That is a lovely tiny home. I love how much planning went into it and how unapologetic Alek is about the toilet issues-- that's important information!" – Denise

There’s no better book than this acclaimed Idiot’s Guide by tiny house experts Andrew and Gabriella Morrison.

The Tiny Project has been a great source of information and inspiration to pursue the Tiny Life." – Frank

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What are Tiny Houses anyway?

Most tiny houses, or more specifically “tiny houses on a trailer,” are mini homes built on flatbed or gooseneck trailers. Building a tiny house on a trailer means the house is considered more like an RV, and does not need to adhere to the same square footage requirements, permits and codes associated with building a normal home on a foundation. Tiny houses use a tiny house trailer as their “foundation.” Building a tiny house on wheels allows for the mini home to be towed just about anywhere, giving the tiny house owner nearly unlimited freedom and flexibility.

Tiny homes are usually under 8.5 feet wide and vary in length from 12 to 24 feet. Tiny houses are restricted to 13.5 feet in order to fit under highway underpasses. Most tiny homes include a sleeping loft. Some (like our tiny house floor plans) include complete plumbing and electrical systems, like a full-size house would have, while others choose to live more simply, without water, and possible with solar as their only form of electricity.

No matter what tiny houses plans are used, no matter how the mini home is designed and constructed, tiny house owners tend to choose to do so for one of several reasons:

• Tiny houses are a more affordable option (compared to a full-size home) for debt-free living
• Tiny houses offer an alternative (especially for younger and older generations) to the increasingly difficult, traditional “American Dream” path to home-ownership.
• Building a tiny house is offers mobility and flexibility for anyone who does not wish to be tied to specific location.
• Tiny homes offer an incredibly simple yet all-inclusive form of shelter, perfect for out-of-the-way, off-grid living.
• Tiny houses are a great way to minimize environmental impact by living in a much more efficient and sustainable structure.
• Mini homes create simpler living — they are an easy to maintain, self-contained housing option for those of retirement age.
• Building a tiny house is a fun/challenging/rewarding and educational project used to share alternative housing options to the next generation of home owners/builders!