom, which provides more storage space. Be careful to make sure your THOW is built to ANSI 1119.5 code. It is considered a "Custom Park Model RV" and that's the term you need to use when finding a place to park it and get it registered. This is the info I've learned so far, so I hope it's helpful to you and others.
Working on a laptop outside in the snow wouldn’t be practical, unless you’re Wim Hof. We own a smaller home (1100 sq ft) with a full basement. I’ve been downsizing the amount of stuff that we own, but with our business and all the accoutrements of an active lifestyle (as well as living with 5 rescued dogs and cats) we utilize every square inch. I love the practical aspects of tiny house living that emphasize streamlining your stuff…I still have a lot of items that I never use or use rarely, but if a person needs a shed to store their extra stuff it seems impractical to have such a small footprint for your primary dwelling. I’m also Canadian. Winters in Canada can be harsh and the necessity for having adequate indoor space is important. I can see tiny homes working very well in moderate climates, but as you say, you must seriously consider this cabin fever element. Thanks for keeping it real, my friend!
Yep. Just as a for-example, my Snow Goose parka (needed where I live) would pretty much take up that entire coat...cupboard.
@@keith6706 I hear ya!
I’m sure they use that space in all the months it doesn’t snow. He’s not conveying that they go out there only in the most frigid months just because they have the fire pit.
Just a decade ago in our rural area of WA state, tiny homes were a no permit required RV type issue with a 400sf max (40'x10' RV size). Folks built tiny home sheds for ez family expansion. Neighbors complained, County Council voted, reduced the size to 100sf no permit sheds. 101-400sf now requires yearly $650/unit occupancy permit, setup according to mobile/mfd home rules (no wheels, blocked & utilities installed to code, skirting, etc) and taxed. Many became storage sheds but are added to property descriptions and it increases ones property tax overall.
I really enjoyed your video, and have to say that mould is a very big issue, even in ordinary homes. We live in a semi-rural part of NSW Australia and had a major storm event a couple of years ago when rain run-off swept through the house. The carpets had to be ripped up and replaced with duraplank, and we have learned to keep windows open at all times so that mould doesn't settle. Mould is a potential killer. Needless to say we had deep drains put in so that it would not happen again.
I used to live in a small flat and that experience means I wouldn't live in a tiny home since these homes are more cramped. I found it was difficult to keep it tidy due to lack of storage space and have space for things that I wanted to do. I also found that items were constantly in my way when I moved around the home and having a few (slight) mobility issues not having a lot of space to walk and having to contort myself around things was painful and stressful. The stairs for instance, would be an issue because of my knee. They are OK if you are only going to spend short periods of time in them like you would in a holiday home but I wouldn't want to live in one permanently.
I didn't even like the tiny home I stayed in while my home was being tented for termites. Not even close to enough counter space for cooking. Not enough clothing storage, even though all I had was one small suitcase. I had to shove it under the bed and pull it out for change of clothes. The grounds were wonderful and I did spend time there, but that's about all that made it bearable.
AZ Is now allowing the homeowner to put a tiny home in their backyard. Because of the soaring price of mortgage's,as a way of helping out both the homeowners & the tiny homeowner.
They tried that in Oregon and it was a massive failure
This is so helpful. Thanks! I still dream of a tiny home one day and I'm grateful for your cautionary knowledge.
What an incredibly thoughtful video. Never thought about the moisture. You've really helped people make informed choices. Well done!
I appreciated hearing things about a tiny house that I haven't heard elsewhere. In many ways, some of the "shortcomings" you pointed out are actually transformational in a good way. While a tiny house on wheels is idealized, I sincerely wonder how many people actually utilize the mobility. If you want mobility, buy and retrofit an RV. They're designed for movement, tiny houses usually are not. Moving a tiny house can subject it to structural issues. If you really need to move it, plan to hire a trucking company just like the tiny home manufacturers do. Instead of paying for homeowner's insurance, just put the money you would have spent on insurance into a savings account and don't touch it. You'll have a huge nest egg to show in a few years and a substantial amount of money at the end of 15-20 years. Everyone I know with home owners insurance basically doesn't file claims but if they have an unfortunate situation where they need to file a claim, their rates skyrocket or their insurance gets cancelled. Living in California, I have a number of friends who have had their hoi cancelled because ins. companies are no longer willing to underwrite here due to the impact wild fire and earthquake claims have had on their bottom line. (Poor babies, they're only willing to insure when they get to profit...) I get it about having stuff. It's really nice to have a stockpile of groceries, a variety of clothing and a selection of dishware to suit your mood, BUT, do we really need all that? With ingenuity, a 500sf house can have ample storage for everything. Alternatives are to build or rent storage space separate from the living space. Or, maybe we're at the point where we're interested in small houses instead of tiny houses? I agree with you about the challenges of not being able to stand up in the loft. However, I'm seeing more and more tiny house designs that have a larger footprint and allow you to stand up in all parts of the house. As a senior, I'm no longer down for climbing a ladder or steep stairs and crawling around on my knees. I believe tiny houses are evolving as we see the design challenges associated with the original tiny houses on wheels. I think the biggest challenge for me as an introvert would be sharing living space in a tiny house. I hear you. As someone who lived comfortably alone in 500sf apartments for more than 20 years, a tiny house seems like a totally reasonably alternative. If I had a partner, he would have to live in his own home, not mine. Maybe this sounds odd, but I currently live in 1000+sf mobile home and I'm not willing to share it with anyone. I'm just being honest - living alone works for me, sharing space does not. Thanks for your thought provoking comments. Much appreciated.
The average tiny home is 400 soft, so you've already lived in an apartment that size. Our old house in Toronto was 1000sqft, divided by 6 people is 166 soft per person, so that was sort of living tiny home but that was a necessity of expensive housing in a city. Never bothered me as an immigrant, we lived in homes those sizes back in England. But it does seem like more north Americans are adapting to living in smaller homes.
Dude thanks for sharing your wisdom. I genuinely appreciate you for taking the time to put this up. Good looks homie
Great video, thanks for sharing your findings🙂
This was very interesting to learn, for homeowning in general. Thank you for making it.
Tiny homes are cute and make great videos - but they will always be a fringe element in housing for all the reasons you listed and more. Some craftsmen can cheaply build their own, but they have a very high cost per sq. ft. especially when purchased through a recognized builder - which kind of destroys any idea of being a good value. As an R.V., THOWs depreciate and may be difficult to resell - so building equity is questionable. I do enjoy the tiny home videos for their creativity and designs - they give me remodeling ideas for my 864 sq. ft. prairie ranch house (with an attached 624 sq. ft. garage/shop). God bless the people living in tiny homes, especially if they stay tiny for 10 years or longer.
Tiny homes for the homeless and the migrant communities. Might be fringe for the mainstream American, but for others it could represent a viable solution.
@@brodriguez11000 Tiny houses have one of the highest costs per square foot of construction. It would be a poor expenditure of public funding for housing, but privately if you wanted to donate tiny houses that would be fine. What you might be thinking of is allowing people to use non housing compliant sheds for housing the most vulnerable. That would be something that no public funded entity or even a private charity would be legally allowed to do. Sorry, but we live in a litigious society - and it honestly becomes a slippery slope once you legally allow non compliant housing.
It's great to share such helpful information. Folks may encounter these issues and be completely caught off guard. With this information people can make informed decisions and ask the right questions. Wish people were more honest with the problems purchasing manufactured homes.
Fantastic video of good advice thanks for taking the time to put it together
Thank you~very informative and helpful as I'm intersted me and hubby in tiny homes. You were so honest it rocks~
*People thinking about a tiny house should tape off sections of their house to see what it would be like. Tape off a part of their kitchen to cooespond with the size of a tiny kitchen. Put what u need in that area and you can only use THAT stuff. Only eat food that fits in that tiny area. Same with every other room. Tape over part of your bed, etc. Takes a little imagination and inconvenience, but it's worth it to avoid a VERY BAD IDEA! Everyone thinks a tiny house would be cool. Like a treehouse or a fort. Maybe if you have it parked on your family's farm so you have access to all the tools, extra storage, things we need day to day or in emergencies. You'll never be able to stock up for emergencies. You'll have to go to the store VERY OFTEN! Look around at the things you use occasionally that wouldn't FIT in a tiny home. And be sure a tiny home is in a SAFE AREA! Not very much security (or privacy) in a tiny home. So little room between you and the PUBLIC! Picture undesirables around the outside. Nowhere to get away from them! Tiny house living is a fantasy. Don't fall for it unless you have tried to practice what it would really be like! "Where's the_____?" "You know we don't have room for that!". It probably beats living on the street but that's all!*
Excellent video stating all the realities of a tiny home. Each one stated are major issues. Thank you. The moisture/mold issues is a big one in van life as well as RVs and tiny homes too (something you don't see in between the walls, etc. until it's too late.) BTW...didn't realize the insurance was as big of an issue as it is.
It does remind me of a living in RV . Some costs were higher as we weren't buying full counts of eggs or gallons of milk because we needed to fit fruit and other things into the Fridge/freezer. Items people take for granted did not fit.
Tiny homes are not for everyone. Before committing to 'living small', I'd suggest renting an RV, or staying in a hotel, with EVERYTHING you feel like you would need to exist comfortably. Yes, this means your family, your pets, your hobbies, and see how long it takes to either reach a 'breaking point' or come up with creative solutions. Tiny homes 'look good on paper', fewer bills, maybe a garden, some 'critters', living off-the-grid, whatever is your pique-point. I've seen a lot of jaded new-comers who cannot deal with the stress, or constant upkeep/maintenance, or just the fact that you can't just go into the other room, if you and your spouse are in a disagreement. Cabin fever is a big one. The same four walls can come closing in when you couped up with the same faces. Tiny homes weather the seasons a lot differently than a brick home. Rainy seasons, winds, snow, dare I say it? "Tornadoes/hurricanes". A lot of people are just used to big housing structures, so try to get a feel of what it is 'really' going to be like before you sell the house and move the kids into a cabin in the woods. I've also seen where people in Tiny Homes, decide to 'expand' and before long, they've got a regular sized house, but built more piecemeal. I love tiny homes, I like seeing the innovations that people do, how they overcome their obstacles, but a lot of KZhead vids make it look easy and relaxing, and it can be those things, until the building inspector gets nosey, or zoning laws, change, or you get that one pesky neighbor that nit-picks everything about your property. Don't just research the 'structures', or 'locations' or 'selling power' or whatever.. but research yourself first, is this the kind of thing you can do for more than a few years? Hope this helps
Really appreciate this! I would love a tiny home, but circumstances made me move into a studio 240 sq ft at 1900.00 per month and it's been a struggle - I was used to a 2 bedroom townhome on 3 floors before. It is a challenge to live in a small space. :( I would love something bigger like you two have! Thanks again! Best wishes!
That is definitely a SMALL studio! We wish you the best of luck too!
Ever think of living on the road
Great video! Thanks for talking about these issues. You have a great speaking voice & video presence!
Thank you for the tips. Greatly appreciated.❤❤❤
I love this video!! I'm always saying, if you can manage the bad reviews, it's most likely a great product. And you didn't try to sugarcoat anything. The moisture is a new one for me. I never realized how much of a problem it could be. My main concern was with heating and cooling, but you're living in Canada, so I think that says a lot.
I didn't know about the moisture. Makes sense.
I built 450 sq ft on a foundation. My SC county only required 170 sq ft plus bathroom but I had to also look at specific rules for each plot of land. Lot I found only required it to be stick built. No issue getting insurance. It was great to get rid of all the stuff I never used. As to humidity/mold. A friend in a/c had advised me to go with mini-splits so I wouldn’t have a mold issue. I do have a humidity gauge so if it gets too high, I turn on dehumidifier. I’ve been in my house seven years with no issue.
All of these points are spot on. Tiny houses have become so much more popular over the past few years and personally, for me, they have become one of my favorite projects to design. The moisture is a real issue and it's really important to nail the combination of insulation, vapor barrier & ventilation for the climate zone of the client.
Thank you for your honesty you have brought up a lot of good concerns that people are not thinking of however, there’s good and bad in large homes as well
Great info. You’re right in that the possible negatives are never talked about. Everybody has stuff. In the staging the homes look pristine but what happens when you move your stuff in? And it seems that almost everybody has a pet. Usually a dog. And very often they have more than one kid. Insurance rules our lives! What a headache that can be. Very good points. They’re selling a dream that often turns into a nightmare.
Completely changed my mind on the tiny home idea.
Wow love this! Thank you so much for the info! I'm looking into this but not sure I can do it lol
Very well done presentation and I learned quite a few interesting facts. Thank you!
Great points. We've been in our tiny home for going on 8 years and we love it. Living in Florida we had to build it to state hurricane codes as well as city building codes. The way we got around the stairs part was we have ladders to access the upper level. We also mounted our home on top of a concrete garage to prevent possible flooding since we live by the coast on a river.
Well, we spend a majority of our time outside enjoying the amenities of where we live. Having a much smaller than normal house makes it quite a bit easier to just lock up and travel as well as keeping all of our monthly costs way down. Plus it was designed to facilitate minimal upkeep which suits our busy lifestyle.
My husband died and I am looking to do that. I'm moving to Florida and was looking into something like this. Open to any suggestions
Very much appreciate this information. I'd been edging towards investigating tiny homes as a possibility for my eventual final downsizing, but no...with all these considerations in mind, I think I must look for a small house instead.
Thank you! For all the things I don't hear about with my love for tiny homes. Mold?! -- I figured would need some way to get rid of bathroom moisture, but hadn't really thought about it building up in rest of home. This whole video had all the stuff they don't tell ya' when showing basic tiny home videos. "Devil's in the details", as they say. Also, my biggest issue is if I can still do my crafts in a tiny home? Looks highly doubtful!! But...maybe with the right person, can build a small outer bldg, like a big shed (w/windows), for my arts & crafts activities & their storage too. Hope so, cuz' life without my arts & crafts isn't worth it & am sure to be inspired by my natural surroundings - would go crazy w/o doing my crafts! This video is great cuz', from Ins. Coverage on...had my full attention! Thank you. These are all things to consider B4 buying a tiny home, not after committed to it! Firm believer in proper planning & time to adjust my thinking is big part of proper planning. 😏 Looking at videos of cute tiny homes on piece of land is like a daydream... it's all the good stuff, but not the practicality part. Need to see more like this ~ from real folks living it thenselves & willing to share what they've learned; real life stuff!
Thanks for sharing as there are pros and cons to everything.
My husband and I discovered that tiny home living would not work for us by accident. Our home is actually 1245 sqft but, because the upstairs in uninhabitable, we live in 645 spft of our home. It works for now but we will definitely be looking for something larger when we can.